It was a cold rainy afternoon as I pulled into the gates at the Concord Quarters. I was already eager to be there, being the history buff that I am. I wanted to know the story of this property that I passed almost daily without a clue to its history. As I exited my vehicle, I was welcomed with the sweetest embrace by Mrs. Debbie Cosey, owner, who gave me an outdoors tour that was brief due to the weather conditions. As we entered the house I was astonished with the decor and the beautiful historic artifacts. I came face to face with my culture in such a deep conversation with Mrs. Cosey, I could feel the presence of the ancestor’s pride. I was intrigued to learn how The Cosey’s ended up with such a rich piece of Natcher-Spanish history, and I also wanted to know how she ended up on a path in hospitality and tourism. Follow me as I get more into that warm conversation between us two.
Young Debbie Walker was practically raised in the hospitality world. Casey’s father was a Porter at the Holiday Inn of Natchez. She and her three brothers grew up working alongside their father on weekends, summers, and holidays. Her mother had the Green Light Caffee on St Catherine Street here in Natchez. From these humble beginnings Mrs. Cosey went onto manage some of the finest hotels and restaurants around the Globe.
While Mrs. Debbie was working at Dar Leila Historic Inn, brides to be would call wanting to book the grounds for weddings. Some could not afford the costly affair and it would sadden them. One day Cosey said her, and her sister were riding, and she noticed the huge columns and thought this would be a great place for these brides. She went on to say how the house was so covered by strewn and overgrown with grass that it was not even visible. Just that pure desire to be able to give people a more affordable venue was her inspiration. Cosey had no idea the space she had bought was a former slave dwelling. She described it as “painful.
Mrs. Cosey needed to know more about the property. By way of Ser Sehs Ab Heter-Bodey, she learned she needed to get in touch with Joe McGill, the founder of The Slave Dwelling Project whose mission is to bring awareness that these dwellings are indeed worthy of preservation. Once she found McGill, who has been trying to get to Natchez because it’s rich history, but was never really welcomed, he jumped at the opportunity. Since then, he has been brought back several times by organizations such as The Natchez Parks Service and The Natchez Historic Foundation.
Natchez own Debbie Cosey in my eyes is a true trailblazer through her work in the restoration of The Concord Quarters. Since then, there have been grants awarded to the State of Mississippi for buildings such as the Concord. The Concord Quarters is the only free-standing slave dwelling in the state of Mississippi that’s listed in the National Registry. On the property sits a beautiful 35,000 square ft building available for events and perhaps a future collaboration. I was in awe of this space and wondered if people are people aware of such a grand venue on the north side of Natchez. I encourage you readers to research and visit The Concord Quarters be it for overnight stays due to it being a fully functioning Bed and Breakfast. It is also a beautiful vente for indoor/outdoor parties and events.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about my visit, l am so excited about introducing this rich history to my family and friends as well as you the reader. Mrs. Cosey has stolen a piece of me with her witty and welcoming southern charm. She and her husband Greg are praised for their wonderful hospitality. You’ll never know what celebrity you may encounter at The Concord Quarters. For mor information please contact the Coseys by phone at (601) 422-5687. You can also visit their website at www.concordquarters.com. The Concord Quarters is located at 301 Gavosa, Ave. Natchez, MS 39120
