On January 24, on HGTV, the pilot episode of a brand new show was aired. The title of the series is Home Town. I’m excited about Home Town because it takes place in Laurel, Mississippi, which is located 2 1/2 hours from where I reside.
The program aired at 11:15 is on a Sunday. This meant that the vast majority of the population of Mississippi was at the church. It was set on the DVR and began watching after I got back from an event at University Baptist Church in Starkville, Mississippi.
In this post, I will provide general details regarding Home Town, what I loved about the show as well as my concerns about the show. (Note that I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy certain elements of Home Town. Instead, I’m pondering the reason for doing things in a particular way.)
“About the Show” (from HGTV website)
Erin, as well as Ben Napier, love their small hometown in Laurel, Mississippi, especially the historic homes built in the past. Utilizing found materials and antique textiles, they’re maintaining the originality of these houses but providing them with modern and cost-effective updates. From Erin’s creative hand-drawn sketches to Ben’s unique artwork, this couple is returning Laurel’s homes to life and ensuring that the future of their town is as vibrant as the past.
HGTV Home Town: A Mississippi Review
Seven things that I enjoyed the best about Home Town. Home Town.
The Napiers are a couple who have a great relationship and have a positive outlook in a small town in Mississippi. Erin has a family in Laurel and was introduced to Ben while at college. Erin and Ben have a great camera presence and clearly love their community. They’re cute and do well with cameras.
1- Hand Drawings
On the day of the real estate sale, Erin showed hand drawings of possible renovations that could be done to the home. I was really impressed by this because the buyers didn’t need to think about the remodel as they could see the potential! The audience could actually see her drawings projected on the screen using pastel color. It was very cool.
2- Murals on the Side of Buildings
The murals Erin created in the city of Laurel were stunning. It was enjoyable to watch an animation of the mural that was painted on the building close to the Amtrak train tracks. Erin is a talented artist, and her designs really improved the building.
3- Memorable Quotes
“Welcome to Laurel. “Welcome to Laurel, y’all!” Erin said. Erin, as she referred to her murals.
“Safety 1st America,” said Ben as Ben was removing the bricks out of the back porch.
“Good taste doesn’t need to cost lots of money” in reference to the pine flooring that is on the second floor.
4- Blue Chevy Truck
In contrast to the standard SUV featured on a variety of home shows, the Napiers used an antique Blue Chevy truck. It was beautiful and would not be difficult to spot in small towns in Mississippi. My only issue is that most people do not use trucks with air conditioning!
5- Keeping it Local
In the program during the show, the Napiers discussed helping the community, one house as well as a couple at one time. In addition, they used local laborers for the renovations to their homes and even went shopping local for interior decor.
6-History
“I am looking to construct an object that will tell a story,” Ben said. Ben while constructing the table. The wood comes from the buyer’s great grandfather’s (I believe) home. He built the table and kitchen island made of wood. Ben’s intention was for the customer to be moved by the meaning of the significance of the table, and he did it! It was just so adorable.
7- Sidewalks
Absolutely loved the fact that the Napiers strolled along the sidewalks of the historic area of town. The image of a small-town Mississippi with magnolias was just right. Instead of the bustle of a metropolis, I’m glad to know that Home Town is about a distinct aspect of Americana, that is, the small town.
Things I Question
I was awed by the show and was eager to see more! The Three things I am questioning aren’t demeaning or negative. Instead, I’m pondering the reason certain things happened. Here’s the answer:
1- Sewing on the Porch
In the summer, it’s very hot Mississippi, particularly during the months of May and June. The humidity alone could keep you inside while sewing. I’m not sure if I’ve witnessed anyone sewing on the porch. If a big space were needed, we’d bring out pads for our large formal dining table and sew it. My grandmother, who lived in a 3-room home, would take out one room before hanging the quilting frame in that one room to quilt. The quilting frame would take up the entire space. It was about 35 years ago. I believe she was using a window air conditioning unit in the meantime.
2- Entertaining on the Porch
Disclosure: I’m not a fan of weddings that are held outdoors in Mississippi. Thus, the idea of having a wedding outdoors on a porch is not an appealing idea to me. Are people actually entertaining on their front porches? If I owned a historical house, I could have a party on the front porch. However, I’ve not attended a gathering on the porch unless 35-40 years ago. When I was at my grandma’s (35 to 40 years back), we sat at the table and on the patio since her house of three rooms was not big enough to accommodate all of the family. In the present, we’d probably meet inside one of our larger houses.
3- Diversity
Since I’m from Mississippi, I feel at ease talking about this problem. The only African-American person I can remember seeing on this show was Mayor. Anyone who has a family in Mississippi will have acquaintances of different races, employ people from other races, and will come across different races while shopping local. I would have thought the producers would have had at least a few African American friends on the porch after the restoration.
Overall, I think Home Town was a hit! Thanks to Erin, as well as Ben Napier in Laurel, Mississippi, for a great pilot program. I’m hoping HGTV will pick up the show, and we’ll get to get to see Erin as well as Ben.
