Could Grandma's quilt be on the verge of being lost forever?

The handmade quilts at my grandmother Josephine's home were a kaleidoscope of variegated colors, each piece cut into distinctive shapes that seemed to tell their own story. Heavy and substantial, they felt like a warm embrace, making it difficult for my small, slender body to move beneath their weight. On those brutal winter nights in the outskirts of Amite, Louisiana,  the place we called home. The quilts were more than just bedding—they were a lifeline, a fortress against the unforgiving cold. 

The blankets in her home were more than mere coverings; they were woven with love, a tangible expression of her care. Each stitch carried the warmth of her heart, a deliberate effort to protect and comfort those she cherished. The handmade quilts, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, were not just functional but artistic treasures, stitched together to create masterpieces that embodied her devotion.

It's not just the quilt; it is the beautiful memories of our loved ones who have passed away. Those quilts hold the stories of many who joined in to make them. It was a time when women gathered, sharing conversations, problem-solving, and planning actions to keep their homes and community families together. 

If anyone in St. Helena, Washington, East Feliciana, Livingston, and Tangipahoa parishes would like to share their story and images of the quilt for a story, please email me at nurturingourroots@gmail.com.

Edgar Pitts preserving his mother's southern old-fashioned teacake recipe

Eric Lee Pitts
with his father's homemade
teacakes. Photo credit
Dr. Antoinette Harrell 

One of my cherished childhood memories of my mother is her baking and cooking, especially when she prepared her traditional Southern teacakes. Over time, that memory faded as fewer people around me continued to bake those sweet, delicious treats. A couple of years ago, I met Edgard Pitts at the Womack Sugarcane Syrup farm. During a break, he walked over to a bag of teacakes and offered me one. Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to revisit those nostalgic flavors. One bite was all it took to transport me back down memory lane. His teacakes were so delicious. I wanted to know how it all started for him. Pitts told me he learned the art of baking teacakes from his mother. 

Each bite offers a rich medley of flavors, with the taste of vanilla and cane syrup standing out among the carefully selected ingredients, all baked with love and affection. I asked him if he would prepare a couple dozen for the Womack family's sugarcane syrup-making event, and he graciously agreed. During the presentation, I surveyed the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but to my surprise, he was not there. Unbeknownst to me, the man who entered carrying a box was his son, Eric Lee Pitts. He handed the box to Mary Womack, who then brought it to me to share with the attendees. Upon announcing that homemade teacakes were available, those familiar with their taste quickly gathered around the table to secure a portion. After the first bite, the room filled with exclamations of delight, such as "These are so delicious; may I have another?" For many of the children in attendance, it was their first introduction to teacakes, both in name and taste.

The old-fashioned homemade teacakes, with their soft, buttery texture and subtle sweetness, added a special touch to the event. One of the attendees, delighted by their flavor, stepped in to tell the library staff how delicious they were. In more ways than one, the event was a huge success, bringing together people from St. Helena Parish and surrounding areas. Once again, the southern cuisine and the old-fashioned way of cooking cane syrup created a warm, communal atmosphere.

Our community thrives when we come together for events like this, which create a sense of connection and shared purpose. The combination of delicious food, meaningful conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere made for a beautiful fall Saturday morning. Not only was it enjoyable, but it also proved to be an educational and heartwarming experience that left a lasting impression. 

Mary Womack bringing in the 
box of homemade teacakes
Photo Credit
Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Sugarcane syrup making is deeply rooted in the Womack family traditions

The Womack Brothers
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell 

I organized the event to presented photographs and videos of the Womack family producing sugarcane syrup in St. Helena Parish at the St. Helena Parish Library. Members of the Womack family shared insights into the craft of sugarcane syrup production. The event attracted a large audience of both youth and adults. Sugarcane stalks, cane knives,  and sweet-tasting syrup were presented for tasting. The sweet treats were accompanied by freshly baked tea cakes made by Edgar Pitts. The tea cakes boasted a delicate, buttery taste with a subtle hint of vanilla that perfectly complemented the richness of the syrup. Each bite revealed a soft, moist crumb infused with subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Together, these flavors blended into a delightful harmony, making the tasting experience truly unforgettable. It was the first time that some of the patrons taste these homemade treats.These memories evoke a sense of cultural significance, linking individuals to their heritage and family traditions. They serve as a reminder of the values, stories, and customs passed down through generations, reinforcing personal identity and fostering a sense of belonging within a broader community.

The Womack brothers—Floyd, Richard, John, and Larry—shared their passion for the craft and extended an invitation tothe audience to witness the process the day after Thanksgiving. Images and video from my collection  and Donald Davis's collection provided a glimpse into the intricate process of sugarcane syrup making. The library personnel noted that it was the highest number of visitors they had seen on a Saturday morning. The event, which had been widely promoted across various platforms, attracted a diverse crowd of enthusiasts and families. This created a lively atmosphere in the library.

Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Cedrick Womack, the son of John Womack, stresses the importance of maintaining the tradition and passing it on

to future generations. He noted that his father and uncles are getting older, and he does not want to see the craft fade away. He believes that teaching younger family members and apprentices the skills and values associated with the craft is essential for its preservation. 

Larry demonstrated the process of chopping down sugar cane, highlighting the physical demands and challenges

of the task. He explained that this labor requires significant strength and endurance, as workers must repeatedly swing machetes to cut through the thick stalks. The combination of intense heat and long working hours further exacerbates the difficulty of the job.

Floyd Womack and his brothers recounted how this annual event serves as a unifying occasion for their family. Richard described the tradition of roasting sweet potatoes on the handmade stove, while Floyd reflected on the homemade biscuits and the inviting aroma of smoked sausages that permeated the air. Preserving the culinary traditions of rural communities is essential. As younger generations migrate to cities for better opportunities, the knowledge of traditional recipes and cooking techniques is at risk of being lost. Globalization and the rise of processed foods further threaten these unique culinary practices, which have been passed down for generations. Without dedicated efforts to document and sustain them, these traditions may fade away over time.

Womack Family Syrup will be featured in the December 2025 issue of 64 Parishes Magazine, with the story running through February 2026.