By Marlee Jackson

Mary Hammonds has a flair for making holidays special — and folks happy.

“People in the community say, ‘Mrs. Mary, I can’t wait to come by and see your house,’” she said with her trademark welcoming smile.

In sweet summertime, bursts of red, white and blue adorn her and husband Bryan’s 86-year-old farmhouse. She displays Americana starting at Memorial Day, gradually layering stars, stripes and special touches for Flag Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Mary said she’s admired abundant holiday décor since childhood. More than 40 years spent transforming her elementary classroom into a haven for students solidified her affection for accoutrement.

“I was a schoolteacher, so we had to do those bulletin boards and be creative. I just loved it,” said Mary, who teaches math intervention in Ohatchee. “We always had a party, and we always made it special for the students. It’s a holiday. It should be special!”

She applies that approach to Hammonds Creek Bend Farm, nestled in the curve of a cool creek in Calhoun County’s Wellington community. (Bryan’s father, Cloyce, bestowed the moniker decades ago during a 4-H contest.)

There, a red barn and bright white farmhouse flank Alexandria-Wellington Road. Both were built in ’39 by Bryan’s grandparents, Louis and Edna Hammonds, and are canvases for Mary’s holiday décor. While the current display pays homage to America, the holiday hubbub will continue this fall, followed by a Christmas spectacular.

This year, quilts depicting Old Glory are draped across wooden rockers and metal gliders. Bunting hangs between white columns, while metal stars are scattered across walls. Miniature flags, sparkly pompoms and more stars burst out of potted plants, watering cans and thrifted containers. 

Her favorite items were found at flea markets, trade days and antique stores, said Mary, who’s drawn Bryan into the world of holiday hoopla since they married in 2008.

“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” Bryan said.

A prime example is the metal plant stand Mary’s aunt discovered on a roadway. A little elbow grease, and the Uncle Sam-like frame is decked out in red-white-and-blue overalls — his arms cupping a small terra cotta pot.

Some treasures evoke memories, like the weathered, red-and-white RC Cola crates that remind Mary of her mother.

Special touches don’t have to break the bank, said Mary, who has fashioned décor from found items on the farm. Strips of star-spangled fabric secure thin, sturdy tree limbs into the number four — a nod to America’s birthday.

“We live in the best country,” Mary said. “A lot of people don’t think that anymore, but we appreciate what we have.”

Bryan and Mary take seriously their role as stewards of the land. Bryan manages their cattle and hay farm, while Mary keeps the lawn manicured and flush with flora. The farm is also a wedding venue and location for professional photography sessions, in addition to the site for some community gatherings where families fellowship in God’s creation.

“God just lets us tend the land,” Mary said. “We want people to enjoy the land like we enjoy it.”