Dear Hailey,
I am writing regarding the January 4, 2026 article in the Monticello News entitled Candy Jones and his house on the hill. I am the grandson of Charles Lafayette Jones you referred to as Candy Jones. The House at 365 Mulberry Street was purchased by my Grandparents Fate and Ollie Jones in 1926 and they lived there with my Mother Esther, and her brothers Hugh and Fate. They were told the house was built from a kit, a few years before the Civil War. The house has continuously been owned by a member of my family until it was sold by my cousin Charles S. Jones to the present owners. It was never abandoned, but my Uncle Fate and his wife Pearl, after living there for many years, built a brick home on property south of the old house. My cousin Charlie lived in the house but sometimes rented and maintained the old house next door. I am happy you mentioned my grandfathers candy store on Cherry Street and the fact that it was only one of several stores that sold candy, drinks to patrons who came to town on Saturdays to shop regardless of race. The photograph you included was my grandfathers 90 birthday party and it includes in addition to my grandfather, my mother, Esther Gay Hamrick, my uncle Fate, my sister Janet and a few great grandchildren. I believe I took the photograph. Sadly, the only remaining relatives that spend many happy times in the old house are myself, Debbie Tilbury and her sister Angie Jones daughters of the last owner, Charlie.
We are excited that the new owners are restoring the old house which has provided many happy years for members of my family.
Sincerely,
Pope Hamrick
Jan. 20, 2026