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The scene takes you back to another era; a time before the stresses and hurly-burly of the 21st century. Straight from the brush of a Currier and Ives painting, a horse-drawn carriage makes its way slowly on the street in front of Old Christ Church and around Seville Square. Harold Garret and Russell Wilson are living a dream they have had for several years of owning a horse and carriage business in Pensacola's downtown historic district. Garrett made the partnership possible when he purchased an antique, Amish-built Vis-a-vis carriage about two months ago. The two formed "A 1derful Horse and Carriage" Company. Wilson and he often dresses in top hat and tails to make the ride more authentic. "I've been trying to get in the business in Pensacola for the past three years," said Wilson. "I have my own business over in Robertsdale where I give wagon rides for family reunions, socials and special occasions." Wilson, 55, who has worked with horses all of his life is intrigued by |
"Pensacola is a colorful city," Wilson said "and there is no other horse and carriage business there. I feel it's a good opportunity for us." Gerald Eady of Pensacola was happy to see the horse and carriage at Seville Square. "This reminds me of Charleston, S.C., and it adds ambiance to the historic district," he said. Garrett, 67, is a native of Pensacola and his family has been part of the city's history since the 1700's. He has been a notary since 1960. He was an accountant for a Pensacola company and was in the mortgage and insurance business for many years. After retirement, he decided to expand his work as a notary and wedding officant. |
"Since I perform many weddings, I decided I would add the horse and carriage as an added feature," he said. Rachel McPherson, whose wedding is planned for April 28, 2007, was pleased to see the carriage at a bridal expo at New World Landing recently and reserved it for her ceremony. "I always wanted to have a horse-drawn carriage at my wedding," she said. "The wedding will be at Old Christ Church and this is the only horse and carriage available now, so I wanted to make my reseveration early." For now, Wilson is boarding the horses and keeping the carriage at his stable in Alabama. He has a large trailer for transporting them to events in Pensacola. "We are working the (Evening in Olde Seville) events every Thursday night from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., offering rides in historic Pensacola," Garrett said. "We also do birthday parties and special events downtown." |