“Rainbows on my Ceiling” is a collection of poetry and photography by Mrs. Patricia Clanton, a Covington native and life-long resident whose family has a rich history in this area. Mrs. Clanton’s parents, Mr. Sidney Fuhrmann and Mrs. Pauline Frederick Fuhrmann were both notable Covington citizens, Mr. Fuhrmann being most known for his support of the arts with the management of several theaters in Covington and across the parish. Mrs. Clanton has also spent a lifetime serving Covington; as the first female City Council member she was instrumental in the restoration of the 1920 brick pillars at the entrance to Bogue Falaya Park, the Arch at the Parish Fairgrounds and the Arch at Columbia Street Landing, all major attractions to Covington. A preservationist, she has been and is involved in many projects to maintain Covington’s historic integrity.
Mrs. Clanton was heavily influenced by her mother and grandmother, both avid diarists, keeping journals of their travels and experiences that are now in Mrs. Clanton’s possession. She later transcribed these journals, sharing their stories in oral history interviews and the books “The Family Circle of Pauline & Sidney: the Fuhrmann Family” and “A Potpourri of Memories: Growing up in Covington”, all of which are available at the St. Tammany Parish Library Covington Branch. “I feel it is important to leave memories behind for the next generations – otherwise you become just a dash between your birth and death date,” she said in an interview for this article.
“Rainbows on my Ceiling” had a different purpose. This book includes poetry spanning many years, ranging from whimsical to philosophical. While collecting her works Mrs. Clanton began taking photographs she felt gave a physical representation of the concepts she covers in her poetry. “Rainbows on my Ceiling” presents her poetry and photography seamlessly, creating a compilation that is both sentimental and inspiring.
The book’s name and cover photo come from the crystals on her windowsill that in the morning light cast rainbows on her ceiling. The collection has something for everybody, a blend of poetic thoughts to ponder, life insight, praises of Covington’s scenic natural beauty and reflections on her deep caring for our City. Mrs. Clanton is often quoted as saying, “Next to family and friends, Covington is the closest thing to my heart.”
“Rainbows on my Ceiling” is available for sale at The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland Street, and at Jewel’s Cigar and Briar Shop, 201 N. New Hampshire Street.
