1968 Press Photo Al Powell "The Camellia Man" admiring an early camellia bloom

Al Powell, who's known as "The Camellia Man" and "Mr. Hospitality" admires an early camellia bloom. His garden boasts more than 450 varieties. He graciously pinned a camellia onto the lapel of a smiling lady who thanked him for this unexpected gesture of hospitality. Then he pinned another happy guest, and everybody laughed gaily. Who is this genial host who makes each visitor feel so welcome? He's Al Powell, owner-operator of a motel on the Gulf-port-Biloxi strip. He's known as "The Camellia Man" and the Gulf Coast's "Mr. Hospitality." Powell became a camellia-grower in 1949. At the time, there were only a few unnamed camellias dotting his lawns. In the beginning, he added plants from a commercial greenhouse, but now he grafts onto his own trees, which he prunes like an expert horticulturist.

Photo is dated 1968.

Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches.