Cain's Merry Widows
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The Mardi Gras mystic society of "Cain’s Merry Widows" was founded in 1974 in Mobile, Alabama. Each Mardi Gras, on Joe Cain Day we widows don our funereal black dresses and veils, and commence our celebration of the life of our beloved Joseph Stillwell Cain. We start the public portion of our day at the Historic Church Street Cemetery, with a ceremony honoring our dear Joe, and his biographer, Julian Lee Rayford. We then travel to our old home, Joe’s house on Augusta Street to offer a toast and eulogy to our "Beloved Joe". We end the day by leading the "People's Parade" through downtown Mobile, in the culmination of Joe Cain Day.
What Joe did
Joseph Stillwell Cain, Jr. is largely credited with the rebirth of Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile.
During the War of Northern Aggression, Mardi Gras celebrations were suspended. In 1866, during the occupation of Mobile by the Union Army, Joe paraded alone through the streets of Mobile, dressed in a costume that depicted the fictional Chickasaw, Chief Slacabamorinoco.
The next year, in 1867 Joe paraded with other veterans, riding in a coal wagon, and playing musical instruments.
Who we are
Joe's twenty grieving widows do have a hierarchy. From oldest to youngest, first wife to last, most beloved to least. And you can be sure they won't ever agree which is which!
Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
