PASCAGOULA—For 75 years, guests from across Mississippi and the country have explored the beauty of the LaPointe Krebs House overlooking Krebs Lake in Pascagoula, a milestone worth commemoration through a resolution from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors.
The LaPointe Krebs House, built in 1757, is the oldest, dated structure in the State of Mississippi and is the only example of tabby construction along the Gulf Coast. In its early years of operation as an attraction, it went by the name of the “Old Spanish Fort” but was later determined it wasn’t of Spanish ownership and was related to the Historic Krebs Cemetery that is adjacent to the property.
As part of the anniversary celebration, schools were invited for a morning of colonial games, tabby making and a visit to the historic museum and house where an exhibit of beautiful needlework pieces from the Gulf Coast Traditional Rug Hooking Guild.
Photo credit: Susan Stachowski
The highlight of anniversary weekend was enjoying music and the sunset set to tunes by Rick Kosman. The crowd included some of the most senior local residences along with some of the youngest visiting and enjoying the light breeze.
Saturday activities included glassblowing with Solange Ledweth with Swampgirl Glassblowing from Louisiana where guests created drinkware using the ancient art of blowing glass. Natural arranging was led by Bent Tree Designer and Owner Wanda Norton. Free Krebs Lake tours left the LaPointe-Krebs pier throughout the day with Rescue Robbie Rentals.
“I couldn’t believe how little cruisers knew about alligators,” said owner Robbie Steiner. “They had so many questions.”
The celebration culminated with a demonstration from the rug hooking guild from the front porch of the historic house. The first needlepoint art form created in the United States was first done by sailors using wool and burlap to keep warm. It is now an exquisite art form using strips of wool that are woven through pieces of burlap.
Dwayne Coats, administrator of the LaPointe-Krebs House and Museum said the anniversary gave the property an opportunity to reintroduce itself to friends from the past and to build relationships with new generations of history enthusiasts.
“This 75th anniversary was a celebration of community—of the volunteers, educators, and citizens of Pascagoula and Jackson County who have kept the LaPointe-Krebs House alive,” Coats said. “Their stewardship ensures our state’s stories remain visible, accessible, and meaningful for future Mississippians.”
Upcoming events include the annual Pascagoula River Run Paddle Battle on October 18, the annual Krebs Cemetery tour on October 30, and a LaPointe-Krebs Christmas on December 21. For updated information, follow the LaPointe-Krebs House on Facebook.
