Browsing: History

For 50 years, the Palace Theater was the hub of Main Street, Downtown McComb. It started in 1939 when two brothers, Najeeb and Haleem Solomon, took half their store and made it into a movie theater, which became the iconic Palace Theater. 

Researching old communities sometimes reveals information about thriving towns from days of yore now consisting of little more than a volunteer fire department and a church or two. Bexley is one such place.

Did you know the George County Rebel mascot came about 60 years ago by a bunch of Panthers, Bulldogs, Tigers and Warriors? Yep, the 1964-1965 school year was monumental and the beginning of George County High School.

Nestled in the storied hills of Oxford, Mississippi, sits one of Mississippi’s most intriguing homes, Rowan Oak. The antebellum-style home was built in 1844 by Irish immigrant Colonel Robert Sheegog and is most popularly known as the longtime residence of Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner.

Kelly Mitchell’s tombstone in Meridian, MS, immortalizes her as “The Gypsy Queen.” Mitchell was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in February of 1915. More than 100 years later, people come from near and far to visit the Victorian-style cemetery and leave gifts on her grave.

 The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce – Main Street – Tourism Bureau is proud to announce the dedication of a historic marker at the L& N Train Depot, a cornerstone of our community’s rich history and entrance to downtown. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 14 at 10 am outside the L&N Depot, and the public is invited to attend. 

The Ocean Springs Municipal Library is honored to host the “This is Home: Medgar Evers, Mississippi, and the Movement” exhibit from August 15 to September 15, courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH). This exhibit marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Wiley Evers, a pivotal civil rights activist in Mississippi.

The late Bernard Coffindaffer spent millions leaving his mark.

Crosses of Mercy stand along numerous roadways reminding us of Jesus’ death and of Coffindaffer’s evangelism. Clusters of three crosses, two painted heavenly blue flanking a center one painted Jerusalem gold, are scattered in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Zambia and the Philippines.

Books and ballads have been written about a legendary outlaw whose first arrest was in Lucedale. Kinnie Wagner landed in the George County jail in October 1924 on a theft charge.

This Friday, July 26, marks the 249th anniversary of our nation’s postal service. Beginning in 1775 in the American colonies, the postal service served as a cornerstone for communities.

For millions of fans worldwide, Kermit the Frog stars in some of their earliest memories. Whether playing the banjo in the swamp or flailing with excitement to introduce “The Muppet Show,” Kermit is a beloved cultural icon.

Fourth of July. July the Fourth. July 4th. Independence Day. So many names but one holiday that we ensure to commemorate, celebrate, and honor. To some, it’s simply another day. To others, it’s a Fallout Boy song (which happens to be one of my favorite songs). However, to many Americans, this holiday is a testament of our country’s resilience. Resilience is one of America’s greatest strengths, and it has transcended throughout the generations of this nation. 

The state of Mississippi has so much to offer, from its beautiful landscapes, unmatched hospitality, and so much more. Still, one of the Magnolia State’s most impressive attributes is its remarkable history.

In reference to Mississippi’s John C. Stennis Space Center, it has been said that “You cannot go to the m” without first stopping in Mississippi.” Mississippi has been “at the forefront of numerous significant achievements, paving the way for progress in various fields. Here are 12 remarkable facts about The Magnolia State that you may not be aware of:

Maybe it’s because we celebrated Memorial Day just a few weeks ago.

Maybe it’s because we recently observed the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Maybe it’s because I just completed the striking novel, The Women, by Kristen Hannah. (More on that later.)

Maybe it’s because the Fourth of July is upon us.

June 14 is Flag Day. It’s an annual observance of the Second Continental Congress’ official adoption of the American Flag in 1777, which at that time had only 13 stars. The holiday was officially established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson and in 1949 Congress declared June 14 a national holiday.