MOSS POINT—In marketing, a product has hit big when the brand name is used for all brands and varieties of a product. For instance, the word “Kleenex” is used to refer to any tissue in a box or package meant for cleaning dirty noses.
In Jackson County, there is one event that needs no formal introduction but is simply referred to as “The Ball”, and it takes place each year on the last Friday of Mardi Gras season. But be sure to know that “The Ball” is not a Mardi Gras ball but rather a “Coronation Ceremony” whereby the movers and shakers of the Jackson County community are introduced and celebrated for their engagement.
This type of recognition doesn’t happen overnight, and this one is no exception. This event is now in its 85th year and is an ingrained part of generations of families who have helped shaped Jackson County into what it is today.
The Young Men’s Business Club of Moss Point, Mississippi, was established in 1932 as an outlet for young men who were frustrated with government activism and an effort to overthrow the government to end depression. These young men had names like Beardslee, Khayat, Livingston, Spann and Wood and would continue to grow into trusted and respected businessmen.
It was at that time that the club members began meeting on Monday nights, just as they do today, followed by a friendly game of poker. In 1935, club decided that they would hold a dance—a ball—as a way to recognize people and families for their contributions to the community. Because it was carnival season at the time, and with Moss Point’s close proximity to New Orleans, members quizzed some New Orleans krewes about the ins and outs of choosing a court, and the rest—as they say—is history.
A secret committee was established in 1935 to select court members, and those members remained intact for 40 years before one of them died or was unable to fulfill these duties. This method of choosing citizens to honor continues today and is known as the ONLY secret to ever be kept in Moss Point.
But what is a coronation ceremony without a king and queen? In 1935, one of the favorite venues for young people was the Joy Theater on Main Street in Moss Point. It is where people gathered with friends—anybody who was anybody was there. In the spirit of that reputation, the YMBC chose the name “Joy” to identify its royalty. Along with members of the court, the King and Queen of Joy reign over The Ball.
While the annual ball is its signature event, the YMBC is active in community service projects dating back to funding a city swimming pool with hot and cold water, lighting the first football field for $250.50 for all of the 55-foot poles, cross members, wiring, transformers—the works. This was part of celebrating Moss Point’s first ever win over the Biloxi Indians.
Jimmy Wheat, a lifelong resident of Moss Point has been a member of the YMBC for 52 years. He said he joined shortly after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi. Now retired from Merchants and Marine Bank where he was senior vice president of investments, he still enjoys the membership and fellowship that comes with being part of YMBC.
“I am definitely in good company within the UMBS as members past and present have shaped the history and future of the local area,” Wheat said. He now enjoys his membership alongside his son who is following a family tradition.
The club has no political affiliation, but it has strongly supported and been successful on many referendums in the county to include the bond issue to build Ingalls Shipbuilding in the late 1930s, another bond issue for the original woolen mill in the city in partnership with Pascagoula, sponsoring big band entertainment, sending Hans Anderson to New York to compete in the “Major Bowes Talent Search,” a hit radio show of the day, and sponsored an entrant in the first Miss Mississippi Pageant. The also YMBC holds an annual golf tournament and all proceeds are put back into the community in support of numerous civic activities.
“The Ball” is a tradition like no other and continues to fill the Jackson County Civic Center each year to honor today’s community leaders with no plans of letting go of the legacy.
