"A 20^th Century Chronology of Ocean Springs"
by, Ray L. Bellande, Local Historian
 
 

  1900 - 1949   ¤   1950 - 1969   ¤   1970 - 1979   ¤   1980 - 1999   ¤  2000 - PRESENT

The decade started out on a sour note with the Iran Hostage Crisis and failed rescue. Also in 1980, a geological, cataclysmic event of the first magnitude occurred in Washington State when Mt. St. Helens blew. Ronald Reagan ascended to the Presidency, and the American hostages were returned from Tehran in January 1981. After 132 years of possession, the USA lost the America’s Cup to Australia in 1983.

In 1986, the Chernobyl Power Station at Kiev in the Ukraine, became the worst nuclear accident ever when its reactor melted down. By 1987, Bill Gates (b. 1955) of Microsoft became the first billionaire in the high tech world of micro-computing.

US Naval ship construction at Ingalls continued, and two WW II battleships, Iowa (BB 61) and Wisconsin (BB 64), were refurbished. Hurricane Elena in September 1985 brought countywide devastation.

The 1980 US Federal Census place the population of Ocean Springs at 14,000, an increase of 48% since the 1970 census. The World population had reached 5 billion people at this time. The geographic center of the city began moving eastward as Wal-Mart, the Civic Center, and the Parkside Square Shopping Center were constructed on the east side of town. Several historical districts and individual historical sites were accepted into the National Historical Register of Historic Places.

Construction began on a $98,000 fire Station on Deena Road by Gulf South Construction Company from a design by H.F. Fountain, architect.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 24, 1980, p.1)

On February 8^th, the Ocean Springs Police Officers Association led by Kevin V. Alves Sr. became affiliated with the AFL-CIO as Local 121 of the Inter Union of Police Associations.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 13, 1980, p. 1)

In March, the Singing River Mall opened in Gautier.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 1, 1981, p. 1, c. 3)

Dr. Ray Wesson (1937-1980) and his wife, Ann Gill Wesson (1942-1980), were killed when their Polish airliner crashed south of Warsaw. Dr. Wesson was physician for the national boxing team.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 20, 1980, p. 1)

In May, voters rejected a $400,000 bond issue for a new recreation building.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 22, 1980, p. 1)

A contract was approved by the legislature for the construction of the Fort Maurepas replica on Front Beach.(The Ocean Springs Record, September , 1980, p. )

Former Mayor Albert Westbrook (1900-1980) expired on October 9^th.

In January, the Gulf Hills Inn was sold to Jackson based developer, Mrs. Loris Bridges.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 8, 1981, p. 1)

Carter & Mullins Inc. of Columbia, Mississippi commenced construction of the Fort Maurepas replica on the former site of Dr. J.J. Bland’s New Beach Hotel.(The Ocean Springs News, January 22, 1981, p. 1)

In June, fiscal conservative, Chester McPhearson was chosen Mayor, as the electorate voted out all incumbents. The Reverend Jesse L. Trotter Sr. became the first black alderman in the city’s eighty-nine years of municipal government.

In September, the Sea Shores Plaza shopping center with Woolco and Delchamps as anchor stores opened on US 90.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 16, 1981, p. 3, September 17, 1981, p. 1, and September 24, 1981)

The Mississippi Repertory Theater founded in 1978, presented "The Rainmaker" at the JXCO Jr. College. Marco St. John produced and starred in the production.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 24, 1981, p. 10)

In October, Hugh L. Pepper was named athletic director at Ocean Springs High School replacing Tommy Glass. Coach, Pepper had 149 victories and 12 Gulf Coast Conference Championships in his nineteen-year tenure as head football coach. He was replace in January 1982, by Kenny Lyons.(The Ocean Springs News, October 29, 1981, p. 1 and January 14, 1982, p. 1)

The School Board requested a feasibility study for a US Army Jr. ROTC program for the high school.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 15, 1981, p. 1)

In November, Wometco Plastics planned to renovate and equip the former Coca Cola plant which had moved to its new facility on Highway 57 in the early 1970s. They would manufacture 2 liter disposable, plastic bottles.(The Ocean Springs News, November 5, 1981, p. 1)

Fred Wagner, project architect, announced that Phase I of the Fort Maurepas replica was competed. It represented 20% of the total construction.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 17, 1981, p. 1)

Home designer and contractor, Carroll Ishee, expired.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 21, 1982, p. 1)

On March 2^nd, one hundred Ocean Springs educators went to Jackson to lobby State legislators for a 15% pay increase.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 18, 1982, p. 1)

In early April, the Gannet Company, agreed to purchase The Ocean Springs Record and eight other journals from the Jackson based Hederman family.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 8, 1982, p. 1)

Former Mayor, Donald L. "Pat" Connor (1912-1982), expired on April 30^th.

The Ocean Springs Greyhounds baseball team beat Meridian 17-12 to win the State Championship.(The Ocean Springs Record, Souvenir Edition of May 27, 1982, p. 3)

In July, the Gulf Hills Development Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 8, 1982, p. 1)

Pizza Hut began home delivery service in September.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 23, 1982, p. 11)

Freddie Weldy, superintendent of the Water Department, was recognized on his 30^th anniversary as a city employee.(The Ocean Springs News, November , 1982, p. )

In December, City fathers with the urging of Betty Milsted saved the present Senior Citizens building on Washington Avenue from demolition.(The Ocean Springs record, December 9. 1982, p. 1)

Jocelyn’s Restaurant on US 90 opened for business in December.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 8, 1984, p. 6)

In February, the Gulf Hills Inn was purchased by Windham Properties of Pensacola, Florida.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 17, 1983, p. 1)

Henrietta’s Restaurant celebrated its 40^th anniversary in February.(The Ocean Springs Record, 24, 1983, p. 1)

Ground broke for Inner Harbor Park in March.

The EPA ordered an inspection of all public schools to determine if friable asbestos was utilized in their construction.(The Ocean Springs News, March 17, 1983, p. 1)

The W.R. Colmer Visitor’s Center at GINS-Davis Bayou Unit was dedicated on April 1^st .(The Ocean Springs Record, March 31, 1983, p. 2)

In September, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History approved the proposed historic districts of Ocean Springs for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 22,1983, p. 1)

The Benezue family closed their Fort Bayou Fish Camp due to the construction of a new span across Fort Bayou.(The Ocean Springs Record, 20, 1983. P. 1)

The St. Martin High School was dedicated on October 23^rd.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 27, 1983, p. 2)

The Greyhound football team was winless for the first time in the history of the school. Coach Kenny Lyons resigned after compiling a 1-18 record. Athletic director, Hugh L. Pepper, returned to the helm in 1984.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 17, 1983, p. 1)

In March, the Oak Cove town homes were built on Fort Bayou by the Richards Joint Venture Company. Maria Bargas was the architect.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 22, 1984, p. 5)

Senator Thad Cochran dedicated the $154,00, Inner Harbor Park built on Kensington and Pine on April 7, 1984.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 12, 1984, p. 1)

Colonel (ret.) Stuart Allan Roosa, command module pilot of Apollo 14, was chosen as Iberville for the April 1699 Landing.

The Senior Citizens Building on Washington Avenue refurbishment commenced in late May.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 24, 1984, p. 1)

Retired Mississippi Power Company executive and civic leader, Lee E. Jordan (1912-1884), expired on August 13^th.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 16, 1984, p. 1)

Linda N. Lee, principal of East Elementary, was selected as one of the most distinguished elementary school principals in America.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 6, 1984, p. 1)

In December, Shearwater Pottery founder, Peter Anderson (1901-1984) expired on the 20^th. Before his demise, he was the oldest working master potter in the country.

Jerry St. Pe’ was named president of Ingalls Shipbuilding.(The Ocean Springs record, January 24, 1985, p. 1)

After years of delay, the Senior Citizens Building on Washington Avenue was ready for use.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 18, 1985, p. 12)

The Ocean Springs High School golf team won its first State Championship in May.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 16, 1985, p. 1)

Hurricane Elena struck with fury on September 2^nd.(The Ocean Springs News, September 5, 1985, p. 1)

Jocelyn S. Mayfield of Joecelyn’s Restaurant was featured on Mississippi ETV in mid-October.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 10, 1985, p. 1)

The First Presbyterian Church commenced their 100^th anniversary year on October 19^th.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 24, 1985, p. 1)

The new $7.73 million Ft. Bayou bridge opened in early November.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 9, 1985, p. 1)

Local teens, Eric Zala and Chris Stomolos, remade the movie, "The Raiders of the Lost Ark", at the Zala home on Front Beach.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 10, 1986, p. 6)

In June, Mrs. Alice T. Martin donated land on US 90 for a community center.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 12, 1986, p. 1) The JXCO Board of Supervisors pledged to give $400,000 to erect the structure.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 26, 1986, p. 1)

J.J. O’Keefe III acquired the 1906 O’Keefe family home at 911 Porter. It had been out of the family for forty-eight years.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 3, 1986, p. 2)

An attempt to have the Fort Maurepas replica incorporated into the Gulf Islands National Seashore was rejected by the National Park Service.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 28, 1986, p. 1)

Ralph and Betsy Codianne were operating The Old Blue House Restaurant in the Kiernan House on Washington Avenue.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 4, 1986, p. 4)

On October 29^th, the new $724,000 US Post Office opened on US 90. Sam Mason was postmaster.(The Ocean Springs Record, 30, 1986, p. 1)

In December, construction commenced on The Doll House of Arthemise Blossman. Located on Bienville Boulevard, the Victorian replica was designed by architect Bruce Tolar.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 11, 1986, p. 1)

In April, Peter Toth returned to town to restore "Crooked Feather" which had been toppled by Elena in September 1985.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 23, 1987, 2)

Walter Ryan became the first heart transplant recipient from Ocean Springs in June. The Ochsner Foundation Hospital at NOLA performed the operation.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 18, 1987, p. 1)

The Samaritan House and Mrs. Blossman’s Doll House opened in late June.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 25, 1987, p. 1)

In August, the Coca Cola building was sold to PFG Precision Optics.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 27, 1987, p. 1)

Alice Duckett, Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission, announced that the National Trust had accepted two historical districts and 12 individual properties in Ocean Springs to its Register of Historical Places.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 5, 1987, p. 1)

In November, Bausch & Lomb sold its Ferson Optics division to Cambridge Instruments of England.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 12, 1987, p. 1)

The 1906 O’Keefe home on Porter was opened in early December, after a $1 million dollar restoration. The edifice became the funeral parlor for Bradford-O’Keefe.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 3, 1987, p. 1)

A tree ordinance to protect oak, magnolia, cypress, sycamore, and cedar was passed by the City government in mid-December.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 17, 1987, p. 1)

C. Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988), former Mayor, engineer-inventor, businessman, and local historian expired in January.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 21, 1988, p. 1)

A pilot program in computer instruction was commenced at Pecan Park Elementary School.(The Ocean Springs News April 14, 1988, p. 1 and May 5, 1988, p. 1)

In May, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory became a part of USM.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 26, 1988, p. 1)

In August, HOSA (Historic Ocean Springs Association) was organized by local vendors and concerned citizens to revitalize and beautify downtown Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 1, 1988, p. 1)

Kay White Casson (1916-1988), local journalist and antiquities dealer who founded the Silver Knight Antiques on Porter Avenue, expired on September 29th. In 1974, Mrs. Casson was a major player in establishing the street fair associated with the Landing of Iberville annual celebration. She was honored on April 25, 1987, when Kay Casson day was proclaimed citywide.(The Ocean Springs News, April 16, 1987 and October 6, 1988, p. 2)

The West Jackson County governmental services complex on North Washingtonwas dedicated on November 11^th.(The Ocean Springs News, November 3, 1988, p. 1)

Wal-Mart closed a deal to construct a retail store in east Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs record, 17, 1988, p. 1)

The $1.3 million dollar, Civic Center on US 90 was 40% complete in early December.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 8, 1988, p. 1)

J.J. O’Keefe III chaired a $1 million dollar fund raising campaign for the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 19, 1989, p. 1)

James McConnell Anderson was selected to design a mosaic mural for the new Civic Center.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 19, 1989, p. 1)

Coors Ceramics of Golden, Colorado acquired Alpha Optical Systems which now had sixty employees.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 26, 1989, p. 1)

In March, Christus Victor, local Lutheran parish, planned for a new parish hall and sanctuary. Bruce Tolar, architect.(The Ocean Springs Record,March 16, 1989, p. 10)

In June, police chief, Kevin V. Alves Sr., became the first Republican mayor of Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 22, 1989, p. 1)

The former Marshall Park Bandstand was donated to HOSA by Carl Lizana and Ronnie Hamilton, proprietors of Aunt Jenny’s Restaurant, and removed from the old Bayou Inn property of Dr. H.B. Powell on Fort Bayou to Marshall Park for restoration.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 9, 1989, p. 1 and June 8, 1989, p. 13)

The Ocean Springs Civic Center on Bienville Boulevard was dedicated on June 23^rd. A surprise retirement party was given for Mayor Chester McPhearson. The gala opening was held on July 28-29. (The Ocean Springs Record, June 29, 1989, p. 1 and July 27, 1989, p. 1)

Walter Anderson’s "The Magic Carpet and other tales" was broadcast statewide by Mississippi ETV on September 7^th.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 24, 1989, p. 1)

Historic Preservation ordinance passed in September.

Democrat Gene Taylor, successful candidate for the 5^th District seat in Congress, received 69% of the Ocean Springs vote on October 17^th.

Carolyn Frayser became the first woman municipal police chief in Mississippi when she replaced mayor elect, Alves, in late October.(The Ocean Springs Record, 26, 1989, p. 1)

Wal-Mart under construction, 90,899 sq. ft. structure, built by Tilley Construction of Gulfport. Wal-Mart opened on October 31^st.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 16, 1989, p. 14 and The Ocean Springs Record, October 26, 1989, p. 1)

A new Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1989 at the Ocean Springs Civic Center.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 16, 1989, p. 1)

In December, the loss of the Swingster Company to another city was avoided when Mayor Alves and other civic leaders resolved differences with the Reverend Jesse Trotter and the Concerned Citizens Committee. The Trotter group opposed a zoning change, which would have allowed expansion for Swingster and Alpha Optical Systems into a residential area. In exchange for desisting litigation, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen agreed to recommend that the companies hire additional minority workers; rename Vermont Avenue Park and a section of Vermont Avenue in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968); and clean certain city right of ways.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 9, 1989, p. 1 and December 7, 1989, p. 1)

The 1990s saw the balance of economic and military power on the planet shift dramatically to the United States. By 1992, The Cold War with the Soviet Union abated as that nation approached a more democratic form of government with the free election of Boris N. Yeltsin, as the first president, of the Russian Republic in 1991. With the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact military alliance, the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe was lowered. In addition, the Baltic Republics, the Ukraine, and other former Soviet puppet states became independent. The Yugoslavian Federation shattered in January 1992.

During this decade, America took on the role of global moral enforcer, particularly after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August of 1990. This transgression precipitated the Persian Gulf War, which ended in April 1991. In an offensive campaign called Desert Storm, the US and its allies drove the Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait in only one hundred hours of combined combat. Included among the 532,000 US forces in the Gulf War were the men of the Mississippi National Guard’s 1355^th Quartermaster unit based at Ocean Springs. The group was recognized for its meritorious service during the campaign, and two members, John McKay and Randal Turner, were awarded the Bronze Star. Other American military forces were sent to quell domestic turmoil in Panama, Haiti, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavian states of Bosnia-Herzegovinia and Kosovo. There was an aberration in this foreign policy as genocide in several southern African nations was ignored.

Domestically, in 1992 the Nation elected a Democrat president, W.J. Clinton, who by 1995, had to deal with a Republican majority in congress. America discovered how vulnerable it was to domestic terrorist attacks with the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and the total destruction of the A.P. Murrah Federal Building at Oklahoma City in 1995. The Judge Clarence Thomas Supreme Court hearings, Clinton-Lewinsky capers and subsequent impeachment, Simpson-Goldman murder trial, and tobacco settlements kept TV ratings competitive with the soap operas.

During this decade Ocean Springs experienced an exponential period of growth associated with gambling and industrial activities at Biloxi and east Jackson County. Commercial and residential construction was in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The commercial district in Old Ocean Springs saw a revival commencing in 1991, with the erection of Centennial Square east of the L&N Depot and the restoration of the L&N Depot in 1997. Government Street was also the scene of a renaissance as the Richard Furr family completed Magnolia Square, a professional office complex in 1994. This was followed closely by their refurbishment of the Young-Shanteau Garage, called Palmetto Place (1995), and the old Steelman Grocery (1997). The Little Children’s Park was refurbished with new playground equipment (1997), a walking bridge (1997), and pavilion (1998). The golden glow in the city’s construction palette was the Walter Anderson Museum of Art on Washington Avenue in 1990. It increased tourism and complimented the Shearwater Pottery after its opening in May 1991. Other notable architectural improvements in the city were the 1996 Middle School on Handshaw Road, the addition of the new Presbyterian Church on Ocean Avenue in 1995, and the July 1999 completion of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on Weed Avenue.

The city also witnessed a culinary explosion during the decade. Mike Salvetti, a gregarious Italian-American from Syracuse, rolled the dice and successfully brought fine dining to lower Washington Avenue, which complimented the in place Martha’s Tearoom, an upscale luncheon. Among the other new comers in the local restaurant business this decade were: Anthony’s Under the Oaks, Le Croissant, China Wok, China Garden, El Saltillo, Bay View Gourmet, Fishermen’s Wharf, Catch of the Day, Que Pasa, The Porter House, Lagniappe, La Palmita, Cornerstone Deli, and Phoenicia. Does anyone remember when Aunt Jenny’s, BB’s, Germaine’s, Henrietta’s, Jocelyn’s, Pleasant’s BBQ, and Troy’s Steakhouse were our only local restaurants?

In January, Wayne Weidie left The Ocean Springs Record to join the staff of Representative Gene Taylor in Washington D.C. James Ricketts came on board as publisher and editor in March.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 4, 1990, p. 1 and March 29, 1990, p. 1)

Oliver Bass was hired as the first city planner for the City of Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 18, 1990, p. 1 and January 25, 1990, p. 1)

Dr. Dewey Herring of Columbia was named the new Ocean Springs Public School superintendent.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 15, 1990, p. 1)

Longtime philanthropist and businessman, E.W. "Woody" Blossman (1913-1990) expired on February 26^th at NOLA.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 1, 1990, p. 1)

The new Christus Victor Lutheran Church on Bienville Boulevard was dedicated on April 8th. It was designed by architect Bruce Tolar and erected by McClendon Building Service for $468,000.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 5,, 1990, p. 1)

Ground was broken for the Walter Anderson Museum in early April.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 12, 1990, p. 1)

The Marianite order of Catholic nuns left St. Alphonsus and Ocean Springs for Bangalore, India.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 24, 1990, p. 1 and p. 11)

St. Martin Community Center and Public Library were dedicated on May 27th.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 24, 1990, p. 8)

In July, Ocean Springs was accepted into the Main Street program.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 5, 1990, p. 1 )

The Ocean Springs Record celebrated its 25^th anniversary in early August.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 9 , 1990, pp. 10-11 )

In October, city government passed amended 9-1989 Historic Preservation Ordinance.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 31, 1991, p. 1)

On December 4^th, 62% of the citizens of Jackson County who voted in a countywide referendum were against dockside gambling.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 6, 1990, p. 1)

Concerned citizens protested the removal of the clock from the Ocean Springs State Bank Building. It was to be placed on the Hancock Bank Building across the street.(The Ocean Springs News, December 13, 1990, p. 1)

The 1355^th Service and Support Company (Ms. National Guard) departed Fort Benning, Georgia for Saudi Arabia to participate in The Gulf War.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 10, 1991, p. 1)

The Library Board recommended that the 1927 Public School be refurbished as the new municipal library.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 10, 1991, p. 1)

Curbside recycling commenced in April.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 4 , 1991, p. 1)

The $1.3 million dollar, Walter Anderson Museum of Art opened on May 4^th.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 9, 1991, p. 1)

Margaret Miller was named executive director of the Chamber of Commerce after Nancy Martin resigned.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 23, 1991, p. 1)

In a bloodless coup, the City of Ocean Springs took possession of the Fort Maurepas replica from the State of Mississippi in July.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 25, 1991, p. 1)

The 1355^th Quartermaster Company returned from the Persian Gulf War. These veterans of Desert Storm were honored with a parade on August 17th.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 15, p. 1 and August 22, 1991, p. 1)

Agnes "Sissy" G. Anderson (1909-1991), spouse of Bob Anderson, and author of "Approaching the Magic Hour" (1989), expired on August 14th.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 22, 1991, p. 1)

The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 100^th anniversary in November.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 21, 1991, p. 1)

In March, Don Hinton replaced Hugh L. Pepper as athletic director and head football coach at Ocean Springs High School. In his 29 years at the high school with 27 years as head coach, Coach Pepper’s gridsters compiled a record of 189 wins, 81 losses, and 3 ties. Twelve Gulf Coast Championships were also won.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 14, 1992, p. 11)

Henrietta Savage, proprietor of Henrietta’s Restaurant, was honored by loyal patrons with a downtown parade and reception at the Community Center.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 2, 1992, p. 1)

The Ocean Springs Education Foundation was approved by the School Board in June.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 11, 1992, p. 1)

On August 1^st, dockside gambling commenced at Biloxi when two riverboat casinos from Iowa, the Diamond Lady and the Emerald Lady, opened for business as The Isle of Capri Casino.(The Biloxi-d’Iberville Press, July 22, 1992, p. 1)

On September 9^th, Ocean Springs celebrated its 100^th year of incorporation. Steve Robinson did an outstanding job in chairing the Centennial Commission.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 10, 1992, p. 1)

In October, aldermen agreed to expand the municipal library rather than renovate the 1927 Public School on Government.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 8, 1992, p. 1)

Bill Clinton lost the "presidential election" at Tato-Nut to George Bush 110 votes to 52 votes. Does this indicate that eating Tato-Nuts improves ones political IQ? Maybe they should be shipped to Washington D.C. daily!(The Ocean Springs Record, November 5, 1992, p. 1)

Bill and Rosemary McWhirter acquired the Ocean Springs airport.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 10, 1992, p. 1 )

Cosco Inc. completes Centennial Square, a retail and office complex, east of the L&N Depot. Ground was broken in March 1991.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 7, 1991, p. 2)

The St. John’s Episcopal Church on Rayburn Avenue was erected one hundred years ago.

George W. Cook became postmaster in early March.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 4, 1993, p. 1)

"Sous Les Chenes", a column devoted to local history and culture, commenced in the Ocean Springs Record on May 13^th.

The first all Republican Board of Aldermen and Mayor in the history of Ocean Springs took their municipal offices on July 1st.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 1, 1993, p. 1)

Oak Shade, Ocean Springs, first bed and breakfast opened by Chris Vinsonhaler and Marian Wingo on LaFontaine and Dewey.(The Mississippi Press, August 1, 1993, p. B-1 and The Sun Herald, October 2, 1993, p. 1)

The Reverend Paul Aultman (1930-1993) charismatic leader of the First Baptist of Ocean Springs expired on September 3, 1993.(The Ocean Springs News, September 9, 1993, p. 6 and September 23, 1993, p. 1)

Wood-blasted landmark signs posted around Ocean Springs. Made by Millie Lipps.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 9, 1993, p. 8)

Members and supporters of The Gay and Lesbian Task Force paraded through downtown Ocean Springs on September 18, 1993.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 9, 1993, p. 1 and September 16, 1993, p. 1)

In September, a landscape ordinance was approved by the city government.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 23, 1993, p. 1)

Glenn Miller painted a mural on the "Who-Zat" Fishing Camp on Washington Avenue, north of Old Fort Bayou.(The Sun Herald, October 28, 1993, p. D-1)

In December, Ocean Springs annexed 2.4 square miles and 600 unhappy people on the northeast perimeter of the city.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 9, 1993, p. 1)

Old home on Dewey which had house "Main Street" was demolished for more library parking.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 9, 1993)

Ethelyn S. Connor, our "Tree Lady", received the Mississippi Urban and Community Forestry award in late December.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 30, 1993, p. 9)

The municipal library on Dewey Avenue was closed on February 14^th , for an $835,000 expansion. It reopened in the former O’Keefe Funeral Parlor, temporary quarters, on Government Street.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 10, 1994, p. 3)

Moo-licious, an ice cream parlor, moved from Washington Avenue to Thorn Avenue.(The Sun Herald, February 19,1994)

Ray L. Bellande named "Historian of the Year".(The Mississippi Press, April 3, 1994)

Glenn Miller painted a mural on the Bayou Sporting Goods building on Bienville Boulevard.(The Sun Herald, July 23, 1994).

The Seaman’s Memorial on Front Beach was dedicated on September 4^th.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 8, 1994, p. 1 and The Mississippi Press, September 5, 1994, p. 1 and p. 8)

In September, voters approved a $9.95 million dollar bond issue to expand and repair existing school facilities.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 1, 1994, p. 1)

Michel and Mike Hale of The Secret Garden Nursery were the first winners of what has become an annual October event, The Scarecrow Decorating Contest, for commercial enterprises. It is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and judged by noted horticulturist, Felder Rushing of Jackson.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 20, 1994, p. 1)

In mid-January, Marby Penton (1923-1995), local attorney and State representative from 1964-1976, expired.(The Sun Herald, January 13, 1995, p. B-2)

In February, the City borrowed $650,000 to alleviate immediate city-wide drainage problems estimated to be cost in excess of $6 million dollars.(The Ocean Springs Record February 9, 1995, p. 1)

In March, the School Board awarded a $497,000 contract to Starks Construction Company to renovate the Taconi and Pecan Park schools.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 16, 1995, p. 1)

The Ocean Springs Public Library, situated on Dewey Avenue, reopened for public use with its refurbished and expanded space in early May.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 11, 1995, p. 1)

In May, Henrietta’s Café on Government Street closed its doors after fifty-two years of being in the food service business.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 25, 19995, p. 1)

On May 28^th, the McLeod Lodge F&AM No. 424 celebrated its 100^th anniversary.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 1, 1995, p. 1)

Joe Batson celebrated his 40^th year with Hancock Bank.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 8, 1995, p. 5)

James Allen Sadler (1936-1995), local attorney passed on July 31, 1995.

On August 20^th, the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs dedicated its new sanctuary on Ocean Avenue.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 17, 1995, p. 3 and The Mississippi Press, August 18-19-1995)

Businessman and civic leader, John Duncan Moran (1925-1995), expired on August 26th.(The Sun Herald, August 27, 1995, p. B-2)

In February, the 1355^th Quartermaster National Guard unit was deactivated and members integrated into the 155^th Armored unit.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 29, 1996, pp. 1-3)

In March, Mayor Alves’s white elephant, "the little caboose that no one wanted", was exiled to the parking lot east of City Hall.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 28, 1996, p. 1)

$4 million dollar emergency medicine complex opened at the Ocean Springs Hospital in April.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 18, 1996, p. 3)

On July 7th, Gautier, Mississippi celebrated its 10^th Anniversary as an incorporated town.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 4, 1996, p. 1)

The Ocean Springs Middle School opened on Handshaw Road in August.(The Ocean Springs Record, , 1996, p. )

The O’Keefe Foundation, a philanthropic association created by J.J. O’Keefe III, was commenced in August.(Susan O’Keefe Snyder)

American Legion-Jaycee Hut on Iberville Drive was demolished on Septemebr 17, 1996.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 19, 1996, p. 3)

In December, the L&N Depot restoration contract was awarded to J.O. Collins Contractors of Biloxi. C. Germany Architects of Ocean Springs were consultants on the project.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 5, 1996, p. 12)

The Ocean Springs Rotary Club sponsored a book by Elizabeth L. Roberts and J.K. Lemon, Ocean Springs: The Way We Were 1900-1950, a history of Ocean Springs as told through postal cards.

In January, HOSA funded the construction of a wooden bridge designed by Henry Moore for Little Children Park. It was built by McPhearson Construction Company and dedicated in March)(The Mississippi Press, January 13, 1997, p. 8-A, The Ocean Springs Record, January , p. and March 20 , 1997, p. 1)

Construction of the controversial Indian Head Motel at Davidson Park on US 90 began in February.(The Ocean Springs Record, February

The $4.2 million dollar Women and Childrens’ Floor was dedicated at Ocean Springs Hospital.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 20,1997, p. )

The Mississippi Vietnam Memorial was dedicated on May 31th.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 5, 1997, p. 1)

The New Hope Center, a partnership between the YMCA and the O’Keefe Foundation, was commenced to help integrate handicapped and non-handicapped children in the fields of scouting and athletic activities.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 7, 1997, p. 1)

Civic and cultural leader, Dolores "Bobby" Davidson Smith (1916-1997) expired on September 6, 1997.(The Sun Herald, September 9, 1997, and The Ocean Springs Record, September 11, 1997, p. 5)

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory celebrated its 50^th birthday on October 5th.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 9,1997, p. 1)

The Mississippi Department of Health issued fines in November to the Gulf Park Water Company in the amount of $2.1 million dollars for non-compliance of its order to upgrade their potable water system.(The Ocean Springs Record, November , 1997, p. )

Marine archaeologists surveyed the wreck of 17^th or 18^th Century vessel in the shallow water of Biloxi Bay, north of the CSX RR bridge.(The Ocean Springs Record, November , 1997, p. )

James McConnell Anderson (1907-1998), last of the artistic Anderson Brothers of the Shearwater Pottery, passed on April 3^rd.(The Sun Herald, April 6, 1998, p. A-7)

In July, local financial consultant, Douglas Gulley was indicted on thirty-five counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking $3.3 million dollars from his investors.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 16, 1998, p. 1)

In August, Lynn Presley, former Chancery Clerk of Jackson County, was incarcerated for ten years for mishandling public funds.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 20, 1998, p. 1)

The eye of Hurricane Georges eye over Ocean Springs in early October.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 1, 1998, p. 1)

Entrepreneur, civic leader, and historian, James K. Lemon (1914-1998), "Mr. Ocean Springs", expired in early October.(The Sun Herald, October 6, 1998, p. A-9)

The Mississippi Heritage Trust named the 1927 Ocean Springs Public School to its list of the ten most endangered historical buildings in Mississippi.(The Mississippi Press, November 29, 1998, p. 8-A)

Marine biologist and former director of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Dr. Gordon P. Gunter (1909-1998), expired on December 19th. The ‘Relentless’, a former Naval submarine hunter, now a research vessel owned by NOAA, was renamed ‘Gordon Gunter’ before his demise.(The Sun Herald, December 20, 1998, p. A-17 and The Ocean Springs Record, September 3, 1998, p. 1)

J.O. Collins Contractors of Biloxi were awarded a $571,000 contract to erect the Alternative (to what?) School on Government Street.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 10, 1998, p. 1)

In February Christopher I. Stebly was awarded a grant to paint a large mural on the corner of Washington Avenue and Bowen.(The Sun Herald, February 24, 1999, p. A-7)

Friends of the M.C. O’Keefe Cultural Center formed to preserve the1927 Ocean Springs Public School on Government Street.

Gloria S. Moran (1924-1999), Gulf Coast genealogist, French Colonial historian, and longtime supporter of the Fort Maurepas replica, expired on April 3^rd.(The Sun Herald, April 6, 1999, p. A-5 and April 7, 1999, p. A-9)

Site preparation for a Super Wal-Mart on US 90, commenced in June. (Observation)

The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church held services in its new sanctuary on July 18, 1999. Formal dedication of the sanctuary occurred on August 15, 1999.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 22,1999, p. 1)

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