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Ap 1, 1978
Historical buildings and architectural/historical survey
The study of the architecture and craftsmanship is j guide for understanding the social attitudes of those who first came to settle and build their homes and lived here. The buildings are a connection between present and the past Each town and district has its own designs and craftsmanship in the design, ind the surroundings contribute to the environment We have an architectural history of material which was taken from the area in which we now exist. These materials, some of which no longer are available, are living examples of uses and the connection between the craftsman and those who designed a sense of order to the environment A Historical Society restores and preserves historic buildings, such as general stores, churches, schools, and homes, all of which vividly portray the actual conditions of years in the past 4 The activities of American life is represented which nurtures a community spirit, fosters an allegiance to the values of our democratic way of life and perpetuates the spirit that built America
The historical location and the value of a building can seriously be imparied by the encroachment of certain business, industry, housing and traffic Where such encroachment has already qccured to a
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serious degree the property may be less suitable for expenditure of funds It is merely threatened in some cases but this is a strong argument for timely action by the local populace to help save the property These actions are supported by local Historical Societies A professional architectural historian would indentify and distinguish the qualities or character of property, recommend or make every effort to provide compatible use for buildings so minimum designs for neighborhoods and buildings would avoid destroying evidence of a neighborhood's history and the buildings'historical and architectural values
The Hancock County Historical Society asked to be placed on the City Council Agenda Meeting of March 7, 1 978 to request Urban Renewal funding for such a survey. The Society was placed on the city agenga for the council meeting of March 21. It was unfortunate indeed that this date was one day too late. The Urban Renewal funding applications closed on March 20 (NOTE If anyone has a picture of the present Sea Coast Echo building, locaiecf at 11 2 South Second St in Bay St. Louis, that dates prior to 1900, please contact Margaret M Gibbens, C/O Hancock County Historical Society, P.O.Box 134Q, Bay St Louis Ms 39520 )
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April 19. iaJ8-
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Bay Council approves Architectural/Historical survey Funding sought
by Margaret M. Gibbens Historic Sites Chairman
At a recess session of April 1 2 of the Bay St Louis City Council, the council was presented a slide program by Miss Mary Shoemaker, Architectural Historian of the Department of Archives and History, as also did Mrs Julia Guice of the Biloxi City Planning and Preservation Both gave a program as ;o the advantages of creating historical districts and preserving historical buildings which can be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
After the program the councilmen were further presented with suggestions as to the type of programs that can be adopted to conduct such a survey in Bay St Louis This survey must be conducted by an Architectural/Historian who is knowledgeable in this field of study The survey is part of the educational program prior tq a degree by the Architectural/Historian No districts or historical sites can be registered, or funding obtained through any federal grants, until such a survey is conducted to evaluate each building
In the absence of Mayor Larry Bennett and Councilman Fred Wagner, the council approved that a funding area be sought and that the City of Bay St. Louis conduct such a survey working with the Department of Archives and History, the Historical Society and Mrs Guice in advisory area Mr Ronnie Murray of Gulf Regional Planning is to seek areas where this funding is available. Such a survey can cost from 52,000 to $10,000, explained Mrs. Guice.
On May 2 at 8 p.m the city must hold a public hearing and receive public input as to applications for
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for tourists, be exonomically more an advantage for the property owners Under a Historic District the owners of properties which are within the district could come under special funding for rehabilitnf- 'ij of then properties as well as taking tax-advantayt for capital investments for improving them Any building 50 years or older can come under these provisions PROVIDED a Architectural Historical Survey is conducted and PROVIDED your building is within a designated historic district At the present time the Hancock County Historical Society is working with the Department of Archives and History, the Archives has already observed Bay St Louis and has stated that many areas of Bay ST Louis can become qualified for these advantages.
The society urges any persons interested in such a survey to be conducted to attend the City of Bay St Louis public input meeting of May 2 at 8 p.m., and in Waveland April 19, at 5:30 p m
Any persons wishing more information in this regard may write Hancock County Historical Society, P.O.Box 1340, Bay St Louis, Ms 39520, or attend a meeting of the society the second Monday of each month at 7 30 p m.. Gulf National Bank, Highway 90, Civic Room	j
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