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^Explained the Eagle, "With the completion of a new bridge which spans the Bay of St. Louis, there was a change in Highway 90 which routed it around the outskirts of the town instead of through the edge of town.
"Praline makers and gift shop operators who had established their shops as much as 15 years ago had to sell out, buy or lease new property on the new highway, and start all over again.”
The $8.5-million bridge and the highway actually brought an economic boom as tourists stopped on their way to New Orleans or Florida. Today an interstate encourages motorists to bypass the Bay, but 1-10 was far down the road for centennial revelers.
"Easily accessible to New Orleans on the west. Picayune on the north, and Gulfport-Biloxi-Mobile on the east, coupled with the low cost of living. . . these are inducements which should be taken into consideration by persons who wish to live in restful environs,” reported the Eagle.
And here is how county Beat 5, home of the Bay, was played up:
“Beat Five, resort and business area of Hancock County, is the largest in area and population. Summer residents, vacationers and tourists are mostly to be seen in this coastal area of the county, and these transients contribute heavily to the economy of the district.
“Reports this year indicate the coast area of Hancock County has played host to the largest number of summer visitors on record. . . . Business has expanded rapidly in the last several years with regional and national organizations installing operations. . . . Real estate values have increased and the construction of new homes include more of the permanent, luxury type as well as the less costly summer cottages. . . . Expansions of churches bear witness of the growth. ..."
Bay St. Louis in 1958 was on the move.
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Next Week: How did the Bay celebrated its birthday? And, what is the real centennial date?