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Twenty-two
SOUVENIR CENTENNIAL EDITION, HANCOCK COUNTY EAGLE
August, 1955
A Beautiful Hotel In Its Day and Time
Merchants Bank Story Tells Of Success Thru Work, Perseverance
The Hotel shown above was first known (More than fifty years ago) as the Crescent Hotel, owned and operated by the late Captain John V. Toulme. Later the name was changed to the Pickwick Hotel and was then owned by the late John Shansy. Later yet, it was purchased by the late H. S. Weston and operated as the Hotel Weston, until it was destroyed by fire. The Weston Hotel was later rebuilt, on the location of what is now the Hotel Reed. The hotel as pictured above was an old landmark and was located on land which is now occupied by Arceneaux’s Service Station, Court Street and Gulf Chevrolet Co.
Scharffs Began Here Y ears 27 Ago
A second hand safe and two nail kegs supporting a wide board plank were the sole furnishings of a rented portion of a building on the morning of October 15, 1903, when the Merchants Bank proudly opened its doors to welcome residents of Bay St. Louis and invite them to become clients of the newly organized institution.
The birth of an idea, a lot of intestinal fortitude, the moral and financial support of a group of loyal friends, and Walter J. Gex, Sr., with Charles G. Moreau smilingly greeted the townsfolk who called that morning to see the idea of these two men become a reality.
From this humble beginning the Merchants Bank began its growth in Bay St. Louis.
Four years later the young bank had become so secure that a new home was needed. Property on the Beach adjacent to the Gex home was used as a site on which to erect a structure which was to house the bank through its growth and expansions as it served te people of Bay St. Louis and Hancock County.
Twenty-eight years passed and' with the passing the stability of maturity was fully reached by this institution which had amended its-charter to change its name to the: Merchants Bank and Trust Company.
Millions of dollars of business were transacted within the portals of this building. During the lean years of the depression this-friendly bank opened its heart so that the people of the community were able through aid extended by it to continue to carry on until prosperity returned. When thousands of banks all over the United States closed their doors this, young institution never weakened. Its stability reflected on the-; community which it served.
In 1953 the Golden Anniversary Year with half a century of tradition to celebrate, the Merchants Bank and Trust Company again became resplendent with changes of fixtures and an exterior transformation to keep stride with current style. In this new attire the Merchants Bank and'
For more than a quarter of a century Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Scharff have kept astride with the growth and development of Bay St. Louis, owning and operating one of the most successful and fully stocked one stop super markets of the county.
Starting business here over twenty-seven years ago, this enterprising couple who came to Bay St. Louis to make their home from their native Memphis, Tenn., built a small grocery business into a giant among local stores.
They first opened at Main and Toulme Streets, then opened a
second store on the beach near what is now the Star Theatre. They suffered a total loss on this second location when a disastrous fire burned the building and its contents to the ground. Instead of wringing their hands, they concentrated their efforts on the Main St. business. For a number of years this store was operated six days a week from early morning until late night hours by the tireless couple. They succeeded in expanding’ to such an extent that new and larger housing was required to meet ever growing needs. The build-
ing at the corner of Main anti Second Streets was constructed especially for them by the owner and leased on long term contract, and it was at this time that Scharff became associated with the Jitney-Jungle chain. By so doing he was able to. give his customers the advantages of quantity buying prices. Business became so stimulated that before long additional space became • a necessity so the adjacent building was leased and Scharff in addition also purchased a site in the rear of the store which was converted into a large warehouse. Business continued to
Greetings!
FROM
A
Colonial Baking Company
From 1907 until 1924 no physical changes were made on the building, but in that year complete renovations of exterior and interior transformed the structure. New safety vaults, and safe deposit boxes, and the latest designs in marble and bronze fixtures were installed.
The infant business now on the brink of maturity was adorned in shining splendor to bow as a debutante.
Trust Company was honored by being proclaimed one of the finest and most beautiful banks in the state.
In the year of 2003 when this institution celebrates its Centennial it will be standing just as firmly as it has since its birth.
Such institutions as the Merchants Bank and Trust Company are the factors on which a community builds its faith and entrusts its future.
GULFPORT, MISS.
boom to such an extent that far larger quarters became an essential.
Thus the dream of a lifetime for this couple was realized on November 22, 1957, when the latest move put the business into its own immense home with installations of the latest models of refrigeration and fixture equipment to accommodate shoppers and preserve fine foods.
An astute ana discerning merchant, Scharff has made it a policy to handle only the best quality merchandise and to give his customers the benefit of the lowest prices.
In addition to their contribution to the community through their business, the couple are known for their philanthropies, and their civic and community interests, in which both husband and wife participate with boundless enthusiasm.
They have two sons, both of whom are reflecting credit to their parents. Their elder, Robert, is married and makes his home in Baton Rouge, La. He
received his University degree in Chemistry.
The younger son, Larry, is working on a Masters Degree and is attending the University of London, England. He received his B. A. degree from Northwestern University. Larry’s interests are in events of the world and his plans are to enter the field of television and radio as a commentator, and is also a top flight journalist.
-	BE CAREFUL WITH
ANY FIRE!
il-'PREVEMfil
JORESTFIRES!