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1 March 22, 1978
Bay St. Louis "unique among Mississippi cities"
by Margaret Gibbens Historian
Miss Dawn Maddox, Historical Preservation Director of the Department of Archives and History, stated that as a result of a visit to Bay St. Louis by Mr. Paul Newsom, environmental coordinator for the Department, that Bay St. Louis photographs revealed many historic structures in the area. These historic structures include architectural assets which are "unique among Mississippi cities"
The determination is that portions of Bay St Louis possess historic/arachitectural and possibly archaelogical features significant enough to warrant a district nomination to th'j National Register of " Historic Places.
Miss Maddox further states that, unlike many less fortunate cities, Bay St. Louis has developed in a way which has preserved its old sections.
In a few Mississippi cities, steps have already been taken to insure the preservation of these old sections. Natchez has established an historic district and instituted controls over the design of new buildings . Other districts have been established in Vicksburg and Pass Christian.
An historic/architectural survey to indentify significant properties was undertaken by Biloxi in 1976, by Pass Christian in 1977, and one is scheduled for Gulfport this summer.
The Department of Archives and History believes that an historic preservation plan for the city of Bay St Louis would benefit the city, the Gulf Coast and the state. The Department has offered to assist the City in a Common Goal -- the preservation of Mississippi s cultural heritage On March 2, 1978, the Hancock County Historical Society presented a letter to Mayor Larry Bennett, requesting the Councilmen to conduct an historic/architectural survey to qualify property owners to be included in historic districts
Owners of such properties on the National Register of Historic Places can now borrow up to $ 1 5,000 for
improvements on their homes under a new loan program sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (FHA)
The Federal National Mortgage Association is obits way to make mortgages to emphasize the upgrading of older neighborhoods and revitalize homes and districts. For contractors, there are FNMA (the stock is listed on the New York Stock Exch'ange) long-term 20-year mortgages for 75 perceni of ultimate market value of properties, up to $60,000 for each location.
Through the request of citizens of the city, the Hancock County Historical Society requested the Department of Archives and History to photograph some historic houses in Bay St Louis.
The above statement by the Department is evidence that our city can qualify and the citizens sould be able to take advantage of its eligibility.