LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) – The Long Beach Historical Society houses photos donated by families over the years, showcasing the city’s history dating back to the 1880s.
The collection includes old photos of the beach, downtown area and buildings like the former St. Thomas School, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“We’re honored to have the history that we have in this town,” said Danny Hansen, whose mother attended the old St. Thomas School.
Hansen said his wife, Beth, worked with the Historical Society to preserve the city’s history until her death in March 2024. He now encourages Long Beach families to contribute their own historical items.
“That’s the main thing that we do is try to keep it preserved. The future our children and grandchildren can enjoy it while we’re trying to put it together here,” Hansen said.
The photos document Long Beach’s past as the radish capital of the world in the 1890s. Hansen said his grandfather was among the farmers who grew radishes in Long Beach.
Former Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie serves as president of the Historical Society. He said one photo shows a home once owned by a local resident who helped launch the Gulfport and Mississippi Coast Traction Company, an electric railway that later evolved into Mississippi Power.
“We have a lot of history that continues to be here because many people stay here, so we get to share that with our members,” Skellie said.
Another photo shows WJ Quarles, who taught at the first school in Long Beach, with his family in front of their home in 1906. That house still stands on East Old Pass Road.
“Most of it is exactly like it was, it’s just restored,” Skellie said.
With America’s 250th birthday approaching, Skellie said he hopes younger generations will help preserve the city’s history.
“Important for our nation as a people where we came from, where we’re trying to go, what got us here — we need to share what was done before us to keep it alive,” Skellie said.
You can visit the website to make a donation.
Make a Donation to the Long Beach Historical Society – Long Beach Mississippi Historical Society
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