Saturday, December 22, 2007
Live Nativity at Christus Victor
The shepherds along Highway 90 prepare to visit the baby Jesus on a rainy, windy night. Christus Victor Lutheran has been an active part of Ocean Springs since 1964, and since 1967 the Lutherans have occupied a prominent location on the highway. The Reverend Terri Stagner-Collier became the pastor in 2007, and during the Christmas season the church came together once more to produce the traditional Live Nativity presentation for the public.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Very Thing
When you’re looking for “the very thing” to give to a special friend, why not try “The Very Thing” at the tip of Washington Avenue? In the picture, Judy Padon rearranges the offerings in the alcove of Angie Simms’ specialty shop. The Very Thing offers a unique selection of local art, antiques, and decorative items combined with personal services and charming conversation. Stop in, and you’ll be sure to find “the very thing.”Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas in Ocean Springs
Don’t look for a white Christmas in Ocean Springs. There were a few snowflakes on Christmas Day in 2004, but your best bet is blue skies, white clouds, and warm temperatures. The tropical feel doesn’t dampen the mood in the least, however; the entire city takes advantage of the beautiful weather to decorate in full force. Alberti’s was a popular Biloxi restaurant with a beach view for decades until Hurricane Katrina led to its relocation to Ocean Springs. Cole and Alison Raiford pause for a picture with Alberti’s famed gorilla, who dresses up for every special holiday.Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hillyer House
Hillyer House was a popular business in Pass Christian for thirty-five years before Hurricane Katrina swept away its irreplaceable works of art. One year later, Hillyer House found a new home on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs. It has proven to be a perfect match. Sarah Dryden works at the popular business, which represents over two hundred local and regional artisans. Hillyer House features creative jewelry, pottery, blown glass, and original art with a coastal feel.Saturday, December 08, 2007
The Rebuilding Spirit
Twenty-eight months after Hurricane Katrina washed it away, Shannon Lawler (left) oversees the pouring of the concrete for his family’s new house. The historic storm completely removed the Lawlers’ beautiful two-story home from it’s piers at the end of Lover’s Lane, and for two years they battled insurance companies, new building regulations, and construction plans. Yet as typifies the residents of the Gulf Coast, in spite of the challenges, the family never lost their spirit to rebuild.Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Miner's Doll & Toy Store
Since January 1987, Maryalice Miner and her husband John have graced downtown Ocean Springs with their beautiful toy store. After John retired from the Navy in the 1980s, the couple took a stroll down Fifth Avenue during a business trip to New York City. When they came to FAO Schwarz, they knew how they would spend their retirement years. Miner’s offers nostalgic and state-of-the-art toys, games, dolls, trains, wooden swings, and juvenile furniture at reasonable prices and with friendly, personalized service. As Ocean Springs knows, “The Fun Begins at Miner’s.”The Historic L & N Depot
Cynthia Dobbs, Public Relations Director at the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Main Street & Visitor Center, enjoys the beautiful December weather outside her office in the historic L & N Depot. The Depot originated in 1907, and was purchased by the Chamber in 1965 when it was no longer needed as a train station. Today, the century-old building is home to a permanent art collection and displays the work of several Ocean Springs’ artists and craftsmen. Best of all, the Chamber’s presence allows the Depot to continue its historic role of being a place to meet and greet visitors.Flying Wild
Catherine Biggs opened Flying Wild on the first day of September in 2007 in the Wilson Cottage on Desoto Street. The “Little Purple Cottage” was constructed in 1888, and now houses a unique business offering nature-inspired gifts for the bird hobbyist. Flying Wild sells bird feeders and houses, gourmet seed, books, bird baths, and distinctive gifts for the home or garden.Evergreen Cemetery
Barbara Haviland visits one of many family markers in beautiful, historic Evergreen Cemetery, including one of her in-laws who fought in the Civil War. Many of Ocean Springs’ well-known citizens are buried at Evergreen, located at the end of Sunset Drive overlooking Fort Bayou. The oldest marker in Evergreen is dated 1854, and though the specific origin of the cemetery is unclear, it carries the distinction of being the first public cemetery dedicated in Ocean Springs.Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Mud Shack
The Mud Shack on Government Street bills itself as “the paint your own pottery place,” and for four years now people have been coming to do just that. Co-owners Rebecca and Melanie discovered Ocean Springs to be the perfect place for their unique business that offers individuals and groups the opportunity to create their own masterpieces. In addition to regular hours five days a week, The Mud Shack offers after hours rates for group special events. In the picture, Rebecca’s sister, Mary Ann Taylor works behind-the-scenes preparing client-made masterpieces to be fired in the kiln.
