HAHS Newsletter

The HAHS Newsletter is mailed to all registered members. Please click the Membership link and join our Society. Here are some samples of past newsletter issues.

Volume 16 - Number 1 - 2013

History of Medicine in Hattiesburg

In 1884 Dr. Gillis opened the “Doctor Shop” up the path from Mobile and Front Streets. City counsel meetings and other civic affairs were held there in addition to the practice of the healing arts. Dr. Gillis was noted for his remarkable cures in the treatment of typhoid fever possibly more than any other disease. He continued his practice in the town until he grew too old to be active. He died March 14, 1901.

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Volume 15 - Number 2 - 2012

If You'd Only Thought To Ask

It is not uncommon for the HAHS to receive questions about the past. New people, who move into town, want to know about buildings and locations. Researchers want to learn about area’s history and development. Lifelong residents, who see programs on the History channel that stir memories, call for help filling in the gaps. The Museum Staff does its best to provide the requested information.

Sometimes the answer is close at hand, but often research is needed. There are questions for which no answer can be found. Then there are others whose answers turn up unexpectedly months later. Today, we’d like to share some of the answers with you.

This newsletter has more detail and is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 15 - Number 1 - 2012

History Is Bursting Out All Over

Tourists, area students, and new residents inundate the HAHS Museum with questions about Hattiesburg’s history. They are amazed to learn that we are the only Hattiesburg in the world, excited to know that the Choctaw lived here first, and surprised that Hardy also founded Gulfport.

However, one does not have to visit a museum, read one of the numerous books about our area, or even go on line to view our history. Like the flowers of spring, pieces of our local history pop up all round us. In an age when “big bucks” or fame gets one’s name on the front of a building, it is easy to forget that some names are there to honor that person’s contributions of character, education, leadership, business, and community service.

This newsletter has more detail and is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 14 - Number 2 - 2011

Hidden Treasure Found in Banker's Memorabilia

Doyle Downs, a 35 year Hattiesburg banker, donated this First National Bank memorabilia to the HAHS Museum. The collection includes embossing stamps, a coin counter, bank bags, photographs, desk supplies, a Model-T minature bank with the "First National Bank of Hattiesburg" long, and numberous other items.

This newsletter has more detail and is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 14 - Number 1 - 2011

Recently, a photocopy of a 1908 Hattiesburg, Mississippi, promotional publication arrived at the museum. This Industrial Edition was published under the direction of the Hattiesburg Commercial Club and is so rare that even the Mississippi State Department of Archives and History does not have a copy. The publication filled in a blank for many people concerning the Hattiesburg Business College.

This newsletter has more detail and is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 13 - Number 2 - 2010

It's The Little Things That Make Hattiesburg So Interesting.

Most of us have enjoyed ABC books. Although not intended solely for children, these books quickly became associated with simple teachings and early learning. From the 15th century through the 18th century the primer, for students of all ages, often opened with a page of the letters. In 1596, Shakespeare even mentioned the "Absey book" in King John.

Check this ABC variation related to Hattiesburg beginning with "H is for Hattie."

The newsletter is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 13 - Number 1 - 2010

Saving a Family’s Heritage Provides a Look at Early Hattiesburg

The Arnold-Meador Cabin, a unique piece of area history, stands beside Highway 49 just north of the I59 interchange. The double pen dog-trot cabin is supported by twenty heart pine joists that measure 33 feet in length. The roof of hand split cedar shank shingles still protects the memories of seven generations of the Meador family. The exterior walls bear the “juggling” marks created while shaping beams by hand. Giant cedar trees on the property mark the trail wagons traveled, and the original water well stands in the yard.

This newsletter is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 12 - Number 2 - 2009

Remembering the Past
Building the Future

Fire Station No. 1 at City Hall in 1953

Current Fire Chief David Webster said, “I believe that the new building will enhance the neighborhood. From this facility we hope to be able to build better relationships with the community as a whole and to aid in the revitalization and preservation of the downtown area.” The new station may open by December 2009.

Fires, in early days, were fought by neighbors and citizens who came when the fire call sounded. In 1893, a major fire destroyed 26 business houses in downtown Hattiesburg. By 1904, the Mayor and Board of Alderman decided a paid fire department was needed. On April 15, 1904, long-time volunteer A. F. Potter was selected as the first paid fireman and chief. He would remain Chief until his death in the line of duty in 1921.

This newsletter is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Volume 12 - Number 1 - 2009

A Little Something for Everyone

Barbara Merkel Johnson with sons, Steve and Ray, pose with their donation at the February 22, 2009, Grand Opening of the Hometown Heroes Exhibit.

The exhibit featuring Barbara’s father, WWI hero Edmo Merkel, tells the stories of a number of Hattiesburg natives who have made notable contributions to their communities.

There is something for everyone in this exhibit, so be sure to visit your museum soon. More informaton in the full article.

Volume 11 - Number 2 - 2008

Hometown Heros

This issue highlights the new Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Hometown Heros Exhibit. Take a look.

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Volume 11 - Number 1 - 2008

Come On In, And See What Develops!

Pieces of area history appear at the HAHS museum door daily. This newsletter issue features Pine Belt timbers used to repair the USS Constitution, a beautiful glass and gold leaf Citizens Bank sign, plus details about the Newman Lumber Company.

This newsletter is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Note: If you do not have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you can download and install the program here.

Volume 10 - Number 2 - 2007

The Carter Building

The Carter Building was built in 1904-1905 for the Honorable John Prentiss Carter, a Hattiesburg banker, lawyer, civic leader, and former Mississippi Lieutenant Governor.

This newsletter is available for download in Adobe PDF format ... download here.

Note: If you do not have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you can download and install the program here.

Volume 10 - Number 1 - 2007

Hattiesburg Downtown Post Office

The Pine Street United States Post Office was built in 1934 and is listed on the Register of Historic Places. Its limestone, fine gray and pink granite, and art deco style (which it shares with the Saenger Theater and Forrest Towers) have helped make it a beloved landmark in downtown Hattiesburg.

In July of 1992, former Mayor Moran Pope wrote in the Hattiesburg American about the building as it received a much needed facelift and cleaning. The following information is based on his research and interviews with local architects. full article >>

Note: A detailed look at the cast metal friezes and other unique post office art work is available in the Gallery.

Volume 9 - Number 2 - 2006

Celebrating Our Heritage!

The Hattiesburg Area Historical Society and the three local Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters (John Rolfe, Norvell Robertson and Twentieth Star Chapters) held a Constitution Day Tea in the HAHS Museum on September 17, 2006, in honor of the 219th Anniversary of the United States Constitution. The community was invited.

In keeping with the HAHS purpose to promote better understanding of our American heritage and democratic way of life, a continuous slide show was presented by the HAHS. Guests mingled through a kiosk exhibit highlighting major milestones for the Bill of Rights and the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. full article >>

Volume 9 - Number 1 - 2006

It's Here!

Down at the HAHS Museum we've been anxiously waiting for our ship to come in. Finally, after several false starts, floating around paperless in the shipping system, and resting on a loading dock in devastated Gulfport, Mississippi, it landed upside down (fittingly) in Hattiesburg.

What is it? It is a scale model of The Leaf, the circa 1830-1852 river craft found buried upside down in a Leaf River sandbar near New Augusta in the summer drought of 1990. full article >

Volume 8 - Number 1 - 2005

It's Not Your Grandparents' Depot Anymore!

The New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad brought William Harris Hardy to our area, and it was Hardy who had the privilege of picking the spot for the station and naming it Hattiesburg.

Before the depot was even built, the first news of the 1908 Purvis cyclone arrived at this whistle stop, and the first help for that stricken community departed from here. After its construction in 1910, the Southern Railway Depot, along with the depots for other lines, soon made our town the Hub of South Mississippi's trade and transportation.

Troops by the thousands covered the platform as they disembarked here during two world wars. Hundreds of children have stepped from this pavement for their first ride on a "real train." full article >>

HAHS Museum
Post Office Box 1573
Hattiesburg MS 39403-1573
601-582-5460
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