The present Clan Harris imbroglio is not the first serious controversy to become inexorably attached to the nearly fifty year chronology of the Ocean Springs Inner Harbor. In 1938, A.P. ‘Fred’ Moran (1897-1967), Jackson County Beat Four Supervisor and resident of Ocean Springs, began acquiring easements from landowners for Jackson County to create a small craft harbor at Ocean Springs in the trace of Mill Dam Bayou. At this time, the salient lands for the proposed anchorage were possessed on the eastern perimeter by Annette McConnell Anderson (1867-1964) of the Shearwater Pottery. On the west side, the property of Charles E. Clark (1879-1945), the Rehage family; and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, owner of the former Charles G. Parlin (1880-1940) property, which was acquired by Albert B. Austin (1876-1951) and Alice Tee Wier Austin (1908-2001) in 1940, was essential for the budding harbor project.
Mill Dam Bayou
Mill Dam Bayou, a small intermittent stream, originally called Bayou Bazienne or Bauzage during the LaFontaine era (pre-1846), was named in the mid-19th Century by William Gray Kendall (1812-1872), a Kentucky solicitor, brick maker, and U.S. Postmaster at New Orleans in 1854. It is rumored that Kendall damned the bayou in an attempt to operate a small grist mill during his habitation on the Hansen-Dickey tract fronting Biloxi Bay and in recent years referred to as ‘Shadowlawn’.
1939 Dredging
In June 1938, Jackson County built a dredge, later called the Wahalak. It was perfected by Captain Adam Gautier (1873-1963). The dredge began operation in December 1937 as a suction dredge, which proved unsatisfactory. It was then converted into a 'cutter' dredge and was used primarily to provide protection for the seawalls at Pascagoula and Ocean Springs. In March 1939, the Jackson County dredge started work on the 100-foot wide channel to the mouth of Mill Dam Bayou. By September 1939, the harbor was essentially completed when Russell Carver (1888-1961), foreman of the Jackson County bridge crew, finished a 200-foot by 10-foot, east-west striking, dock on the north shore of the new harbor.( (The Pascagoula Chronicle-Star, June 17, 1938, p. 1 and The Jackson County Times, March 18,1939, p.1 and The Jackson County Times, August 26, 1939, p. 2)
WWII
In late 1943, U.S. Army Air Corps personnel from Key Field at Meridian, Mississippi were sent to man a Crash and Rescue Boat Base on the inner harbor at Ocean Springs. B.L. Knost Company of Pass Christian, Mississippi was awarded a $14,730 contract to erect pre-fabricated barracks, a mess hall, and lavatory on Hellmers Lane on the north shore of the inner harbor. In January 1944, A.P. ‘Fred’ Moran (1897-1967), Beat Four Supervisor, committed Wahalak, the Jackson County dredge, to excavate slips for the 3rd Air Force crash boats. These craft were used to monitor bombing ranges in the Gulf of Mexico and assist downed flyers.(The Jackson County Times, December 11, 1943, p. 1 and January 15, 1944, p. 1)
After V-J Day on September 2, 1945, activity at the US Army Air Corps crash boat base at Ocean Springs began to diminish rapidly. The air-sea rescue vessels were relocated to Brookley AFB, Mobile, Alabama. By March 1946, the military facility on Hellmer's Lane was still open, but not operational. It was permanently closed shortly thereafter.(W.H. Yarrow, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, April 10, 1999)
1947 Hurricane
During the evening and early morning of September 18 and 19, 1947, a category three hurricane struck southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The inner harbor at Ocean Springs moored and sheltered over two hundred Biloxi shrimp boats from this September tempest. These vessels were valued at $1,000,000.(The Jackson County Times, December 1947, p. 1 and The Daily Herald, May 9, 1957)
Schmidt v. Moran
The first major conflict that developed at the Ocean Springs inner harbor occurred in 1948 when Charles Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988) and Fred Moran, Beat Four Supervisor, had different ideas on the best utility for the facility. In 1947, C. Ernest Schmidt had entered the political arena at Ocean Springs and was elected Alderman-at-Large for one term. In the spring of 1948, Mr. Schmidt resigned in a furor from his position as Secretary of the Commission for Sea Food Development. He was an outspoken advocate for industrial development in Jackson County and wanted the Ocean Springs harbor to be developed for commercial fishermen. Supervisor Moran favored the inlet as a haven for pleasure craft and recreational sailors.(The Jackson County Times, March 19, 1948, p. 1 and June 1948, p. 1)
In August 1948, C. Ernest Schmidt lost a hotly contested race for his Alderman-at-Large post to J.C. “Champ” Gay (1909-1975). The Citizens Progressive League had been organized in the spring of 1948, with the specific purpose of unseating incumbent Schmidt. They vehemently opposed his platform of establishing a seafood industry at Ocean Springs, and his criticism of tax evaders.(The Jackson County Times, August 20, 1948, p. 1)
Kensington Basin
December 1947-Supervisor A.P. ‘Fred’ Moran proposed a plan to double the size of the inner harbor. The new ‘back harbor’, later called the Kensington Basin’, would be a shelter for small boats, while the original ‘front harbor’ would be reserved for larger vessels.(The Jackson County Times, December 1947, p. 1.
'Blessing of the Fleet'
Blessing of the Fleet
[This circa 1943 vintage image was taken aboard a shrimp boat moored in the Inner Harbor. It appears that the Catholic priest is blessing the fishing boats at this time.[L-R: Chester ‘Mac’ Baker [boy on pier]; Oscar L. Seymour (1912-1964); Congressman W.R. ‘Bill Colmer (1890-1980); Hermes F. Gautier (1895-1969); Mayor Albert Westbrook (1900-1980); John E. Catchot (1897-1987); Gene Seymour, alter boy; Father Joseph Holland?, priest; and Lloyd J. ‘Joe Boy’ Ryan (1928-1985), altar boy. From the F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
The 'Blessing of the Fleet' at Ocean Springs occurred on a Sunday usually in mid-September. In 1946, Father Deignan blessed the boats in the Inner Harbor from the Radar, the 40-foot shrimp boat of Bernard Beaugez (1909-1969). John E. Catchot (1897-1987), who owned the Alice, also a shrimp trawler, was harbormaster at this time.(The Jackson County Times, September 21, 1946, p. 1 and Raymond S, Beaugez, September 23, 2009)
Harbormaster J.E. Catchot and Ethel C. Cates
John Edward Catchot (1897-1987) was the first harbormaster. He was born at Ocean Springs and grew up on the water. As a young man John E. Catchot left Ocean Springs and found employment in the L&N railroad shops at New Orleans. Here in September 1917, he married Alice Dupont (1893-1984). John A, Catchot (1918-1998), their first child, was born in the Crescent City and shortly thereafter the family retuned home to Ocean Springs and John began to shrimp aboard the Alice C., named for his spouse. The other children of John and Alice D. Catchot were born in Ocean Springs: Collus B. Catchot (1920-2002); Thelma I. Sawyer (1923-1999) m. ; and Ethel L. Catchot (b. 1927) m. Ernest F. Beaugez (1920-1954) and ‘Penny’ Cates.
In mid-September 1947, Captain Catchot and Collus B. Catchot (1920-2002), his son, fled the Louisiana marsh retreating from the threatening hurricane and found shelter in the Wolf River with the Madrid, another shrimp boat from Ocean Springs, which was owned by Bernard Beaugez (1909-1969). As harbormaster, John E. Catchot collected rental fees to maintain the anchorage and make occasional improvements. His harbor commissioners were: Bernard Beaugez, Wilford ‘Wiffy’ Beaugez (1913-1994), and Philip J. Benezue (1909-1978).
In December 1952, Captain Catchot retired from his position as harbormaster, Ethel C. Cates, his daughter, became ‘Harbor Mistress’. Over fifty years would pass before another woman, Lesley Hamm (b. 1981), was appointed to Harbormaster at Ocean Springs. Some of the other past harbormasters were: Leonard Gavins (1912-2000), Malcolm J. Beaugez (1916-1978); Malcolm J. Beaugez Jr., Bill Baker, Jerry Dildy from 1982-1984; Mark Hare from 1985-1992; Louis ‘Bill Harvey (1935-1996); Ben Brown from 1993-2000; and Johnny Hughes from 2001-2008.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 17, 1952, The Daily Herald, May 9, 1957 and The Ocean Springs Record, February 7, 2008, p. A1, and Herbert Beaugez, Brad Lemon and Raymond Beaugez)
1952 Controversy
It was not apparent that when the Board of Aldermen adopted the initial zoning ordinance in Ocean Springs on January 2, 1952, that the Inner Harbor would be the first controversy to challenge this unpopular regulation. By the late summer of 1952, the fishermen and boaters utilizing the boat basin at Ocean Springs were adamant in having a service dock and boat way built on the west side of the Inner Harbor. John E. Catchot, who was then serving as Alderman representing Ward 3, took a firm stand against all opposition to petroleum service facilities at the harbor. He openly declared that he would battle for: “the rights of the fishermen who were instrumental in building the city of Ocean Springs.” Mr. Catchot also advocated that N.C. Covacevich be granted permission to erect a boatyard for repair and construction of watercraft. In early September 1952, Mayor R.C. Miller (1887-1953), the Board of Aldermen, and the zoning commission composed of J.K. Lemon (1914-1998), C. Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988), and Bruce L. Thomas (1908-1969), met with citizens, both protagonists and antagonists in regards to commercial development on the Inner Harbor. J.C. ‘Champ’ Gay (1909-1975), Alderman-at-Large, related to the audience that the City had been approached by developers to allow the erection of a boat yard, gas, oil, and diesel station, ice crushing and marine supply business on the Harry Rehage tract situated on the west side of the marina. A recently passed zoning ordinance prohibited such activity in this area. In order for commerce to proceed on the banks of the boat basin, the City would have to amend the zoning ordinance. Emotions ran high as Alderman Catchot hreatened to have the zoning ordinance repealed, if the fisherman were not allowed a fuel service dock and boat way.(The Gulf Coast Times, September 8, 1952, p. 1)
Bruce L. Thomas presented a petition which stated that the signers had no objection to the proposed commercial harbor development if the City would prohibit the sale of alcohol, disallow boat repairs, and excessive noises before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Colonel Herman J. Bankston Jr. (1894-1965), a chemist and native of Raymond, Mississippi, who was the summer manager of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, vehemently opposed any changes in the current zoning fearing the devaluation of property values near the harbor. Lulu Haviland Clark (1880-1972), the widow of Charles E. Clark, one of the original donors of land for the harbor dredging, was represented by Miss Amy Burkett. Miss Burkett also strongly protested and reminded the City government of the 1938 promise from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors that no part of the donated lands would ever be used commercially. Lottie Moore Schoemmell (1895-1966), property owner on the north side of the anchorage, stated that if permission were granted by the City for commercial development, she would sell and relocate. At Ocean Springs, Lottie M. Schoemmell was a former marathon swimmer. In October 1926, she set a record by averaging 14.5 miles per day during a marathon event in the very frigid Hudson River from Albany, the state capitol, to New York City, a distance of 153 miles. It has been called the greatest performance of marathon swimming every made by a woman. Lottie taught swimming at the Community Pier. Ten private lessons were given for $25. She also operated a health clinic at Biloxi on West Howard Avenue. Here Mrs. Schoemmell engaged in physio-therapy. She was a graduate Swedish masseuse.(Ibid., p. 1,The Gulf Coast Times, June 3, 1949, p. 1, The Daily Herald, December 29, 1959, The Jackson County Times, June 25, 1948, p. 4 and The Daily Herald, February 7, 1947, p. 5)
At this time, James McConnell ‘Mac’ Anderson (1907-1998), Bruce R. Edwards (1925-2003), J. Duncan Moran (1925-1995), and Gordon Van Cleave (1906-1964) spoke kindly towards a fuel dock and other commercial development at the Inner Harbor.(The Gulf Coast Times, September 8, 1952, p. 1)
Harbor improvements
In January 1952, Board of Aldermen asked for $1500 in harbor improvements. It wasn’t until March 1953, that thirty-two boats slips were built at the Inner Harbor. J.C. Jumonville directed the work, which was performed by Contractor James Voorhies of D’Iberville. Local fishermen were still disgruntled that they had to fuel up in Biloxi. The strong opposition of property owners bordering the anchorage continue to prohibit commercial development.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 17, 1952. and The Gulf Coast Times, March 19, 1953, p. 1).
1957-Marine fuel station
It took five years before the fishermen and boaters utilizing the Inner Harbor got their wish for a fueling station. A single-story, structure was erected on the southwest side of the anchorage and west of Harbor Drive by the Mitchell Brothers on land owned by Alice T. Austin (1908-2001). It was opened for service in February 1957, with the Mitchell Brothers as operators vending Shell oil petroleum products, cold drinks, and boat supplies. Their interest in selling gasoline and crackers to fishermen and boaters was short-lived. In March 1958, Donald Benezue, operator of the Fort Bayou Fish Camp, acquired the lease from Mrs. Austin and became the proprietor of harbor station.(The Ocean Springs News, The Daily Herald, March 25, 1958)
The Austin Trailer-In July 1958, Alice T. Austin (1908-2001) placed a house trailer in the rear of her Marine Service Station. The house trailer was used to domicile her employee. The mobile home was ruled legal by the Zoning Board, but the Board of Aldermen overturned their decision and in a close vote. One alderman demanded its immediate removal allowing Mrs. Austin only two hours to have it relocated. She appealed and took her grievance to the Circuit Court and was allowed to keep the trailer on her property. The Board of Aldermen then amended the Zoning Ordinance prohibiting mobile homes in the City. Courtesy of Alice Austin Martin from The Ocean Springs News, August 7, 1958, p. 1.
1958 Marine Service Station imbroglio
Alice T. Austin (1908-2001) created her own ‘hurricane’ at the Inner Harbor in July 1958, when she located a house trailer in the rear of her Marine Service Station. The house trailer was to be utilized by a Keesler Field based airman and his spouse who were operating the gas station and store for her. The house trailer seriously divided the Alderman and the Zoning Board. The Zoning Board had ruled together in that Mrs. Austin’s mobile home was legal in the rear of the Marine Mart. On July 21, 1958, the Board of Aldermen rejected their ruling by a three to two vote. John H. Seymour (1923-1991), Alderman representing the 3rd Ward, who was irked about the Austin house trailer, had demanded its immediate removal allowing Mrs. Austin only two hours to have it relocated. Mrs. Austin replied that it had taken three days to install the mobile home on her Inner Harbor property. The Board of Alderman then agreed to give her four days, deemed by them a reasonable time for its relocation.(The Ocean Springs News, August 7, 1958, p. 1)
The Board of Alderman’s ruling was appealed by Alice T. Austin and the mobile home issue was referred to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Immediately, Alderman Chester McPhearson (1924-2006) and John H. Seymour passed a motion “authorizing the city attorney to proceed with a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to exclude Trailers from residential areas and Limited Commercial areas.”
In November 1958, Circuit Court Judge Leslie B. Grant ruled that ‘The proposed use of the [Austin] property would not be in violation of the zoning ordinances of the City of Ocean Springs. The ordinances do not prohibit specifically the use of the property in question for the purpose contemplated by the petitioner. Zoning ordinances ar ein derogation of common law rights as to the use of private property and they should not be extended by implication to include restrictions not clearly prescribed. The order of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs rendered in this case is therefore reversed….the application of Mrs. Alice T. Austin to locate a portable living unit or trailer at the rear of her Marine Service Station on her property in the limited commercial district of the City of Ocean Springs is granted.” Mayor J.C. ‘Champ’ Gay (1909-1975) said of the trailer debate, “It’s still there and will just remain there. That’s the end.”(The Ocean Springs News, November 27, 1958, p. 1)
Mrs. Austin Marine Service Station was the victim of Hurricane Camile in August 1969. A large pine tree crushed the roof, before it was inundated and destroyed by the surging waters of the tropical cyclone. The marine service station was rebuilt after Camille on the east side of Harbor Drive and called the Marine Mart. In addition to the Mitchell Brothers and Donald Benezue some of the other former lessees of Mrs. Austin Marine Mart tract have been: Sammy Zanca, Ed Jacquet, Ed Jumonville, Wally Ramage, and since 1996, Sherman ‘Rock’ Sekul, and Kenny Dinero.(The Ocean Springs News, February 7, 1957, p. 1 and Herbert Beaugez and Alice Austin Martin-March 2008)
1958-Shearwater Bridge and Kensington Basin
As early as April 1954, plans for enlarging the Ocean Springs harbor to the northeast were in place. The land in this area, which was south of Kensington Avenue and west of Pine Drive, had been platted into three subdivisions: Point-O-Pines (1950); Schluter Park, platted by R.W. Schluter (1890-1966) in March 1952; and Harborland, platted by Julius J. Strayham (1912-1991), et al in May 1956. The Board of Supervisors began acquiring marsh and wetlands tracts in the Point-O-Pines Subdivision at this time. Point-O-Pines, a corporation, was owned by Audrey B. Brou, Harry H. Hayden (1881-1954), and J.K. Lemon (1914-1998), among others.
In January 1958, Newsom Construction Company commenced work on the $17,000, 18-foot tall bridge across the Ocean Springs Inner Harbor.(The Ocean Springs News, January 16, 1958, p. 1)
In the late 1950s or early 1960s, the Kensington Basin harbor was dug by the County using a dragline operated by H.F. ‘Dubie’ Dubuisson (1922-2008). No further information.
Schluter Park
Reinhold W. Schluter (1890-1966) was a native of Siegersleben, Germany. He was born there on November 6, 1890. During WWI, he joined the German navy and saw combat on the high seas. Post war, Mr. Schluter became a merchant sailor and sailed the seven seas until his retirement. Reinhold W. Schluter came to Ocean Springs to reside in 1938.(The Ocean Springs News, April 19, 1962, p. 1)
In March 1952, R.W. Schluter platted his pecan orchard lands along Kensington Drive as the Schluter Park Subdivision. This tract situated in Sections 29 and 30, T7S-R8W, consists of twenty-four lots formerly Block 7 thru Block 14 of the Alto Park Subdivision,(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 2, p. 39)
In May 1962, R.W. Schluter commenced a scholarship fund for the Ocean Springs High School. Nominations for the award were to be made by the faculty based on scholastic ability, personal qualifications, and financial necessity. The initial gift by Mr. Schluter was $500. The R.W. Schluter scholarship is extant today. It is managed by a Gulfport based bank and awarded on a need basis to a selected Ocean Springs student.(The Ocean Springs News, April 19, 1962, p. 1 and Schmidt, 1972, p. 130)
Schluter Park tracts and Inner Harbor Park
In August 1968, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors acquired for $27,900 from Charles Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988), the executor of the R.W. Schluter Estate, several lots in the Schluter Park Subdivision along Kensington Avenue and Pine Drive and the slough extending east from Pine Drive. This land was for further extension of the harbor and for more harbor and recreational facilities. Robert D. Mitchell and spouse conveyed Lot 87-Schluter Park, a key parcel to any new harbor park develop, to the Board of Supervisors in October 1970. It is situated on the southwest corner of Kensington and Pine Drive.(Schmidt, 1984, p. 129, JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 338, p. 447 and Bk. 388, p. 505)
OSYC
The Ocean Springs Yacht Club was conceived on the Inner Harbor in the Hellmers Lane home of Bache Whitlock (1915-2002) in January 1969. This local sailing club was the idea of Dr. Richard T. Furr (1929-2006). He was joined enthusiastically by William R. Allen (1911-1985), A. Russell Moran (1930-1981), A. Bruce Duckett, and Janet Ferson Green. The OSYC initially used the ski dock at Gulf Hills on Old Fort Bayou as their home with fourteen Sunfish as their ‘bateau de jour’. Because the shallow water in Old Fort Bayou was not conducive for enjoyable sailing, the OSYC relocated to the lawn of Dr. Kenneth Davidson at Point Porteaux. The ‘gypsy’ sailors then moved to the Inner Harbor in 1970 acquiring a lease at present day 1215 harbor drive from Harry Rehage (1914-1999).(Whitlock, 1980, pp. 1-2)
Construction of the first OSYC clubhouse began in August 1970. At this time, Matt Grace was building modular homes and he took a contract to prepare the site, drive piling, and erect the yacht club on Harbor Drive. Before the two-halves of the modular structure were assembled, it mysteriously burned in situ. Another building was soon delivered and in January 1971, the OSYC opened on the Inner Harbor. The local sailors relocated to Front Beach into a $180,000 building erected by Neirynck Construction Company, which was dedicated in December 1977.(The Ocean Springs Record, August 20, 1970 and January 28, 1971, p. 14 and Bruce Duckett, March 2009 and Whitlock, 1980, p. 2)
Ironically, both the old and new OSYC buildings were victims of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The original building on the Inner Harbor had been converted into a residence and owned by Jack and Beth Riley at the time of Katrina. Only the two-story, east addition which was built in 1995, by Bobby Schrieber and Adrian Turner, the then owner, survived the tempest.
pre- Katrina aerial
post-Camille Inner Harbor
[aerial image courtesy of Brad Lemon; 2nd image view north towards Shearwater Bridge]
Hurricanes
Since its inception in 1939, the Ocean Springs Harbor has been battered and beaten by the fierce winds of tropical cyclones and drowned by their resulting flood tides and storm surges. With all this fury from hurricanes of recent memory: Betsy-September 1965; Camille-August 1969; Frederick-September 1979; Elena-September-1985; Georges-1998; and Katrina-August 2005, the Inner Harbor has survived remarkably well. These storms have sunk and displaced boats; damaged and destroyed piers; washed out the ramp road to the Shearwater Bridge; and destroyed and damaged structures along the perimeter of the anchorage. Arguably, more onerous to the welfare of the Inner Harbor other than tropical tempests are silting and pollution. Periodically, dredging removes fine sediments that fill the channel. In recent years, pollution has been reduced due to more enforcement and education to its deleterious effect on the environment.
1974-Bowring v. Board of Supervisors
Wilda Lopez Bowring (1899-1977), the spouse of Lynden Bowring (1889-1980), sued the Jackson County Board of Supervisors because she claimed that the boat docks in front of her property at the foot of General Pershing Avenue belonged to her. This cause was settled out of court, as it was determined that the tract in question had been used by the County uncontested since 1945 for piers and boat slips, i.e. adverse possession. Mrs. Bowring received some relief as it was ordered that those boat slips constructed at the extreme west end of the harbor in front of her lot be removed since they were erected only a year past.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 12, 1974, p. 1 and December 19, 1974, p. 1)
1987-Dr. Furr v. Board of Supervisors
In early May 1987, Dr. Richard T. Furr (1929-2006) and spouse filed litigation against the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to confirm title on their land in the Harborland Subdivision. The Furr tract ran from Warren Drive to the shoreline of the Kensington Basin anchorage. Tommy Brodnax, Beat Four Supervisor at this time, contended that the lands along the Kensington Basin harbor, including the asphalt road and pier belonged to the people of Jackson County, Mississippi because it had been deeded to the County in 1954. Larry Corban, Biloxi attorney, represented Dr. Furr who requested that the County remove its equipment and moored vessels that were trespassing on his client‘s property.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 14, 1987, p. 1)
In August 1992, the Chancery Court ruled against Dr. Furr in favor of Jackson County in his litigation over his Kensington Basin acreage.. The Furrs considered an appeal to the State Supreme Court.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 50767-May 1987)
‘For the Birds’
In early 1994, the Board of Supervisors made a decision to add ten additional boat slips on the west side of the Kensington Basin adjacent to Dr. Furr’s property. This area of the harbor was also to de dredged and the parking lot improved with funds derived from State Tidelands leases. Near the water’s edge on the Furr property is a grove of trees, which serves as a gathering place for large accumulations of egrets, especially in the evenings. This ‘rookery’ was threatened by the harbor expansion and local conservationists vehemently protected. Public opinion ruled and this area of the Kensington Basin is yet disturbed by progress and avarice. (The Ocean Springs Record, February 3, 1994, p. 3 and February 1, 1996, p. 1)
Playground equipment
In June 1994, Beat Four Supervisor Sharon Landry replaced the playground equipment in the Inner Harbor Park and had it revitalized.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 16, 1994, p. 1)
Harbor Landing Dry Stack Marina and Restaurant
[June 2007 image by Ray L. Bellande]
Harbor pier
A Katrina replacement harbor pier in the footprint of the old one commenced construction in June 2008. The new wharf was 770 feet in length, ten feet wide, and had two gazebos with picnic tables and benches. The pilings for the structure were concrete and the finished project cost was $777,000 dollars, which was funded by FEMA. It was completed in early January 2009(The Ocean Springs Record, June 12, 2008, p. A1 and The Sun Herald, January 18, 2009, p. A3)
Harbor Landing Marina and Restaurant
The Harbor Landing Dry Stack Marina and Restaurant have been venues of controversy since their completion in 2005 and 2007 respectively by David Harris. Like other divisive issues along the Inner Harbor, their resolution was decided in the Jackson County court system. In July 2008, the Jackson County, Mississippi Circuit Court ruled favorably for the defendants, City of Ocean Springs and the Harbor Landing Restaurant, against plaintiffs, 'Friends of the Harbor" led by A. Bruce and Alice P. Duckett. The Ducketts and many neighbors along the Inner harbor believe that the City erred in issuing a building and use permit for the Harbor Landing Restaurant. The Ducketts et al contend that the harbor area is not zoned for such activity and will appeal the July decision.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 10, 2008, p. A1)
Harbor Landing 'Yacht Club'
In December 2009, the 'Friends of the Harbor' saw the State Court of Appeals reverse the Jackson County court decision allowing the harbor Landing Restaurant to operate. In January 2010, the Board of Aldermen reversed their 2007 decision allowing David Harris to operate a restaurant at the Ocean Springs Inner Harbor. The City ordinances allowed David Harris to operate as a Yacht Club in Inner Harbor area. To continue in his food and beverage service business at this attractive site, David Harris converted his business into a "private yacht club' with an annual membership dues of $15. This sum could be applied towards the 'new members' first meal.(The Sun Herald, January 20, 2010, p. A7)
Christmas boat parade
The first OS Harbor Christmas boat parade was held on December 13, 2008. The Pete and Sharon won honors for Santa's Best of Fleet.(The Sun Herald, December 7, 2008, p. A4, The Ocean Springs Record, December 11, 2008, p. B1, and The Ocean Springs Record, December 18, 2008, p. A1)
Harbor renovation and improvement planned
With $3 million dollars of Federal funds remaining from replacing the US Highway 90 fishing bridge with a planned $2.2 million dollar, 1320-foor fishing pier, the Board of Supervisors plan to use these funds to replace bulkheads and make electrical repairs. Mayor Connie Moran pointed out that $350,000 could be saved by not replacing the entire Kensington bulkhead because some of it is in good condition. The savings could be spent on landscaping, parking and lighting.(The Ocean Springs Gazette, September 23, 2009, p. 1 and The Ocean Springs Record, September 24, 2009, p. 1)
$1.2 million HARBOR MASTER HOUSE
[images made August 2010 and September 2011 by Ray L. Bellande]
Harbor Master's House
Fletcher Construction Company was awarded the $399,000 contract to erect the foundation for the $1.2 million Harbor House in January 2010. Construction for the 2100 square-foot structure was scheduled to commence in March 2010. Beat Four Supervisor Tommy Brodnax said that the new Harbor Office is more like a 'Taj Mahal' than a building to house three employees. The new quarters will be 21-feet above sea level or about 8-feet above the ground level. The building will have a meeting space for the Harbor Commission meetings; a harbor Master's office; showers; washer and dryer; and another office space for the adminstrative staff.(The Gazette, January 6, 2010, p. 1)
Harbor Master terminated
On September 5, 2010, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors terminated Lesley Hamm, OS Harbor Master. She is under investigation by the State Auditor's Office for alleged misappropriation of public funds. Ms. Hamm was promoted to Harbor Master on February 4, 2008. Bill Richman, director of the County animal shelter, will act as interim harbor Master until a replacement for Ms. Hamm is located. Her salary was about $41,000 per year.(The Sun Herald, September 7, 2010, p. A2)
2011- New Harbor Parks
In the summer of 2011, the City of Ocean Springs with HOSA in concert developed plans for two additional green spaces on the Kensington Basin or northern portion of the Inner Harbor at Ocean Springs. One park, to be called 'Shearwater Park', because of its propinquity ot Shearwater Drive and also because it is situated just north of the Shearwater Pottery, will be a simple, site with walkways, a butterfly garden, and a viewing area with seating to observe the snowy, egret rookery on the northwest side of the back harbor near the Henry Hansel Furr property. An interesting feature of this green space will be a pet drinking fountain! HOSA plans a garden in memory of John Blossman (1943-2009), a gentleman, scholar and philanthropist.(The Sun Herald, August 14, 2011, p. A15)
The Kayak Park is the other 2011 development planned for the Inner Harbor. This will be a small area near the Kensington Avenue bridge and will be funded with a $96,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Features of this green space are pragmatic as it has planned: a two-lane kayak launch; a fish cleaning station; walk way from the kayak launch area to the Inner Harbor Park; a nautical-theme fence; and landscaping.(The Sun Herald, August 14, 2011, p. A15)
REFERENCES:
Jackson Co., Ms. Board of Supervisors Minute Book 17, “Application directed to be filed to Federal government for financing a small craft harbor at Ocean Springs and Pascagoula”, September Term-1938, p. 279.
C.E. Schmidt, Ocean Springs French Beachhead, (Lewis Printing Services-Pascagoula, Mississippi-1984).
Chancery Court
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 18,956, “The Estate of R.W. Schluter-.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 50, 767, “R.T. Furr v. Board of Supervisors-May 1987.
Journals
The Bay Press, “HOSA to sponsor additional costs of Shearwater Bridge”, April 2, 2002, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Know Your Coast”, ‘Snug Harbor’, May 9, 1957.
The Gazette, "New harbor on the horizon", September 24, 2009.
The Gazette, "New $1.2 million Harbor Office readies to turn dirt", January 6, 2010.
The Gazette, "Phase two bidding for Harbor house opens", January 13, 2010.
The Gazette, "Harbor Landing signs papers to operate as yacht club", January 20, 2010.
The Gulf Coast Times
The Gulf Coast Times, “Col. Bankston named head of Laboratory school”, June 3, 1949.
The Gulf Coast Times, "Know Your Neighbor", August 26, 1949.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Need for service dock inner harbor”, September 8, 1952, p. 1.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Ocean Springs adopts zoning ordinance”, January 3, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Town board asks $1500 harbor improvements”, January 17 3, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Alderman Catchot asks repeal zoning ordinance if amendment fails”, September 18, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Zone commission says no word on Inner Harbor amendment”, September 25, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Zone amendment at stalemate”, October 2, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Letters protest zone amendment on harbor”, October 9, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “John Catchot resigns as harbormaster”, December 4, 1952.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Start work on docks and improvements at Ocean Springs inner harbor”, March 19, 1953, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times
The Jackson County Times, “Rebuild bridge on the ‘Mill Dam’”, January 18, 1936, p. 3.
The Jackson County Times, “Mill dam bridge near completion”, January 25, 1936, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, “The Column”, February 1, 1936.
The Jackson County Times, “Yachts can now harbor at Ocean Springs”, September 27, 1937, p. 2.
The Jackson County Times, “A.P. Moran working on inner harbor project”, September 10, 1938. p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, “Work started this week on inner harbor and sand beach for Ocean Springs”, March 18, 1939, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, “Inner harbor dock ready for use soon”, August 26, 1939, p. 2.
The Jackson County Times, "Contract is let for barracks for Key Field men", December 11, 1943.
The Jackson County Times, "70 French Sailors at Magnolia Park Await Ship Repairs", December 18, 1943.
The Jackson County Times, "Dredge 'Wahalak' doing fine job in Inner Harbor", January 15, 1944.
The Jackson County Times, "Charles Clark dies suddenly Thursday p.m.", April 7, 1945.
The Jackson County Times, "Crash Boat Base Has 'Open House' Last Saturday", December 8, 1945.
The Jackson County Times, “Small craft harbor to be improved”, December 1947, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, "Schmidt Resigns from Sea Food Post; Blasts Supervisor A.P. Moran", March 19, 1948, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, "Alderman Schmidt Blamed for Loss of Funds", June 1948, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, "Westbrook, Hodges Are Reelected; Ald. Schmidt Loses to J.C. 'Champ' Gay", August 20, 1948, p. 1.
The Mississippi Press, “Shearwater bridge design offered”, January 16, 2002.
The Ocean Springs Record
The Ocean Springs Record, “?”, August 1, 1968.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Ocean Springs harbor commission seeks improvements”, June 26, 1969.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Piling set [construction photo]”, August 20, 1970.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Yacht Club burns”, September 10, 1970, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Fire Marshal releases Yacht Club”, September 10, 1970, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Yacht Club opens new facilities”, January 28, 1971, p. 14.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Whitlocke named Yacht Club Commodore”, February 18, 1971, p. 18.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Supervisors turn down Harbor land purchase”, October 7, 1974, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor suit filed”, December 12, 1974, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor suit settled out of court”, December 19, 1974, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Inner Harbor Park [photo]”, June 16, 1983, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Inner Harbor Park dedicated”, April 12, 1984, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor renovation underway”, May 30, 1985, p. 2.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Dispute over Ocean Springs harbor [Dr. Furr v. Board of Supervisors] land goes to court”, May 14, 1987.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Work stopped at Harbor”, April 20, 1989, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harvey named new harbormaster”, August 20, 1992, p. 3.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Land use dispute [Dr. Furr]”, February 3, 1994, p. 3.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor playground replacement hoped for by summer”, March 10, 1994, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Kensington Park gets equipment, facelift”, June 16, 1994, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Tideland leases aid harbor”, October 26, 1995, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “New pump focus of harbor panel”, November 23, 1995, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Dredging project on the go in O.S.", December 9, 1995.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Slips on hold dredging to begin”, February 1, 1996, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Inner Harbor work to begin with parking area”, May 2, 1996, p. 1
The Ocean Springs Record, “Dewatering dilemma may delay dredging”, June 20, 1996, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Boats clear out of OS harbor for dredging”, August 11, 1996.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Kensington Basin dredging job delayed again”, October 31, 1996, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor panel seeks to end dredge delay”, April 17, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor panel seeks role”, March 6, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor funding not gone, officials say”, March 13, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor’s money safe, Board told”, April 3, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor panel seeks to end dredge delay”, April 17, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor boat ramps, piers in bad shape”, May 1, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor panel skeptical dredging will resume”, May 20, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “[Hurricane] Danny spurs preparations”, July 24, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Officials discuss responsibility of Harbor upkeep”, September 4, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Projects, tight rules lead meet on Harbor”, September 25, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “County to go ahead with harbor dredging, new pier”, November 27, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor future topic of meeting”, May 7, 1998, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor to stay under County”, May 14, 1997, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor commissioners consider slip rate hike suggestion”, June 25, 1998, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Fee hike puts boaters, Harbor panel, County at odds”, August 27, 1998, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Low tides delay Pine Street basin dredging”, January 21, 1999, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Majority wins debate over bridge on Shearwater”, November 1, 2001.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Objections stall harbor bridge”, February 20, 2002.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor bridge held up”, January 23, 2003, P.A-1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Bridge hurdles gone”, May 15, 2003, P.A-1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Bridges may be open in 90 days”, June 26, 2003.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Shearwater Dedication”, April 22, 2004.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbormaster’s office [photo]”, January 20, 2005, p. B8.
The Ocean Springs Record, “ Harbor View [photo]”, February 24, 2005, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Bellande: harbor house plan wrong for OS”, September 21, 2006, p. A10.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Write on”, March 6, 2007, p. A2.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor Landing under scrutiny”, March 13, 2008, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor’s ‘wine only’ license will be appealed”, April 3, 2008, p. A1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor pier countdown”, June 12, 2008, p. A1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harkey rules on Board-Harbor Landing”, July 10, 2008, p. A1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “County will rebuild Harbor Master house”, October 23, 2008, p. A3.
The Ocean Springs Record, “County launches 'Christmas at the Harbor'”, December 11, 2008, p. B1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “It's beginning to look like Christmas”, December 18, 2008, p. A1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Harbor project: bulkhead v. beautification”, September 24, 2009, p. 1.
The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald, “Harbor work leaves boaters stuck in mud”, May 4, 1991, p. 3.
The Sun Herald, “Dredging project on the go in Ocean Springs’, December 9, 1995.
The Sun Herald, “Boats clear out of Ocean Springs harbor for dredging”, August 11, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Shearwater Bridge plans get new flair”, January 16, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Ocean Springs gets permit for Shearwater Bridge”, May 3, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Ocean Springs plans harbormaster office”, September 18, 2006, p. A8.
The Sun Herald, “Harbor Landing loses bid to serve hot food”, April 11, 2007, p. A8.
The Sun Herald, “New marina and deli opens”, September 27, 2007, p. D8.
The Sun Herald, “Harbor Landing deli approved”, September 27, 2007, p. D8.
The Sun Herald, “Hearing on Ocean Springs harbor restaurant today”, February 29, 2008, p. A3.
The Sun Herald, “Harbor restaurant questioned”, March 1, 2009, p. A3.
The Sun Herald, “ABC holds hearing”, March 8, 2008, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “O.S. harbor's first boat parade", December 7, 2008, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, “Harbor pier reappears", January 18, 2009, p. A3.
The Sun Herald, "Bar to convert to Yacht Club", January 20, 2010.
The Sun Herald, "Harbor master subject of probe", September 7, 2010.
The Sun Herald, "Makeovers planned to add features to two parks", August 14, 2011.
