Billikens Carnival Organization Ball Court 1952. Biloxi, Miss.
Mr. & Mrs. John Collins. Billikens Carnival Organization Court 1952. Biloxi, Miss.
The Carnival balls have been thrown and parades have been rolling across the coast for weeks. However you are marking the day I thought it would be fun to share a photograph of Biloxi architect John T. Collins. While not the best quality image, the picture, likely from a 1952 Daily Herald circular, shows Collins as a court member of the Billikens Carnival Organization. Collins also was the king of the 1941 Knights of Columbus Carnival Ball. Here is what the MDAH HRI database has to say about him.
Collins, John Thomas (b.1904 – d.1985)
Architect, Biloxi, MS
Born in Biloxi, MS, he graduated Tulane University School of Architecture with a B. Arch. in 1928. He began independent practice in 1929 in Biloxi. Married in 1942, he had no children by 1956. Served in the Navy Seabees (Construction Battalion) in WWII from 1942-45. After the war, he joined in partnership with WILLIAM J. COLLINS, JR. a civil engineer as COLLINS & COLLINS, and their firm used WILLIAM WIEDORN, landscape architect from New Orleans as its landscape architect of record (see AIA membership application, 1946). His firm was also associated with PETER J. TROLIO of Jackson in 1946. In 1956, his office was in the United Building, and his residence at 2227 W. Beach. He was registered to practice in both Mississippi and Louisiana. By 1962, in practice with LEONARD A. COLLINS. He died in October 1985 in Biloxi. See American Architects Directory, 1956.
Fat Tuesday Floats
An additional Mardi Gras-related article that I came across as part of my research on Mississippi’s coal gas plants describes the parade float presented in 1917 by the Gulf Cities Gas Company.
GAS COMPANY’S FLOAT.
A typical modern ad, representing a spotless kitchen with the latest conveniences, sanitary appliances flashing with lights and decorated in an up-to-date style. For the first time a practical demonstration will be given to the public showing the magic of gas and its many uses.
All Is Ready The Daily Herald. February 19, 1917
Categories: Architectural Research, Asides, Biloxi, Gulf Coast
Preservation in Mississippi 
This is my Great Uncle!! So cool to see him on the Miss Preservation blog!
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Glad we are cool B-). If you ever come across any information or stories you’d like to share, drop us a line.
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Collins also associated with James T Canizaro architect of Jackson on several Major projects on the Gulf Coast. Elderly housing and US Post offices.
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The two collaborations I am familiar with from the MDAH hri is the Biloxi Federal Courthouse & Post office (1959) and the Villa Maria Villa Maria Retirement Apartments(1969). Do you know if they worked together on the Santa Maria Del Mar Retirement Apartments? I was always curious because it seems such a similar project to the Villa Maria.
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