MHT’s 10 Most Endangered Places unveiling for 2015 came off without a hitch at MHT’s Lowry House, still under construction but looking pretty spiffy. This was the 10th unveiling since the list was introduced in 1999, meaning that we have reached 100 endangered places, an appropriate time for checking in on all the places that have been listed before. Some, like our beloved Mt. Holly have been dramatically lost, others like the King Edward Hotel have been dramatically saved, while many still languish in limbo awaiting money or willpower or both to bring them back to life.
Elbert Hilliard greets the crowd.
The theme of the night was political advocacy, ending with the announcement of the 100th endangered “place,” the Mississippi Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which is hanging in its own limbo after not having its cap lifted this year, forcing a number of significant preservation projects to stop in their tracks. Ken P’Pool, Mississippi’s Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Elbert Hilliard, retired longtime director of MDAH, were the honorary chairs, along with Gov. William Winter.
In a new approach, advocates for each property announced their own place and explained why it was endangered. I liked this since it lent the personal touch that is so important to preservation: individuals coming together to save buildings important to their communities.
I’m sure there will be more information coming about the latest list, but without further ado, here it is:
- French Hotel, Senatobia
- Grenada Airfield Hangar, Grenada
- Hugh Craft & Son Surveying Office, Holly Springs
- Jourdan River School, Kiln
- Margaret’s Grocery, Vicksburg
- Melmont, Natchez
- Old Wilkinson County Jail, Woodville
- Phoenix Naval Stores Office, Turkey Creek community, Gulfport
- Webb Depot, Webb
- Mississippi’s Historic Tax Credit
And here’s a little photo album of the fun party, which as always included a silent auction for artwork depicting the 10 properties, food, fun, fellowship, and music under the lights on this lovely Mississippi fall evening.
Categories: Delta, Grenada, Gulfport, Historic Preservation, Holly Springs, MDAH, Mississippi Heritage Trust, Natchez, Preservation People/Events, Senatobia, Vicksburg
Preservation in Mississippi 
Many thanks to MHT and “The List” for helping Greenwood save Keesler Bridge and the Hotel Irving. The statewide awareness was a huge boon for our local preservationists.
LikeLike