Timeline: Tourism

1872-1879

1872

A railroad sires a town. The New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad is extended from New Orleans to a point three miles south of Summit. A city is incorporated and given the name “McComb” after the railroad’s President, Col. Henry Simpson McComb. Col. McComb wanted to name the city “Elizabethtown” in honor of his wife, but his friends insisted he accept the honor.

1873

Capt. J. J. White moved his sawmill from near summit to McComb. This plant was destined to be rapidly expanded until its employs numbered 500 workers. Godbold’s mineral wells was discovered near McComb.

1874

The New York Daily Graphic on April 2, published 11 artist’s sketches of McComb scenes, indicating that the editors of the New York newspaper recognized the enormity of the venture to move the vast commerce of the Middle West through the Port of New Orleans.

1875

Lumber business expands and more families move from New Orleans to McComb to work in I. C. Shops. Dr. Charles Otken, father of Misses Perla, Lois and Frances Otken, insisted that religious services be held on Sundays in the I. C. Shops. He built a pulpit and did the preaching.

1876

A company of U. S. Calvary was stationed in McComb. Some planters hauling cotton to summit had camped out north of McComb. During the night they were fired upon by some carpetbaggers and Negroes. The following day a small riot took place which resulted in the troops being sent to McComb. Reports have been made that these troops later were sent west and were with Gen. Custer at his “last stand” in the Battle of Little Big Horn. The First Baptist Church was founded. Also Beard’s Drug Store, oldest business in McComb for many years, was founded.

1877

Illinois Central takes over control of New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad. City Fire Department established. One charter member is “Genie” DeCoux. J. A. Beard, first postmaster, issues first money order to W. H. Rabb.

1878

Yellow fever epidemic caused havoc to reign in ‘McComb. Many residents died as a result of this plague. A WPA writer’s historical report says that the town was almost de-populated. Many fled. Out of 1,500 people only 700 were left. Many moved to rural communities, some to mountainous areas. Many virgin, yellow, long leaf pine trees removed from McComb’s business area this year.

1879

Dr. O. B. Quin who was to have a leading part in the town’s development, started the practice of medicine in McComb. In addition to his practice of medicine, Dr. Quin was destined to serve as mayor from 1890-1895, 1900-1905; and 1913 -1918; all years inclusive – a total of 18 years.

1880-1889

1880

A school man, J. M. sharp established a high school for boys in East McComb. Two years later he sold his interests to a man by the name of Zealey who in turn sold to to C. S. Kellog. Kellog also had a school for boys in North McComb.

1881

J. J. White Lumber Mill destroyed by fire. Hugh White, destined to by twice elected state’s governor, is born.

1882

Pike County Courthouse destroyed by fire. Courthouse records destroyed. Magnolia division 196 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers formed. Myrtle Lodge No. 36 Knights of Pythias founded.

1883

McComb grew industrially while surrounded by a cotton economy. Employment increased in the J. J. White Lumber Mill and the expansion of the Railroad business gave promise of expanded employment in the I. C. shops.

1884

Pine Land was considered almost worthless. Few sawmills were here to provide a market. The price per acre was $1.25 to $2.00. in 1888 it was estimated there 5,860,00 acres of pike land in the state that would produce 8,000 feet of lumber per acre.

1885

Centenary Methodist Church held its first church meeting in its own building. Written accounts reveal that the early records of McComb were destroyed by fire. Masonic City Lodge No. 382 F & AM founded Feb. 8.

1886

McColgan Hotel established by McColgan Brothers, Bill and Hugh of Summit. David H. Gibson establishes the Gibson Drug Store. Col. George M. Govan of McComb becomes Mississippi’s Secretary of State.

1887

The Intelligencia, McComb’s first newspaper, founded by W. H. Townsend, was suspended when the editor returned North and succeeded two years later by the McComb City Enterprise.

1888

City government appropriated $75 for city schools. When city officials learned that privilege tax was rescheduled to go to schools the $75 fund was withdrawn.

1889

McComb Enterprise, now the Enterprise-Journal, founded by R. B. May, former reporter of New Orleans Item.

1890-1899

1890

First brick building erected in McComb. Real estate on Main Street valued at $10 per front foot. Student body in McComb schools totaled 222 pupils. McComb installs city water plant.

1891

McComb Separate School District created. The Illinois Central track gauge between New Orleans and Cairo was converted from a five-foot track to standard gauge. Project completed in one day.

1892

McComb people respond to democratic Party appeal for funds. Send $36.50 to New York office.

1893

McComb Female Institute established. Dr. C. H. Otken made president. Later burned. Then merged with Belhaven College.

1894

Percy Quin starts law practice in McComb. Later elected to Congress. Percy Quin Park honors his name. LaBranch Street Methodist Church founded. Now known as St. Andrews Church.

1895

Board sidewalks built in town of McComb business area.

1896

Governor Stone’s message is read by McComb people in McComb City Enterprise. Smallpox patients are isolated. Division 367 Order Railway Conductors formed.

1897

Hainer’s Jewelry Store established by Marsh Hainer. Was first official watch inspector of Illinois central.

1898

McComb City drug store established. Steel bridge built over the Bogue Chitto at “Hoover’s” place. On order of President McKinley regiment of Mississippi volunteers mobilized on May 10 in Jackson, including McComb men, to serve in Spanish-American War.

1899

Pike County Telephone Co. incorporated. The first telephone company in McComb was launched with 20 customers. It was discontinued in 1903 with 77 customers. The telephone company re-opened with 350 customers. Capt. J. J. White reported the American Lumber Magazine to own 72,755 acres of land in Pike, Amite, Lincoln, Pearl River, Marion and Perry counties and in St. Helena Parish in Louisiana.

1900-1909

1900

The Fernwood and Gulf Railroad’s first passenger train rolled into Tylertown in 1900. Said Oliver Brent of Holmesville, “I was there, the people were so excited. Many of them had never seen a locomotive and were thrilled.” Said Mr. Brent further, “Flat cars were covered with canvas and people rode on them.”

W. T. Denman of Auburn Community and Jim Alford of Topisaw community launch Denman Alford Co. in McComb.

Dr. Thomas Purser starts practice of medicine in McComb. McComb Cotton Mill constructed.

New Opera House built as State and North Broadway. Fernwood Lumber Co. incorporated.

1901

City petitions Railroad Commissioner A. Q. May to help get new passenger depot I McComb. McComb Enterprise publishes “last pictured of Queen Victoria”. East McComb Baptist Church established.

1902

McComb Steam Laundry founded. Employs “from 15 to 20 girls.” McComb people express approval of Gov. Longino’s inaugural message.

William McColgan and his sister, Mrs. Ella Neville, made a trip to Cork Ireland. Mrs. Neville was the mother of Dr. William Neville, later to serve as president of the First National Bank.

1903

Capacity of Illinois central was doubled by construction of the second track. Capt. J. J. White elected president of Mississippi Banker’s Association. McComb had 400 telephones; residential rate, $1 per month; business rate $2 per month. White-Brumfield Co. organized; Hugh White made its President. Plans to build Catholic School announced. New brick high school (grammar school) under construction.

1904

Sixty-five percent of McComb’s business destroyed by fire. First national Bank founded. First music teacher employed in McComb schools. Her name was Miss DeLong. A room was provided in the schools for Miss Nora Bennett to teach art. Liberty-White Railroad completed. First passenger train from McComb to Liberty ran on Aug.10,1904.

1905

Hansford Hotel, originally called DeSoto House and built in 1871 to accommodate expected people who were to move from New Orleans to McComb when the city was established, burned to the ground.

Sidewalk campaign launched.

City complies ordinances and prints same in book form. All city records having been destroyed in the “big fire” the city makes diligent effort to regain some semblance of official order.

Ritchie Brown, young son of Dan Brown, I. C, shop foreman, and Mrs. Brown, about 10-year-old, loses life when he fell under the wheels of a steam calliope, pulled by Shetland ponies, in a circus parade in McComb. One McComb railroad man killed, three injured when 20,000 pounds of blasting powder in burning box car explodes, tearing up tracks 12 miles north of New Orleans

1906

Liberty-white publishes “good” statement. Total receipts for year, $10,180.87. Fernwood and gulf Railroad becomes a common carrier. Regular passenger trains operated. The railroad stations served through the years included: Mesa, Barto, Pitts, Bearden’s, Davo, Kokomo, Carto, Knoxo, Foxworth, Hamage, Neb and Sumbax

1907

Tornadoes strike Main Street of McComb and business section in summit causing much damage. R. W. Cutrer and G. H. Alford are candidates for representative. John Sharp Williams speaks in McComb. Brent rifles hold reunion. Money panic, J. J. White Lumber Co. employees paid in script with J. J. White as guarantor.

1908

Conductors hold election. H. P. Price made chief conductor. Luther Manship of McComb elected state’s lieutenant governor.

1909

Mechanics State Bank founded

1910-1919

1910

H. P. Hughes, superintendent, commended on fine school system. Congress appropriated $100,000. For post office here. Four years of high school provided in McComb. Town of McComb still using Percheron horses to pull city fire wagon.

1911

Big strike in railroad shops. Many old families move away. Strike is lost. Many families do not return. National guard called McComb to maintain order as result of the “Battle of McComb” resulting from attack by Union people and their sympathizers on a train load of strike breakers in south McComb. McComb baseball team defeats New Orleans. 600 militiamen bivouacked in McComb.

1912

J. J. White Lumber Company moved to Columbia. W. F. Hinton starts business. President Teddy Roosevelt visits McComb. Percy Quin elected in race for Congress.

1913

O. V. Lewman organizes first Boy scout troop in McComb. Daughters of the American Revolution founded with Mrs. Madge Fugler as organizing regent. Started with 13 members.

1914

McComb School System accredited by the southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

1915

McComb installs sewerage system. Private privies tabooed.

1916

Ringling Bros. Circus comes to town. Federal bulletin says oil and gas in this part of Mississippi. J. B. Holden of this area made member of State Supreme Court.

1917

City divided into three wards. Clara Kimball Young, in “The Foolish virgin,” appears at Jacobs Theatre.

On Aug. 17 Mrs. P.M. Fugler, on behalf of Judith Robinson chapter of D. A. R., presented a flag to local military forces. This flag later was carried to France during World War I.

A half-mile racetrack was built in McComb. Was part of county fairgrounds. Frank Brumfield and Hib Holmes worked together with a number of racehorses. Track was near location of Southwest Mississippi General Hospital.

1918

Mississippi Methodist conference meets in McComb. Maj. Harry Harvey, for whom Harry Harvey post of the American Legion was named, casualty in St. Michiel.

1919

Beard Drug Store installs weather forecasting machine. $50,000 water and sewerage bonds carry by 175 to 55. Wright Leggett elected sheriff.

1920-1929

1920

Pearl White, famous movie star, wedded to McComb man.

1921

Main Street Masonic building sold. Sold to H. and N. Soloman.

1922

Xavier Kramer moves from Magnolia to McComb, purchases McComb ice plant, McColgan Hotel and large tract of business property. McComb celebrates 50th anniversary homecoming. Ku Klux Klan stages massive hooded parade.

1923

Dean Holmes elected railroad commissioner. Stove explodes, sets fire to Moore & Wilkinson Auto Co..

W. B. Mixon becomes candidate for speaker of House. Marsh Hainer serves as grand master, Mississippi Masons.

1924

Edgar Williams king of Carnival. Miss Una Holmes is Queen. Gypsy smith holds revival. U. T. C. holds convention here. J. E. Wilkinson is convention secretary. Thomas Bailer, Speaker of House, delivers graduation address in McComb. Percy Quin again elected Congress. W. T. Denman swamps opponents in race for highway commissioner. McComb merchants give 14 automobiles to customers. Thousands from McComb trade territory flock here to win automobiles.

1925

Town offers selected include: George Wolbrecht, mayor; W. R. Watkins, tax collector; Tom Stewart, assessor; Board: Otis Lenoir, W. R. Caston, J. E. Alford, R. P. McCullough, B. B. Helmer, W. O. Rutledge.

T. J. Quigley, superintendent, announces that, “I. C. Shops will not be moved.” Billy Sunday arrives in town. Burton Alford made king of carnival. Wilma Dickey is queen. W. S. Marks is appointed member of McComb Baseball Club. Hubert Pray Jr., 17-month-old, awarded first prize in baby contest.

1926

Dr. O. B. Quin again heads First National; L. Z. Dickey named Mechanics State president. Thomas L. Bailey speaks at McComb school. J. K. Dunn sells business to L. Z. Dickey. Masonic Lodge celebrates 50th anniversary. Jones-Johnson announces new firm. Chamber of Commerce established. H. P. Marsalis Motor Company opens. New city well built. Sam Leslie managing fine baseball team in city. New Orleans boys drowns in I. C. Lake. George Wolbrecht re-elected mayor. J. E. Westbrook, police chief, killed. President L. A. Downs of I. C. visits city. Preston Quin elected chief of police. New Centenary Methodist Church building opened.

1927

Dr. O. B. Quin, 18 years mayor, dies. Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Hewitt and Mr. and Mrs. Ed McLaurine celebrate 25th anniversary of double wedding. Plans made for full time health unit in county. State Theater founded. Mrs. Julia Alvarez, who lost two sons and a son-in-law in I. C. service, with another son losing a leg, celebrates 72nd birthday. Dr. D. M. Williams warns of glanders outbreak. Chamber of commerce invites Col. Lindbergh to McComb. Crank type telephone abandoned Michigan avenue residents debate paving project. R. E. Baird heads Chamber of Commerce. Big flood in Delta.

1928

Tuf Nut Garment Plant opened in McComb. Stockholders lost money in their investments. W. O. W. convenes in McComb. “Big Bill” Thompson, mayor of Chicago, visits city. “Breezy” Reeves is county representative. City-wide paving program advocated. T. A. Downs, I. C. R. R. president, visits here. H. L. Simmons elected state senator. Gov. Bilbo addresses McComb homecoming. McComb Cotton Exchange opens. Xavier Kramer elected mayor. Chief of police killed, community is shocked. Exchange Club declares war on mosquitoes. Three firemen killed, eight injured in Kramertown fire. Is greatest tragedy of decade. I. C. Lake built

In the senior year of Bucky Moore at Loyola University, he was known all over America as the famed gridiron back “Dixie Flyer.” Others in the famous Loyola team were Bill Ritchey and Charlie Cotton of McComb and “Pee Wee” Allen and “Cat” Simmons of Magnolia.

1929

Premature dynamite blast near I. C. Lake is fatal to Richard Walker. Pike lad drinks lye thinks it is coffee. Dr. J. W. Mayfield celebrates 7th anniversary as McComb pastor. Samaritan Army reports serving 2,000 free meals to transients. Model Home erected on lake front. W. T. Denman elected Senior Grand Warden of Mississippi Mason. McNees erects modern building on N. Broadway. “Tick fence” endorsed at mass meeting. Dipping quarantine dropped. McComb merchants make good will trips to East Fork, Progress, Jones, et al communities. Upper I. C. Lake completed. Cotton warehouse built. Bob McEwen, car shop foreman, points to economy of production. Wm. McColgan, McComb leader, dies. Creamery building constructed. Bill Neville is tigers’ “galloping ghost”. 1,400 new water meters installed.

1930-1939

1930

J. J. white Church chimes installed. City wins “Sidewalk Case”. Dr. W. F. Cotton opens practice here.

J. E. Schneider named trainmaster. Commission form of city government voted, W. B. Mixon credited with its creation. W. B. Mixon selected first judge of County Court. Ex-Mayor Wolbrecht dies. Population set at 10,057.

1931

Extra month given for tax payments. Work on gas line started. Mrs. Mage Quin Fugler elected representative. Tulane football star, Jerry Dalrymple, becomes ill here. Red Cross allots $7,500 to county. Fernwood Farms are sold. Depression is on. Peter Lewis, black locomotive fireman, was shot while in the cab of his locomotive. During the same 12-month period three other black firemen were shot while firing their engines. They were Sam Barnes, Turner Sims and Ernie Clerk. Black firemen with seniority were resented by other jobless firemen during those days of the depression.

1932

W. F. Jackson named County Judge. E. E. Blount becomes state fire marshal. Rep. Percy E. Quin passes away. Box Factory to be built. Pike Jubilee Celebration brings crowd to city. School budget cut by 22.7 percent. City ask $35,000 in relief money. Depression continues.

1933

Mrs. Emily Farmer Sudduth celebrates 100th birthday. Dr. J. W. Mayfield in his 11th year here. City banks reopen. Cotton mill calls back 150 workers. Legion Auditorium is dedicated. N. R. A. “Military Staff” is named. C. W. A. takes on 150 men. All banks close under impact of Franklin Roosevelt’s “Bank Holiday.”

1934

Gov. Huey Long came to McComb and with LSU Band parade on Main Street, stopped in front of the store of K. Mikal and saluted the parents of LSU football hero, A. Mikal of McComb. McComb bank deposits are guaranteed. Mrs. Roosevelt is invited to visit McComb. City’s C. W. A. quota is set at 510. Mayor Kramer clamps down on slot machines. Pike crusade against liquor organized. Gladioli farm to become showplace in McComb area. Jack Rhed and Bobby Wood make All Big 8. Original city airport launched by Clifford Rawls and Hallie Kendall.

1935

Twenty-ninth city administration consists of Mayor X. A. Kramer, Commissioners W. R. Watkins and W. O. Rutledge; Tom Stewart, tax assessor; B. E. Butler, city clerk; Dud Brumfield, chief of police; R. B. Reeves, police judge, and Sam Bellipanni, fire chief. W. P. Robertson named chairman of ORC committee. Big building plans of city revealed. Percy E. Quin’s memory honored in Senate. $90,000 armory is approved by McComb. McComb celebrates 63rd anniversary. H. Rey Bonney appointed to labor panel. Seven gambling houses closed in city. CCC camp assured near McComb. J. W. Brabham elected sheriff. C. C. Moore comes to high school as coach. Enterprise becomes daily newspaper. Miss Sue fay Nall named among “Who’s Who in the Speech World.” Cotton mills return to full-time work. McComb linemen called to Miami hurricane area. Machinery is shipped for McComb garment plant.

1936

Dr. Neville, L. Z. Dickey named presidents of local banks. Van Dyke Knitting Co. opens plant. $59,000 paving project for city approved. Dr. Charles E. Guice named Rotary head. Joseph Gibson resigns; D. L. Blackwedler succeeds. Quin Park site clearing ordered. $150,998 in delinquent city taxes.

1937

Solomons buy Butler building, lease to McCrory. City calls a long-term bond issue. Phil Reid celebrates 24th year with drug house. New J. C. Penny store opens; Preston Stedman as manager. Two former McComb children die in New London, Tex., school explosion.

K. G. Price Co. buys first bond issued under white’s BAWI program. Berthadale plant closed, reopened. State Federation of Labor meets here. Coin-operated machines nabbed. Beard Drug Store closed after 61 years of operation. L. Z. Dickey, Junior O’Mara continue as Chamber of Commerce officials.

1938

“Rate hike would help jobless,” Kramer says. Police find dice table in Main street room. Dick Merrill is invited here. Dr. John W. Mayfield dies. Smallpox danger seen. Highway 24 paying assured. McComb Cotton Mill suspends operation and later resumes operation. Tigers win regional track championship. Kramer boosted for governorship. Local Legion post trebles quota with 391 members. Pike Health Center wins first place in U. S. contest. Only Pike woman J. P., Mrs. Beulah Gwin, dies in city. Doctors L. J. and Elise Rutledge purchase McComb City Hospital. Health Department moves into new building. McComb Airport is dedicated. Oldest McComb native, Mrs. Julia Idanial Harvey Beam, mourned. Marijuana situation locally probed. U. S. earmarks $450,000 for McComb. Paul Howell, Bill Pope make All Big Eight. Jack Beven elected president of I. C. Magnolia Electric Power Association founded.

1939

McComb Enterprise celebrates 50th anniversary. Death takes last confederate veteran in Pike County. Bertha dale mill closed. “Shadow” rifles pants pockets in Edgewood. Howard B. McGehee succeeds Clifford Rawls as manager of Mississippi Power and Light Co.. Chris Wilhelmsen given world’s biggest cigar. Harry Harvey Post makes record with 541 members. State Spanish War Veterans encampment held here. Mississippi Power and Light Co. reduced rates. J. W. Alford heads Rotary. Barney L. Nunnery heads Legion post. Davis elected sheriff; Ellzey, superintendent of education; Johnson, governor. War begins. Gordon Roach appointed attorney for board of supervisors. Centenary Methodist Church members burn $72,000 in bonds and notes. Housing Authority buys South McComb area.

1940-1949

1940

City’s liquor, gambling described as “out”. White Acres and Burglund Heights projects well under way. Snowfall whitens city, region, stays long while. Census guesses run from 4,000 to 40,000 for McComb; figures finally show 10,105. New Morgan-Lindsey and A&P stores are opened. Van Dyke plant machinery is sold. Fire destroys Woolworth Store building. Jack Corbett named Housing Project manager. City is low bidder for district CCC office. Draft boards named – drafting begins. Otto Allen heads Chamber of Commerce. National Guard called into service.

1941

Dr. Neville, W. A. Williams head two city banks. Les W. Shelton new Morgan-Lindsey manager. G. I. Netterville named assistant district NYA supervisor. Camp Shelby men entertained here. Shirley Simmons is “Miss McComb High School.” State WMU convention held at first Baptist Church. National Legion Commander Milno Warner speaks in city. George Tong heads rotary. New Woolworth store opened. Hooker McGehee dies. Dr. D. M. Williams heads Lions. F. D. Hewitt named commander of Legion Post. R. D. Sanders buys cotton mill property. McComb Public Library becomes free institution. Grover Crafton, Julian Brady, Alfred Hodges, Vernon Rushing on All Big Eight. Pearl Harbor impact felt. Staff Sgt. John Allen Price first McComb boy killed in action. Will Price - Maureen O’Hara wedding staged. Camp Van Dorn built.

1942

Company L. leaves for camp. Mike Conner grid banquet speaker. McComb Episcopalians host to state conference. Citizens Defense Corps organized. W. T. Denman as head. W. G. McLain heads Legion’s defense team. Fire insurance rates raised. B. P. Albritton appointed commissioner to succeed W. O. Rutledge, resigned. Southern United Ice workers walk out. Gov. Sam Jones of Louisiana speaks here. Blackout practice begins. X. A. Kramer withdraws from mayoralty race. Dr. D. M. Williams becomes Chamber of Commerce president. J. F. Walker retires as Louisiana Division chief; replaced by W. E. Davis. G. I. Netterville appointed Chief of Police. Spillway at Quin Park Lake gives way. Jimmy Pierce, local and state officer of Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, elected as chairman of the Grand Executive Board of the Trainmen, a board referred to as “the Supreme Court of the Brotherhood.” He served until 1954 and declined re-election.

1943

In the fire of the 26-year-old high school ere 5,000 volumes in the library and textbooks for 370 high school students. Rev. R. R. Jones celebrates 21st year at Southside. Mayor Williams, Commissioners Terrell, Albritton installed. Ration Board is appointed. War Department cancels lese on Van Dyke building. X. A. Kramer death victims. Otto Allen heads Red Cross War Fund drive. R. D. Sanders buys old Berthadale Mill building. Red Cross taking blood donations. Episcopal Church has fire loss. State Guards hold “Battalion Day”. I.C. dispatcher’s office remolded. D. J. Wall slugged, robbed by two men. E. T. Sudduth elected sheriff. G. D. Calvert named Chamber of Commerce Secretary. A. J. Higgins speaks at meeting here. McComb High School lost in fire.

1944

E. R. Sanders succeeds Netterville as police chief. Mrs. W. V. Johnson winner in sweepstakes event at camellia show. John Cambezas is mysteriously slain. Teen-Age Club named Tigers’ Den. First Baptist Church announced as debt-free. Gov. Bailey addresses joint Rotary-Lions meeting. Rev. W. A. gill celebrates 25th anniversary at East McComb. Schools acquire N. Y. A. property. School bond issue voted, sold. City bonds classes as Grade A. Three Tigers make All Big Eight. Holy Cross swamps Tigers in Toy Bowl

1945

Fire loss $4,681 in 1944. Jack Beven passes away. Jack Sarphie is aide to Lady Halifax on visit to Natchez. Quin Lake dam rebuilt; pard to reopen soon. T. J. Casey succeeds W. E. davis as division superintendent. J. M. Eisworth buys ford agency. Germany quit war. C. C. Moore goes to Hattiesburg. E. A. McGuinnes heads Lions Club. J. E. Alford rotary president. W. V. Johnson home has fire loss. Atomic bomb falls; Japan quits war. Sheriff Sudduth passes: Elwood Branch named. Livestock growers meet on Parker farm. Dr. s. J. Williams resigns. Bookter, Carr, Crawford on All Big Eight. Heaviest snow in five years falls. W. E. Moore elected sheriff. Wilton Little succeeds McGuinness as chief clerk. Rev. Tom Anderson heads pastors of city. Gas main breaks. Mr. and Mrs. Ira E. Moak celebrate 50th wedding anniversary. Dr. R. C. Cook of McComb who married Miss Bonabel Wood of McComb elected president of the University of Southern Mississippi. McComb Enterprise purchases McComb Journal from H. Rey Bonney and launches the McComb Enterprise-Journal.

1946

Dr. Charles E. Guice, son Watkins, pass away. V. A. sub-regional office opened. Dr. L. W. Brock heads Rotary; P. J. Batrous the Lions. Kramer home burns. Shrine ceremonial held in city. “Dawn Patrol” aviation enthusiasts come here. Bids asked for new high school building. H. M. Simmons named Secretary of Chamber of Commerce. Rotary district conference held here. Bilbo takes McComb, Pike, State. Edna Verdia wins title at Philadelphia. Constable Harmon McGuffee killed. Tigers win Big Eight, state title, Memorial Bowl game at Jackson. Aldermanic form of government voted. Curry and Corley given contract for new school building. Maurice Wall elected mayor. Selectmen named include: J.E. Alford, Dr. L.W. Brock, Otto Allen, Irving Netterville, Felix McGuffee, Dr. Hobson Brock. The Enterprise-Journal continues with its slogan, “It’s a privilege to live in McComb.”

1947

Sam Bellipanni rounds out 30 years as fire chief. Rev. W.A. gill dies after 30 years with East McComb Baptist Church. Joe Gibson, former superintendent of McComb Schools, elected president of Louisiana’s North-eastern College. Miss Nannie Gillis, former president of Mississippi Education Association, honored by that body. McComb Business and Professional Women’s Club hosts State Federation Convention. McComb Rotary hold Horse Show. Stennis Johnson elected president of Mississippi Bankers Association. Jack Corbett elected president, Mississippi Housing Association. J.W. Alford associates himself with his father in Denman-Alford Company. Rev. R.R. Jones completes 25 years as pastor of South McComb Baptist Church. Enterprise-Journal stages Light Azalea Trail. J.I. hurst heads Farm Bureau, the fifth year in a row. J.M. Kenna resigns as head of Southwest Junior College. Edge of Hurricane strikes McComb. John Stennis elected to Senate, succeeding Theodore Bilbo.

1948

Sixteen-point farm program inaugurated in Pike. Program attracts national attention. Drilling for oil in Holmesville. Tigers again win Big 8 Championship. McComb stages state dairy show. Plans announced to drill for oil near summit. Sweet potato festival held. McCombites participate in states’ rights party. George Mullendore was first “Man of the Year.”

1949

New high school building completed. McComb manufacturing Co., later to become Kellwood plant, is established. Taxi driver kidnapped. Physicians save lives with new bronchoscope. Stennis Johnson name “Many of the Year”. State DAR convention held.

1950-1959

1950

McComb public housing built. Milk emphasized as important factor in McComb economy. Oil well drilled in Gillsburg. McComb Manufacturing Day staged. Two BAWI bond issues approved, one for milk plant and the other for Fernwood Box and Crate. Reader’s Digest featured McComb editor in article with title, “A Crusading Editor Gets Results.”

1951

McComb’s first art exhibit by local artists, sponsored by Southwest Junior College in the Palm Room of the McColgan Hotel launched the art careers of Mrs. Ruth Holmes, Mrs. Bess Dawson and Mrs. Halcyone Barnes. The instructor was Roy Shutes of the University of Texas. Since that tome these three artists have exhibited in New York, Dallas, Memphis and in other major art galleries across the nation and are responsible for stimulating widespread interest in art in the McComb area. McComb oil field discovered. McComb National Guard federalized. Probe made into alleged selling of federal jobs in Mississippi. Indictment issued in civil rights case. Johnston Station High School wins’ basketball championship.

1952

Croft Metal Products, Inc., located in McComb. H.C. spears discover oil well at Gillsburg. Wave of breaking and entering burglaries plague the community. Pike County Democrats for Eisenhower. Southern United Ice Plant burns. McComb Armory burns.

1953

Gen. Eisenhower invited to McComb. City board passes dog law and employs dog catcher. McComb businessmen motorcade to Tennessee with farmers to encourage better dairying. Great Southern Box Co. announced it would come to area.

1954

Community votes $850,000 waterworks revenue bonds. County school board elected. New gymnasium constructed. Aluminum plant gets in full swing.

1955

Miss Perla Otken, beloved schoolteacher, dies. Mrs. Mary Cain, who had received national attention by using a hacksaw to cut padlock on her newspaper plant in Summit by federal officers, announces as a candidate for governor of the state. Men Camellia show held. Indianapolis Wirebound Box Co. moves offices to nearby Fernwood. Gordon Roach manages former Gov. Fielding Wright’s campaign to comeback for another term. Rev. John Stuart Jr., son of former ambassador to China, elected moderator of Mississippi Presbytery. Enterprise-Journal given top editorial award in U.S. for editorial writing. BAWI election for Summit Mills successful. Teddy Solomon elected president of Mississippi Theatre Owners Association. Fire destroys Vocational buildingat Southwest Junior College.

1956

Magnolia stages centennial celebration. Lion’s Club builds community swimming pool. Fire destroys building at corner of Main and North Boulevard. Two men succumb in fire. Life magazine features Pike County Little Theatre. “Committee of 75” lays groundwork for Pike County Industrial committee. McComb and Magnolia win titles in football.

1957

Work on new Highway 51. Dairying encouraged. Deadline set for re-organization of Mississippi school districts. City sales tax program is voted. Movie Star is founded in Magnolia. Croft Metals announced plans for expansion. East McComb Activities Inc. is founded.

1958

Big layoff in Illinois Central shops. Summit staged centennial celebration. Southwest Junior college Bears win top title in football. Bond issues for school. United Givers Fund created.

1959

Oil activity expanded, Summit field discovered. Louis Alford, J.E. Thornhill, N.B. Gillis, Willis Hughes and D.A. Biglane, John D. Nobles and sun Oil Co. spear head development. Clifford Rawls of McComb elected president of Louisiana Power and Light Co. Served as president until 1968 and then as board chairman until 1970.

1960-1969

1960

More Oil wells are successful. Sales tax election in McComb. Little Boys’ Baseball established. McComb sewerage lagoon built. City plans for revaluation and expansion.

1961

Interstate Highway 55 opens through McComb and lays foundation for rapid development along Delaware Avenue. Civil Rights case agitated in McComb area. McComb people grieve by tragic gasoline truck- IC train collision in Magnolia. McComb City Board passes revaluation program. New buildings included Holiday Inn, First National. New housing development. Oil wells brought in Little Creek. Kellwood Co. was formed through the merger of 15 manufacturing plants.

1962

McComb holds hospital bond election. Memorial steam locomotive placed in Edgewood Park. McComb basketball team wins state title. Mississippi Power and Light Co. opens new office.

1963

Hospital issue, bond election. Heave hailstone storm destroys roofs in McComb. Pike County Library moves into old post office building. City sales tax raised. A major issue was the attempt to “de-annex” Baertown from city corporation. Delaware widened. Jan Nave elected Miss Mississippi. Natural gas well brought in near Southwest Junior College.

1964

Crossed burned in McComb. COFO workers move into city. Red Heffner and family story. Southwest Mississippi General Hospital continued as issue. Arson prevailed in city. Industrial park program launched. McComb citizens hold mass meeting. 650 sign “statement of Principles” pledging racial justice. Dynamiting of black churches ends.

1965

Number of Negro churches dynamited earlier are rebuilt. Southwest Junior College and Beacham Memorial plan expansion. St. Regis locates in Monticello and Georgia Pacific in Gloster. Bonds floated for sewerage lagoon and hospital. McComb High School renamed Gibson High and Burglund High to Higgins High. McComb schools racially integrated for first time. Opening of Pike Mart which widened the transition of geographical diversification of retail merchandising in McComb.

1966

Airport re-location project under way. Industrial Park completed. Fifteen highway deaths in county this year. McComb people observe new effort to find gold in big hole in Roxie. Two long-established McComb Banks, First National and Mechanics, merge with Jackson banks. Jerry Gibson becomes first black member of Southwest Hospital Board.

1967

Interest shown in reservoir in connection with Pearl River Basin Development Assn. Airport relocated. Enterprise-Journal goes offset. Southwest Mississippi General Hospital and Schilling Memorial Hospital open. Schools have computer programs. Pike County purchases voting machines. Four Pike Countians killed in Vietnam. 14 traffic deaths in county. McComb designed as “growth center.”

1968

The year 1968 witness a public attitude which was more positive. Supervisors adopt tax equalization program. Croft Metals expansion program moved toward completion. City decides not to purchase United Gas distribution system. Kellwood enters another expansion plan. Airport property chosen site for Southwest Mississippi General Hospital. Liquor control program approved. New emphasis given to technology in school curriculum.

1969

School desegregation expands in county and city. McComb urban renewal plans continued. Tom Magruder resigns from the City Board, Jewell Conerly elected. Personnel changes in banking circle, Earl Lundy goes to Jackson, Warren Wild to Hammond, Ray Price comes to McComb. Controversy arises over what constitutes a wild river, pertaining to Bogue Chitto River. New Pike County Public Health Building completed. Southwest Mississippi General Hospital opens May 5.

1970-1972

1970

McComb urban renewal approved. County is re-districted. New voter re-registration staged. 1970 census report shows decline in number of residents. Fourteen motor deaths in year. Concern expressed over youth and drugs. New McComb-Pike Airport opens. Parklane Academy founded. Floyd Lewis, once McComb boy, elected president Mid-South Utilities, Inc., headquartered in New York City.

1971

Statewide election held. Bill Waller stages upset for governor. Southwest Mall, new shopping center, opens. Excess rainfall throughout the year. Unusual number of arrests in connection with drugs. McComb City Board disposes of more of the old airport property. Metro-Pike Industrial Foundation created. Also, local Council of Governments. Seventeen county traffic deaths as compared to 14 in 1970. Fire destroys buildings on North Front. New Croft Metals plant completed in Magnolia. A White House reception given by President Nixon for five representatives of American communication media – one newspaper editor, one magazine editor, the author of one book and the heads of one – television and radio station. Each of the five were given a cash award of $5,000 and a gold medal. J.O. Emmerich of the Enterprise-Journal was selected by Freedoms Foundations as the American newspaper editor, elected on basis of editorial writing. Dr. Edward Collins, McComb, elected president of Millsaps College.

1972

Congressman Charlie Griffin announces he will not run to succeed himself. South Central Air Transport Co. headquarters at McComb-Pike County Airport. Pike Center Mart is enlarging. Southwest Shopping Mall is expanding. And Downtown McComb’s business center this year is launching a complete rehabilitation and modernization programs it moves into McComb‘s second century of history