Summary

Missing the Golden Fisherman, a Tale of Katrina and Incompetent Salvagers

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2021

In 1977, the town of Biloxi, Mississippi erected a 15 foot gold-painted statue that became known as the Golden Fisherman. Created by Henry Del Reeks, the structure was actually comprised of mismatched metals. Some of the fisherman was created out of bronze silica. However, much of the statue was crafted from metal salvaged by local school children. Vieux Marche, literally Old Market, was created on a portion of the historical Biloxi thoroughfare, Pass Christian-Point Cadet Road. However, though the space was earmarked for urban renewal, the expected growth never manifested. Though originally the home of the enormous 4500 pound statue, the statue didn’t really fit in with the Vieux Marche. So, when a regional hospital was erected nearby, making the Fisherman seem even more out of place, aesthetically minded townspeople elected to have him moved closer to the shoreline. Once there he looked at home, casting his huge nets. Then, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the area, sweeping the Fisherman out to sea and breaking his foot. After a year of lying around like detritus, while other Katrina-specific problems were addressed, the statue was stolen. Money was offered for the return of the beloved, though not especially valuable landmark. Soon, after the Fisherman was found. Apparently, the ransacking hooligans, who must have thought they had found a prize, figured out their mistake. So, they ditched the Fisherman, but not before cutting the poor man up. Today, though still in pieces, the beloved town fixture is slated to be fixed. It’s been noted that the Fisherman’s importance isn’t merely historical, but resides in its acknowledgement of Biloxi’s status as seafood capital of the world.

Key Takeaways:

In 1977 the city of Biloxi, Mississippi erected the Harry Del Reeks creation, known as the Golden Fisherman.
The Golden Fisherman was 15 feet tall and weighed 4500 pounds and, perhaps obviously, was painted gold.
The Fisherman was fashioned from metal plates. Some was bronze silica. Other parts were made from random metal, collected by school children.

“In 2002, the good people of Biloxi, recognizing the Golden Fisherman’s plight, and deciding that Urban Renewal hadn’t been a good idea anyway, moved him to another plaza of his own and closer to the water on Point Cadet near the Maritime and Seafood Museum.”

Related Topics:Biloxi City of Biloxi Katrina Museum

Up Next

Mississippi’s Blue Front Cafe: 72 years of blues and still going strong

Don't Miss

Top Five Outdoor Adventures in Coastal Mississippi

Summary

The Best Things to Do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Published

3 years ago

October 5, 2021

Staff Editor

There are many cool things that you can do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Hattiesburg Zoo for example is home to almost 100 different species of animals from all around the world including the two toed sloth. You also can go to the water and go kayaking at Paul B. Johnson State Park. There are also some great artwork displays including murals and statues in public. Finally, you can go to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum which is the only state operated museum which is dedicated solely to military history.

Key Takeaways:

Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo and don’t miss the Africa Petting Zoo or the Wallaby Walkout exhibit.
Two museums to see are the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum and the African American Military History Museum.
Keg and Barrel offers great beer and pub food, while Crescent City features more upscale dining.

“Known as “Hub City” due to its central location between Jackson (MS), Gulfport/Biloxi (MS), New Orleans (LA), and Mobile (AL), Hattiesburg is an ideal destination for travelers all over the south.”

Summary

Must Visit Attractions Near Island and Beach View Casino

Published

3 years ago

October 3, 2021

Staff Editor

Gulfport, Mississippi has two neighboring casinos that are worth visiting. They are the Near Island and Beach View Casino. While both casinos are legitimate tourist destinations, Beach view may prove a bit more of a draw as it is has a smoke-free environment. Don’t worry if gambling isn’t your métier, however. There are lots of other great tourist draws in the Gulfport area, suitable for all kinds of sight-seekers, with and without families in tow. The Institute for Marine Mammals has dolphins and stingrays for the young ones to gawk at. It’s been around for close to thirty years. The site famously researches marine mammals and educates visitors about these fascinating creatures. For even more family fun, the award-winning Lynn Meadows Discovery Center has an interactive children’s museum that incorporates a train ride. The entire exhibit rests inside a historic schoolhouse that hails from 1915. There’s also the Gulfport Water park for splashy fun and the Chandeleur Island Brewery for a nice cold one after. Other family-fun sites include the Mississippi Coast Model Railway Museum, which has great exhibits, such as the longest ever assembled Lego railroad. There’s also the ever-popular Jones Park has a beach, which has a marina and a fishing pier. Meanwhile for solo adventurers, tired parents and others, the Gulfport Premium Outlets is chock-a-block with popular and designer outlets.

Key Takeaways:

Island and Beach View Casino neighbor one another in the Island View area in Gulfport Mississippi.
Beach View is potentially a bit of a larger draw because it is a non-smoking venue.
There are other worthwhile attractions in Gulfport, including The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum.

“But odds are, you’re probably looking to visit more than just two venues when you’re out and about in Gulfport, Mississippi.”

Summary

10 Best Restaurants On Mississippi’s Seafood Trail

Published

3 years ago

October 1, 2021

Staff Editor

The Mississippi Seafood Trail has 360 miles of restaurants to enjoy. The best of them include Delta Meat Market in Cleveland, serving Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters among other dishes. In Meridian, Weidmann’s has been around since 1870 and features a great Sunday Brunch. Walnut Hills in Vicksburg is known for its homemade cakes and pies. Local 463 Urban Kitchen in Ridgeland serves comfort food with a big city twist, while Cock Of The Walk in Pocahontas is rustic. The Jackson area is home to two great dining establishments, The Manship and Barrelhouse. Half Shell Oyster House in Hattiesburg offers great NOLA cuisine, and Felix’s in Gulfport is the best place for oysters. Finally, Mosaic Tapas Bar in Ocean Springs has an adjoining beer house with live music.

Key Takeaways:

First opened in downtown Meridian in 1870, Weidmann’s features a terrific Sunday Brunch.
In Pocahontas, Cock of the Walk offers skillet cornbread, fried catfish, and “Keelboat Specials.”
Half Shell Oyster House in Hattiesburg has a great Po’Boy and tasty smoky bacon shrimp and grits.

“Here are 10 restaurants on it, arranged north to south, including what to order.”