Welcome to Old Town Bay St. Louis!
Mississippi Gulf Coast
May 2019 2nd Saturday
"Hot Spots"
stay "Hot" all month!
Hot Spot Activities are 10:00a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Live music from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Stories and photos by Caroline St. Paul
The 100 Men Hall
303 Union St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520 4153369543
When Rachel Dangermond bought the historic 100 Men Hall last July, she intended on using it to hold writing workshops in, until she began to truly understand what it is all about and its many layers of history. After being closed for five years, “The Hall’ needed someone dedicated to resurrect it, and that’s just what she did, and is continuing to do, almost a year later.
The 100 Men Hall was started by a group of African American men in 1894 during a time in which “dark forces in society” were working against them. Dangermond explains, “it became, for three generations in this community, an energy center.” Fast-forward to 2019, and “The Hall” is being shared with an even larger community and “continuing to make its history.”
An African American landmark on the Mississippi Blues Trail, The 100 Men Hall is located at the edge of the historic district at 303 Union Street across the tracks from the Train Depot. This non-profit raises “funds to preserve and maintain the hall.” It is available for rental for events, and there are always exciting activities being held, which can be found at thehundredmenhall.com.
The mission of The 100 Men Hall has three parts: the first, is to tell the story of “The Hall” and narrate its history, because it is “very important and unique to this area.” The second is to present live music. “We consider that a sacred act that the hall was built for” Dangermond explains. Music events are held often and always have a sponsor to help. In turn, these events contribute to community events that are always free, one of these being Open Mic Night, which is held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
The last part of the mission is to gather the community. “This hall was built for the African American community, and the African American community is very important to the history and the telling of the history of the hall, and is very important to our mission as well. However, it’s also important that we gather all the community from all different segments and all different areas under one roof.”
Community engagement is vital for the success of “The Hall.” Throughout her time of owning The 100 Men Hall, Rachel has had a lot of support. “I think everybody in this community loves this hall and wants to see it succeed” she says.
The 100 Men Hall is an “ongoing work in progress” which there are big plans for. Looking ahead for Labor Day weekend is “The Hall’s” first annual festival, Booker Fest, with everything being in the theme of James Booker.
For Second Saturday Art Walk on July 13, The 100 Men Hall will be hosting the Frida Fest after party. Alexey Marti, a Cuban percussionist and his Latin band will be playing, there will be Cuban food available for purchase, lots of costumes, and even more fun. The party begins at 9 p.m. and tickets are available in advance on the website, or for $5 more at the door. It is sure to be the “perfect wrap up for a big festival” like Frida Fest! Make sure to support The 100 Men Hall.
303 Union St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520 4153369543
When Rachel Dangermond bought the historic 100 Men Hall last July, she intended on using it to hold writing workshops in, until she began to truly understand what it is all about and its many layers of history. After being closed for five years, “The Hall’ needed someone dedicated to resurrect it, and that’s just what she did, and is continuing to do, almost a year later.
The 100 Men Hall was started by a group of African American men in 1894 during a time in which “dark forces in society” were working against them. Dangermond explains, “it became, for three generations in this community, an energy center.” Fast-forward to 2019, and “The Hall” is being shared with an even larger community and “continuing to make its history.”
An African American landmark on the Mississippi Blues Trail, The 100 Men Hall is located at the edge of the historic district at 303 Union Street across the tracks from the Train Depot. This non-profit raises “funds to preserve and maintain the hall.” It is available for rental for events, and there are always exciting activities being held, which can be found at thehundredmenhall.com.
The mission of The 100 Men Hall has three parts: the first, is to tell the story of “The Hall” and narrate its history, because it is “very important and unique to this area.” The second is to present live music. “We consider that a sacred act that the hall was built for” Dangermond explains. Music events are held often and always have a sponsor to help. In turn, these events contribute to community events that are always free, one of these being Open Mic Night, which is held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
The last part of the mission is to gather the community. “This hall was built for the African American community, and the African American community is very important to the history and the telling of the history of the hall, and is very important to our mission as well. However, it’s also important that we gather all the community from all different segments and all different areas under one roof.”
Community engagement is vital for the success of “The Hall.” Throughout her time of owning The 100 Men Hall, Rachel has had a lot of support. “I think everybody in this community loves this hall and wants to see it succeed” she says.
The 100 Men Hall is an “ongoing work in progress” which there are big plans for. Looking ahead for Labor Day weekend is “The Hall’s” first annual festival, Booker Fest, with everything being in the theme of James Booker.
For Second Saturday Art Walk on July 13, The 100 Men Hall will be hosting the Frida Fest after party. Alexey Marti, a Cuban percussionist and his Latin band will be playing, there will be Cuban food available for purchase, lots of costumes, and even more fun. The party begins at 9 p.m. and tickets are available in advance on the website, or for $5 more at the door. It is sure to be the “perfect wrap up for a big festival” like Frida Fest! Make sure to support The 100 Men Hall.
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Photo courtesy of The 100 Men Hall
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Bijoubel
136 Main st Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 2283443393
Bijoubel, owned by Melissa Hamilton, is a fashion boutique that sells fashion jewelry, clothing, and other accessories. In March, the shop moved to 136 Main Street.
Hamilton began her business inside of Century Hall, where she was for two years. She then moved inside of the Maggie May building for almost five years. Although she does miss the influence she had from the other shop owners whom she shared a space with in the past, Hamilton is enjoying the new location immensely.
Bijoubel carries Catherine Popesco and Marianna jewelry, both of which are made from Swarovski crystals, their own jewelry line which is called Ava Kate, Renaldo, which features a bracelet of the month and meaningful messages in each one, and My Saint My Hero.
They also carry Joan Vass, a high-end clothing line which they get closeout pieces and samples of. Nothing in this line is over $40, making it a steal.
“We’ve always tried to give affordable pricing” Hamilton explains. She likes the fact that mothers can feel comfortable going into Bijoubel with their daughters because they can afford to buy them something without guilt. Customers are also never afraid to tell Hamilton what they want.
Hamilton’s favorite part of being in Bay St. Louis is the people and the culture. “We can all come together and be a part of one community.” She also loves the fact that you can feel “free to be yourself.”
For July 13 Second Saturday Art Walk, Bijoubel will be featuring three local artists on the back porch of the shop and a live band in the back garden. There will also be Mexican food to go along with the theme of Frida Fest. Music is brought to you by Hancock Whitney Bank, The First, and The People’s Bank. Make sure to visit Bijoubel as a “hot spot” all month!
136 Main st Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 2283443393
Bijoubel, owned by Melissa Hamilton, is a fashion boutique that sells fashion jewelry, clothing, and other accessories. In March, the shop moved to 136 Main Street.
Hamilton began her business inside of Century Hall, where she was for two years. She then moved inside of the Maggie May building for almost five years. Although she does miss the influence she had from the other shop owners whom she shared a space with in the past, Hamilton is enjoying the new location immensely.
Bijoubel carries Catherine Popesco and Marianna jewelry, both of which are made from Swarovski crystals, their own jewelry line which is called Ava Kate, Renaldo, which features a bracelet of the month and meaningful messages in each one, and My Saint My Hero.
They also carry Joan Vass, a high-end clothing line which they get closeout pieces and samples of. Nothing in this line is over $40, making it a steal.
“We’ve always tried to give affordable pricing” Hamilton explains. She likes the fact that mothers can feel comfortable going into Bijoubel with their daughters because they can afford to buy them something without guilt. Customers are also never afraid to tell Hamilton what they want.
Hamilton’s favorite part of being in Bay St. Louis is the people and the culture. “We can all come together and be a part of one community.” She also loves the fact that you can feel “free to be yourself.”
For July 13 Second Saturday Art Walk, Bijoubel will be featuring three local artists on the back porch of the shop and a live band in the back garden. There will also be Mexican food to go along with the theme of Frida Fest. Music is brought to you by Hancock Whitney Bank, The First, and The People’s Bank. Make sure to visit Bijoubel as a “hot spot” all month!
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The Second Saturday Artwalk is brought to you by the Old Town Merchants Association and sponsored by Hancock Whitney, The Peoples Bank, and The First Bank with support from the Seacoast Echo.
To learn more about the Old Town Merchants Association, use the alphabetical list below. You can also search by category from the menu bar above.
 Click on the cover to open the tour now!
The Bay's Walking/Biking Historic Tour is proof in print that history doesn't have to be boring!
And now it's available in a nifty PDF version, so it can go with you on your phone! Click to open it up and get going right now! Look for an updated print version available free at various merchant locations throughout Old Town in the coming weeks! |
National Recognition
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In the June 2017 issue of Vogue Magazine, Bay St. Louis is featured in the article "A Summer Road Trip Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast". Share it with friends and business associates. To read the article in Vogue Magazine, click here!
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In March of 2017, Bay St. Louis was featured as one of Thrillist 13 Amazing American Beach Towns you can actually afford to live in. Explore Old Town and find out why!
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U.S. Solo Travel Destinations for women...
In March of 2017, Glamour Magazine named Bay St. Louis as one of eight cool, unexpected American destinations for women to consider for a solo travel destination. So start bragging!
Share it with friends and business associates. To read the article in Glamour Magazine, click here!
Share it with friends and business associates. To read the article in Glamour Magazine, click here!
BSL Makes "Best Of!"BAY ST. LOUIS WAS ONE OF ONLY TWELVE MISSISSIPPI LOCATIONS TO BE SELECTED FOR THE "OFFICIAL BEST OF MISSISSIPPI" FEATURE. NOMINEES UNDERWENT A RIGOROUS SELECTION PROCESS. SEE WHY WE WERE CHOSEN "BEST PLEASURE SEEKER'S PARADISE!"
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