Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area | Winter 2023 Newsletter

welc om e FROM OUR DIRECTOR "Echoes of Valor: Wartime on the Waterfront" Welcome to the Winter edition of "Echoes of Valor, Wartime on the Waterfront" where we embark on a poignant journey through the rich wartime history of the Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area.

We delve into compelling stories etched into the very fabric of wartime on the waterfront, we unveil tales of courage, sacrifice and resilience that have shaped our coastal heritage. WWII was a challenging time for women as they not only managed their households but also played crucial roles in supporting the war effort. Join us as we traverse through time, honoring the indomitable spirit of those who have left an indelible mark on the shoreline of our coastal history.

As winter sweeps through the coastal landscapes, let us not forget the valiant spirit of those who once graced our coastal shores, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come. Join us as we honor their memory and pay homage to the timeless valor that defines the Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area's wartime narrative.

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES Joe Spraggins, Executive Director Rhonda Price, MS Coast NHA Director Andrew Barrett, Heritage Coordinator Jeff Rosenberg, Heritage Coordinator RoxAnn Rankin Wicker, Communications Coordinator Joyce Hart, Administrative Assistant Marie Lewis, Administrative Assistant

U.S. SENATORS Cindy Hyde-Smith 702 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5054 Roger Wicker 555 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6253

Rhonda Price MSCNHA Director

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

THANK YOU!

A very special thank you to our contributors for this winter edition. We appreciate your willingness to share the historically cultural, naturally flavorful stories of the Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area. Your generosity helps tell our stories.

We would like to acknowledge: Mr. Tyrone D. Scott, 81st Training Wing Historian, for the comprehensive research and historical information provided by Keesler Air Force Base for the “Guardians of the Gulf” article on page 6; Megan McGee, “Torch Lit Triumph: The inspiring story of Vera Anderson,” page 12; Arianna Ryker, “SIP Paddle Rental,” page 18; Russell Barnes, “Crafting History and Sailing Through Time: American Girl,” page 21; Ray Bellande, “The Rich History of Westergard Biloxi Boatyard,” page 24; Mandy Lawrence Hornsby, “The King’s Daughters Lends a Hand In Wartime,” page 27; Bethany Fayard, “Innovation in the Shrimp Industry,” page 30 Recipe Contributions: Mary Alice Tillinghast (collection) for the Heavenly Divinity, pg. 35, Mary Alice Tillinghast (collection) for the Chocolate Fudge, pg. 36, Rae Rankin (collection) for the Cherry Glazed Christmas Ham, pg. 37, Mr. Brent Gauthreaux for the Louisiana Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons, pg. 38.

(DISTRICT 4) Congressman Mike Ezell 443 Canon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5772

Cover Photo, Biloxi Public Library, Walter Fountain Collection Back Cover, Pritzker Military Museum & Library Welcome, Mission, Photos Courtesy of Biloxi Library, Joe Scholtes Collection

our

MISSION

ENHANCE, CONSERVE AND PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY to cultural resources of a unique and defined area through identification, interpretation and promotion.

CREATE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES and serve as a source of pride. Providing increased awareness and appreciation of their environment, history, culture, traditions and lifestyles.

PROMOTE ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY of heritage resources that benefit the entire region and support the long-term enhancement and conservation of those qualities that make the six counties of the MS Coast NHA unique.

TELLING THE AREA’S NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT STORY to residents and visitors through activities and partnerships that celebrate the area’s unique history, people, traditions and landscapes.

Your MS Coast NHA is a partnership of communities, businesses, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and individuals who value the region’s rich cultural and environmental diversity, history, natural beauty and traditions.

CONTENTS HISTORICAL

2

NATURAL 17 Escatawpa River Blueway

32

18 'SIP Paddle Rental

LIFE 2

Guardians of the Gulf: Keesler Air Force Base, A Legacy of Training and Transformation

6

Bridge to the Moon: The Remarkable Life of Bill and Evelyn Edwards

INNOVATIVE

27 The King's Daughters Lends a Hand in Wartime

18

30 Innovation in the Shrimp Industry: Bethany Fayard's Vision for Sustainability

COMMUNITY

11 The Story of Pascagoula's Own "Rosie"

32 Cultivating a Legacy with the French Hermit Oyster Company, Anita Arguelles

FLAVORFUL

14 Pioneering the Wave of Change in Shipbuilding: Kari Wilkinson

35 Christmas Day on The Hill" at Brumbaugh

21 21 Crafting History and Sailing through Time: American Girl

11

24 The Rich History of the Westgard Biloxi Boatyard

35

H ISTORICAL

Historical | 1

Guardians of the Gulf keesler air force base

a legacy of training and transformation

Words by RoxAnn Rankin Wicker Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base

2 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

K

eesler Air Force Base in Biloxi has always held a special place in my heart. My daddy was away at Fort Polk, La., during his Army basic training while my mother was pregnant with me. Due to his training, he was absent at my birth, but my sweet grandmother phoned him the day I was born at the base to inform him of my arrival at the hospital. “Keesler,” as we locals call it, will always remain a valuable piece of mine, and so many others' history.

In January 1941, the city of Biloxi, nestled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, made a pivotal decision that would shape its history. As World War II loomed largely on the nation’s horizon, city officials extended a formal invitation to the U.S. Army Corps to establish a base to support the growing demand for military training. This offer included Biloxi airport, the old naval reserve park and parts of Oak Park, providing the space needed for a technical training school with a projected population of 5,200 people.

In March of 1941, the War Department promptly selected the offer from Biloxi. Furthermore, the War Department activated Army Air Corps Station No. 8, an aviation mechanic school, on June 12, 1941.

By August 25, 1941, this new institution would bear the name of the late Second Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler Jr., a native of Greenwood, Miss. Lieutenant Keesler had bravely served during World War I as an aerial observer assigned to the 24th Aero Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Service. He died from wounds inflicted upon him by the enemy in combat in France on October 9, 1918.

Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base

Initially allocated a budget of $6 million for construction and an additional $2 million for equipment, Keesler Army Airfield quickly proved to be a substantial endeavor. By April 1941, the projected cost had ballooned to $9.6 million, making it the most expensive government project ever undertaken in Mississippi at that time.

Courtesy of Biloxi Public Library, Joe Scholtes Collection

Historical | 3

Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base

Courtesy of United States Air Force, B-24

The first soldier, Captain Samuel Mundell, arrived in Biloxi on June 12, 1941.

Two days later a cadre from Scott Field, Ill., including a second lieutenant and 20 enlisted personnel reported to Captain Mundell. The community expected a technical training center with a student population that might reach 20,000 people.

Keesler surpassed these expectations by introducing not only a technical training center but also the Army's new substitution or basic training centers. Immediately Keesler's population nearly doubled.

During World War II, the basic training program at Keesler transitioned from a reception process to a four-week training program, where classifiers established each recruit's subsequent schooling. In September 1944, while the number of recruits had declined, Keesler's workload remained stable. Keesler began to process veteran ground troops and combat crews who had returned from overseas duty for additional training and follow-up assignments.

Basic training significantly decreased after World War II and concluded at Keesler on June 30, 1946.

Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base

In the middle of 1942, the focus shifted to technical training, particularly for mechanics servicing B-24 Liberator heavy bombers.

The school received its first B-24 in late September 1942, marking the start of specialized B-24 maintenance training.

As time passed, Keesler gradually became more progressive, even women began training at Keesler, and international students received aviation, personnel and electronics training there.

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Credit: Joint Base San Antonio

Notably, Keesler played a significant role in the training of African-American soldiers, including the Tuskegee Airmen, who influenced both the fight against racism stateside and the battle against foreign enemies abroad. By the autumn of 1943, over 7,000 African-American soldiers were stationed at Keesler Field, serving in countless roles vital to the war effort.

In late May 1947, the U.S. Air Force declared the relocation of its radar school from Boca Raton, Fla., to Keesler, officially arriving on November 14, 1947.

This move made Keesler responsible for directing the two largest military technical schools in the United States.

In September 1947, the U.S. Air Force became a standalone branch of the Armed Forces, leading to Keesler Field's redesignation as an Air Force Base on January 13, 1948.

Clockwise from top:Airmen Graduates, 1946; Keesler's Airplane and Engine Mechanic School taught B-24 Maintenance until 1945; Air Defense Training at Keesler; Tuskegee Airmen, 1st AfricanAmerican graduating class, 1944

Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base Courtesy of Keesler Air Force Base

Keesler's innovation continued in the late 1950s as it ventured into missile training, adding a ground support training program for the SM-65 Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile. By 1960, Keesler had earned a status for high-technology training, offering courses in radar, communications and electronics.

The base remained a necessary training hub through the 1970s, even as it faced challenges and changes in response to evolving military needs. Keesler adapted to the times by expanding its training programs, including those for air traffic controllers, and embracing new technology for training.

As the decades passed, Keesler Air Force Base has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the U.S. Air Force. From its modest beginnings as a technical training school, it had become a crucial and multifaceted institution, one that played a critical role in training the men and women who served in the Air Force and contributed to the nation's defense.

Keesler remains a cornerstone of American military preparedness and technological advancement. Today, Keesler Air Force Base stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence in training and service.

Note, this content would not be possible without comprehensive research and historical information provided by Mr. Tyrone D. Scott, 81st Training Wing Historian, Keesler AFB. Historical | 5

bridge to the moon The Remarkable Life of Bill and Evelyn Edwards

Words by RoxAnn Rankin Wicker

I

n a small town in Lineville, Ala., Bill Edwards grew up on a humble farm.

Little did he know that his life would take an extraordinary turn, leading him to serve in the Navy during the Korean War, become a mathematician, a teacher and, eventually, a crucial part of NASA's groundbreaking missions.

Today, at the age of 91, Edwards reflects upon his vibrant journey and the exhilarating moments that defined his life.

Recognizing that farming wasn't his true calling, Edwards made a courageous decision to enlist in the Navy after graduating from high school in May 1950. He landed in Illinois for boot camp and, while training for the Korean War, they sent him to an immediate fleet.

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First, he spent four months in Brooklyn, NY, at the Navy yard shadowing the ship’s journeymen.

Wherever the journeyman went, soon followed Edwards. Once the ship was ready, Edwards received his orders. He embarked on a four-month goodwill tour in the Mediterranean where he experienced diverse cultures and saw various ports. At the end of this goodwill tour, the crew was to make the violent, tremulous journey around “The Horn,” where the Atlantic and Pacific meet at the southern end of South America, to begin his service in the Korean War. As a maintenance mechanic responsible for auxiliary equipment, Edwards honed his skills while developing a deep appreciation for technology.

After completing his military service, Edwards pursued higher education, enrolling at Jacksonville University in Alabama.

With a passion for mathematics, he graduated as a skilled mathematician. However, job opportunities in his field were scarce then, leading him to embrace a teaching role until fate intervened temporarily.

Eglin Air Force Base, Aircraft Parking Apron, 1964, courtesy of EAFB

Edwards's expertise caught the attention of Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle, which offered him a contract position as a programmer. Starting with small problems, Edwards quickly proved his capabilities and progressed to the analog department, where he worked on frequencies and modulation. Through his dedication and rapport with colleagues, he seized an opportunity to apply for a position at the newly formed NASA in Houston, Texas, on September 19,1961.

NASA, 1961 Houston Attractions

In 1962, Edwards joined NASA and began his journey working on the Gemini project, specifically focusing on "low light optics." He eventually became responsible for overseeing all of the experiments. His significant contribution came during the Apollo 8 mission when he collaborated closely with James Cooley to solve the enigmatic "Pogo Effect." By isolating the disruptive frequency and breaking down white noise, they successfully resolved the issue, ensuring the astronauts' safety.

Aerial views of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, now NASA’s Johnson Space Center, under construction in December 1962, September 1963, and June 1964. Credits: NASA

Historical | 7

Apollo 11 Launch, Buzz Aldrin takes his firs step onto the surface of the moon, Aldrin poses with the American Flag on the moon, recovery of Apollo 11 by U.S.S. Hornet, Credits: NASA

The launch of Apollo 11 was a monumental moment in history, and Edwards was one of the remarkable individuals behind its success. The magnitude of the mission required the collective efforts of 12,000 to 13,000 people, whose dedication and expertise propelled the spacecraft off the launch pad. The excitement and energy surrounding the launch were electrifying, capturing the spirit of exploration which defined the era.

After an illustrious career that spanned decades, Edwards found himself at a crossroads when his professional journey came to an end in 1988. However, retirement did not dampen his spirit or his drive to make a difference. Bill turned his attention to historic preservation efforts and real estate acquisitions in the charming town of Picayune, Miss. Edwards’s decision to settle in Picayune was influenced by his wife, Evelyn, who was a passionate educator. She insisted that their only child, Vicki, attend the well-established schools in the area. Drawn by the sense of community and the potential for revitalization, Bill and Evelyn made Picayune their home.

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During their retirement years, the Edwards’ embarked on a mission to restore and renovate numerous historical homes in downtown Picayune. These buildings, once neglected and in need of attention, became the focus of their commitment to historic preservation. With meticulous care and a deep appreciation for architectural heritage, they breathed new life into these structures, preserving their historical significance.

Edwards’s unwavering dedication to saving and restoring old buildings earned him the prestigious Trailblazer Award, recognizing his pioneering efforts in historic preservation.

Similarly, his passion and commitment to the cause were acknowledged with the Covey Award, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the preservation of Picayune's heritage.

His and Mrs. Evelyn’s efforts made them true partners and trailblazers in the revitalization of their beloved community.

Today, Bill and Evelyn Edwards continue to reside in Picayune. Their tireless efforts have not only restored the physical beauty of Picayune’s downtown area but have also revived a sense of pride and appreciation for the town's history. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for others to take up the mantle of historic preservation, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to be cherished and shared.

Edwards' life is a diverse experience, from his early days on a farm in Alabama to his pivotal role in NASA's groundbreaking missions. His passion for knowledge, problem-solving and preservation led him on a remarkable journey. In retirement, alongside his wife, Edwards found a new calling in preserving the historical charm of Picayune. Their unwavering commitment to revitalization has left an indelible mark on the community, making them true guardians of its past and trailblazers for its future.

Bill and Evelyn Edwards' story serves as a powerful reminder that a life welllived is one that continuously seeks to make a positive impact, we are so fortunate to tell their story as pioneers of innovation.

As this article awaited publication, we received the heart-wrenching news that Evelyn Edwards had passed away. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Bill, Vicki, their family and loved ones. Evelyn will be greatly missed and her remarkable spirit that touched so many, her legacy will continue to inspire and remind us of the impact one person can have in their community.

Historical | 9

I NNOVAT IVE

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The Flame of Victory

The Story of Pascagoula's own "Rosie" Historical Newspaper, Opposite & Top Page Courtesy of Mississippi Maritime Museum, Pascagoula

Innovative | 11

P

robably one of the most iconic images from the home front of World War II in the United States is J. Howard Miller’s famous propaganda poster published in 1942. A woman in a bright red polka-dotted headscarf and coveralls flexes her forearm as she stares determinedly towards the viewer.

The words, “We Can Do It!” jump at the viewer from over her head. The famous poster would not get its designation as “Rosie the Riveter” until the following year, when Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb wrote a song by the same title, leading Norman Rockwell to publish his Rosie on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

The official inspiration for “Rosie” is reportedly Rosalind P. Walter, but many women who entered the workforce during WWII also inspired the spirit of Rosie. Women all over the nation stepped up to take the wartime production jobs left behind by enlisting men, most famously taking jobs as riveters and welders for warplanes and battleships. The women of Mississippi were no exception, rolling up their coverall sleeves as they entered the Pascagoula shipyards. Their hard work was not without recognition; the National Park Service recently designated Pascagoula a national World War II Heritage Site for its contribution to the war effort. The “Rosies” that tired under the shipyard cranes made this contribution possible.

Enter Vera Anderson, “former shirt factory worker, waitress and shoe clerk, the little 110-pound welder” from Sumrall, Miss. The daughter of a sawmill worker, Vera was no stranger to hard work. So, when a national competition to discover the best welder in the nation was announced, she stepped up to the plate. Vera first took home the title in May of 1943, beating out the West Coast Champion, Hermina Strmiska of Oregon Shipbuilding in Portland, Ore. She was just 19 years old.

12 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

The White House took notice of the welding competition, and Eleanor Roosevelt herself invited the champion and runner-up for tea in Washington D.C. In her column, My Days, Mrs. Roosevelt mentions the two women by name: “I introduced the two leading women welders of the country to the ladies of the press this morning. The champion is Miss Vera Anderson, and the runnerup is Mrs. Hermina Strmiska…The champion is an employee of the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation of Pascagoula, Miss.” According to local papers, Vera charmed the Capitol with her sweet and unassuming nature before returning to work in Pascagoula.

Vera Anderson, Photo Courtesy, HII Ingalls

Torch Lit Triumph The inspiring story of Vera Anderson Contributed by Megan McGee

From the collection: Photograph of Vera Anderson (right) and competitor, Edna Slocum (left), welding during the Second Women's National Welding Championship, January 29, 1944. Credit: Mississippi Armed Forces Museum

In January of 1944, Moore Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company of Oakland, Calif., challenged Vera again, claiming that her previous rival was not actually the West Coast Champion, but that their welder, Edna Slocum, was the rightful challenger for the national welding title. In advance of Vera’s second showdown, newspapers across Mississippi speculated if the fresh 20-yearold could hold her title and the pride of the Gulf Coast. Ingalls once again opened their doors to host the competition, and supporters of Vera watched with bated breath. The competition went on all day, but she once again pulled ahead, claiming her rightful place as the national welding champion for a second time. This earned her the pride and praise of her hometown and state, as well as another invite from the White House.

Vera Anderson instantly became an inspiration for women all over the United States as they grappled with their place in society during and following the war, especially the women of the Deep South. In her column in The Lexington Advertiser, Hazel Brannon wrote: “Vera Anderson is a far cry from the southern girl of yesterday…She is not content to stay home and wait for a husband to show up. She is interested in getting for herself a job, preferably an absorbing one, and standing on her own two feet self-sufficient and unafraid.” Vera did indeed meet her husband, Anselen “Mac” McDonald, an electrician, while working at Ingalls, but remained in the workforce as a welder until the end of the war. Her story appealed to the patriotism of the home front as women answered the call of wartime production, a completely new field of employment to them. In her entry in My Day about Vera and Hermina, the First Lady also wrote: “This is a new occupation for women, and that is why this competition was staged, I imagine. They probably need more women welders and so this should spur the ladies on.” To Vera, she was just doing her duty to her country to fill that need, but in doing so she became a symbol, one of the many women who embodied the spirit of “Rosie the Riveter.”

After the war, Vera took on the role of wife and mother, as did so many women into the 1950s. She did not get the chance to detail her experiences as a welder publicly until 1998, when Ingalls invited her and her family to celebrate the company’s 60-year anniversary. When women following wartime went on to answer a different call inside the home once more, the spirit of “Rosie” lived on. Many women looked to her and the workers who inspired her as the very first buds of second-wave feminism started to bloom in the early 1960s. She is still an inspiration to women in the workforce today. With the designation of Pascagoula as a World War II Heritage City, Vera’s story lives on as an homage to the phenomenal work of south Mississippi’s women as they stepped up in their own way to serve their country

Vera Anderson, 2013. Mrs. Anderson died at the age of 90 in Ridgeland, MS. Credit: The Post and Courier, The Sun Herald

Bibliography: Brannon, Hazel. “Through Hazel Eyes.” The Lexington Advertiser (Lexington, MS), Jun. 10, 1943.

Perez, Mary. “Welder symbolized women during WWII.” The Post & Courier (Charleston, SC), Nov. 16, 2016.

Roosevelt, Eleanor. "My Day, June 2, 1943." The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Digital Edition (2017).

“Vera Anderson Keeps Welding Title At Ingalls.” The Chronicle Star (Pascagoula, MS), Feb. 4, 1944.

(Top) Vera Anderson, the winner, holds the victor's cup. (Courtesy Oreg. Hist. Soc. Research Library), (Center) Vera Anderson accepts trophy, (Courtesy, HII Ingalls) (Bottom) Vera Anderson (far-right) poses with the "WENDY THE WELDERS," a moniker for women welders (Courtesy, Library of Congress)

Innovative | 13

Pioneering the Wave of Change in Shipbuilding:

Kari Wilkinson Words by RoxAnn Rankin Wicker

I

Kari Wilkinson, HII Executive Vice President & Ingalls Shipbuilding President Credit: HII Ingalls Shipbuilding

n 2008, my son Foster was six months old when I accepted a generalist coordinator position at Northrup Grumman, currently known as HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. For years, I dreamed of carrying on the legacy of my family’s careers at the shipyard. My grandfather worked as a burner and machinist for over 40 years, my grandmother worked for the U.S. Navy at Ingalls, my mother followed along in stride and here I was, working on “Carpet Row,” a title given to employees working on the executive row. During my tenure, I would often see Kari Wilkinson, who, at the time, was an engineer, reporting to various executive meetings on Carpet Row. She was always walking amongst the gents holding her own in the arena of progress and change coming to the shipyard.

In 1996, Wilkinson fearlessly ventured into a journey traditionally dominated by men - the world of naval architecture and shipbuilding. Since that pivotal moment, she has become a symbol of empowerment and gender equality in a masculinedominated field.

Hailing from the small-rooted town of Jensen, Mich., Wilkinson set her sights on a path less traveled. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, a testament to her relentless determination. Later, she further enriched her knowledge with a Master’s in Business Administration from Temple University, demonstrating that one can be both technically proficient and business-savvy.

Wilkinson's journey from being the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a stay-at-home mom to the pinnacle of shipbuilding leadership is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and the respect she holds for people. She learned the values of dedication and hard work while growing up in her home, values that have carried her through the peaks and troughs of her career.

Kari Wilkinson, HII Executive Vice President & Ingalls Shipbuilding President participating in a congressional tour of HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in April 2022 Credit: HII Ingalls Shipbuilding

14 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

Throughout her career, Wilkinson has been a steadfast advocate for progress. She's worked alongside shipbuilders at Ingalls in various capacities, contributing significantly to major shipbuilding production, events and milestones. Her journey within Ingalls saw her serve roles in engineering, business development and the creation of preliminary ship designs.

However, Kari Wilkinson's story is not just about personal triumph.

In April 2021, she ascended to a groundbreaking position as the first female President of Ingalls Shipbuilding. Her journey to this leadership role is a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers in her field. Each day, she carries the torch, for she understands the significance of her position. She is a testament that deserves a seat at the forefront of innovation and progress in this industry.

For Wilkinson, being the leader is more than just a title - it's a mission. Often, she recognizes her role carries a significant responsibility, not only to the organization, but to the larger purpose of shipbuilding - its shipbuilders. It's vital for her to honor their hard work and commitment, creating a sense of community within the Ingalls organization.

“When you look across the shipyard, it’s much bigger. Whether it’s a crew, whether it’s a program, whether it’s a ship, whether it’s an entire division within Ingalls, there are multiple layers of community.” Kari Wilkinson doesn't just build ships; she builds bridges between people and their shared goals.

In Kari Wilkinson, we find a true trailblazer and a symbol of empowerment in a field where gender biases have long persisted.

Her legacy isn't just about her own achievements; it's about the path she's paving for all future generations in shipbuilding and beyond.

As the first female President of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Kari Wilkinson stands as a power of change. Wilkinson understands that every ship tells a story, and continues to inspire and empower, showing that with determination and a strong sense of tenacious spirit, progress and hard work, anyone can rise to leadership and create a legacy that transcends gender.

"

Kari Wilkinson, HII Executive Vice President & Ingalls Shipbuilding President leading a tour for USMC Commandant David H. Berger during a visit in December 2022, Credit: HII Ingalls Shipbuilding

Whe n you look a c ros s th e s h i pya r d, i t’s m uc h bigger, wheth er i t’ s a cr ew , w he ther it s a progra m , w h eth er i t’ s a shi p, whet her it s a n en ti r e di v i s i on w i thi n In galls t he r e a r e m ulti p le layers of com m un i ty.

Innovative | 15

Photo Courtesy 'SIP Paddle Rental

NAT URAL

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T

o float the lower Escatawpa River is to experience exquisite natural scenery within one of the most biologically diverse watersheds in the country. One of three major tributaries of the Pascagoula River, the Escatawpa is unique in its proximity to the coast and its rapid transition between fresh and brackish waters that make up the lower reaches of coastal rivers.

Jackson County. Both creeks are mostly narrow but deep. Both start with beautiful cypress swamps on their banks, then narrow in such a way that the trees reach completely across the waterway making it seem like you’re in a tunnel. When the leaves are shed in the winter, this stretch becomes very spooky looking, giving one the feeling of a haunted forest. It is quite a sight to see.

The Escatawpa River Blueway is a 14.5-mile trail that begins in a large freshwater lake within the bottomland hardwood forest portion of the river where giant Bald Cypress, Water Tupelo and Atlantic White Cedar dominate the scene and dark, tannic (tea-colored) waters flow downstream around numerous “oxbow” bends in the river.

The third side trip is the longest. Little Black Creek empties into the Escatawpa River at a point two miles downriver of Shingle Mill Landing. Little Black can be paddled approximately ten miles up from its mouth making it a 24-mile round trip if the entire length is paddled from Shingle Mill Landing. Paddling times will vary depending on what point the paddler turns around. Little Black Creek also has the cypress swamps and overhanging trees where it narrows about halfway up, but it also has some marsh grasses. This creek is very deep in parts, starting at a general depth of 20’ to 30’ at its lower end and shallowing to 8’ to 10’ farther up. This creek is also generally wider than the other two creeks. REPORT ANY

From this upper third of the float, and still within the tannic water reach of the river, the influence of tides shifts the scenery to open, Sawgrass-dominated marshes with numerous, yet scattered, majestic Pond Cypress trees. The final third of the float transitions to more tidally-influenced marshes where higher salinity shifts plant life to Black Needlerush and more brackish water conditions. The endpoint of the Escatawpa River Blueway route connects with the Pascagoula River Jackson County Blueway in Downtown Moss Point the Riverfront Welcome Center.

Along the way, a rich diversity of bird life can be observed across this transition, including bottomland species such as Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula and Swallow-tailed Kite, with Osprey, Bald Eagle and a rich diversity of wading and marsh birds adding to the diversity that makes this watershed and region a premier destination for nature enthusiasts that want to see nature as it should be.

There are several unique and very interesting side trips that can be paddled from the blueway. The three best side trips start with Jackson Creek, which flows into Goodes Mill Lake at Presley’s Outing. Jackson Creek can be paddled for approximately two miles from its entrance at Presley’s Outing. The time required to make the round trip from Presley’s is one to two hours, depending on paddling speed.

Another side trip is Franklin Creek, which enters the Escatawpa River at a point about a mile downriver from Presley’s Outing.

Franklin Creek can be paddled for approximately three miles from its mouth at the Escatawpa River. Total paddling time for the round trip from Presley’s is two to four hours, again depending on paddling speed. The scenery in Franklin Creek is very similar to that of Jackson Creek, and is some of the most fascinating in

Natural | 17

Article and photos contributed by Arianna Ryker, Owner SIP Paddle Rental

I

n the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a unique woman-owned business venture known as Sip Paddle Rental has made a splash, quite literally, since its inception in March 2023. "Sip," short for Mississippi, is a business born from a deep love for the Gulf Coast region. Offering stand-up paddleboard rentals, Sip Paddle Rental delivers not just paddleboards but a gateway to the serene, wildlife-rich waters that make this area a hidden gem. The name was chosen for its simplicity and dedication to representing Mississippi. The business model involves quick and convenient “Delivered to You!” rentals, with options for a 6-hour adventure, full-day experience or multiple days. Sip Paddle Rental’s team can also suggest trails or special locations that will provide paddleboarders with unique experiences offered by Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Personalized lessons for first-time paddle boarders are also available.

Sip Paddle Rental's journey is one of connection - connecting people to the natural wonders of Mississippi's blue trails, those picturesque waterways that offer a different kind of adventure. This isn't just about paddleboards; it's about opening an affordable door to Mississippi's vibrant wildlife and serene landscapes. With a paddleboard rental, you may find yourself swimming next to local dolphin populations or gliding near the region’s elegant pelicans. The founder wanted to celebrate the Gulf Coast's waters for their intrinsic charm and the ideal conditions they provide for paddleboarding. It's about enabling Mississippians and tourists to fully embrace the beauty of their surroundings, from

18 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

the lush marshes and quiet, tranquil rivers to the vast Gulf expanse.

The business's simplicity is embodied in its mission to connect people with the outdoors in a serene and inviting setting, away from the bustling world, where the serenity of the area enhances the experience.

Sip Paddle Rental is not just about renting paddleboards and delivering adventure, it's about a pledge to the community and the environment.

The founders recognize that they're operating in an area with a strong sense of community and a passion for nature. This business is a way to honor and thank those who share their love for Mississippi's pristine waters and its stunning natural beauty. You may run into their team at any of the local community events like Paddle the Bay with a 5k, hosted

by Pass Christian’s Rotary Club.

As the business navigates its course into the future, it has set its sights on broader horizons. Their vision extends beyond just paddleboarding; they aspire to become certified "blue trails" advocates and hosts, promoting the idea of exploring natural beauty by way of water. They plan to be trained to lead nature tours, ensuring that these experiences are not just enjoyable but also educational. Currently, rentals are available from Waveland to Biloxi, but the geography they intend to cover is expansive, with aspirations to offer services to the whole Mississippi Gulf Coast.

But what truly sets Sip Paddle Rental apart is its commitment to the natural world and the local community. They plan to produce content that emphasizes the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's waterways, showcasing pristine rivers, marshes and ocean areas through social media and video content. Their involvement in local paddle-related events underscores their dedication to community engagement. This business isn't just about renting equipment; it's an invitation to explore, experience and embrace the stunning blue trails of Mississippi's Gulf Coast while supporting the local community and cherishing the wonders of the natural world.

‘SIP Paddle Rental is preparing to become an Outpost business for nature-based tourism. The Outpost program, developed by the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area for the nature-based tourism plan for coastal Mississippi, is designed to recognize businesses through the coast’s natural environment and take steps to protect it by fostering environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

To learn more about ‘SIP Paddle Rental, visit sippaddlerental.com.

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COMMUNI T Y

20 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

Crafting History and Sailing Through Time:

The American Girl, Courtesy of Frank Trochessett

American Girl Contributed by Russell Barnes

For many years, I have been researching Biloxi boat building, in general, and Biloxi schooners, in particular. For a long time, I have wanted to understand, more fully, the contributions of local boat builders and the importance of the schooners they built. One of the most famous local boat builders was Martin Fountain, Sr. Fountain was one of the “earliest and best known” shipbuilders in the area and this new schooner would only add to that fame and seal his reputation as one of the greatest builders on the coast. Fountain’s schooners were among the most beautiful boats produced by the local shipyards. I was very attracted to his schooner American Girl and compiled as much information as I could about her. Her history is very interesting and reveals a lot about her life and the changes that affected local fishing schooners in general.

In early 1900, the keel of a new schooner was laid at the shipyard of Martin Fountain, on the north side of the Back Bay of Biloxi, near the Jackson County line. Martin Fountain was an experienced boat builder, said to be tall, thin and with no formal education. He possessed a tremendous faculty for mathematics, allowing him to design and build beautiful boats despite being unable to read or write. Martin Fountain had been building schooners since at least the mid-1880s. In 1892, he purchased the property with a shipyard in mind. Each day, he walked out of his house and then across the road to his shipyard to work. His wife, Mary Elizabeth, cooked meals for him and his workers.

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The American Girl was completed in the mid-summer of 1900 for her owner, Jean Trochesset. On August 21, 1900, J.H. Espy, the deputy collector of customs and the acting surveyor came to the Fountain shipyard and admeasured the schooner’s hull to determine gross and net tonnage. Her register length was found to be 48 feet, while her register breadth was 16.9 feet, and her register depth 3.8 feet. Gross tonnage was calculated at 17.84 tons and net tonnage was 13.19 tons.

In the summer of 1901, American Girl raced in the annual regattas and won them handily. Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, Mobile, she out-paced every schooner in her class. In the wake of her multiple wins, offers were made to Trochesset to buy her, but he refused to sell. After that, local Biloxi boat builders were inundated with commissions to design and build a schooner that would beat her. In the coming years, she continued to win regattas each year until the coming of larger, faster boats in the next decade. The Trochesset family sold the American Original owner, of the American Girl, Victor Jean Trochesset Credit, Frank Trochessett

Girl to G.W. Dunbar & Sons on September 14, 1917, for $1,500.

That company sold it to Mrs. Sophie Desporte on November 8, 1917, for the same price. Mrs. Desporte sold the schooner to Ernest Desporte, Jr., on June 12, 1929, for an unknown amount. On February 17, 1933, the American Girl was changed from a schooner to a motor-powered vessel, her new document listing a 24-horsepower Lathrop diesel engine along with her schooner rig. Desporte sold the American Girl to Desporte Packing Co. on June 10, 1933, who then sold her to Charles L. Thompson on June 15, 1936. Two days later, the boat was transferred to Marko Skrmetta.

Side of the American Girl, Courtesty of Russell Barnes

22 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

By the time Skrmetta owned the boat, her schooner rig had been removed and she resembled a typical motor-powered fishing lugger. Marko Skrmetta owned the American Girl until early 1944 when he sold her to John W. Clark, of Clark Seafood Co. in Pascagoula. In 1946, she was sold to Henry J. Wilson who then sold her in 1947 to Homer Fritchie, the mayor of Slidell, La. Fritchie owned the American Girl until October 15, 1952, when he sold her to O. L. Hately, of Pascagoula, Miss. On February 3, 1955, Hately sold her to Joseph Hipsh of Bay Shore Seafood Co. in Fairhope, Ala., who then sold her to Malcolm I. Nelson of Bon Secour, Ala. in 1956. Nelson owned the American Girl for several years before leaving her abandoned in Bon Secour River in 1961. She was listed as abandoned there in 1962, ending her life, more than 60 years after she was built.

The American Girl after her schooner rig was removed and made into a motor powered vessel.

Courtesy of Phil Horn of Clark Seafood, Pascagoula

Over the past two decades, I have worked to create an accurate plan of the American Girl for a possible modeling project.

Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to build a model of the American Girl as a commission for one of Martin Fountain’s descendants. This is a very exciting project that combines my long-term historical research with my love of model making. The construction has recently commenced and I am looking forward to making more progress in the coming months.

Russell Barnes is currently working on a full scale model of the original American Girl, Credit, Russell Barnes..

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The Rich History of the Westergard Biloxi Boatyard

T

Contributed by Ray Bellande

he Westergard Biloxi Boatyard, Incorporated, known locally as the Westergard Shipyard, was chartered by the State of Mississippi in March 1941. Axel M. Westergard, Rockport, Texas; Rob Roy Rice Sr., Aransas Pass, Texas; and William P. Kennedy Jr., Biloxi, Mississippi were its founders. The shipyard was located on Biloxi’s Back Bay at the head of Lee Street and initially comprised about one acre with a Back Bay frontage. The Westergard Shipyard was one of the many military-industrial complexes that were created before America entered into World War II in December 1941 against Japan and the Axis Powers. Keesler Field and Gulfport Field, both US Army Air Corps facilities, were commenced in 1941.

This shipyard was created to build and repair watercraft for the US Maritime Commission, an entity of the Federal government, which funded and administered the largest and most successful merchant shipbuilding effort in world history, producing thousands of ships, including Liberty ships, Victory ships and others notably Type C1, Type C2, Type C3, Type C4 freighter sand tankers.

Biloxi boatyards

By the 1920s, the majority of Biloxi’s boatbuilding industry had been located to the Biloxi Peninsula with shipyards on Back Bay and Point Cadet. Back Bay from Lameuse Street to Oak Street featured ship carpenters like Fred Moran; Henry and Martin Fountain Jr.; Anson Holley; J.C. and Francis Brander; Jules Galle; the Frentz Brothers; U.A. Parker and the J.D. Covacevich family. On Point Cadet, the Toche Brothers, were the primary boat builders. Louis Gorenflo and Zona Carter on West Beach were building specialty watercraft on a small scale on land lots.

Navy Contracts

In early September 1941, the US Navy awarded Westergard Boat Works a contract to build two wooden vessels, both Submarine Chasers.

USS SC 650

Westergard launched its first combat craft, the USS SC 650, a 110-foot, Submarine Chaser, on April 30, 1942. Victor B. Pringle, Master of Ceremonies, related that this Navy vessel was the first combat ship ever constructed at Biloxi.

24 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

1943

On June 18th, Westergard launched its 2nd, composite oil barge. The $2,000,000 contract called for the construction of thirty oil barges to haul petroleum products from Texas-Louisiana to Jacksonville, Florida via the Intracoastal Waterway. The hydrocarbons were off-loaded to other barges for shipment to cities on the Atlantic Seaboard. The barges were 160 feet long, 34 feet wide, and 10 1/2 feet deep with the capacity for 6000 barrels

SC 651

1944

The Navy ‘ E ’ Pennant

Westergard Boat Works launched another 110-ft harbor tugboat on March 3rd.

Launched on May 14, 1942 in a low-key ceremony Minnie J. Cole Lawley [1879-1965], spouse of Frederick ‘Fred’ Damon Lawley [18781953], naval architect and superintendent of construction at the Biloxi shipyard.

Westergard Biloxi Boat Works was recognized by the 8th District Naval Head-quarters on several occasions for its excellence in constructing combat vessels and oil barges with efficiency and celerity. The Navy ‘E’ Pennant was sparsely awarded because of its high standards. At this time, only 16 companies of the US Navy's 174 defense contractors had received the honor.

On December 1, 1942, the Westergard Boat Works was recognized again for its excellence in building boats and barges. 8th District Naval Headquarters awarded the plant with the Navy ‘E’ Pennant with two white stars.

In late February, Westergard Boat Works launched the USS Pehewah, a 110-foot Navy tugboat. Miss Elizabeth 'Betty' Eileen Burns sponsored the vessel.

Collen C. Scholtes (1917-1996), wife of L. Joseph Scholtes (1917-1994), Westergard Boat Works employee, launched another 110-ft Navy harbor tugboat in March.

1945

Since October 1941, the boat yard had built for the US Navy: two submarine chasers-$300,000; ten mine sweepers-$4,000,000; and four harbor tugs-$1,500,000. For the US Army, the shipyard had built eighteen oil barges-$1,020,000. In addition, three, steel, trawlers were erected for the seafood industry-$25,000. During its almost four years of production, the facility had a payroll exceeding $4,000,000 and employed about 500-700 Biloxians who worked on construction contracts exceeding $7.5 million.

1947

Kennedy-Moran Enterprises Boat Works moved into the abandon Westergard Shipyard on Back Bay in October 1946 and had built 830 boats during its first year of operation. Moran had nine basic boat designs ranging in length from eight to seventeen feet. The Joseph Moran et al built boats were distributed locally

by Bel-Bru Sporting Goods at 112 East Howard Avenue.

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The King's Daughters Lends a Hand in Wartime Contributed by Mandy Lawrence Hornsby Life | 27

Response to Need:

King's Daughters Hospital, Credit: Biloxi Public Library

When thinking of women in wartime, particularly World War II, the popular propaganda of the time comes to mind such as posters of Lady Liberty for soldier recruitment and Rosie the Riveter. However, another group of women also answered the call for wartime service. Both men and women volunteer groups found themselves being needed for their regular service projects and in demand for wartime projects. The King’s Daughters, a Christian service group, was an institution on the Gulf Coast by the Pearl Harbor attack. The ladies found themselves in both need and tribulation during the war. Gulfport Circle member Mrs. Pearl S. Carley stated, “If there ever was a time in the history of the world when we needed to get together on the home front, this is the day. Our boys at home and abroad need our prayers, our faith and righteous endeavor.”

Early Years: Since 1886, with its founding in New York City, the King’s Daughters has focused on a mission-driven by Christian faith and service. It was originally the idea of Methodist minister Dr. Edward Everette Hale who envisioned a female counterpart to his Lend-A-Hand movement. Since the initial meeting, the organization quickly grew to 6,000 members and internationally by 1896. It is now known as the International Order of the King’s Daughter and Sons. The Mississippi Gulf Coast boasted some early and active chapters of the King’s Daughters, known as circles, to the organization. The What-So-Ever Circle in Long Beach began on April 12, 1895. The Biloxi Circle was active as early as 1898. By 1941, the Gulf Coast had four active circles of the King’s Daughters in Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach and Bay St. Louis. War demand would foster the creation of a fifth before 1946.

Original Biloxi Public Library, Credt: Biloxi Public Library, Chauncey Hinman Collection

Constructed in 1925, Biloxi Public Library, Credit: Biloxi Public Library.

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Community contributions: With the threat of World War II looming in the late 1930s, these well-established clubs found themselves needing to adapt. They operated essential services such as libraries and hospitals long before both World Wars.

The Biloxi Circle is credited with establishing the first free public library in Mississippi. The library opened in 1898 and then had to move to the Creole Cottage after a fire in 1900. The circle was not the owner of the library by 1942. However, the library had a named headquarters and meeting facility for the group. The war caused them to be flexible giving up their meeting space for the Red Cross and continuing their work out of members’ homes.

The ladies of the Biloxi Circle continued their usual work like clothing drives and Thanksgiving food baskets but added onto their duties with wartime efforts, like refugee mission funds.

New Chapter: Further west, the Gulfport Circle of the King’s Daughters, with the support of other circles on the Gulf Coast, had established the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in 1907 which included operating theaters. The years of World War II proved to be difficult for Gulfport’s King’s Daughters’ Hospital. Early in the war, the hospital operated a nurse's training program on the grounds, but as times progressed, the strain on facilities became too much. This resulted in the closing of the training program and further conflict. The interests of the doctors and the board comprising of King’s Daughters members were at odds by 1942. The doctors wished for administrative control over the hospital while the board argued ownership of the hospital belonged to the organization that started it. The hospital fortunately remained open for the community and this conflict paved the way for the facility to be donated to the City of Gulfport and Harrison County in 1944. The result of this collaboration was Gulfport Memorial Hospital.

End of an Era: The Bay St. Louis Circle also operated a much smaller hospital repurposed from a home. Even though not as King's Daughters Nurses, WWII, Credit: Biloxi Public Library expansive as its Gulfport counterpart, the Bay St. Louis King’s Daughters’ Hospital was the main facility for immediate medical care downtown even throughout the demands of wartime. The neighboring Waveland Circle began as a direct result of wartime demands. The circle began in June 1943 and quickly partnered with the Red Cross for wartime needs. Unfortunately, the circle dissolved after the war in 1946, donating their remaining funds to the Bay St. Louis King’s Daughters’ Hospital.

Whether it was entertaining soldiers with arrangements of white azaleas at the U.S.O. in Long Beach or folding bandages in Waveland, the King’s Daughters was in tune with their communities ready to lend a hand wherever possible.

Pear S. Carley. “Ask Unselfish Cooperation,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), April 6, 1943.

“A Brief History,” International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons, October 23, 2023. https://iokds.org/historian-corner/ “Forty-Fourth Anniversary,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), April 15, 1939.

“The King’s Daughters,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Dec. 5, 1898.

“King’s Daughters Hold a Group Meet,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), May 1, 1941.

Ray M. Thompson. “The First Call to Arm’s of the Biloxi King’s Daughters,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Oct. 18, 1961.

“King’s Daughters Meet,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Oct. 13, 1939.

“King’s Daughters Circle,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Oct. 16, 1943.

Charles L. Sullivan and Murella Hebert Powell. Mississippi Gulf Coast: Portrait of a People. (California: American Historical Press, 1999), p. 134.

“King’s Daughters Hospital Board Head Tells Side,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Jan. 30, 1942.

“County Board Accepts King’s Daughters Offer,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), June 27, 1944.

“Circled Organized at Waveland,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), June 21, 1943.

“Circle Disbands,” The Daily Herald (Biloxi, MS), Oct. 29, 1946.

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Innovation in the Shrimp Industry:

BETHANY FAYARD’S VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY Photos and contributions by Bethany Fayard, Co-authored by RoxAnn Rankin Wicker

B

ethany Fayard, a fourth-generation stalwart in the shrimp processing industry, stands as a model of determination in these challenging economic times. With a family legacy deeply rooted in the business, Bethany is on a mission to make wild-caught shrimp a marketable commodity, even amidst the adversities of a desperate economy. She recognizes the plight of local shrimpers who struggle to make ends meet due to fluctuating market demands and rising costs. To counteract this, Bethany is fervently working on strategies to keep costs down without compromising on quality, thereby ensuring both shrimpers and her processing business can thrive. As we delve into a conversation on history, innovation and sustainability, her charge to lead a progressive and transparent processing plant into the next generation is one of tenacious spirit.

RoxAnn Rankin Wicker: How do you feel the shrimp processing industry is progressing into the future of innovation?

Bethany Fayard: The shrimp processing industry is not a beacon of innovation.

One could even make the argument that it’s an industry stuck in the past. It’s where fax machines still hold a valued place in communications and where credit card processing salesmen quit calling – because shrimp are not bought or sold with plastic. The shrimp factory is a rare industrial setting in America that isn’t dominated by robots. It is still chugging along, with its gravity and water-fed machines that peel, devein and pack, the beautiful bounty of Gulf shrimp caught by the same families that have been shrimping our waters for generations. Our industry has historically been a male-dominated field. Vikki Jones, CEO of Fisherman’s Reef, is the only female processor in the country. Vikki took over the reins when her father died. I’m currently in line to do the same from mine.

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RoxAnn Rankin Wicker: Tell me about how your father, Earl Fayard, created this processing plant from humble beginnings to what we know as Ocean Springs Seafood.

Bethany Fayard: He took on Ocean Springs Seafood from his father, who actually took the reins from my great-grandmother, Elfine Fayard. I think Elfine was actually the first female proprietor in our business. That’s how it goes in this industry.

One doesn’t have a career ambition to grow up and start a shrimp factory. The question on my mind is will the American shrimp industry outlive my 74-year-old father?

RoxAnn Rankin Wicker: What is your opinion and knowledge on farm-raised, aquaculture shrimp and how it transformed production away from sustainability?

Bethany Fayard: “We need innovation within the American public rather than within the industry.

7% of the shrimp Americans eat are American.

Most come from climates that allow year-round aquaculture, which produces a significantly cheaper product than wild-caught. Shrimpers are tying up their boats because they can’t sell for more than their expenses. There is an abundance of shrimp in the Gulf. If having wild-caught, unadulterated, sustainable domestic shrimp is important to consumers, then their priorities need to change.

They’re going to have to care about food sourcing.

Americans must demand domestic shrimp and be willing to pay for wild-caught quality. There is nothing I’d rather do than grow our business, expand our market, innovate our processes and turn over the reins to my daughter in 20 years. I’m holding onto my faith in the American people that this could be a reality. Only time will tell.

Bethany Fayard & her father, Earl

In addition to her efforts in cost management, Fayard has taken it upon herself to educate the market about the potential dangers of some imported shrimp.

Fayard’s mission is to be a vocal advocate for transparency in the industry, making consumers aware of the risks associated with shrimp from overseas that may be laden with antibiotics and other impurities not found in wildcaught shrimp. By emphasizing the superior quality and safety of wild-caught shrimp from local sources, Bethany not only supports the livelihoods of domestic shrimpers but also promotes healthier choices for consumers. Her commitment to revitalizing the industry and ensuring food safety is creating a positive ripple effect that promises a brighter future for all those involved in the shrimp supply chain.

If your restaurant or distributorship would like to purchase wild-caught shrimp from Ocean Springs Seafood, call (228)436-0056 or email osseafood@yahoo.com.

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Cultivating a Legacy with the French Hermit Oyster Company, Anita Arguelles WORDS BY ROXANN RANKIN WICKER PHOTOS BY FRENCH HERMIT OYSTER CO

n the heart of the Gulf Coast, where the salt-kissed breeze mingles with the sound of oyster boats making their way dockside, an inspiring story of dedication and entrepreneurial spirit unfolds. Meet Mike and Anita Arguelles, the dynamic duo behind the French Hermit Oyster Company, a testament to their unwavering commitment to building a brand that provides a livelihood and advocates for the oyster farmers who cultivate some of the most beautiful, fat, brined oysters for half shell markets and bars in eight states.

I

Mike, a true "Coast Boy," would oftentimes bring sacks of oysters home to his wife. Anita, hailing from Memphis, is an outsider to the world of oysters. Her background in marketing and branding seemed worlds away from the saltwater-soaked traditions of this coastal community.

Anita, with a background as a content and brand manager, recently retired from the Roger F. Center for Ocean Enterprise and Academic Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi after 10 years of service. This experience would lend itself useful when she and her husband graduated from the off-bottom oyster aquaculture training program provided by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. They, along with 25 other farmers, embarked on raising oysters south of Deer Island.

The question of branding and marketing their product arose during a family night out at a restaurant where Anita, Mike, their daughter, Madison, and her husband, both architects, brainstormed the name of the company. The French hermit was the chosen moniker, a nod to the historical Frenchman, Jean Guilhot, “The Hermit of Deer Island,” who once lived on Deer Island, caring for the oyster reefs and protecting them.

The legacy of the French hermit oysterman aligned perfectly with how Anita wanted their brand to be uniquely identifiable – a commitment to community and the preservation of nature. It was a reflection of the values they held dear.

Anita's marketing and branding expertise came into full effect, shaping the French Hermit Oyster Company into what it is today. Her vision was to create a community of oyster farmers that removed the guesswork from selling oysters.

The commitment to building a brand and advocating for the oyster farmers who labor intensively in the Gulf Coast waters is the key driver to Anita’s dedication and commitment.

32 | Embrace Your Cultural Story

The company’s emphasis on responsible oyster farming has not only garnered attention but has also set it apart, thanks to Anita’s strategic vision.

Anita has built a brand that is not only reputable but also highly flexible. Her communication with other farmers on a daily basis is another cornerstone of her success. Maintaining close communication with her farmers, regularly texting them with quantities and orders from local chefs and restaurants, she says, “We don’t hide our farmers, we take pride in promoting them.”

Under the French Hermit Oyster Company brand, various farmers work together to grow and harvest oysters of consistent size and flavor, ranging from 2 3/4 to 3 inches, with a 1-inch depth. These oysters are not just sold for their quality and appearance; they are prized for their unique flavor growing them in coastal Mississippi's rich waters. “Our oysters perfect blend of salty, sweet, fat and buttery flavor make them a favorite with chefs all over the southeast,” says Anita.

By aligning the brand with the principles of exceptional quality and sustainability, Anita has cultivated a loyal customer base. A pivotal moment in their journey came when they partnered with Quality Poultry and Seafood, a major distributor in the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. This collaboration significantly expanded the reach of the French Hermit Oyster Company brand, ensuring that their delicious oysters reached a wider audience.

Anita has propelled the French Hermit Oyster Company. Creating not just a business model, but a signal of hope, a testament to the power of innovation and a shining example of how dedication can transform a community. Anita continues to be a driving force behind the brand, a tribute to the rich heritage of the Gulf Coast, where hard work and love for the coastal water come together to create something truly remarkable.

To learn more about the French Hermit Oyster Company, visit them at frenchhermitoyster.co.

Where You Can Buy

Quality Poultry & Seafood, 895 Division St. | Biloxi | 228.432.0444 Inland Seafood, 2527 Perdido St. | New Orleans | 504.821.4500 Evans Meats, 617 21st Ave. West | Birmingham | 205.324.6666

Where To Eat

White Pillars | 1696 Beach Blvd. | Biloxi | 228.207.0885 Vestige Restaurant | 715 Washington Ave. | Ocean Springs | 228.818.9699 Thirty-Two, IP Casino | 850 Bayview Ave. | Biloxi | 228.436.3000 See French Hermit Oyster Company on Facebook and Instagram for weekly lists of restaurants that feature French Hermit oysters.

Would you like to know more about the RESTORE Act Grant, Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Training Program?

Visit dmr.ms.gov/deer-island-commercial-aquaculture-park.

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FLAVORF UL

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Christmas Day on "The Hill " at Brumbaugh WORDS BY ROXANN RANKIN WICKER Christmas morning resonates for me, with the rhythmic sounds of the women in my family unfolding stories of our lives in my grandmother’s kitchen. The screen door slammed shut from multiple trips to “The Hill,” where my grandfather and uncles would be shucking oysters, and peeling shrimp under a shaded live oak atop the highest point of the 501 Brumbaugh Road property in Ocean Springs.

Amidst the warmth of shared laughter, my cousin and I would craft old-fashioned fudge and divinity with my grandmother, knowing all the while it would be hours before we could devour it, however, it did not deter us from sharing the remnants from the mixing bowl. With the readiness of Christmas supper, each succulent bite of shrimp, oysters, baked ham, and the sweetness of traditional treats transported our bellies and hearts overflowed with affection.

Christmas day was an annual rendezvous filled with flavors of laughter, memories, and love that tie us to our heritage and tradition.

Enjoy these recipes from my maternal and paternal grandmother kitchen’s, plus, a bonus from across the pond in Louisiana that we believe you will enjoy!

Christmas Divinity COLLECTION OF MARY ALICE TILLINGHAST Ingredients 3 large egg whites 4 cups of sugar 1 C. water ¾ C. light corn syrup 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ C. chopped pecans

Directions Divide egg whites in a mixing bowl and let come to room temp. for 30 minutes. Take parchment paper and line four baking sheet pans (15x10). In a heavy-duty saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil. When all sugar has dissolved allow it to bubble up. Use a candy thermometer to reach the hard ball stage of 250, if you are unsure if it is ready take a tiny spoonful and drop it into ice-cold water, if it forms a ball it is ready.

Beat egg whites on medium until tall peaks form. With a heavy-duty spoon, slowly add the hot mixture to the egg whites, continue beating on medium. Add vanilla.

Continue beating until all sugar mixture is added. Beat until it holds its shape, 4-5 minutes. Immediately fold in pecans.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets. Allow to stand in room temperature until dry to the touch. Store in an airtight tin until ready to eat.

Flavorful | 35

Christmas Fudge COLLECTION OF MARY ALICE TILLINGHAST

Ingredients 4 C. White sugar 1 can Evaporated milk 1 Tbsp. Whole milk 2 Tbsp. Vanilla 2 teaspoons Vanilla ½ C. unsalted butter cut into cubes 1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 C. black walnuts or chopped pecans Directions Grease a 9x13 pan and line it with parchment paper, make sure it overlaps, and set it aside. In an 8 quart pot combine sugar, vaporized mile, whole milk, and vanilla over medium heat, and stir constantly. The mixture will come to a rapid boil after approximately 5 ½ minutes. At this point, start a timer for two minutes and continue to stir consistently. Remove from heat.

Add butter and continue to stir until dissolved, add in chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate chips have melted and mixture is completely smooth. Fold in nuts. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly lined pan. Chill for 2.5 hours. Once chilled gently run a butter knife along the side of the pan to loosen the parchment.

Cut into small bite-size pieces and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

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Cherry Glazed Baked Ham COLLECTION OF RAE RANKIN Ingredients 5-7 lb. Fully cooked ham 1 can Cherry pie filling 1 C. orange marmalade ¼ C. Sherry flavoring ¼ C. Orange juice Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Score ham in cross sections and bake in large baking pan for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Pour any drippings in a mixing bowl. Strain pie filling and reserve syrup. Add cherries to the mixing bowl. Stir together syrup from pie filling, marmalade, sherry flavoring, and orange juice. Pour mixture onto scored ham. Return to oven and bake 45 minutes or until ham is done, basting frequently with glaze. Garnish ham with reserved cherries.

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Louisiana Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons BRENT GAUTHREAUX

Ingredients 6 mirlitons 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced ½ teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 (6 ounces) cans lump crab meat ¼ cup bread crumbs

Directions Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large pot, add water about halfway.

Bring to a boil. Add the whole mirlitons, lower to a simmer, and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes.

Remove the mirlitons from the water. Cut them in half, remove the seeds, and scoop out the flesh, creating boats.

Place the empty boats into a large baking dish. Move the flesh to a cutting board.

Roughly chop it up, place it in a bowl, and then set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the mirliton flesh, shrimp, thyme, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Stir and cook until the shrimp is pink. Remove the pan from heat, add in the crab meat, and stir.

Scoop shrimp mixture into boats and top them with bread crumbs.

Bake for 30 minutes and then serve immediately.

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Flavorful | 39

Phone: (228) 523-4150 | Web: msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov Email: Heritage@dmr.ms.gov | Facebook & Instagram: MSCOASTNHA