Hattiesburg City Hall to celebrate 100 years with public reception

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The 1920s are frequently referred to as the “Roaring 20s” due to the economic boom that took place following World War I. That was certainly the case in Hattiesburg.

With $100,000 in bond money and new infrastructure plans, city officials awarded the construction of the “finest municipal building in the state” to Contractor CO Eure after he won the bid for the job.

As construction began and progressed quickly, the community excitement was palpable. The local newspaper stated:

“‘(It) will be one of the finest municipal buildings in the state. The people of Hattiesburg are greatly interested in this new building, and the appearance of the City will be markedly changed at the corner of Forrest and Front streets when this building is finished.’”

Unfortunately, both then-Mayor TE Batson and Contractor CO Eure fell ill during the construction of the building and passed away in 1922 before the building was completed.

It was finally completed on January 19, 1923.

Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker issued a special proclamation on the 100th anniversary, January 19, 2023, but celebrations will continue with a public reception on Thursday.

The reception will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hattiesburg City Hall.

Barker will make a few remarks for the occasion, and visitors will be able to tour the facility with Russel Archer, the city’s historic planner. Historical artifacts of record will also be available for viewing.

The City of Hattiesburg invites former elected officials (and family members), city employees (past and present) and the general public to attend the free event.

For more information about City Hall, visit hattiesburgms.com/100yearsofcityhall

Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.