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Pass Christian Historical Society
The Pass Christian Tour of Homes began in 1977
Historic District
There are more individual homes along the full extent of the Pass Christian Historic District which are listed in the National Registry, than any other community along the Coast. The original historic values of the "Pass" are subtly preserved from diminution and yet sustained in continued prominence. Many of the owners have "open house" during seasons of Annual Pilgrimages, thereby bringing back memories of its prime as Queen City of the Coast.
This is a reminder of a lifestyle which lasted for better than a hundred years. It was a way of life that thrived on luxury, peacefulness, and graciousness. The nostalgia for that lifestyle is still mimicked today. Many of the mansions have also preserved or restored the outbuildings which usually had a Garconniere, or servant quarters which in time were used as Bachelor quarters or Guest houses. Also predominant were gazebos and "Shoo-Flies". A shoo-fly was usually built around a large live oak for its shade and the platform was raised from the ground as much as ten feet or more in order to optimize the breezes off the beach and to reach above mosquito habitation levels. These platforms were decorated with a lattice facade and usually painted white.
This is where the livin' is easy. Where tea and mint juleps are specially proffered only to personal friends of choice. Where the enchantment of plantation life is manifested in continued glory. Where a persevering spirit for past heritage is mandated and upheld as inviolate. Where even the former newcomers and outsiders have adapted proudly to original Southern Traditions.
Pass Christian is also home to many of the Majestic Giant Live Oaks along the Coast. Many of these oaks, including magnolias, can be closely observed while driving slowly along tree-lined Scenic Drive. A large number of these Majestic Oaks are aged greater than 300 years.
The "Pass", citing from The Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Nola Nance Oliver states that, "God wafts the breath of this favored Southland to the frozen North to show them that summer lives. The thrifty inhabitants send the message northward in luscious fruits and fragrant blossoms that thrive all year on the coast. Here the treasures of earth, sea and sky abound."
The passive beauty of the area and the graciousness of its people emanates a spiritual grace filled with unshakable hope for each new day of adventure.
The "Pass" has its very own unique qualities. It is for this reason that so many have journeyed to make their quest. Many of the home owners access their dwellings only for week-ends or summer get-away facilities. However, much like tourists, the result is that they never penetrate past the facade. Only in everyday living and meeting the permanent citizens can one feel the fullness and rich beauty which is omnisciently offered. One need only visit the merchants shops, or dine at any of the restaurants, or inquire at any of the service offices; to find ingratiating owners and personnel eager to welcome a new person's advent as well as the everyday passerby.
Some say the Legacy of the "Pass" permeates a tranquility that no other community on the Gulf Coast can offer. Others claim the mystique of Pass Christian is imbued by its transcendental ambiance. Everyone affirms that there is an essence of feeling that is indescribably magnificent.
Click on Tour Dates or house numbers to view homes.
$15 adults, $10 children 12 and under.
The 28th annual tour celebrates the following East Scenic Drive addresses: 221, 415, 651, 849, 923, and 558 East Second Street.
Pass Christian Historical Society 2003 Tour of Homes & Tea, 1:30-5 p.m.,
$10 adults, $8 children 12 and under.
The 27th annual tour celebrates Pass Christian's West Beach which bore the brunt of Hurricane Camille.
Pass Christian Historical Society 2002 Tour of Homes & Tea, 1:30-5 p.m.
The 26th annual tour paid homage to John H. Lang, a former mayor, businessman,
and auther of the History of Harrison County, Mississippi.
