Page 205 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

number of positive factors convinced Roxane and Dave Lance to relocate
to the Mississippi Gulf Coast after their retirement in Southern Ohio. But the decision was cinched when they saw the 1920s-era stucco house in the Mississippi City section of Gulfport.
Dave ticks off the reasons for moving here after the couple looked at places in Alabama and Florida, “property values, friendly people, view of the water.” Then Roxane sums it up, “And of course I
fell in love with this house.”
The charm and character of the house make it easy to love. Roxane added
her thumbprint with the
white exterior and bright
blue door — a look
that reminds her of
Greek island homes.
It’s believed the
house was built
in 1928 or ‘29 in a
development called
Gulf Shore Manor
in Mississippi City,
which was not part of
Gulfport at that time.
A resident who’s lived
in the neighborhood for
50 years says it was one of
the first areas to have sidewalks.
This neighbor also says famous
songwriter Irving Berlin was involved in the development of the neighborhood even though Berlin didn’t live here.
The Lances’ house was built as a guest house for a grander stucco house next
door, and if only the walls could talk! “It’s rumored that Ernest Hemingway stayed here,” Dave said. “Famous people probably did come here because they could get lost here.” >>
KEEPING THE 1920S AUTHENTICITY with arched windows, tile accents, original bookcases, oak oors and slightly wavy glass windows.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
September 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 205