Page 43 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2020

JACKSON COUNTY
GAUTIER’S WILSON HOUSE
RENOVATION NEARS COMPLETION
story and photos by April Stennett
T he city of Gautier’s long anticipated renovation
of the historic Wilson House log cabin is near completion, with the cabin set to open as a welcome
center at the city-managed Shepard State Park.
The beautiful two-story cabin, which was built in the early 1920s by Walter Alfred Cox in Gulfport, has been part of a
three-phased project to create a warm and welcoming check- in center for the visitors and campers of Shepard State Park.
It will include a check-in center for RV and primitive campers, a general store for campers, classroom space for nature-based classes and workshops, and meeting space for a variety of city functions.
“This log cabin made of southern yellow pines has been carefully restored and fully modernized to create a beautiful space to welcome the many visitors to Shepard State Park,” City Manager Paula Yancey said.
“With the help of Tidelands funding, the city’s own bond funds, and legislative funding led by Representative John Read, our vision for this historic cabin has been made a reality,” she said. “We hope it will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.”
The original home site was approximately one mile north of Interstate 10 on the west side of U.S. Highway 49 in Gulfport. In 1993, the cabin was moved to Mississippi 57 in Gautier, and operated as a bed and breakfast before the owner donated the structure to the city.
It is believed to be the only two-story log home of its size and age known to exist on the Coast.
The cabin became known as the Wilson House after the Cox family lost their home during the Depression. Joel Pinson Wilson purchased it to use as a nursery business and operated it as Wilson Farm Nurseries.
The business was ultimately handed down to the only son, Clarke Wilson, and his wife, Marjorie Welch Wilson. Clarke and Marjorie were well known gures in their Orange Grove community and both were actively involved in local gardening clubs and numerous other organizations.
THE WILSON HOUSE before renovations.
THE HISTORIC CABIN will welcome guests at Shepard State Park.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
June 2020 | 43