100 Men Hall cuts ribbon to unveil new mural, renovations

BAY ST. LOUIS, MS (WLOX) - A historic building is once again making waves in the Bay St. Louis community.

Loud cheers could be heard Monday as the 100 Men Hall cut the ribbon on its newly renovated space, honoring the progress that’s been made on the famous music venue. Since Rachel Dangermond became owner nine months, she has spent large portions of her time revitalizing the space.

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Board members and residents in the community have commended her commitment.

“It is surreal, just to see someone as passionate and execute and put her heart and spirit,” said board member Gregory Barabino. “Coming from outside of this community, digging deep into this community and then just watching it flourish.”

That’s what this event helped do, said the hall’s new owner.

“Well I just think that we are bringing the hall back to life and it deserves to be back to life,” said Dangermond.

The ribbon cutting was initially held to honor the work Rachel has done at the hall, including the new murals on the side of the building that were recently completed. But she said there is no way she could have gotten this far without the support of the community.

“We have the best chamber of commerce of any city," Rachel said. "I would put ours against any major metropolitan city. They work harder for small businesses... So Tish Williams and Anne Petrie, they helped put this ribbon cutting together.”

More than 100 people packed into the 100 Men Hall for the ribbon cutting and to admire the new murals. It’s a site that Tish Williams with the chamber of commerce said she was thrilled to see.

“This means everything to us because it celebrates our heritage, our history, our culture,” said Williams.

After the ribbon cutting, the fun began. Two-time Grammy-nominated artist Cedric Burnside took the stage, entertaining the guests with his music.

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