The Old Hattiesburg High School, 846 Main Street, is an 80,000 square-foot, 3-story brick building constructed in two periods, the first in 1911. The larger front portion was added in 1921 in Jacobethan architectural style. Architect Robert E. Lee designed the front addition of the building.

The 1911 section served as both junior high and high schools, continuing as a junior high until George L. Hawkins School opened in the early 1950s. This building served as the high school until 1959. The Public School District used the front portion as administrative offices for several years thereafter before selling it for commercial use. Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association bought the building in 2002 to save it from demolition. HHDA has secured grants and other funding to first stabilize, then rehabilitate the building, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Renovation for eventual use by the Southern Miss Department of Art and Design began in August 2006.

The Old High School is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Mississippi Landmark structure. It is located in the nationally and locally designated North Main Street Historic District, which installed a state historic marker on the site. It is significant to local residents because of its educational role and its rare architectural style and detailing.

Other Ornaments

Other ornaments in the series include the Saenger Theater (sold out), Main Street United Methodist Church, Hattiesburg Cultural Center (the Old Library), Hattiesburg Train Depot, Hattiesburg City Hall, and the Masonic Temple.

The Masonic Temple ornament cost is $10.00 the others cost $5.00 each.