Picayune Main Street recently released this year’s collectible Christmas ornament. This is Main Street’s 17^th year offering keepsake ornaments of historical significance to Picayune.

This year the ornament is based off a well known but now long gone business known as “The Clock.” In it’s heyday it was a popular station and cafe that operated in town for over 40 years.

The history attached to a building or landmark is a reminder of the city’s culture and complexity and preserving it is the only way future generations can come to know how their town came to be.

There are several other reasons why preserving the heritage and history of a place is necessary.

Firstly, a community’s pride stems from the history of the place. People typically associate their recollection of a town with an event or a place in the city, which resonates historical significance especially if they’ve been part of a historical event.

What’s a place without a past? History is meant to teach and inspire everything that has been associated and will be associated with the city, including its buildings and landmarks.

History encourages tourism and makes a community more attractive to would-be residents. Wouldn’t you agree Picayune’s downtown and the events held there resonate historic significance? The annual Christmas Parade, Street Festival, Veterans Day parade and Christmas on the Rails and Shop by Candlelight events are a testament to that.

Historical buildings and landmarks in the downtown area and across the entire county are assets taht we should care for and revitalize.

And it appears the community agrees. Picayune Main Street sees that each year as community members step up to help develop each year’s ornament that will act as a symbol of the town’s history.

That community involvement is proof that the city will thrive because of its beautiful past, and what we can expect to see in the future.