MAY CONTAIN NUTS
HOME
 
JUMP TO PAGE   100  >  200  >  300  >  400  >  500  >  600
VINTAGRAPH • WPA • WWII • YOU MEAN A WOMAN CAN OPEN IT?

Klein's in Biloxi

Opening week, 1943: Klein's Restaurant was one of the most popular spots in Biloxi, Mississippi - and remained so for the next 20 years.  At the height of the postwar boom, Saturday night couples out on the town would line up on the sidewalk waiting for a table or booth – no reservations – It was strictly first come, first served.  Klein's was also the first restaurant in town featuring air conditioning - a blessed relief on those sultry Summer Gulf Coast nights. The art deco styling,  glass brick and stainless steel trimmed restaurant attracted locals, vacationing families and personalities.  One summer night, veteran actor (and original voice of Frosty the Snowman) Billy de Wolfe stopped by.  Unfortunately, it was after 10 p.m. and the place was closed for the evening!  Yes, Biloxi was one of those small towns that "rolled up the sidewalks" after dark!  In another 30 years, the adjoining bakery and delicatessen were demolished to make way for a new Federal Courthouse.  Ironically, today that same Courthouse is empty and derelict!

Opening week, 1943: Klein's Restaurant was one of the most popular spots in Biloxi, Mississippi - and remained so for the next 20 years. At the height of the postwar boom, Saturday night couples out on the town would line up on the sidewalk waiting for a table or booth – no reservations – It was strictly first come, first served. Klein's was also the first restaurant in town featuring air conditioning - a blessed relief on those sultry Summer Gulf Coast nights. The art deco styling, glass brick and stainless steel trimmed restaurant attracted locals, vacationing families and personalities. One summer night, veteran actor (and original voice of Frosty the Snowman) Billy de Wolfe stopped by. Unfortunately, it was after 10 p.m. and the place was closed for the evening! Yes, Biloxi was one of those small towns that "rolled up the sidewalks" after dark! In another 30 years, the adjoining bakery and delicatessen were demolished to make way for a new Federal Courthouse. Ironically, today that same Courthouse is empty and derelict!

On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5

Fiesta at the Fiesta

Knew Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast pretty well in the mid 80s when I stayed in Pass Christian to restore an old house on the beach for the Historical Register – during summer break. An 1880s era house that survived many hurricanes. It’s all gone now thanks to Katrina. Recalling a few hot spots in Biloxi like the Fiesta, fondly… their theme was “Fiesta at the Fiesta”. Too bad Klein's passed before then, would have loved to eat there.

Syndicate content  Shorpy.com is a vintage photography site featuring thousands of high-definition images. The site is named after Shorpy Higginbotham, a teenage coal miner who lived 100 years ago. Contact us | Privacy policy | Accessibility Statement | Site © 2024 Shorpy Inc.