At this place: The BB Club—a landmark of Vicksburg’s cultural heritage

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The BB Club building, located at 721 Clay Street, stands as one of Vicksburg’s most iconic architectural and cultural landmarks. Originally founded in 1886 as the B’nai B’rith Literary Association, the club was established by members of Vicksburg’s Jewish community, Anshe Chesed, as a social and intellectual hub. In 1892, the group opened its first clubhouse, a grand structure featuring the city’s first indoor pool, a ballroom, library, and other luxurious amenities.

Tragedy struck in 1915 when a fire destroyed the original building. Undeterred, the association rebuilt, commissioning New Orleans architect Leon C. Weiss to design the Italian Renaissance Revival clubhouse that stands today. Completed in 1917, the limestone-clad structure featured ornate interiors, a mezzanine ballroom, and modern facilities that quickly made it one of the most admired buildings in Vicksburg.

By the 1960s, with a declining Jewish population, the BB Club was sold to the City of Vicksburg and served for decades as the police department and municipal courthouse. Restoration efforts began in the late 1990s after the city vacated the building, returning it to its former grandeur.

Today, the BB Club functions as a private event venue, hosting weddings, galas, concerts, and professional gatherings. With more than a century of history, the building is both a monument to Vicksburg’s Jewish heritage and a shining example of historic preservation.

The Old Court House Museum has an amazing collection of old photos taken in the Vicksburg and Warren County area. If you’re interested in getting an old photo printed for your home or business, contact the museum and they can make it happen.

Starting in 2022, Chris Bolm began to take images from the Old Court House Museum‘s photo collections and pinpoint their current locations and replicate the shot. Bolm named the series “Then and Now.”