Preservation Mississippi: MiMo No Mo? The Sun-n-Sand in Downtown Jackson Needs Our Help

The iconic sign is a Jackson landmark
in itself

When R.E. “Dumas” Milner opened the Sun-n-Sand in downtown Jackson in October 1960 the age of the shiny new “motor hotel” was in full swing. In spite of major renovations at Milner’s King Edward on West Capitol Street, Milner sensed the transition in the popular mind from the formality of grand hotels like the King Edward to places more in keeping with the age of the automobile. Thus, the Sun-n-Sand was born. The name is a curiosity, best explained by the presence of another Sun-n-Sand in Biloxi on the Mississippi Coast. Never mind the absence of sand on Lamar Street, the hotel would be filled with a jaunty Polynesian tiki torch ambiance in keeping with the contemporary rage for all things suggesting the South Pacific.

Milner’s space-age motel came replete with meeting rooms with exotic names like the Polynesian, Bali Hai and the Kon Tiki. Its lobby and public areas were decked out in turquoise, pink and an almost lurid shade of orange. The rooms also featured turquoise draperies and shag carpet in colors ranging from rust brown to lime green. It was nothing if not colorful.

Perhaps best known as a second home to the members of the state legislature, the Sun-n-Sand’s siren call was cheap rooms and its proximity to the new capitol building, only a block away. The members of the House made their homes there while the House was in session. It became something of a club for them, even if more than a few legislators had to get their sustenance from the crackers and bologna thoughtfully placed in a corner of the lobby each night. These were the days before lobbyists had infiltrated politics to the extent that such simple fare would do. Not that the bright little coffee shop with its turquoise vinyl banquettes didn’t do a brisk business. It remained popular until the hotel closed in October 2001.

No “sandbox” for the politicos would be really successful without the presence of libations. The hotel didn’t have a bar until the legislature repealed the liquor laws in 1965. “Ye Olde Sandbox” was ready for them with a river of whiskey and umbrella drinks for all. Not that liquor wasn’t there before in abundance…the proverbial (and literally) smoke filled rooms were well-provided with liquor on the down low all along. The legislators hosted barbecue parties outside by the heated pool and nobody really minded the thin walls or the almost wondrously tacky decor. It was a sort of fraternity house for them and they were reluctant to leave when the place finally closed its doors.

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Jackpot Jackson Jury decides it takes a village, but not parents.

A Hinds County Circuit Court jury has awarded $4.7 million to the parents of two children who nearly drowned in 2007 in the swimming pool at the La Quinta Inn in Jackson. The jury found that the parents were only 15 percent to blame despite the fact that the parents left the 8 and 9 year old kids at the hotel alone. It's also important to note that the kids, who could not swim, were told by their parents not to go near the pool, but they disobeyed. It's also important to note that if not for the quick action of hotel employees the children likely would have drowned.

So, who's to blame, again?

$4.7M award in near drowning at Jackson motel


Motel blamed in swimming pool accident

A Hinds County Circuit Court jury has awarded $4.7 million to the parents of two children who nearly drowned in 2007 in the swimming pool at the La Quinta Inn in Jackson.

After a two-week trial, the jury returned an award of $5.6 million, affixing fault at 85 percent to the Inn and 15 percent to the parents. The percentage attributed to the parents reduced the award to the $4.7 million, said Ashley Ogden, attorney for the family.

"We hope this jury verdict will tell hotels that set up their own rules for safety ... to follow them," Ogden said Thursday.

The parents said in the lawsuit that the hotel was negligence. The crux of their case was that the gate on the fence surrounding the pool was supposed to be locked when the pool wasn't in operation - per company policy. The pool's operating hours were 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to court records.

Also, testimony during the trial established a self-latching device on the pool gate wasn't working, according to Ogden. Employees testified they did not lock the pool that night, according to the lawsuit.

Also, the lawsuit said La Quinta's corporate policy required the hotel manager, Dave Lehman, to maintain CPR certification, but his certification had lapsed.

La Quinta officials argued there was no duty to lock the pool gate during nonpool hours and that the children were not left in their care that morning.

Also, they said Lehman responded quickly to the emergency and helped saved the lives of the children.

Charlene Priester, one of the attorneys defending La Quinta, said no decision has been made on an appeal.

The near drownings took place July 30, 2007, at the La Quinta on Briarwood Drive. The children, ages 8 and 9, and their parents were staying there at the time..

The children were left at the hotel while their father, Robert Sproles Jr., took his wife to work at Central Mississippi Medical Center.

The parents said the children had been warned to stay away from the pool. Neither child knew how to swim.

Security footage from the hotel showed the Sproles left about 6:34 that morning. Sometime between that time and 7 a.m., the children ended up in the pool.

CL

Jackson among cities expected to make bid for SEC baseball tourney

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Five cities are expected to make bids to host the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament.

The league sent bid packages to Hoover and Montgomery, Ala., Memphis, Duluth, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., and Jackson, Miss., says SEC assistant commissioner Craig Mattox. Little Rock, Ark., also received one but said Monday it won't bid because its stadium doesn't meet the SEC's preference of at least 10,000 seats.

The tournament has been held in Hoover's Regions Park since 1998. It's set to remain there through next season.

Proposals are due Friday from other cities, but a decision could be months away.

It's the first time the baseball event has been opened up for bids.

Memphis, Duluth and Hoover all meet the 10,000-seat standard.

Sun Herald

Don't miss Arts, Eats and Beats tonight.

Join the excitement! Make your way to the Fondren district Thursday, April 8th, between 5:00 and 9:00 in the evening to welcome spring to Fondren! North State Street will be closed off between Duling Avenue and Fondren Place for our street party! Our event sponsors, Bancorp South and My Scoop will have tents in the street with surprises and goodies for all! And, be sure to stop by the Foundation tent to buy your 2010 Arts Eats & Beats limited edition t-shirt for only $10! The featured beverage this year from Southern Beverage is Budwiser’s Select 55.


And, at the Main Stage, under the canopy at Kolb’s Grand Cleaners will be our featured musicians! A plethora of artists will be at Duling School Shops with their fine works for sale. Our signature restaurants will have special offerings for this year’s event also. So much to do , so much to see, and one night only!