Lamar County, Mississippi Genealogy and History

Pamela J. Gibbs,  County Coordinator

Everette Carr - State Coordinator     Bill White - Assistant State Coordinator

 Golden Anniversary Edition (1913-1964)

Submitted by Martin L. Varisco Jr.

MOVIE STAR

During the past half century, Mississippi has made great strides in industrial development.  The now famous Balance Agriculture With Industry program was one of the great programs, which helped industry locate in the state.

            Lamar County did not start its own program of industrial development until the late forties when Movie Star, Inc., manufacturers of ladies garments, was invited to locate a plant in Purvis, the county seat.

            Thus, Movie Star started its first Mississippi Plant in Purvis in 1949.  Since that time they have developed plants at five additional locations in the state: Poplarville, Ellisville, Magnolia, Collins, and Sumrall.

            In each of the towns, Movie Star plants have had the whole-hearted cooperation of the entire community, and in turn they have been responsible for a great deal of the towns growth.

            Plant officials are quick to praise the efforts of the civic leaders and businessmen in each town.  “They have been outstanding in the useful efforts to establish and maintain these Movie Star plants,” they commented.

            Local officials have developed a warm relationship with the many skilled employees, and Movie Star officials are grateful to them for their continued and openly expressed feelings of loyalty.

            Movie Star has indicated its active interest in Mississippi’s welfare by contributing to the local chapters of the Boy Scouts, Red Cross, churches, etc.  It has also established scholarship funds at many colleges.

            Movie Star has had payrolls totaling over $19 million in the State of Mississippi since locating in Purvis.  In addition, it has given its employees many welfare benefits such as paid holidays, vacations, and hospital insurance.