LOOKING BACK: The T. A. Helgason House is known for its owners

Published 11:16 am Tuesday, April 1, 2025

This Queen Anne/Colonial Revival residence at 2520 Cherry St. was most likely built for Theodore and Julia Helgason in 1900.

Helgason owned a grocery store and later worked with his brothers in levee construction. He was also the vice president of Citizens National Bank and owned extensive real estate with his brothers. Helgason was elected an alderman for the City of Vicksburg and was hailed as one of the heroes of the April 1912 flood. He reportedly rescued 102 people by boat in the Delta during the disastrous flood that stranded hundreds.

Originally, the porch was two-tiered at the entry and one-story on the right corner. Between 1907 and 1913, the one-story L-porch was added on the left and the second-story porch was extended over the first floor on the right. By 1925, the current configuration of the porch was completed. The brick supports may also have been added at that time.

The Helgasons had two children, Theodore Jr. and Ellen (Derivaux). Theodore Sr. died Feb. 20, 1927, and Julia continued to live in the house with her son, daughter-in-law Eva, and her four grandchildren. Theodore Jr. was a real estate agent and a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He died unexpectedly December 18, 1949, at the age of 51. His funeral took place from the house. Julia died July 14, 1955. Following her death, the upstairs became an apartment and was listed for rent.