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BRIDGE CITY — It’s common for Mandy Lyda to get calls, emails and walk-ins from people wanting a map of Bridge City or information for employees.

This prompted the Chamber to ask for, and receive, the green light to add “visitors center” to their name and duties.

Lyda has been leader of the chamber for approximately three years and said it was a common occurrence to receive inquiries about the city.

Lyda said she went to the Bridge City City Council for permission to become a visitor’s center, and it was approved.

The victors center now has welcome bags for new people coming to the community that offer information on local businesses.

“We are encouraging people to shop local,” Lyda said. “We want everybody who comes to our great city and community to see what we have here in Bridge City.”

The chamber is located in what was once the Prairie View Teacherage, back when the city was named Prairie View. The building was donated by Bridge City Independent School District to the Chamber and dedicated in 1996, according to historical information.

The teacherage housed the principal and wife and unmarried schoolteachers who taught in the district.

Lyda believes the chamber is going to see more visitors when a historical marker is added some time in the future.

The marker is going to spotlight the site as a destination for history buffs, thus taking in another segment of people interested in the city.

The building/former teacherage was built in the 1930s.

Former chamber director and historian Charlotte Chiasson said the historical marker would likely be installed this year.

Chiasson, herself, began collecting historical items related to Bridge City that are part of the museum there.

A ceremony will be held at a future date for the marker installation.

— By Mary Meaux