Jackson Jambalaya

With Jackson Jambalaya so good, why would anyone read the CL?

If the CL did run any historical articles, they would cater to the dominant demographic.

So?

Thanks for posting the history of the "Bill Will". I grew up in Clinton and I never knew.

@ 12:54 PM - I cancelled my CL subscription years ago, and do not miss it.

Blackwell Chevrolet. How long has it been since the dealership in that location operated under that name? Seems like eons now. Can't even remember how many different dealerships have been in that location since. As I recall, the Mrs. Blackwell that taught English at Millsaps in the 60's and 70's was the wife of the man who had that dealership, but I may have made that up.

If I ever knew, I'd forgotten there was a Bill Will on Hwy 80. Canton, yes, but I don't remember 80. Interesting that the matchbook says Jackson but the CL article says Clinton. When did the two city limits meet each other and was Bill Will located between?

We've already "done" Paul's and related in a previous Matchbook Monday post, so I won't rehash that here, but thanks for fond memories of The University Club. They had a good 36 year run anyway. RIP!

"So?" Good one, KF

Yawn. I want to hear about JPS, potholes, MDOT/Tater corruption and videos of trashy women fighting. Damn your matchbook hobby Kingfish!!!

Speaking of the CL and particularly their obit policy (since you ran Mr. Williams' obit): it is a shame that the CL now charges so much to run an obit. I believe that the charge now is $5 per LINE, which can really run up a bill. Before this change in policy, someone could affordably write a pretty thorough and complete account of someone's life, and throw in a few good stories or quotes. Not only was this enjoyable reading, but it really allowed for a good memorial to someone's life and a recognition of their accomplishments and what they added to our lives.

The matchbooks are reminders of Jackson places and buildings that once were -- great nostalgia mixed in with some good stories, history, anecdotes, etc. It's too bad that Jackson's most visible forum for obits has made it too expensive for the average person to present such tributes for people.

Loved breakfast at the University Club. It was a great way to start the day with a few co-workers.

Wouldn't doubt that $5/line, 2:31. My dad's obit a few years ago was over $1,000, which fortunately wasn't a problem for us, but was a shocker nonethelss. I guess papers these days have such limited revenue sources that they have to bleed dry the ones they have left. We still have a terribly over priced subscription at my wife's insistence, but she's slowing giving into the fact that she could get all she needs/wants online for a fraction of the subscription price. As soon as she lets me drop it, I'm sending donations to JJ!

The cost of obits, in a nostalgia thread, reminds me of an old joke told by Borscht Belt comics:

Mrs. Cohen calls the New York Times to place her husband Abe's obituary. She tells the obit person she wants it to say, "Abe Cohen died." The obit taker is a bit surprised and says, "is that all?" "Yes," says Mrs Cohen, "that's all." The obit person says, "well alright, Mrs. Cohen, but there is a minimum charge of six words for $2.00, so you can add three more for the same price." Mrs. Cohen thinks a minute and says, "Abe Cohen died, Cadillac for sale."

Mr. Harrell or was it Harreld? He was either Willie Billy or Billie Willy, from Canton; also had the Chevrolet Dealership. He updated his motel after the Holiday Inns Started opening,and his matchbooks. He was a successful business man but his dress locally would never have given him away. One of the many true characters from the tri-county area! Holiday Inns were the first truly standardized motels with strict inspections. They offered free ice, swimming pools, TV in every room, free local phone calls and all had a restaurant. Mr. Harreld even enlarged his sign to resemble Holiday Inn's.

Matchbook Monday is THE greatest service Kingfish provides. I'm biased because, born in 78, I only remember (mainly driving past) all these establishments as a hazy, sorta memory from my childhood. Just seems to me like everything was more substantial and customer oriented back in the 70s and early 80s. I remember as a kid, wanting to eat at the Green Derby, Lamplighter, Widow Watsons, get some of those delicious looking freezy drinks at the Brass Banana in Biloxi and hang out in a lounge with wood paneling and shag carpet. Much better than a shitburger in the "lounge" of a salesman hotel like a Hilton Garden Inn.

Here is an answer to two inquires. Mrs Blackwell at Millsaps was Mrs Blackwell from Clinton H/S. I had English and French taught by her in the mid 50's.

Mr. Harreld was known as Billy Willy Harreld. One of his sons died recently.

The University Club was great. One of the last places to have a dress code. We had our wedding reception there and it was fantastic. Unfortunately it went down hill from there. I believe the management changed and the quality of service and of the customers went down.

Anyone familiar with the Petroleum Club? I have heard of it but never have been there.

I remember the Petroleum Club well. It had better food than the University Club.

I believe the Petroleum Club is the Capitol Club. Back in the day members could go upstairs to the secret lunch buffet.

dad's office was on the 18th floor of what was then the IOF Forester building. we use to eat occasionally in whatever the club on the top floor was at the time (don't remember if capitol or petroleum at the time, but i think petroleum). however, the best lunches, especially for a 7 to 10 year old boy was when we would pick something up on the way (anything) and eat on the roof under the huge red letters and even sitting on the ledge. he had a key somehow. we had our own club up there, but never produced a matchbook.

kf, dad collected matchbooks for a while, and i have them. i will dig through them and see if there are any gems. he mostly collected them from around the country and world, but i would wager there will be some from around here as well.

Speaking of the IOF Sign that was visible from the Interstate, they hired a helicopter to fly it in for installation at the top of the building. Trouble was, they did it between 11:00 and Noon on a Sunday and St. Andrew's had to call and get them to wait until 12:30 PM. Fortunately, someone in the congregation had the correct numbers or we could not have continued.

I don’t think the Petroleum Club and the University Club were the same. In fact, I remember being at the UC once and someone pointed out where the PC was.

Can anyone provide more insight?

12:28pm....i dont think anyone said they were the same. the question is whether petroleum/capital are/were the same. university club was on the top of the deposit guaranty building. the capital club still exists as far as i know, but it may just be there so mattiace doesnt have to leave the building for lunch.

T.G. and Frances Blackwell of Blackwell Chevrolet were from Simpson Co. She was a housewife not a teacher. We had a Chevy dealership in Mendenhall before buying Ratliff Chevy in Clinton as the second point in Jackson. Dumas Milner Chevrolet which was located on South St, current site of the main post office, was well established . Blackwell operated the dealership in Clinton while building on I-55, opening in 1967. When you topped the hill at Northside Drive the only thing located on 55 North on the left side was a First National Bank (Trustmark) which located near us because Bob Hearin had loaned my dad the money to start the dealership. The land was all owned by W.P. Bridges. We were in business until 2003