Monday, July 30, 2018

Matchbook Monday

It's time to stroll back into time because its Matchbook Monday.  Some true gems of Jackson's past are posted below.  Feel free to add your stories or any information about them in the comments section as you enjoy these blasts from the past. Readers can email copies of any old matchbooks to kingfish1935@gmail.com.   Enjoy.



First up is Blackwell Chevrolet's bicentennial matchbook.




Next up is the Bill Will Motel in Clinton.  It housed several restaurants over the years.




The owner died in 2006.


Here is another one of Paul's Restaurant on Highway 80.   The restaurant was owned by Paul Apostle, father of Nick Apostle. 




Although it closed a few years ago, the University Club is still remembered.



Has anyone noticed the Clarion-Ledger has started publishing flashback or historical articles?

22 comments:

Anonymous said...


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.

Kingfish said...

So?

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Louis LeFleur said...

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!

Burke said...

"So?" Good one, KF

Justice for Matchbooks said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Louis LeFleur said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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."

Anonymous said...

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.

THE Glenn said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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?

Anonymous said...

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.

Dean Blackwell said...

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


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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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