This photo of Bob Christian standing in front of Ozelle's "Day and Nite Drive Inn" also shows the corner of Thomas Street the way it was before any service station was placed on the corners, and Cole's restaurant hadn't been conceived at the time, either.
A service station was built on the left behind Bob, and was operated by Mr. Buford Nanney. Later the corner to the right by the homes was used to build a Phillips 66 station, I believe, and was operated by a Mr. Nichols. Bobby Nichols worked there for quite some time.
However, the "cornerstone" of that area was Ozelle's. The food, loud music and crowds were prevalent most weeknights and certainly on weekends. Ozelle's stayed open on Saturday nights until the late show at the Ritz was over and some hungry folks showed up.
Photo from Ellen Mink
Great story. Thanks Ellen Ann for the photo and once again, good job Carl.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing this picture. The house in the background belonged to my uncle and aunt, William and Grace Cooper, (Jackie's mom and dad). I have a lot of fond memories of time spent there. Many years later the house was moved to 5th street and the Gulf service station was built on the lot.
ReplyDeletePhil C
In reference to the header photo, did anyone ever see Jimmy Rutherford ride his bike?? Can you see him speeding along sitting on the handlebars "BACKWARDS" I would'n even try it!!!
ReplyDeleteBest photo yet. I was wondering what was the occasion and if anyone knew. There weren't that many dress up occasions; maybe it was a sports banquet of some kind. Jimmy Ewell looks really spiffy as do all the others. Phil looks the "most likely to succeed" part. Bobby Tom and Mert were both good athletes and Jimmy was the speedster.
ReplyDeleteThe place they were dining in had to be something most of us wouldn't be used to at the time... check out the lit candle on the table. Definitely not Jake Lindsey's or any hamburger joint.
ReplyDeleteI think Scram Gentry had really neat dinners at his place on south Second Street on occasions.
There are three clues in the background of the restaurant photo. The man behind Phil is sitting in a folding chair, the shiny box in that same area (gum ball or candy machine, don't think it's a jukebox), and the faint letters at the top of the curtain "TER".
ReplyDeleteDon't you think Jimmy looks like Ricky Nelson?
ReplyDeleteThe balding head just behind Phil's ear looks a lot like J. B. Baker
ReplyDeleteI agree with Milton, that sure looks like J B at the ear of Phil. You can tell it's an upscale eatery by the plastic glasses and paper napkins. The table cloths are just dandy, not to mention the ten cent candle. The folding chairs are a nice touch also. With the curtains in the background...kindof looks like the stage of the Eastern Star hall.
ReplyDeleteOne thing for sure, if it was a school function and J B was there it was cheap !!!!!!!!!!
Yes, John M, I have seen Jimmy R ride his back backwards many times and back then, it seemed normal. He was very adgil.
Sorry if I seem hung up on the letters on the curtain (a bad pun), but I think now it's neon lettering in a sign, and it looks like "Terrace". Was that a restaurant in Tupelo at one time?
ReplyDeleteYou're onto something, Cynthia. The ? Terrace Inn or some such on Hwy 145 South (north side of Tupelo).
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