As I continue the slow process of editing the RF photos, I’ll move onto a grander scope of conversation by discussing important places, people, and historical objects that I have encountered during this almost decade-long trek through my lenses.
One of the most interesting places in the Mississippi Delta is located in the town of Tunica–the Blue and White. A former Pure Oil Company gas station, the original building was erected in 1924, a new (and present) location rising in 1937. During the early years, the Blue and White included a tobacco and newsstand, a Greyhound bus stop, a full-service restaurant and service station. Since that time, the Blue and White has experienced WWII, operated successfully during the terms of over a dozen U.S. Presidents, and thrived throughout many other economic and domestic changes in both Tunica and the greater USA. Any good road trip includes places with yummy entrees and fixins, and the B&W does not disappoint, offering the southern staple of Fried Green Tomatoes, a Mississippi Catfish Hoagie (tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato on a freshly baked roll), the Big Blue Breakfast (two eggs (your choice), sausage, bacon or ham; toast, biscuit or donut; grits, hashbrowns or fries and one waffle/two hotcakes) and a ton of additional choices for hungry travelers. Whew, I’m getting hungry just thinking about all that food!
The restaurant is split into three areas–the central entrance, with both tables and booths, as well as a salad bar on the days they offer it. The central area also offers a look behind the countertop (with a few tall seats at the counter) into the window where the cooks create their magic. To the north of that is a slightly darker (but lit) large dining room with multiple tables able to accommodate 30+ diners. The opposite south bend offers booths where patrons can look out the windows as cars pass.
The Blue and White is definitely a must-stop as you begin your Delta roadtrip…still adorned in its original clean colors, stop by and give them a try–you won’t be disappointed. It is located at 1355 Highway 61 N.
Next time, we will talk about Jonestown.
