Virginia Court - Meridian, Mississippi

Virginia Court - Meridian, Mississippi

Thirty Air-Conditioned units of charm, deep in the heart of the Magnolia State. Telephones, Television, Swimming Pool. Restaurant Adjacent. Located on Tom Bailey Drive, U. S. Highways 11, 80 and 45, Meridian, Mississippi. Mr. & Mrs. Ike J. Davis, Owners & Operators.

This is how the Virginia Court was advertised in travel brochures. 

Cities across the U.S. tear down old establishments for a more modern day business or parking lot. Here in Meridian it has happened more than the norm, perhaps, because the cost of renovating old structures and meeting with the newer city and county codes. My Mother paints a different picture, as her memory still serves her well, as she recalls the way Meridian once looked, long before the Interstate ran through South of Meridian, it was commonly known as Tom Bailey Drive. Meridian has long been a thoroughfare for incoming residents from other states, from the East to the West and back again. Many of the old 'motor courts' and 'service stations' have long been torn down, and made way for new hotels and convenience stores. 

A friend shared with me his finding of the lady diving into the Virginia Court swimming pool. She was sold back in the 90's when Meridian built Bonita Lakes Mall, Meridian Crossroads and Wal*Mart and their roadways. I must say, MS Virginia Court looks as lovely today as she did when she made her debut in Meridian - a true Southern Debutante from 1948.

Photograph courtesy Larry Lytle; Sign From Virginia Court Hotel, Meridian, Mississippi, (1948)

"MS Virginia Court" courtesy Tag Purvis! 2010 West Hollywood, CA USA

The original and she still looks fabulous!

A replica of the Virginia Court Motel Diver (1948) from the Meridian, Mississippi motel.