LUCEDALE, Miss. (WLOX) — Lucedale is celebrating its 125th anniversary—a chance to bring attention to what makes the city special. That includes a landmark that’s been scratching backs for decades.
“There’s just no place like Lucedale, Mississippi,” said local historian Nancy Jo Maples.
Those who need proof of what makes Lucedale unique can look no further than a wooden post on the corner of Main and Mill streets.
“The scratching post in Lucedale is probably the most photographed spot in our town.”
First-timers and lifelong residents alike make the stop. Some are surprised they hadn’t done it sooner.
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“I’ve always lived in Lucedale and never scratched my back on the scratching post,” said resident Lindsey Varnadore.
For Maples, the post is more than a quirky landmark. It’s a gathering place—one that’s connected generations of Lucedale families before anyone had a camera in their pocket.
“This was the place to get your photo made before you had a cellphone with an old-fashioned camera or whatever you had to snap a memory,” Maples said. “This is the spot, and it still is today.”
The post was originally put up as a gimmick in 1939 to bring attention to P.P. Bailey’s insurance agency, which it sat in front of. A few years later, it was moved across the street to rest in front of Coffee Pot, a popular spot open 24 hours a day on what was a busy road with travelers on the way to the beach.
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“So many people would go on vacation to the beaches and word of mouth just got out about the scratching post,” said Maples. “Not only tourists were traveling by here, but also some very famous movie stars would come through here.”
These celebrities included Tennessee Ernie Ford, Tom Lester from “Green Acres,” Baseball Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean and even a future president.
“When Ronald Reagan was a movie star—long before he was president—he came through promoting his movies,” said Maples. “There were three theaters here at one time, and those movie stars would come through then head on to Mobile to promote their movies.”
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Keeping the scratching tradition alive means keeping the post itself in good shape.
“Every few years, it needs to be maintained with a fresh coat of paint and fresh lettering,” Maples added. “That is currently on the Arts Committee’s radar, to do that.”
The Bailey’s scratching post is still doing exactly what it was designed to do: stopping people in their tracks and giving them something to talk about.
“Not only should we keep it maintained, but we should carry this story forward for the future generations,” said Maples.
On Saturday, June 13, Lucedale’s 125th birthday and America250 celebration will feature a pilgrimage and family fair in the park. Residents like Maples will be telling stories in person about the scratching post and other landmarks.
The celebration will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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For more information, visit cityoflucedale.com.
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