Jaco's Corner

Jaco's Corner. . , A landmark in the community, Jaco's Corner was the longest-running business in the Olympia Mill Village. Thomas Harris Jaco came to work in Olympia Mill in 1908 and wife "Bertie followed the next year. He left to create Jaco's Corner in 1912 at the end of the mill village, on the corner of Bluff Road and Rosewood Drive. Begun as a grocery store, it later turned into a popular bar. Jaco's Corner was a gathering place for mill workers and students alike. It was the site of the first gas station on this end of town. Mr. Jaco, like many before and after them, embodied the work ethic prevalent in the mill village. For over a century, the Jaco Family--Harris Jaco, Alberta Dunham Jaco, Dillard Jaco, Jake Jaco, and Janet Jaco Taylor- continued the tradition and operated a business on that corner., One of the most popular annual events at Jaco's Corner was the Cork Ball Tournament, started in 1978, and played in the back parking lot. Competition was fierce! People argued for hours about who were the best players. Ensuing years added catfish stew, fried fish, and even the crowning of a Cork Ball Queen. However, the Cork Ball game ruled the day as trophies and cash prizes were awarded along with bragging rights won until the next year's tournament. This tradition lasted for more than thirty years, and some Lintheads and die-hard Jaco's fans still enjoy rehashing details of those exciting games. Jaco's Corner closed in 2017., Cork Ball , Without many resources, kids invented numerous ways to amuse themselves. One game that often became quite competitive was a version of "stick ball that Lintheads called Cork Ball. It was played with a cut off broom handle and a fishing cork wrapped with tape. Basic rules involved two-man teams and tracking hits and runs. The pitcher had to flick the cork underhanded and batters had to swing opposite from their normal way. Advantages of this game were the readily available equipment, small numbers needed for teams, and games lasting only two innings that could be played during a short recess.