Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Leo Lesser Building
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. Leo Lesser Building Marker
The two-story building was constructed in 1909 by Leo Lesser and has been occupied as a clothing store, a ten-cent store, a hardware and furniture business, a doctor's office, an auto parts store, and in 1993 was the center for the Mississippi Gaming Commission in Northern Mississippi. The building also housed a restaurant, and the adjoining alley was used for patio dining during the late 1990s and into 2002. During World War II, the upstairs was used as apartments for the returning soldiers and their families.
Leo Lesser was one of Tunica's most colorful and questionable characters. He was a trusted banker in the community. In April 1913, he left Tunica with two million dollars of the bank's assets, leaving his family behind to deal with the disgrace. In 1924, he returned to Tunica and was met at the train by some of Tunica's favored sons, taken to court where he was forgiven, and was then given a party to celebrate his return. The prodigal son with immense charm had come home.
Erected by Tunica Main Street.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings
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Location. 34° 41.374′ N, 90° 22.991′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is on Main Street just north of Fox Island Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, at the left/south edge of the front facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1335 Main Street, Tunica MS 38676, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1317 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Hotel Marie (within shouting distance of this marker); 1251 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1249 Main Street (about 300 feet away); 1245 Main Street (about 300 feet away); Tunica Full Service (about 400 feet away); Lane's Barber Shop (about 400 feet away); Harold "Hardface" Clanton (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding Leo Lesser Building. Contributing property, Tunica Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 06000194.
From the National Register Nomination prepared byGene and Linda Ford (2004), and Richard J. Cawthon (2006 revisions):
2. Marker detail: Leo Lesser Building, circa 1910
Main Street and Edwards Avenue (originally East and West Edwards Street) are the heart of the historic district, located on either side of a broad median which was formerly the location of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad right-of-way. Commercial buildings line both streets. Brick sidewalks, curbs and landscaping accentuate the historic commercial area. Main Street and Edwards Avenue have consistently functioned as the commercial artery of Tunica since the founding of the town.commercial building, 1335 Main Street.
Two story, brick commercial building with flat roof of asphalt strips, parapet, sign panel, ornamental ventilators, storefront with central, double leaf, plate glass doors, flanking display windows, second floor with 1/1 double hung windows, with stone lintels, sills, surrounds, and brick quoins.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
3. Leo Lesser Building
The marker is mounted at the left/south edge of the facade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
4. Leo Lesser Building (northeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 166 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
