Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Tunica Full Service
1364 Edwards Avenue
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. Tunica Full Service Marker
Built in 1927 by Standard Oil Company, this full-service station was right on the main route of Highway 61 until the highway was rerouted in 1937. The station had several owners over the years; one of the owners in 1930 was Eudelle Newsom. Beginning in 1945 and until his retirement in 1990, the station was owned and operated by the late Bill Earnheart, Sr. of Tunica. The station offered full service at the pump, oil changes, tire repair, and other automotive needs in addition to serving as a used-car dealership until 1980. The services offered by the station were made more desirable by Mr. Earnheart's warmth and willingness to go the extra mile, helping his customers know how much he appreciated their business. After Mr. Earnheart's retirement, the building was continuously leased and operated as a service station for about ten years, until its last closing just after Mr. Earnheart's death in 2003. Though it sat empty for several years, the old business has new life once again. Chuck and Buckley Graves, a father-son team, bought the building and restored it to its original glory in 2009.
Erected by Tunica Main Street.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 34° 41.416′ N, 90° 22.923′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is at the intersection of Edwards Avenue (Old U.S. 61) and River Road, on the left when traveling south on Edwards Avenue. The marker is mounted at eye-level near the southwest corner of the subject building, facing Edwards Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1364 Edwards Avenue, 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: Leo Lesser Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1317 Main Street (about 500 feet away); Hotel Marie (about 500 feet away); In Memory of Lieut. John R. Stapleton (about 600 feet away); Lane's Barber Shop (about 600 feet away); 1251 Main Street (about 700 feet away); 1249 Main Street (about 700 feet away); 1245 Main Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding Tunica Full Service. Contributing property, Tunica Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 06000194.
From the National RegisterNomination prepared by Gene and Linda Ford (2004), and Richard J. Cawthon (2006 revisions):
2. Marker detail: Tunica Full Service, circa 1940
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.Pure Oil Service Station, 1364 Edwards Avenue, circa 1920s
One story, brick service station with hip roof of asphalt shingles, central wood and glass panel door, flanking 6/6 double hung sash windows, covered transom, cast iron support, two open garage bays.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
3. Tunica Full Service Marker
The marker is mounted near the right/south corner west faηade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
4. Tunica Full Service Station (west/front elevation)
The two original open service bays on the left/north side of the building have been fully closed and finished to create retail space inside.
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 160 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
