Brick Wall Painted on the Interior of Jacki Kellum Studios –about 20′ long and 10′ tall
From the first time I viewed what has become Jacki Kellum Studios, I was intrigued by the mural painted on the brick wall that is currently inside my new arts space. I immediately realized that this mural must have originally been painted on the outside of the building next to mine, and I began to investigate.
Diagram of Buildings on South Main in 1885
Note that in 1885, there is no building between the old Theatre [the old Opera House–which later became the Trusty Hotel] and the next building.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
It is in that empty space–or in that hole–where the building housing Jacki Kellum Studios was built later, sometime between about 1900 and 1935.
Because of this history, I have considered adding the words “hole in the wall” to the title of my business, but for many years, I have called the arts aspect of my business Jacki Kellum Studios, and my current space will house a gallery for my art. I’ll still call the arts portion of my business Jacki Kellum Studios.
I will also be selling books and curios in my new space.
Especially because of the quaint ambiance created by the painted brick wall, I considered naming the books/curios part of my business a curio shop, but because my space was initially a hole–or an empty lot– I have decided to name the books and whatnots aspect of my business: Hole in the Wall Bookshop and Children’s Book Nook:
The Hole in the Wall Bookshop and Children’s Book Nook will be open for business Thursday and Friday from 10-2 and on Saturday from 9-3, beginning September 4, 2025.
On Saturday mornings, I’ll host a free Story Time from 9:30 – 10:30. Story Hours Begin September 6, 2025.
Note that the Railroad Depot is directly across from the empty lot which later became the space for 26 South Main. Early in Water Valley’s history, the area around the train depot was a busy hub:
Cotton Sale Day in 1905
Also Note that there was no building on the empty lot in 1905. But by 1905, the porches and overhangs had been added to the buildings on each side of what has become my space.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
Currently, there is no porch overhanging my space, but I have been told that the porch will soon be added over my space.
The Hotel Trusty, after the space between the buildings was added at 26 South Main.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
The floor plan shows that initially, a door from The Hotel Trusty opened into what has become my space at 26 South Main. The other side of the interior of my space was initially the outer wall of the building next door. By 1956, the building on that opposite side of my space housed Elliot Furniture Exchange.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
During the early years of Water Valley’s history, the exterior side facades of several buildings were painted with advertising murals:
The above photograph was taken in 1905. Note the advertising mural painted on the brick wall of one of those buildings. This spot is a bit north of the area where my space is located, but the photo verifies that painting murals on brick walls was a common way to advertise in Water Valley during the early 1900s.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
By the late 1800s, the old Opera House was located immediately south of where my building was added later. The Opera House is circled in red. Later, the Hotel Trusty replaced the Opera House. Again, my space was built still later, in this empty area between two buildings.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
Advertisement for the Water Valley Opera House – 1903
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
The above advertisement mentions the Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans. Before the Orpheum Theatre was built, similar theatres were built and later burned in the same spot–twice. The earlier theatres in New Orleans were named the St. Charles Theatre.
The St. Charles Theater in New Orleans
Because of the Railroad and the Cotton Industry in Water Valley, Water Valley was both emotionally and physically connected to New Orleans.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
Early Railroad History in Mississippi – When Water Valley Was a Hub
Notice that the architecture of the St. Charles Theatre was very much like that of the buildings on South Main. When I first saw the old buildings on South Main in Water Valley, I commented that the architecture was a mix between New Orleans and Old Dodge City–a sort of rough and tumble look. It is important to remember that New Orleans began as a rough town constructed on wooden planks in the middle of an alligator-infested swamp. Many of New Orleans’ first citizens were prisoners and prostitutes. The fine French and Spanish structures came later.
By 1932, the Trusty Hotel had replaced the Opera House in Water Valley, and a building had been built on the empty lot. It appears that 26 South Main was initially part of the lobby of the Trusty Hotel.
It is safe to conclude that the brick mural on one wall of 26 South Main was painted before 1932.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
By 1956, the business in my building was Ingram Auto Parts, The Trusty Hotel was south of my building, and Elliott’s Furniture Exchange was north of my building.
Image Credit: Water Valley Mississippi History and Historical Preservation
Another Note about Canova Coffee: Canova Coffee was produced by the Murray-Cole Company, which was a company during the early 1900s in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is about 90 miles north of Water Valley. It is understandable that a Memphis Company would advertise in the thriving railroad town that Water Valley once promised to be.
Discover more from Jacki Kellum
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.