'The Monastery' Arrives at Tallahatchie Flats



Tallahatchie Tavern at its final destination, Tallahatchie Flats.

A lot has been said about the Tallahatchie Tavern, also known as the Eastland Commissary, formerly known as the "Monastery," on The Delta Dirt in the past few days. In fact, it seems as though we could not get away from the old building. You will remember that I first encountered the "Monastery" yesterday, and Amy unintentionally ran into it today. So when I got a call from Les Shanks today announcing that it had arrived safely at its final resting place, I had to check it out.

The commissary, which was purchased from Eastland Plantation in Doddsville, has been on the move for the better part of the past two years. Although the actual transportation of the commissary from its original site to the new one only took a few months, there was a lot of work that occurred on the front end in order to ensure it arrived safely and in one (or two) pieces. All the planning and hard work paid off today.

The Eastland Commissary, more commonly known as Tallahatchie Tavern, joins six other buildings at the Tallahatchie Flats complex on Money Road near bluesman Robert Johnson's final resting place at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Although the original plan was for the Tavern to open in time for the 2009 Rhythm on the River music festival at the Tallahatchie Flats, its opening was postponed by complications in the moving process and several months of rainy weather.

Once reconstruction is complete, the Tavern will be home to weekend parties and music events. There is still work to be done, however. Everything from the roof, the floor, and the walls must be completely restored. In addition, modern amenities such as plumbing and electricity must be installed. Finally, a wraparound deck will be built onto the front and side of the original building which will allow for outdoor events to be held at the Tavern.

Slated to be finished in the coming months, Tallahatchie Tavern will be another addition to the historic sites and destinations in Greenwood and Leflore County. It will not only serve as a fun place to hang out and listen to the best of Delta music, it will also serve as the anchor for a place that gives residents and tourists a glimpse into what life was like at the turn of the twentieth century.

Interior photos of Tallahatchie Tavern can be found on our Facebook page (become a Fan today!) by clicking here. For more information, visit the Tallahatchie Flats website at www.tallahatchieflats.com.

Comments

Lise Foy said…
It is now and forever forward will be the 'monastery.' How funny!
7:39 PM
Anonymous said…
I am 74 and remember well growing up outside of Doddsville and being sent to "The Commissary" for items my mother needed to fix the mid-day "dinners" for my dad, six siblings, me, and whoever else happened to drop by knowing they would be welcome at the table. She always gave me a few pennies for a "treat" of candies that are hard to find these days. The smells of the commissary will forever remain with me...the oil put on the floor to keep the dust down, the smoked meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and many others that I could not identify.

To me, it will always be "The Commissary", not "The Tavern" and certainly not "The Monastary". To my knowledge, there are not any monasteries in the Delta.
11:55 AM
Thomas Gregory said…
Thanks for your comment, Ms. Breazeale! Your childhood experience with the commissary brings a much appreciated perspective to this historic building. The only reason I have referred to it as "the Monastery" is because that is the term the moving company used when describing it to me, which I described in "Tavern Headed to Tallahatchie Flats." I am aware that it is not a monastery, but wanted to point out the man's confusion in a tongue-in-cheek manner. If you have other memories of the Commissary, please feel free to add to these comments. Thanks again for your comment!
2:49 PM
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