Fishing season lasted from March through August. Come September hunting season started and most sports changed from Anglers to Hunters then. Nearby hunting clubs were $200.00 per year if you paid at all. Today these clubs' members are owners where you own the land, memberships averages $135,000.00 which gives you a percentage and $5000.00 per year dues. All that gives you what your Grandaddy paid $200.00 per year for in the 60’s.
Well the Cutoff probably drew 300 boats on a Saturday, all season. The rest of the time 150 boats per day.
Well, land owners saw nothings but dollar signs. he H & R Camp owners were an ole Timber family from the South Delta. These owners, who were making a destination out of the Cutoff, put in a small run way in the wood for fly-in business. The Cutoff airstrip can still be found today, but you had better wear boots, bring a machete, and find a veteran resident to guide you in.
Before the Casino’s came we always had gambling through slot machines. The money from these were used to build out the hospital. The slot machines were in the Blue & White, Watson's Cash Store, the City Barber Shop, and most groceries stores. In the hunting camps there was always a crap game on Saturday night. Poker could be had at the Ray Bar, and the Round House at Poor’s Camp, which still stands today.
The Cutoff started the ole saying, "What goes on behind the Levee, stays behind the Levee." No truer words were ever spoken. Lots of big businesses from Memphis had places at the Cutoff for entertaining.
The law wasn’t really allowed. It was called if needed, but otherwise we were off limits. This was where the well-to-do let their hair down, so to speak. They say it started in the 60’s until today, just that way.
The Cutoff has no status, we are all the same, rich or poor. We all love a good cold beer and a friendly fish fry.
Now the Cutoff for years had a stigma, but the flood of 2011 washed that away, except in some local folks memory. Still though, to this day when the police are called they generally come three deep. Legends die hard I guess.
I had a billboard on the highway. People would call and I’d give directions. 1 out of 10 would rent. After 2011 there was no one turning the place down. The biggest problem today is that some don’t have an RV, however rentals are coming next year.
We’ve got what everyone is looking for. It's the "a" part of "pair-a-dice" and we have both, paradise or a pair a dice. Mark Twain would feel right at home on the Cutoff today.
Safety, peace and quiet, pleasant, friendly, caring, or as we say laid-back. Increase your life span and move to the zone of tolerance.
This ad is sponsored by the Tait Tate Emporium (Wear some boots)
