In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, Caitlin tells Rebecca all about a magical place of summer fun in Memphis: Maywood Beach, aka the "beach within reach."
Maurice and Mae Woodson opened Maywood Beach (named after Mae, of course) on July, 4, 1931 at Lake Shahkoka in Olive Branch, MS. A team of mules dug out the lake bed, which was filled with water from an underground artesian water basin.
They trucked in tons and tons of white sand from Destin, FL. Finally, slides and other fun additions over time like picnic tables, barbecue pits, pavilions, a bowling alley, playgrounds, a snack bar, and a tearoom created a full-on beach and a waterpark on the Woodsons' 400 acres.
Commercials for Coppertone, hat contests, and concerts by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash (to name a few) quickly ensued. Oh, and yes, there's yet another Elvis connection in this episode!
But then Caitlin has to break the bad news to Rebecca... In 2003, the grounds closed in order to create a planned subdivision and gated retirement community. Then they call Caitlin's mom on Skype to ask her why she never took Caitlin to Maywood when she had the chance.
For full show notes go to memphistypehistory.com/maywood
Your Attention Please [Hiatus]
Zines 101 with Erica Qualy
Starring Elvis with Sheena and Savannah
TGI Fridays
A Rundown on Memphis Wrestling
Memphis Mansions
Memphis BBQ Part 1: A General History with Brian Crenshaw
The Shadier Side of Memphis with Neil Cameron
Memphis History in Bozwell + Lily
The New Madrid Fault Line
Finding A Place in History with Julie Mccullough
Clarence Saunders: The Man Behind Piggly Wiggly
Bonus Episode: Fallout In China
Ladies Night Part Two
WDIA: USA's First Black Radio Station
The Memphis Red Sox
Robert Church: The South's First Black Millionaire
Ghost Signs with Devin Greaney
Surviving the Bomb: Memphis' Famous Fallout Shelter
The Memphis Mafia
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