Tits and Balls

En route to New Orleans, we were lucky to stumble upon a tomato museum!  Unbeknownst to us, Crystal Springs, Mississippi (population 5,939) was once known as the “Tomatopolis of the world,” since so many tomatoes were shipped nation wide.  Crystal Springs is the highest elevation point on the railroad line between Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA, thus a reservoir was built to supply water to steam engines. After world war II, trucking became a more popular shipping route, and produce farming declined, thus Crystal Springs is no longer a “Tomatopolis.”

Although, we were too early for the much anticipated tomato festival, we did very much enjoy the museum.  A one room museum connected to a local art gallery, was staffed by a couple very friendly individuals.  Neatly arranged media and objects surround the room, highlighting tomato festival t-shirts from every year.  The museums collection consists mainly of historical documents, tomato-growing tools and machinery, in addition to tomato garb.  Unfortunately, there is little information about the tomato plant itself, or any human narratives about the tomato farming experience in Crystal, Springs.  However, it is a must-see if you find yourself on I-55 S just south of Jackson, Mississippi.

Note: Vitamins are known as “health givers,” and the most delicious way to enjoy them is in Campbell’s tomato soup.

Crystal Springs tomatoes were shipped under labels such as Crystal’s Pride, Blue Flag,  Magnolia, Red Robin, Mississippi Special, and Red Robin.