1950s CARRAWAY'S CAFE MENU ~ MAGNOLIA, MISSISSIPPI

Updated September 24, 2026

AVAILABLE for SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP > Vintage original Carraway's Cafe menu from Magnolia, Mississippi, printed on double-fold cardstock and measuring approximately 8.5 x 5.5 inches overall when opened. The front reads ~MENU / Carraway's Cafe / Magnolia, Miss.~ and the interior presents an extensive à la carte menu representing the broad range of fare once offered by a small-town Mississippi cafe. Among the more notable selections are K.C. sirloin steak, spring chicken, Virginia ham steak, pork chops, lamb chops, liver with onions or bacon, numerous oyster preparations, shrimp, crabmeat, trout, mackerel, omelettes, cold meats, salads, sandwiches, cereals, fruits and preserves. Prices provide an especially interesting period snapshot, including a K.C. sirloin steak at approximately 80¢, hamburgers around 10¢, many sandwiches from 10¢ to 25¢, coffee, tea or milk at 5¢, pie at 10¢ and numerous substantial entrées priced well under $1.00. Based upon the typography, format and especially the pricing structure, a circa late 1930s to early 1940s date appears reasonable. The menu reflects a period when a full restaurant meal, including meat, potatoes, bread and beverage, could still be purchased for well under one dollar. Magnolia, Mississippi was founded in 1856 in connection with the arrival of the railroad and developed into an important Pike County commercial center and railroad town. Mississippi historic resources documentation notes Magnolia's rich collection of railroad-era commercial and residential architecture and records that the town once attracted visitors from New Orleans as a vacation and health resort. The menu survives as an appealing example of local restaurant ephemera and a period record of dining, pricing and everyday commercial life in early 20th century Magnolia. CONDITION REPORT > Perhaps typical and minor elements relative to age, handling and material ~ Overall, a rather well-preserved example.

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