Utopia Lodge and Fish Camp, Mississippi

This is a picture of Utopia Lodge located on Old Highway 11 just south Of West’s Grocery near Vossburg, Mississippi. During the early 50’s, the Utopia Lodge and Fish Camp was owned by J.W. Barnett, Sr. At the time this photograph was taken, the facility was managed by Bob Siebels and his wife Tommie Loper Siebels. It was a great place for locals to unwind, and weary tourists on Highway 11 could stop for a good meal of fresh caught fried fish and have a good night’s sleep.  Once Interstate Highway I-59 was opened, travelers stopped taking Highway 11 and the Lodge went out of business.

The Home of J.W. Barnett, Sr. and his wife Myrtle Howell Barnett. This home and his grocery store were located just up the hill from the Utopia lodge going south on Highway 11.

Bob Siebels, Tommie Loper Siebels, Barbra Siebels, and a Big Bass - 1954

Dave Boney (the local gas man) with Mac McCormick (the Heidelberg druggist) sporting a typical day’s catch

A.E. Prine, of Heidelberg, MS

Many Thanks to Marsha Doll for these photos and information!

These pages are a work in progress. While every attempt has been made to include accurate historical information, some error may be included. I invite corrections, additional information, additional photographs, and accounts of personal experience. Please contact me at the supplied address. Very little has been documented in regards to the dying towns and landmarks of east-central Mississippi. With your help, I hope to put together a few pages that we all can pass along to our grandchildren. Thanks!

Keith Wilkerson

Return to Jasper Co. Pages