File:Blue Ridge Grill.jpeg

Summary

This aerial photo is of the Blue Ridge Grill near Burkittsville from what appears to have been the 1970s, judging from the cars.

According to local historian, Jody Brumage: "It stood behind the house that is at the corner of Route 17 and Coatsville Lane. I think it was torn down around 2005, I remember the building still standing, though in very bad condition. Roscoe "Gene" and Mary Johnson lived in the house in front of the Blue Ridge Grill."

The grill was a popular gathering place for local residents and was a meeting place for the "Old Friends Club", a local philanthropic organization of Black veterans, who held social events there to support fellow veterans.

This property was owned at one time by Evon and Melvin Jackson.

Wayne Smith I played music there in the late 1960s. Wow let me think. Tim and Earl Jackson Herdie Monroe, myself. One other I can't remember put a band together and played there several times. I dont know if we had a name..lol.It was a throw together type thing. We played James Brown, Wilson Pickett etc. I remember doing an old slow song by Peaches and Herb called "For Your Love, i would do anything" and the dance floor would get packed.

(Photo courtesy of Jody Brumage)