National Guard Old Armory - Amory, Mississippi

The National Guard Old Armory was built as part of the Works Progress Administration in 1942 to house Amory, Mississippi's National Guard Unit. The architect was N. W. Overstreet. Mr. Overstreet created four armory buildings for the WPA that were exact. Amory, Aberdeen, Starkville, and Meadville were the four cities to receive WPA National Guard Buildings created by N.W. Overstreet. The building has served many purposes throughout its long history. The Amory School System, City of Amory, Parks & Recreation Department, Veterans Service Office, Justice Court, Red Cross, and the citizens of Amory have used the building in the past. Amory's National Guard Unit used the building until the new Armory Building was built in 1975. The building has been used for offices, disaster relief locations, and of course historical entertainment. In November of 1955, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins came to Amory as part of a Country and Western Jamboree. This is when it is said the idea for the song "Blue Suede Shoes" was born due to a suggestion from Johnny Cash to Carl Perkins. In December of 1955, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash joined local artists to host another great show. In this show, "Blue Suede Shoes" was first performed for the citizens of Amory in the building where the idea was born. The National Guard Old Armory building is reborn itself. Through a remodeling project sponsored by a local foundation, the building has found new life. It will once again be used for what it was initially built - entertainment and community gatherings of many kinds! To rent the National Guard Old Armory, contact Bo Miller at the Amory Regional Museum 662-256-2761 or via email at bomiller@cityofamoryms.com. You may also get prices and availability from Bo.