Fighting Words: Mayors Magee and Barker exchange barbs ahead of Lil’ Brown Jug game

"We will be victorious!” Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee told Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker during their annual Lil’ Brown Jug trash talk on Thursday morning.

Tomorrow night, the Laurel High School Tornados will square off against the Tigers of Hattiesburg High advancing the two cities’ historic rivalry – the Lil’ Brown Jug game.

On Thursday morning, Mayor Toby Barker wrote a letter to Mayor Johnny Magee to ask for his support in applying for a new zip code inside the old Camp School specifically for the Lil’ Brown Jug since its home was in Hattiesburg.

Mayor Magee responded to this preposterous request stating that it was ludicrous, unbelievable, and unreasonable. He suggested that those making the suggestions are likely experimenting with “powerful hallucinogenics” and should follow former First Lady Nancy Reagan’s advice and, “Just Say No!” Which is what he did to the request for support of a new zip code.

The full text of both letters may be read below. Photos accompanying this story are from October 2022 when Mayor Barker washed Mayor Magee’s car following the Tornados 50-0 victory over the Tigers.

Dear Mayor Magee,

I hope this letter finds you and the City Beautifulish doing well.

Our two communities have a long history of effective collaboration on legislative advocacy and economic development efforts. It is with this spirit of cooperation that I write to you today.

The City of Hattiesburg, in conjunction with the twice A-rated Hattiesburg Public School District, is beginning the formal process to apply for a new zip code. This zip code would apply to one building- actually, one room in said building – at 301 Mamie Street. This building known as the old Camp School, is now home to the Hattiesburg Public School District Central Office. We are applying for a new zip code for one of its rooms, specifically the room that perennially houses the Lil’ Brown Jug. (For security reasons, I cannot disclose the room in which it resides, given the events of 40 years ago when wayward Laurel fans stole the beloved prize.)

Hattiesburg High School has become synonymous with Lil’ Brown Jug dominance. It is therefore fitting that the room that holds it year in and year out, through good times and bad, have its own zip code.

AS you know, there are multiple criteria for requesting a new zip code. Clearly, the data favors a Hattiesburg-based zip code for the Lil’ Brown Jug, as eight of the past 10 games have been won by Hattiesburg. Furthermore, I’ll be in Washington, D.C. next week to meet with our congressional delegation on this matter.

I would very much appreciate a letter of support from you, the Honorable Mayor of Laurel, adding your voice to this important cause. I know your knowledge would carry considerable weight.

Some in your community might fear that the granting of permanent zip code status for the Jug in Hattiesburg might very well state the obvious; that the Lil’ Brown Jug is destined to stay in the Hub City. However, I believe our citizens would be open to visitation opportunities for the Jug to make and occasional trip to Laurel. We very much believe your younger citizens need to learn about the history of the game and the unique trophy that goes to its winner. I also realize that your city is in danger of losing that sense of history, particularly when it rarely stays in your community for very long.

With that said, I look forward to your response and your letter of support. I know that this is yet another cause on which we can work together, making a lasting impact for both our cities.

All the Best,

Toby Barker

Mayor- City of Hattiesburg

P.S. – Go Tigers.

Honorable Toby Barker:

It is always a pleasure to hear from the leader of our neighboring city down Hwy 59. Thank you for asking, the City of Laurel is getting along wonderfully.

The City of Laurel certainly congratulates the Hattiesburg Public School District on having twice being granted an A rating; this is a very worthy accomplishment, and one that the Laurel School District hopes to attain in the very near future. School ratings aside however, whoever is making this suggestion for the proposal of a new zip code for the old Camp School, is evidently experimenting with some powerful hallucinogenics. Speaking of the drugs that are definitely altering minds in the Hub City, and also this suggestion on the zip code, I have it on good authority that the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who by the way, has no time for such trivial matters, would respond with a phrase that our former First Lady Nancy Reagan gave us, “Just Say No!”

Whatever the misunderstanding was in 1984 about the jug being misplaced, that you claim was stolen, probably involved some of the Tiger fans who knew it was about to transfer hands and conveniently made it inaccessible to the Tornadoes.

The City of Laurel congratulates the Hattiesburg High School’s numerous victories in the Lil’ Brown Jug series and also acknowledging that eight of the last ten contests were won by Tigers. But, being a die-hard Saints fan, I am familiar with the phrase, “wait until next time.” Looking at the game from 2023, this game on Friday night, is next time. We will be victorious! One of the reasons for our confidence, is having on our roster one Tyler Miller, one of the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen, who we look to have an outstanding performance. I understand that the Tiger’s also boast having one.

Mayor Baker, Hattiesburg has some great things going on under your leadership, making it the envy of the Southeast. I would be receptive to offering up to ten letters of support for them City of Laurel, on any endeavor that you might undertake that makes any reasonable sense. Unfortunately, Mayor, the proposal of a zip code for the aforementioned building, does not rise to the level of believability. I must respectfully decline to participate in this ludicrous idea. I support you Sir, but this is just too much!

Much success in all your endeavors. Looking forward to your loss on Friday!

In Cardinal and Gold,

Johnny Magee

Mayor- City of Laurel