In the UK (where I was born) the name “Blue Ball” is often used for public houses (drinking establishments / hotels). I the old days they were often coaching inns where stage coaches stopped to drop off and pick up travellers. If the inn wanted the coach to stop to pick up a passenger they raised a blue ball outside the inn. See The fascinating history of some of our favourite pubs, including The Dolphin and Blue Ball Inn - Devon Live
Does this count as a zombie thread? I have new information not previously discussed. There is a Blue Ball, Arkansas over by Waldron in the Ouachita Mountains. How many of you can pronounce Ouachita correctly without looking it up first? I am sure that @Bekdawrek can. I think she lives pretty close to the Ouachita River.