I still have a few tomatoes clinging to the vines in my garden. There are plenty of green tomatoes that I should pick and use to make Green Tomato Mincemeat or Fried Green Tomatoes. That might come later. I’m clinging to the skirts of summer, pulling on the hems, begging it not to leave quite yet. There is so much preparation that has to happen before winter and so little daylight to do it all. 
Rather than dwelling on the melancholy of passing time, I’m going to grab another ripe tomato and make this salad again.
There is a movement going on right now called “Will It Waffle?”. In his book Daniel Shumski answers this question over and over to delicious ends. 
I believe this salad was created with a similar thought in mind, and probably before Mr. Shumski was even thinking about waffles. Everyone has had BLTs. There is that pleasure of biting into the crispy toast and having the tomato juice combine with the mayo as it drips down your hands. Saladizing the classic sandwich gives it a bit of elegance. You can serve it in a bowl, eat it with a knife and fork. It instantly becomes fancy food. It’s not just a salad, it’s a Panzanella.
Take one last bite out of summer. Find that last red tomato and make this salad. Fancy it up with a good loaf of Italian or French bread. Use your favorite bacon. Get out your fancy dishes and eat this salad.
I love, love, love this salad for all the reasons you mentioned, Ann. Besides all the emotions that it evokes, the taste is one that stays with you after the meal, and that’s a good thing. I had no idea it was a recipe from way back. I thought the BLT salad was a new “deconstruct an old comfort food”. shows what I know!
I don’t think it’s an indication of what you know. Food trends are all cyclical.
I love your description of “clinging to the skirts of summer.” And now I’ve learned about Will it Waffle! Had no idea……
Thank you!