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Built in the 1840s, the Eola "Guest House" is home to the Mighty Martini Bistro.
Natchez Mississippi Presents THE Mighty Martini

 

 

 

 

 

Perched on the highest bluff north of the Gulf of Mexico, Natchez is the oldest settlement on the entire Mississippi river – older by two years than New Orleans.


First settled by the French in 1716, Natchez grew to become the first capitol of the Mississippi territory in 1798. In the mid 1840s Natchez became home to the Eola "Guest House", originally a one-and a half story Greek Revival townhouse.

Built on land purchased in February 1844 for $1,000 (by Samuel and Jane Newman), the Guest house resembled the nearby John Smith House, a brick cottage located on the corner of North Pearl and Jefferson streets.

The grandson of the first mayor of Natchez, Samuel B. Newman served as sheriff of Adams county, and founded the business of Stockman and Newman. Relocating to New Orleans in 1853, the Guest house was sold to Matilda A. Metcalf for $9,000.

In 1871 the she sold the Guest House to Jacob Ullman for $8,000. It was sold again in 1884 by Jacob Ullman's heirs to Bettie Jacobs for $7,250. The Guest House became the property of the Natchez Elks Lodge in 1900 when Bettie Jacobs sold the property for an undisclosed amount.

William Stientenroth, a local builder, was hired by the Elks Lodge to enlarge and renovate the building. Over the course of 1902-1903 the original half story was increased to a full second floor, explaining why the windows on the second floor are different from the windows on the first floor. Additional parts of the renovation include "modernizing" the fireplace mantels and door moldings to the Victorian era, the front pediment, and the four massive columns. Finally, a swimming pool was added where the courtyard (and the Mighty Martini Bistro) exist today.

When Poole Investments Ltd. purchased the building from the Elks in 1981 to provide a place with larger suites for their V.I.P. guests, they began an extensive renovation of the Eola Hotel across the street. The 17 new guest rooms were decorated with antique and period furniture, exquisite draperies, and wall treatments. Most of the antiques were purchased from local shops in the Natchez area. Several architectural awards were received by the garden courtyard area for its blend of antebellum architecture and modern convince. The guest house was sold again, separately from the Eola Hotel, in 1989.

A tornado caused extensive damage in February 1998. Severely damaging the slate roof, two of the large columns collapsed, while 48 of the 50 windows were shattered. Most of the antiques were strong, however, and survived the tornado with only a few scratches.

The Guest house was sold again in February 2006 to Mr. Rueben L. Harper, and Mr. Les Wisinger. In 2007, the property once again became the Eola Hotel's Guest house when Bob G. Dean Jr., owner of the Eola Hotel, purchased it. Truly dedicated to preserving the original architecture, style, and decor of the property, Mr. Dean brought many exquisite antiques and pieces of art from his own extensive collection. The Eola Hotel and Guest house together represent a setting which is Uniquely Natchez.