In its heyday, the Historic Magnolia House attracted some big names, including Jackie Robinson and Ray Charles.
It worked to develop a reputation as a safe place for African Americans during the days of segregation. Their effort paid off, and Magnolia House earned a top rating in the “Green Book,” a publication that gave the names of safe places for Black people. Now, the owner is trying to restore it to its glory days.
“We are working on an on-site museum to keep the history of the Inn alive, complete with artifacts from the time period,” Natalie Pass-Miller said in a recent WFMY newscast.
The museum is part of the renovations to the site. Pass-Miller also turned it into a boutique hotel and restaurant earlier this year.
She named many famous African Americans who stayed there years ago, including, in James Brown, Ruth Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Joe Tex, Carter G. Woodson, in addition to Charles and Robinson.
“Also, many families of college students attending such schools as Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University stayed here as well,” she said. “The Historic Magnolia House also was a place for wedding celebrations and other formal gatherings and events.”
The Historic Magnolia House is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by Daniel D. Debutts, and is sometimes referred to as the Daniel D. Debutts House.
