GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro was a popular destination for African American travelers who were not allowed to share the same accommodations as whites, including the same eating and drinking facilities, during segregation in America in the mid-twentieth century.
The "Green Book" was a publication that provided the names of safe places to eat, restaurants, and safe places to stop for black people when traveling and the Magnolia House was on that list and given a top rating during the late 40s and early 50s. As a result, they landed some big-time celebrities.
"Many African Americans of renown stayed here, including James Brown, Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Joe Tex, Carter G. Woodson, and Jackie Robinson. Also, many families of college students attending such schools as Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University stayed here as well," said current owner Natalie Pass-Miller, "The Historic Magnolia House also was a place for wedding celebrations and other formal gatherings and events."
Today, thanks to Pass-Miller, the house has undergone a huge renovation and has gone back to its roots as an inn and restaurant.
"Plus we want it to be so much more," continued Pass-Miller, "We are working on an on-site museum to keep the history of the Inn alive complete with artifacts from the time period."
The Historic Magnolia House (known by its formal name, the Daniel D. Debutts House) is on the National Register of Historic Places and if you are interested in dining or staying there, their website has everything you need.