Martinis at the Mortuary

Savannah is no stranger to spirits. Whether those spirits are the kind that “go bump in the night”, or the kind that reside on the “top shelf” of the corner bar, Savannah has you covered. And, well, what better way to experience some of those tastier spirits than from a decadently stylish hotspot located in none other than an old funeral home?

700 Drayton Street Restaurant, now part of the beautiful five-star Mansion Hotel, sits grandly overlooking Forsyth Park on the corner of Drayton and Hall Streets. This formidable red brick and terra cotta structure has adorned the landscaping of the Victorian District for more than a hundred and twenty years. Built in 1888 as a private residence for the Lewis Kayton family, the 17,500 square foot mansion would be one of Savannah’s grandest homes. But like a similar property, the Kehoe House on Columbia Square, this grand Victorian lady would become a funeral home. 

In 1953 the Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, one of the oldest operating funeral homes in Savannah, would move into the mansion at 700 Drayton Street, making it the headquarters for their undertaking services. The mansion would remain as Savannah’s finest mortuary for nearly 50 years.

Today the castle-like mansion at 700 Drayton Street houses one of Savannah’s finest restaurants. Boasting an intriguingly eclectic décor and a mouth-watering menu, 700 Drayton Street Restaurant is a sure choice for anyone wanting to experience Savannah’s finest dining. Another experience certain to please is Casimir’s Lounge, located within 700 Drayton. This trendy hotspot offers a rooftop patio overlooking picturesque Forsyth Park and serves up some of the best martinis in the Coastal Empire, including such delectable martini ensembles as the “candy apple” and the “pineapple upside down cake”.

If you’re looking to experience some of Savannah’s finest spirits, deceased or otherwise, a visit to 700 Drayton Street is a must. But be warned…if you order from the enticing menu, your meal will be coming from a kitchen once used as an embalming room. Bon Appétit!

The Owens-Thomas House

Designed by a young and inspiring architect by the name of William Jay, the Owens-Thomas House on Oglethorpe Square was completed in 1819 for Richard Richardson, a wealthy cotton merchant and banker. The Owens-Thomas House would prove to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America, boasting an indoor plumbing system that preceded that of the White House by nearly fifteen years.

The Owens-Thomas House is a true example of Savannah's most prosperous time--a time when "cotton was king". These times of prosperity would turn for the worst just a year after the home was built. In 1820 Savannah would suffer her greatest fire, destroying more than 400 homes and businesses between Bay and Broughton Streets. That very same year would witness the greatest loss to Yellow Fever in the city's history. This devastation would take a tremendous toll on Savannah's economy. Richard Richardson would in fact suffer great financial turmoil, culminating in the loss of his grand residence just three years after it was built.

The Owens-Thomas House would become a boarding house for approximately eight years, during which time it would host its most famous guest--the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero from France. During his historic visit in 1825, the Marquis would address a crowd of hundreds from the ornate veranda on the south facade of the mansion.

In 1830 the Owens-Thomas House was purchased by George Welshman Owens, Mayor of Savannah, for the sum of $10,000. The property would remain in the Owens family for the next 120 years. In 1951, upon her death, Margaret Thomas, granddaughter of George Owens, bequeathed the mansion to the Telfair Museum of Art. It has been a house-museum ever since.

Today visitors to the Owens-Thomas House are guided through this beautiful, early 19th century home. They are greeted by room after room of precious antiques and watchful family portraits--portraits whose eyes seem to follow you about the room, keeping careful guard over their beloved home. Some of the home's former occupants are believed to be lingering about the stately mansion. A gentleman dressed in 1830's attire has been seen in the front parlors. He has stood quietly in the corner observing  the home's visitor's, seemingly intent on their conversation, before he simply walks through the wall into what once was a guest room. Could this have been a former boarder that has remained well past his lease? Objects have been known to "rearrange" themselves, and furniture has seemed to have moved on its own accord at the Owens-Thomas House. Housekeepers have noticed a chair in the dining room being "pushed back" from the table which is set up on display with a period china setting. Perhaps a spectral diner had excused himself after a perpetual meal. These types of things will happen quite frequently, typical of a residual style haunting. Past events seemingly repeating themselves over and over.

Many folks have witnessed an elderly woman strolling about the beautiful English garden behind the mansion. She is seem wearing a gray shawl and large hat, reminiscent of that which was worn by the last occupant Margaret Thomas. In life Ms. Thomas was quite found of her garden and would quite frequently stroll about admiring it in the waning light of dusk.

For anyone visiting Savannah wishing to experience the true style and "spirit" of this charming city, a stop by the Owens-Thomas House is a must. Architectural enthusiasts, history buffs, and ghost hunters alike, will find themselves transported back in time, where Savannah's grandeur has been encapsulated within her gracious walls; and where it seems some of her previous occupants have lived on well beyond the grave.