Olde Pink House, 250 Years in the Making

History intertwines with tales of a rich history and whispers of the supernatural.

The Olde Pink House Restaurant, located at 23 Abercorn Street, is a beloved and historic dining establishment in Savannah, Georgia. Its story intertwines tales of rich history and whispers of the supernatural.

My night at The Olde Pink House transcended the realm of a mere upscale dining experience; it was an immersive journey that transported us through history. From the instant we crossed the threshold of the grand entrance to the final flourish of signing the check, every moment was imbued with a sense of historical significance. The ambiance, the architecture, and even the culinary offerings tell tales of bygone eras, inviting us to partake in a sensory feast that tantalized not only the palate but also the imagination.

We began our evening in Planters Tavern, located in the basement of the Olde Pink House, enjoying cocktails in this cozy, candlelit space that exudes a speakeasy vibe.

Downstairs at the Olde Pink House

The current manager, Craig Jeffress, says, “We honor our past through our food. Pickled watermelon rinds, a tradition rooted in preserving the food you can’t afford to waste, now garnish blackened oysters. Collard greens, the thick, leafy vegetation found and perfected by those brought here from West Africa, feature pork scraps to punch up the flavor. West African spices, an Asian-inspired seafood fry, and Madeira wine from the Portuguese islands have all found their way onto The Olde Pink House menu.”

Headquarters for Maj. General William Tecumseh Sherman during the Civil War

James Habersham Jr., the pioneering merchant and wealthy planter, built the original residence in 1771 on a land allotment the Crown of England granted. In 1811, a decade after his passing, Habersham’s halls became home to the vaults of Planters’ Bank, the first bank in Georgia. Later still, in 1864, the house became a military general’s headquarters for Union troops following Maj. Gen.William Tecumseh Sherman’s Civil War Siege of Savannah.

The ghost of James Habersham Jr., a merchant and wealthy planter, was the original owner of the grand mansion built in 1771. It houses the restaurant and is rumored to haunt its halls, adding an eerie layer of intrigue to the dining experience. I don’t believe I would have known about the ghost, but my husband and I were dining at a time when the restaurant was unusually quiet. We had a chance to talk with our waiter, who was eager to tell us all about it.

“The ghost of Mr. Habersham has been reportedly sighted with remarkable frequency within the restaurant's walls. Often appearing in the elegant Colonial attire he favored in life, he is most frequently seen enjoying a glass of ale, as if continuing the habits he enjoyed in his earthly existence.”

He adds, “Numerous restaurant patrons have reported sightings of Mr. Habersham's spectral figure seemingly watching over diners with great interest. It appears he still enjoys the company of those visiting his former residence, fulfilling the role of a gracious host even in death. Some guests have even recounted conversations with a man in Colonial attire, initially mistaking him for a historical reenactor, only to witness him vanish inexplicably, leaving them with a haunting story to share.”

The sightings of James Habersham Jr.'s ghost have not been limited to the restaurant's patrons. Since the building was converted into a restaurant in the 1930s, numerous employees have also reported encounters with the spectral figure. Interestingly, these sightings seem to occur exclusively between October and March, suggesting that even in the afterlife, Mr. Habersham prefers to avoid the sweltering summer heat of Savannah.

Employees describe the ghostly figure as a "pin-neat gentleman," with a penchant for maintaining order and tidiness within the restaurant. There have been accounts of him straightening table settings and meticulously arranging chairs, ensuring that everything is in its proper place. One employee even noted that if a server left their station in disarray, the ghostly presence would often restore order when no one was around, leaving the staff to wonder at the mysterious tidiness that greeted them.

Perhaps the most intriguing manifestation of the ghostly presence is the mysterious lighting of candles that adorn the restaurant's tables. It seems that Mr. Habersham, even in the afterlife, maintains a fondness for the ambiance created by the warm glow of candlelight. A waiter once recounted how, upon turning his back for a brief moment, he found that all the candles on every table had been inexplicably lit upon his return, their flames flickering as if by magic.

Other staff members have reported hearing disembodied footsteps echoing through the empty halls of the restaurant late at night, or feeling an inexplicable chill in certain rooms, as if an unseen presence were passing through. Doors have been known to open and close on their own, and objects have been reported to move without explanation, adding to the air of mystery that surrounds the Olde Pink House.

These stories continue to be passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring that the legend of the "pin-neat gentleman" and his ghostly presence will continue to haunt the restaurant's halls for years to come, captivating the imaginations of all who dine within its walls.

My favorite dish that evening was dessert. My husband and I shared their famous Southern Peanut Butter Pie.

Tides of Tradition

It will knock your socks off with its deliciousness. I researched and discovered their secret recipe in the Milwaukee Public Library Digital Collection. It’s now part of my recipe collection for Founding Members and paid subscribers. Tides Of Tradition is my section of the newsletter that says “thank you” for supporting this newsletter. Subscribe if you would like to receive special recipes each week. If not, thank you for stopping by and staying in touch. Love to all, and I hope you enjoy this special Southern Peanut Butter Pie as much as I did. Cheers!

Southern Peanut Butter Pie

The original recipe is from the Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia. I found this in the Milwaukee Public Library Digital Collection. Enjoy!