Located at 101 West 7th Street in Louisville, Georgia, the property once housed the historic Louisville Hotel. In the late 19th century, the hotel was under the proprietorship of a Scottish immigrant known for entertaining the neighborhood with his accordion melodies.
Tragically, in the early hours of December 14, 1899, disaster struck when the hotel was engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the blaze consumed the entire structure, leaving nothing salvageable in its wake. Fortunately, the hotel was insured, providing a silver lining amidst the devastation.
With the insurance payout of $1000, the owner opted to utilize the funds for the construction of a new residence on the site of the former hotel, symbolizing a fresh beginning following the heartbreaking loss.
The old Louisville Hotel once graced the landscape of Georgia. In the bustling 1890s, it was overseen by a Scottish immigrant proprietor who delighted the neighborhood with lively accordion tunes.
Tragically, in the predawn hours of December 14, 1899, disaster struck when a fire engulfed the hotel. Despite valiant efforts, the flames ravaged the building beyond salvation, leaving it in ruins. Fortunately, the foresight to secure insurance proved providential in the face of such loss.
With an insurance payout of $1000, the owner embarked on a new chapter, utilizing the funds to erect a fresh residence on the hotel’s former grounds—a testament to resilience in the wake of adversity.
In a fascinating turn of events, the 1940 census reveals Claudia Murphy’s occupation as “Tourist Home Manager,” with Waller Murphy listed as her “Assistant Manager.” For years, the Murphys operated a boarding house within their residence, offering hospitality to many. Following Claudia’s passing in 1963, the property remained in her possession until her death, marking the end of an era shaped by hospitality and community.
In August 1963, Hattie Mae Willie became the new owner of the property, acquiring it from the Murphy family for a sum of $6,500. Notably, during the 1950s, Hattie Mae Willie Smith had previously rented a section of the house, away from the street side, for herself and her teenage son. Following her purchase of the property, Hattie Mae Willie continued the tradition of renting out rooms and operating it as a boarding house, maintaining residence there until her passing in 1997.
Upon Hattie Mae’s death, the local telephone company expressed interest in acquiring the property, given their ownership of the adjacent lot. Their intentions, however, were clear: to demolish the house. This prospect deeply troubled Eve Perdue, one of Hattie Mae’s daughters, who couldn’t bear to see the family home destroyed. In 2001, Eve Perdue made the decision to buy out her siblings’ shares and take ownership of the house herself, preserving its legacy. Ms. Perdue resided in the home until her health declined in 2014, rendering her unable to maintain it. Consequently, the property remained vacant for three years until a family member purchased it in July 2017.
With a new owner at the helm, a comprehensive restoration effort was initiated, breathing new life into the historic property and ensuring its preservation for future generations
