The Inn with the Big Columns

The Columns on Jordan in Shreveport

In 1870, a mule-driven streetcar line was opened running through Shreveport, from an area known as Park Place, and out to the then southern reaches of the city: Jordan Street. Here many fine homes were being developed and a street first known as Eastern Avenue was renamed Railroad Avenue; only at the turn of the century did it receive the name of Jordan Street. The Columns is located in one of the first new subdivisions begun in the area adjacent to Line Avenue and south of Silver Lake. Silver Lake was a long since separated remnant of the Red River and at that time was located approximately where I20 passes through this part of Shreveport today. During it’s 101 year existence, the mansion has changed hands several time. Built in 1896, the first owner on record was the Friend family. As told by Katharine Friend Piper, The Columns was a place she called home for several of the early years of her like. After her mother died, Katharine, her father, and her new stepmother moved into 615 Jordan. One evening in the early 1900’s, Katharine’s father and stepmother sent her next door to the Hughes’ house to play. What Katharine did not know was the reason for her leaving was to come home the next day to find a new baby brother. In fact, two boys were born in this house: Katharine’s half-brothers Robert and Milton. The Friend family lived there until 1905. In 1906, The Columns on Jordan was sold to Dr. CC McCloud. Although he purchased the house, Dr. McCloud never actually lived there. Instead he stayed at the old Columbia Hotel in Shreveport’s downtown district. For reasons we are unsure of, possibly to maintain the original contours, Dr. McCloud decided to raise the entire house and build what is now the main entrance floor underneath. Dr. McCloud owned the house for three years before selling it and without ever spending a night. Mr. John Pleasant Honaker and his wife, Ora Allen, purchased the house in 1909. The Honakers owned a mercantile business in Shreveport. Their daughter, Margaret Honaker Langford, noted that while she was living at The Columns, the windows were never locked and her father and brothers slept on the back porch every night. While the Honakers owned 615 Jordan, today’s formal dining area was referred to as the Oriental Room. During this period, Asian influence was shown through collectable artistic pieces and the décor. Also, covered with several layers of wallpaper has been found the original Oriental design on rice paper. The next two owners were: William B. and Saidee Watson McCormick, then Samuel Guy and Sybil Jones Sample. In 1945, Mr. Bryan bought the home. He owned an advertising firm and ran his business out of the mansion. At one point he noticed many bees coming from one of the front columns of the mansion. When he made a cut in the column to expose the bees, honey oozed rapidly down the column. The cut can still be seen today. Dr. Edwin Simonton was Mr. Bryan’s orthopedic specialist. When Mr. Bryan died in 1979, Dr. Simonton purchased the house. As the eight children of Edwin and Judith “left the nest”, they decided to share their home as a B&B. Extensive renovations were done which uncovered many walled up fireplaces, and the original white maple flooring was discovered under five layers of flooring. As you cross through the threshold you can imagine the much traffic this floor has witnessed!

Try some of Edwin Simonton's recipes: Eggs Simonton for Two, Columns Eggs for Two, Stuffed Toast for Two.

This BnB is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. We'll talk tomorrow...