Old Memories and New Pleasures



One of the pleasant memories of my undergraduate days at the University of Arkansas was an architectural survey class taught by James Lambath. Another was visiting my adviser’s office in Carnell Hall. Those two memories came to life when my friend, Rosa, took me to lunch yesterday at Ella’s Restaurant in the Inn at Carnell Hall to celebrate our completion of a major project.


The building housing the Inn began life as the first women’s dorm on the U of A campus completed in 1906. In the ensuing century, the building has also served as the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity house, academic offices and class rooms, and a set in the miniseries The Blue and the Gray back in the ‘80’s. (I remember watching them film a scene on the lawn in front of Old Main with Gregory Peck as Lincoln from the Graduate Education Building deck.) In 1982 it was listed on the National Register for Historic Places. It was saved from destruction in 2001 when the Board of Trustees approved renovating the old building as a hotel and restaurant. Professor Lambath was the architect in charge of the project. Today it serves as a learning laboratory for the University’s Hospitality and Restaurant Management program.

Trade was slow on this Monday after graduation. The dining room was not crowded and the wait staff was both attentive and helpful. The food was excellent; I had the day’s pasta special and Rosa had a hearty sandwich. We rounded off our meal with a delicious chocolate truffle and fruit plate.


What could be more pleasant for a celebratory lunch than a visit to an historic Inn and eating at one of the best fine dining restaurants in the area?