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^	THE	TI RATE HOUSE <t>7. cfct
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In 1802 a New Orleans business man, said to be the head and overlord of the Gulf Coast pirates, built a substantial planter’s type cottage on the beach near Waveland and Bay St. Louis.
It is a simple, comfortable house with exquisite iron grill banisters around the broad front gallery and leading down the wide steps to the front walk. Heavy square columns support the roof which extends over the gallery. Three dormer windows break the front roof line and give the house a well proportioned appearance. Strong slatted shutters with heavy iron fastenings help to secure the interior against intruders. There is a brick ground-story, and an outside stairway to the first door. The walls, inside and out, are covered with thick white plaster.
Legends are many of this old Pirate House. One has it that a secret tunnel runs from a sub-cellar into the Gulf, and through this tunnel pirates transferred their bootv from ships to their strongholds beneath the house. Unexpected openings into suspicious looking lockers and half-concealed closets in queer underground compartments give the imagination vast room for hold adventure.
MAIN RECEPTION HALL
MANTEL IMPORTED BY LAFITTE
This old house at one time sheltered Jean Lafitte. It was more than a century a that Lafitte, during the historic days of pirate terror along the Gulf Coast, captur and scuttled ships from almost every country. History tells that in September 18/^ a British Commandant offered Lafitte thirty thousand pounds to fight with the Brit and lend his power against the city of New Orleans and the Coast. He declined t ofTer, and joined forces with General Jackson and Governor Claiborne in exchan for a pardon and restored citizenship for himself and his followers.
The old romantic Wishing Well on the rear premises, “where wishes always cai true,” is now covered by blossoming vines. The gardens which for many years wt a wild riot of bramble and tropical undergrowth, are today formal gardens wh' bloom in great profusion lovely azaleas, queen’s wreath, and countless varieties choicest roses.
The property is owned hv Mrs. Edmund Singreen of New Orleans. The house ; been carefully restored, and furnished with rich old pieces and rare bric-a-brac perfect harmonv with the Louisiana planter tvpe home.