Miller and Isabella Gehrke told Indianola Rotary Club members Tuesday the story of how they came to Mississippi from Missouri to operate the Thompson House Inn in Leland.
The couple oversee the day-to-day operations of the Thompson House on behalf of Isabella’s parents, Jerry and Misty Galloway, who purchased the property in 2023 after searching for investment opportunities and ultimately choosing Leland.
“They had been looking to get into investment properties for retirement, and they called us when they found Leland … they absolutely fell in love not only with the house but with the previous owners they had met and the area itself,” said Isabella.
Her parents still reside in Missouri. She said, however, it is very much a team effort between her parents, her and her husband and her sister.
“It is family owned and operated,” she said.
The Thompson House was originally built around 1902 by Joseph Wood Thompson, a planter, merchant and civic leader. The home was later remodeled in 1920 into its current Colonial Revival style and remained a private residence for decades before being converted into a bed-and-breakfast in 2013.
Since purchasing the property, the family has added new features, including a restaurant, cocktail bar and a speakeasy in the basement. The restaurant opened in September 2023 and serves a French-Creole-inspired menu based on family recipes.
“As you start working on these houses, you see how they were built — and they just don’t build them like that anymore,” Miller said.
The home currently includes four guest rooms, with plans to expand into the third floor to add additional accommodations. The presenters said the property is often fully booked during major events, highlighting a growing demand for lodging in Leland.
They also pointed to the home’s history as a draw for visitors. Thompson was a prominent local figure who served as president of Planters Bank and held leadership roles in the community.
The Gehrkes said tourism is central to their business model, with guests traveling from across the country and internationally, often using Leland as a base to explore the Delta.
“We want people to come, stay, eat and spend time in town,” said Isabella.
In addition to the Thompson House, the family is working on several downtown projects aimed at increasing activity in Leland.
One of those projects, 1902 Brocante, is expected to open in a renovated 1910 building and will feature a French-style bistro with coffee, pastries and light fare, along with antiques and a floral market. The eatery is projected to open in May.
The presenters said the building has housed multiple businesses over the years, including an early automotive shop during the Model T era, and has required extensive restoration work.
Another future project includes converting a nearby historic home into a higher-end bed-and-breakfast with additional amenities.
The Gehrkes said their goal is to preserve historic properties while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
“We saw the potential in Leland — what it is and what it could be,” said Isabella.
