Stella’s Place

Stella’s Place

Stella’s Place was a nightclub serving Henderson’s Black community on Highway 41 south of the city. Newspaper references identify its operator as Stella Jones, while a 1958 court report gives her name as Estalla Jones. The business appears in newspaper reports from both the 1940s and 1950s.

Additional newspaper material preserved by the University of Southern Indiana describes an establishment called Estella’s, better known as “Stella’s Chicken Shack.” Apparently the same business, it was located about a mile and a half south of Henderson, west of Highway 41. A column promoted its food, cold drinks, music, and room for dancing. Another advertisement offered dining, sandwiches, and an air-cooled setting.

Stella’s also appeared among the sponsors of a community fundraising appeal published in the Henderson Morning Gleaner on April 15, 1945. The appeal set a $10,000 goal and emphasized the need for supervised recreation for Black youth. It also recognized the Black community’s efforts to improve local schools. “Stella Jones’ Place” was listed alongside other businesses, professionals, and community supporters.

The club’s name appeared in reports of two fatal shootings. Charles Tillotson was killed outside Stella’s Place following an argument on June 2, 1945. Edward Sellers pleaded guilty to his murder and received a life sentence that October. In February 1949, Sergeant Jack Lewis of Camp Campbell was fatally shot at the club. Ernest Williams of Evansville was charged in that case; he testified that he fired while Lewis and four other soldiers were pursuing him.

A September 30, 1958, newspaper report provides a later reference to Stella’s Place. It reported that proprietor Estalla Jones had been indicted on a charge of selling beer without a license. The clipping does not establish the outcome of that charge. The club’s exact address and its opening and closing dates remain to be established.