Begun In 1855, The Present Greek

Begun in 1855, the present Greek Revival “big house“ was built by Elbridge & Finetta Arnold. The Arnold’s produced the slave cash crop hemp,... more

by Brian Lea

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Begun In 1855, The Present Greek

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Brian Lea

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Photograph - Instagram Photo

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Begun in 1855, the present Greek Revival “big house“ was built by Elbridge & Finetta Arnold. The Arnold’s produced the slave cash crop hemp, along with raising livestock and corn. Mr. Arnold died a “sudden death” before 1856 and Finetta was left with the task of its completion. Two builders are identified with the house, Frederick Myers and Thomas Morrison, who used slave labor. After Mr. Arnold’s death, Finetta was forced to sell the family’s slaves, 6 of whom were listed in the estate (Anna, Mary, Jane, Lucy, Henry, and David.) After the Civil War, the property was sold to Presley L. Moore who owned the farm until 1900. It was he who gave it the name “Woodneath“ for its wooded area and setting. The estate was acquired by the Crouch family, who’s descendants fought to save and keep the historic farm in the family. They sold “Woodneath” in 2008.

I wonder if Mr. Arnold had any idea when he homesteaded his acreage in 1838, or built his house in 1856, that in 150 years, his house would be added onto and made into part of the MidContinent Public Library Branch, and less than a quarter mile south there would sit a Target, Kohl's, Home Depot, Chili's, Chipotle, Steak & Shake, McDonald's, Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, JcPenney, Taco Bell, Schlotzsky's, Panera, Burger King, Waffle House, Moonlight Sushi Grill or Best Buy? Maybe he envisioned the Chipotle, because let's face it, Chipotle is awesome!

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January 29th, 2014

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