Arnold Simonton House & Fernland Park- Clue
#8
The
oldest house in this old town
Is
quite an amazing place
Because
inside the house sits the old town
That
time cannot erase
The
park that holds this house is really cool;
You
will find the park behind a school
Answer: Arnold Simonton House &
Fernland Park
Peter
and Matthew sit in the static vehicle while they flip through the journal with
worry and confusion. “The Arnold Simonton House must have a clue for us! If
not, then the elderly man was incorrect and tricked us!” Matthew accused,
smashing his fists into his lap in an irritated fit of rage.
Walking
behind the Charles B. Stewart Library, honoring the creator of the Texas Flag,
the duo stroll through Memory Park. “This is a cool park! I mean, just look at
these stones; they have names on them!” Matthew complimented, “I think we
should go to the Arnold Simonton House first because the old man had instructed
us to do so.”
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Matthew
tours around the back of the house and makes an announcement of discovery,
“Hey, Peter, that giant log looks cool, come and see!” Peter strolls quickly to
Matthew but shrugs and walks away. “What are you doing?!” Matthew franticly
runs after Peter, “Don’t you want to see the giant log?”
Peter
swings around with and stares directly at Matthew with flaming eyes and a
menacing glare. “That doesn’t help us with finding about Marcus and Kirk
Sebastian!” Peter stomps back to the Arnold-Simonton House and positions
himself in front of it stiffly.
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“What
does help us is the history of this house and this park.” Matthew looks dull
and unhappy but answers Peter anyways. “The Park was founded in 1991 when
Carroll and Mae Tharp donated several historic buildings to Sam Houston State
University. Mr. Tharp, a preservation architect and a former board member of
the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with his wife, Mrs. Tharp,
spent 20 years restoring and relocating these historical landmark,” Matthew
starts, “However, due to the secluded locations of these buildings; they were
not easily accessible to the public. Therefore, with the effort of Fernland
inc., The City of Montgomery, and Sam Houston State University, the houses were
relocated to Montgomery for all to enjoy. “
Peter’s
face lightened slightly as Matthew continued to explain and provide information
on the park. “The home in front of us was moved here in 2011 and became an
important part of this park; while it was given to the Montgomery Historical
Society in 1977.”
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“When
was this house built?” peter asked.
“This
home was built in 1845 by Dr. E.J. Arnold; a former Connecticut residence who
had came to Montgomery with his wife, Rhoda Ann Warner, in the 1830s. Prior the
construction on the Arnold-Simonton house, the couple lived in a log cabin,”
Matthew explained.
“The
house was registered as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1964 and was recorded in
the National Register of Historic Places in 1979,” concluded Matthew.
Peter
nods his head in acknowledgement but further questions, “Again, any mention of
Marcus or Kirk Sebastian?” His voice was annoyed and discontent at their
unsuccessfulness for the past days.
“No,”
Matthew sighed, “However, I believe that Memory Park, the other park we were
just at, the one behind the library, might hold some useful information.”
