November 5, 2021
Every time we go to the Walmart Super Center (which is way too often for me) we look across the parking lot at the Peel Mansion. We always say, "we should go over there - it really looks cool!" but never do because the sign says you need to book on line and who knows all the restrictions and requirements ??!!
So, I finally went on line - booked the free tour and we met the wonderful volunteers that man the gift shop (in the old cabin) and take you on the downstairs and upstairs tours of the Peel Family historic Italianate home.
As the story goes, Mary Emeline Berry agreed to marry Samuel West Peel if he would agree to build her dream mansion - and he did. Along the way, she delivered 9 children and he became a lawyer and the first native Arkansan elected to the United States Congress.
The mansion is now a museum and many items have been collected from the time frame - to better demonstrate what life would have been like - living in the mansion in the 1800s.
My favorite part was the ladder going down to a safe room under the house to store food and hide the children - if needed. Apparently, Mrs. Peel and the children nearly starved to death during the time of the Civil War battles in the area when everything was burned. She wanted to ensure nothing like that could every happen to her family again!
The home is surrounded by old oak trees, an apple orchard and botanical garden - small but lovely!
We were encouraged to come back anytime and assured no on line reservation is needed! LOL Live and Learn! right?
Gabi
