Arcadia Osborne Neighborhood Association

I lived in the neighborhood from 1960 to 1967. I was one of the kids who would not go near the house! It was considered the "haunted house". My friend Lisa Ben did play with a girl who lived on the property. She could have been the cartakers daughter mentioned in a previous post. There was a girl named Ann Scarla who could have been the "Ann" mentioned. She lived across the street from me.

I lived in the neighborhood from 1060 to 1967. I beleive the "Ann" you mentioned must have been Ann Scarla. She lived across the street from me. I do know that Lisa Ben also played with a girl who lived on the property.

Hi my name is Janet Ferguson, I remember this home as Merriweathers Mansion from my school days. Friends of mine and I used to sneak in a small door in the wall surrounding the property and walk around in the gardens. It always reminded me of the Secret Garden. Beautiful, we didn't vandalize or anything, just enjoyed the beauty . I was always intrigued with this property. Its just not the same now as it was back in the 60's. You are so lucky to have been a part of it.

My name is Ron Rodecap. My dad was the salesman for the company that purchased and subdivided the Merriweather estate into single family homes around 1968 - 1969. I think the company was Beautibuilt Homes, but can't remember for sure. The developer was having problems with vandals breaking into the then vacant mansion and offered my dad and our family the oportunity to live in the "Big House" rent free as long as the homes were being sold, so as to cut down on the damage being done to the property. I think I was in 8th grade going to Tavan elementry and then Arcadia HS.

The house is truly a mansion, with east and west wings, servents quarters, powder rooms, an elevator, dumb waiter, library, an olympic size swimming pool complete with bathhouse, large garage area that wasn't used and even a basement. Not to mention a living room you could play hockey in. 

For a kid my age and for my older sister of 3 years is was an absolute blast to live in. It is also HAUNTED AS HELL! Everyone in our family at one time or another experienced events or situations that went from curious to down right " haul ass out of the room " scary! Always wanted to take my family back and let them see the place inside, but figuered the present occupants would not allow it. Very cool place to live. Other times............not so cool!