We are very thankful and blessed to be adding just a little of our family history to the 141 years of history and memories that have already been made in this beautiful home.”Shannon Ary, homeowner
ARKADELPHIA – The Drennen Home, or the House on the Hill, as some people call it, has been a part of Arkadelphia for many, many years. Built in 1874, the large two-story building has stood the test of time. Within its walls, there are many old secrets hidden away and forgotten. But some of the place’s best-kept secrets can be told here today. The secrets about how the homeowners have brought the tired old home back to life. Arkadelphia for many, many years. Built in 1874, the large two-story building has stood the test of time. Within its walls, there are many old secrets hidden away and forgotten. But some of the place’s best-kept secrets can be told here today. The secrets about how the homeowners have brought the tired old home back to life.
The house was built by Mr. William A. Rollo to be used as both a home and a hospital for Dr. Charlie Rollo to be used as both a home and a hospital for Dr. Charlie Drennen and his family. The Drennen family closed the hospital in the early 1900s and moved to Birmingham. Soon afterward, they got into the car dealership business where their descendents continue selling cars to this day.
It is said the hospital closed due to a lack of modern equipment and the fact that people just didn’t believe in being operated on back in those days. According to research, there were no operations performed in the old hospital, but many, many babies were born there. (Interesting note, Rollo’s son, Alexander, was a two-term Cullman County sheriff and presided over the only legal hanging in Cullman.)
The home’s current owners are Jonathan and Shannon Ary, who purchased the property in June 2015. Growing up in the area, Shannon Ary has known of the home all of her life. Never in a million years did she expect to actually own it. Since she and her husband purchased the place, many people have stopped by and relayed their memories of the house over the years.
“Ms. Wanda Sullivan from Dora, Alabama stopped by to visit us after we moved in this summer,” said Shannon Ary. “She wanted to introduce herself to us. She was born in the home in the 1930s in what is now our living room area,” she smiled. “Her grandfather was Dr. White, and he delivered her. She also told me that as a child, she used to slide down the stair rails. She also showed us two large stones in the front yard, under the tall oak tree, that were once used as steps.”
Shannon Ary said the original staircase still stands and is the grand centerpiece and most cherished part of the home.
“The house had 16 fireplaces originally, but when the previous owners updated the home, all of the fireplaces were removed. Thankfully, all the stones from those old fireplaces are now being used in the landscaping around the property,” she smiled.
The Arys have worked diligently to breathe new life into the place. The young family, including children Braxton Clifton and Katelyn, has really enjoyed turning the place into their dream home. Shopping at area flea markets and thrift stores, Shannon Ary and her mother Launa Bobo have made the place look like something from the pages of a southern home magazine.Launa Bobo have made the place look like something from the pages of a southern home magazine.
“I truly believe in buying local,” said Shannon Ary. “I’ve gotten most of my furniture from places like Hamby Mill and Highway Pickers flea markets. I have also gotten a lot of items from the Dream Center Thrift Store in Cullman. I do a lot of business with them because the money they make goes to support Daystar Church.”
By shopping in Cullman, Shannon Ary said she is able to buy gently used décor at extremely reasonable prices. Because she and her mother both have wonderful imaginations and are chock full of creative talent, they are able to turn what looks like outdated junk into impressive works of art. Nearly the whole house is furnished with their masterpieces – at just a fraction of the cost. The pair has worked hard to make the place look festive with the help of websites like https://www.pinterest.com.
This is the first Christmas the Arys will spend in the home.
“We are very thankful and blessed to be adding just a little of our family history to the 141 years of history and memories that have already been made in this beautiful home,” Shannon Ary smiled warmly.
