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The Marion Star Thursday June 11, 1931 (Front
page, center right) 28-Room Farm Home Burns FIRE FOLLOWS DANCE PARTY Old Monett Residence Scene of Elaborate Social Affairs 50 Years Ago. BALLROOM ON TOP FLOOR
Special to
the Star KIRKPATRICK, O, June 11 – A monument to a rich man’s quest for social gayety was in ruins today following a fire which destroyed the old Mel Monnett mansion two miles west of here and 10 miles northeast of Marion. Built nearly 50 years ago at a cost $30,000, the building formed the background for many of the most elaborate social functions in Marion County. Forming a fitting climax to its early history, the house was destroyed early this morning after a dance last night given by Miss Opal Hobson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hobson who purchased the place four years ago. Started from Cigaret (sic), Belief Origin of the fire is unknown. It is believed that a lighted cigaret (sic) thrown away by one of the dancers started the blaze. It was discovered at 2 a.m. by Mrs. Hobson who was awakened by the noise of the flames. Members of the family were asleep on the first floor of the three story brick building. They escaped uninjured. Spoken of by residents as a rich man’s folly, the house was one of
the show places of Marion County. It was elaborately finished and
furnished throughout from its basement to its ballroom on the third floor.
Monnett, socially inclined, had it staffed with servants and his
brilliant dance and dinner parties are still subjects of numerous stories.
Seldom less than 00 persons attended these functions in the late
eighties and nineties. Inherited Fortune A few years after its construction, Monnett, who inherited a small fortune, was reported to become in financial difficulties. As a result, the home and its beautiful eighty-acre tract were sold. It changed hands frequently and was sold four years ago to Hobson who came here from Champaign Ill. He occupied the house the last two years. Monnett at present is living in California. He was a brother to M.J. Monnett, a millionaire who died last March in California. The loss was estimated this morning at $35,000. It is only covered partially by insurance. Neighbors saved most of the furniture.
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