History
After the Civil War ended, Meridian began to grow and expand. Five railroad companies brought industries to the town, and Meridian grew to be the largest city in the southeast at the time, bringing many businessmen to the city. This contributed to the numerous people and families that owned Merrehope over the years.
- 1867 – John H. Gary, a cotton broker, purchased and remodeled the home, adding the double parlor, the library, columns, staircase, four rooms upstairs and the ruby-etched glass around the front door. These changes were made in the Italianate architectural style.
- 1881 – J.C. Lloyd, a local merchant and community and school system leader, bought the house from John Gary but made no significant changes to it. The Lloyds lost the house in 1894 due to a loan default.
- 1896-1904 – The house had four different owners.
- 1904 – Sam H. Floyd, a wealthy cotton broker from Shubuta, Mississippi owned the home and made many more significant additions. His remodeling included adding the exterior front columns, the suspended cantilever balcony/porch, five bathrooms, the dining and morning rooms, two upstairs bedrooms and extended and enhanced the staircase. Mr. Floyd also converted the house to electricity. Note the “button” light switches as you tour the house. Through his renovations, the architectural style of the home was transformed to Neoclassical. The Floyds lost the house due to bankruptcy and the house was sold for taxes.
- 1914-1945 – The house had numerous owners. The 1931 owners converted it into a boarding house.
- 1945 – Otto Tibbetts purchased the house and divided it into eight apartments. The Front Parlor was converted into one apartment, including a kitchen and bathroom added to the porch area. The Dining Room and second Parlor became another apartment. The Library was used as a common area, and the Gift Shop, Bathroom, Office space and Kitchen made up another apartment. The Original Cottage was also used as an apartment.
- 1967 to present – The Meridian Restorations Foundation, Inc. was formed by some members of the area Federated Women’s Clubs in 1968, and the ladies were looking for a space for their clubs to meet. The Foundation purchased the house in 1968, and restoration began to bring it back to its former grandeur. The Foundation gave the house the name Merrehope – MER for Meridian, RE for Restoration and HOPE for Hope for the future. Merrehope opened for tours during the 1970’s so that others could get a glimpse of the past.
Today, the home is a House Museum and tourist attraction, as well as a popular venue for club meetings, showers, parties, receptions and weddings. Merrehope and the surrounding neighborhood are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, with Merrehope designated as a Mississippi Landmark. Restoration and preservation of this historical home and district continue today.
Read about earlier history about the Original Cottage when you tour that section of the house.
Use your skills and talents as a volunteer. Honor these special homes with your donations. Join the momentum, and let’s give these treasures the love and care they deserve so they can be enjoyed today and by future generations!
Join us in celebrating and preserving Meridian’s most historic and beautiful landmarks. Friends of Merrehope play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of Merrehope and the F. W. Williams Home.
To complete your membership and pay by cash, check or money order, download the application at the link.
Click the link below and join today!
The Meridian Restorations Foundation has launched the “Raise the Roof” Capital Campaign, our comprehensive plan to save and operate Merrehope and the F.W. Williams Home.
A new roof is needed at Merrehope as well as immediate repairs to both houses. Under the Board’s leadership, Merrehope has been awarded a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for a new roof and repairs to the damage and deterioration caused by leaking rainwater. This work (Phase 1) has started, and we are raising funds for Phase 2! The roof is critical but only part of the vision. The Meridian Restorations Foundation is determined to restore Meridian’s oldest homes to their past grandeur. Partner with us in this endeavor to preserve, restore and maintain these treasures.
905 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Meridian, Mississippi 39301
merrehopemeridian@gmail.com
601-483-8439
