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franklin county times

Bringing new life to The Century House'

By Staff
BED AND BREAKFAST n Don and Mamie Nobles look at photographs of the progress of the renovations turning a house at 2412 9th St. into The Century House Bed and Breakfast. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star.
By Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
August 25, 2001
One hundred years ago, Meridian was a booming railroad town that ranked first among manufacturing cities in the state.
A century later, amid efforts to revitalize downtown Meridian, a local couple is also doing their part.
Don and Mamie Nobles are turning a house at 2412 9th St. into Meridian's second bed and breakfast inn.
The couple purchased the home, originally constructed in 1902, last December. It is set to open as The Century House Bed and Breakfast this December.
Over the years, the couple has stayed in many bed and breakfasts.
The couple's earlier plans to convert a large home on Seventh Street into a bed and breakfast went up in smoke  literally.
They then decided to put the idea on hold for a while.
The name
Why a downtown location
In addition to the churches that will have weddings and special events, Century House will cater to people who need a place to stay while visiting relatives in the hospital.
Design of the house
A history search on the house was conducted a few years ago by former City of Meridian Historic Preservation Consultant Fonda Rush, who found "the architectural design to be neoclassical, with exterior siding having scored wood to resemble stone."
The home also features porches with ionic capitals on classical columns. The second-story porch railing is a Chippendale design.
Restoration of the home is being supervised by Mr. Nobles, with Glen McLeod of A to Z Construction serving as construction foreman.
The bed and breakfast will feature six bedrooms two of which will be suites a dining room, two parlors and a kitchen.
All the fire places will be equipped with gas logs. The mantels, light fixtures and windows are also being preserved, also well as much of the original plaster of the house.
Getting the word out
The Century House will be a site for luncheons, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners even tea parties.
A Web site is also in the works as well as a brochure.
New life
The Nobles are looking forward to relaxing on the upstairs porch, taking in the mile-long breathtaking view across downtown and listening to the daily chimes of First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Nobles is employed as a career development teacher at Northeast Middle School, while Mr. Nobles is a real estate broker. They have two children and one grandson.
Public input needed
The Nobles would like to hear from anyone who has information on the house or photos of it from the past.
For additional information, call The Century House at 482-2345.
Penny Randall is an editorial assistant at The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3216, or e-mail her at prandall@themeridianstar.com.

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