Federal Grove
Federal Grove came into being in 1860 when wealthy farmer, John Viers, purchased 700 acres of land from the South Union Colony of Shakers. Earlier Viers had purchased 200 acres from the Shaker Colony. Out of this land combination came the village of what is now known as Auburn, incorporated in 1865. The Federal Grove tract of land was bisected by the Bowling Green - Russellville Road. In the late 1860's or early 1870's a portion of what is now a splendid Greek Revival/neoclassical mansion was built. Apparently as time and whim directed, the house had variouys entryways. It is believed that the present stage of the building was achieved in the early 1920's when the colonnaded piazza was added. As a historian I would like to find a definitive date as to the final configuration. But for time being the date will be left at the 1920's.
Mr. Scott Hall, a prominent citizen, was the owner of this magnificent property for many years. Most likely Hall purchased the house and a very large portion of land from the Viers estate. The property had many supportive dependencies and an orchard. Hall's estate up until around 1991 or 1992 had held title. A longtime resident of Federal Grove was Ralph Jordan and his family. Jordan built a reputation as a master cabinet maker and his studio, Colonial House Fuirniture (at a different location now), still builds to Mr. Jordan's exact specifications all under the watchful eye of Mr. Jordan. A heartfelt thanks goes to Mr. Jordan and his daughter, Carolyn Moreland for their valued input into this historical sketch. You can now spend the night and have breakfast at Federal Grove, now open as a bed and breakfast inn. To attest to the fortunes that were once in Auburn, Federal Grove is but one of several of its style in this small town. Greek Revival houses can be found in all parts of the country. However it took the glamor of Margaret Mitchell's novel, "Gone With The Wind", to forever equate this style of architecture to the antebellum south. |
