by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
A seven-year project to restore a bit of Jacksonville history had its formal completion Thursday evening.
The Merrill House, which dates back over 100 years, was formally dedicated by leaders of the Jacksonville Historical Society and members of the Merrill family.
“It gives a sense of identity for our history,” said Jerry Spinks, who guided the restoration of the home, which now sits across the street from the Arena. “It will always be a reminder.”
The dedication was attended by over 100 Society members. The official opening came when 91-year-old Ann Merrill Gillette, who was born in the house when it stood at the nearby corner of Lafayette and Monroe streets, put a key in the lock of the front door and opened it.
“I’d like to say I remembered the house when I was a child, but I only lived there two years,” she said with a smile. “But it’s lovely. This is how homes were back then.”
The house will be used for school tours.
The actual name of the house is the “James E. Merrill History House” and was chosen, Spinks said, “because it was the only one left standing in the area.” The Sports Complex construction had gobbled up other homes in the area.
Merrill once owned what later became Jacksonville Shipyards and a half-dozen direct descendants, coming from as far as Atlanta and Miami, were at the ceremony.
A who’s who list of local philanthropists were among the major donors who contributed to the restoration.