518 Main Street
Palmetto, GA, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Thomas P. Arnold House

Statement of Significant:

The Arnold House is historically significant in the areas of architecture, politics/government and local history. In terms of architecture, it is a good example of a turn-of-the-century, two-story, eclectic-style residence designed by architects Butt and Morris of Atlanta. In the area of politics/government, it is important for its association with Thomas P. Arnold and his son, Thomas P. Arnold, Jr., who each served as the mayor of the town of Palmetto. In terms of local history, the Arnold family contributed to the development and growth of Palmetto, as landowners, farmers, and as leaders in civic and social events. The Arnold House meets the National Register criteria B and C.

In terms of architecture, this large, two-story, frame building is a fine, well-preserved example of a turn-of-the-century upper-middle-class residence in the community of Palmetto, located southwest of Atlanta. The house documents an eclectic style of architecture, popular during the early 1900s, which combines elements of the Neoclassical and Craftsman styles. Neoclassical elements include the front porch with its Corinthian capitals, denticulated cornice, balustrades (also, originally located on the roof), and the triangular pedimented gable dormer window. The detailing of the windows in the central and dormer bays and the wide eaves underneath the hipped roof reflect a Craftsman influence. The basic massing of the house, with its wide, simple eaves, and its four-over-four room plan are associated with the American Foursquare style. The Arnold House was designed by noted Atlanta architects James W. Butt (d. 1914) and Marshall F. Morris (d. 1921), who practiced in and around the city at the turn of the century. Although the firm was short-lived, Butt and Morris maintained a busy practice, as evidenced in numerous citations for residential, ecclesiastical, apartment and commercial buildings in issues of the Southern Architect and Building News. It is significant that the original plans and specifications of the Arnold House have survived.

In terms of politics/government and local history, the property is notable for its association with the Arnold family, who played an important role in the development and growth of Palmetto. At the time Thomas P. Arnold built this house for his expanding family, he had already achieved local recognition for his contributions to city government, in the role of mayor of Palmetto, and as a prominent area landowner and farmer. The Arnold family was also socially prominent in the community and was known to have hosted many functions. On the death of the older Arnold, his daughter, Leta Arnold Culbreath, and son, Thomas P. Arnold, Jr., inherited the house. Continuing in the leadership tradition of his father, the younger Thomas P. Arnold served as mayor from 1937 to 1939, and resided in Palmetto. He was later employed in Atlanta by the First National Bank. This shift in location of employment reflects the gradual decline of Palmetto as a farming supply center to an Atlanta suburb.