History
Greg and Dilya Sutton chose to move to Spencer WV with their son Vasiy from Chestertown Maryland. After a career in construction, they decided to pick up a hammer one more time to restore yet another home, buying the Arnott house on Parkersburg Road and turn this magnificent old home into a Bed & Breakfast.
The present house replaced the original home that was there for 125 years. It was home to Rex Arnott, his wife Mida (Cleavenger), and his four daughters: Ernestine, Geneva, Henrietta, and Betty as well as son Bill. Bill was the last Arnott to live in the house. Next to the house was the family business. The family business was Arnott Supply lasted so long it became Spencer WV’s oldest business. It was in continuous operation from 1872 to 1973 The family patriarch Grandfather William Arnott returned from imprisonment at Andersonville GA during the Civil War.
The first business was a blacksmithing shop and the building of wagons and buggies. A receipt from an order from the GOSHEN BUGGY TOP CO, Goshen Indiana, dated April 01, 1912, shows that a Goshen rubber tire outfit was $20.00; a NO. 92 double jet torch was $5.00; one set of channel tire swags was $2.00; with a 50 cent discount the total bill was $26.50. It was paid May 07, 1912. Next the business became the source of Firestone tires, lasting to claim the distinction of being the oldest Firestone dealer in the world. The tires were solid rubber with a wire in the middle to hold it on the rim. In one family picture Mr. Bill’s parents, Rex and Mida, are on their way to Oklahoma to find oil field work- hanging on the back of the car are 4 spare tires! However, Rex returned to work in his Father’s business. Mr. Bill loaned a portrait of Harvey Firestone to Jack Garrett’s Ford dealership which hangs today in the Firestone tire division. Harvey is a super hunk!
In 1914 Rex Arnott and a partner bought a Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership which lasted until 1936. They started with five cars. Mr. Bill remembers getting up early in the morning to move his Father’s cars when he was so small he could hardly reach the pedals.
In 1922 new car prices listed:
Roadster $510
Touring $525
Utility Coupe $680
4-passenger coupe $840
Sedan $860
Model G Truck Chassis $650
Model T Truck Chassis $1, 095
In its next life the business became an auto parts company. Until the end of WWII the store offered auto glass, paints, tools, and window glass.
Rex also became a locksmith. The business cards offered Rogers silverware to customers; one card was given for each 25 cents cash sale and on accounts paid promptly.
By 1973 the store evolved into a locksmith business, GM car paints, house paints, and custom glass for homes and cars with son Bill working with his Father to learn locksmithing techniques.
With this rich history the Arnott house will now accommodate guests who visit Roane County. The family would be proud to see their home welcoming guests into a home that is rich in memories.