What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1267901
BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette T he most visible endeavor of the Peel Compton Foundation perches in a tiny piece of the past just across the street from the home office for retail behemoth Walmart. Of course, the Italianate mansion was on the outskirts of Bentonville when it was completed in 1875 by pioneer businessman, lawyer, father of nine and the first native Arkansan elected to the United States Congress, Col. Samuel West Peel. "This idyllic home now serves as the Peel Mansion Museum, an immaculate display of the era in which it was built," says Peel Compton spokeswoman Jeannie McIntire. "The Heritage Gardens surrounding the home were inspired by traditional Victorian gardens from the late 19th century. The Heritage Gardens — formalized into eight unique spaces including the Herb Garden, Vegetable Garden, Cutting Garden, Children's Garden, Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Native Plant Garden and Apple Orchard — provide a natural setting for The Peel Mansion and create an outdoor educational space." Education is at the heart of the Peel Compton mission, but it's also just the beginning. "Our mission is about connecting the community through nature, education, recreation and preservation," McIntire says. "We know there is a need from the community for us. We offer stability and comfort. The Peel Mansion is almost 150 years old and survived the pandemic of the 1900s and will survive the current one as well. Walking Compton Gardens brings peace, joy and happiness. Whether it is the laughter from the youngest visitor to the daily companionship of our regulars, we are here to serve." The mansion, which has been closed due to covid-19 concerns, will be reopening on a limited basis on July 14, McIntire says. "We've been closed since March 13 and, while we will not be at our full schedule, we plan to be open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.," she explains. "As always, our museum is free thanks to the generosity of the Arvest Foundation. Our Peel Mansion Museum Store, along with many other retailers, reopened on June 1 with certain restrictions including only four guests in the store at a time and requiring masks to be worn." Some much needed work on the grounds was completed while the Peel Mansion was quiet, she adds. JULY 12-18, 2020 WHAT'S UP! 7 Past, Present, Future Peel Mansion Museum builds on solid foundation This Italianate mansion in Bentonville was completed in 1875 by pioneer businessman, lawyer, father of nine and the first native Arkansan elected to the United States Congress, Col. Samuel West Peel. It's now the Peel Mansion Museum. (File Photo) BENTONVILLE FAQ Peel Mansion WHEN — Reserved, self-guided tours 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays beginning July 14 WHERE — 400 S. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville COST — Free INFO — peel compton.org or 254-3870 See Peel Page 38