Hiding Kenneth Road’s showcase home

Driving down Kenneth Road in northwest Glendale, some may have noticed the slow disappearance of the famous white mansion known to the local residents as the “Gone with the Wind” house. It is disheartening to know that an important part of Glendale’s history is slowly disappearing behind solid black wrought-iron gates and shrubbery strategically planted to eventually hide what is one of our area’s prized showcase homes.

For more than 90 years, locals have strolled or driven their cars past this gracious Greek revival mansion, enjoying its beauty and detailed architecture. Built in 1922 by Mattison Boyd Jones, “Bel Aire,” as the property is called, has been used over the years as the background for the filming of various motion pictures and television series, as well as many commercials. According to a former member of David O. Selznick’s film crew, the Glendale mansion was the inspiration for Tara in the 1939 film, “Gone with the Wind.”

It’s sad when our local history begins to fade away. Soon a new generation of Glendale residents will not even know this beautiful home ever existed. It will be out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps the current owners no longer feel safe, or perhaps is it simply because they want more privacy. Most of us would say they have a right to do whatever they want, it’s their property. Whatever the reason, I for one will truly miss this stately home. It’s a gorgeous piece of Glendale history that may fade away from our sight, but hopefully not from our memories.

Cindy Slaughter
Glendale