The House That Coke Built

Built in 1920, Chapman J. Root's summer home and surrounding land, which totaled 88 acres has since been parceled off into what we know today as Allendale in southern Terre Haute. Of the original 88-acre property only the 3.5-acre estate remains. The 1920s in Terre Haute enjoyed a surge in prosperity and manufacturing. Root Glass Company was a major producer of glass products until the company designed and manufactured the famous Coca Cola bottle. Mass production and a growing market helped solidify Coca Cola as the refreshment of choice for millions of people worldwide, and helped Terre Haute gain nationwide, if not worldwide, prominence. Chapman J. Root was thrust into a rich and elite society. The familiar green glass and the distinctive shape gave him a large amount of money and prosperity. It is obvious when touring the property that Mr. Root had no issues when spending money, or showing it off.

Although many things remain unknown about Rocky Edge, I have gathered several bits of information and stories about Mr. Root's summer play land. Mr. Root considered Rocky Edge as his summer home. He actually lived closer to his factory at Voorhees Street and Highway 41, having residence at 1224 South 6th Street. In the 1920s the trip from the city to Rocky Edge was much more peaceful than today. Terre Haute's south side has been continually expanding. Retail stores and restaurant chains are near the entrance to Allendale, far closer than Chapman Root would have wished.

Fortunately for Allendale residents, topography helps hide most homes and property. Rolling hillsides and heavily wooded land surround Rocky Edge and protect it from the sprawl of Terre Haute. In the mid-1920s, Chapman's estate was secluded from drivers on Highway 41, which was certainly a busy road during that time. Today Highway 41 is heavily traveled, more so than Chapman could have dreamed. Rocky Edge is still secluded, until you drive east into Allendale. Once you are in front of the estate, you realize Mr. Root wanted to show off his wealth, and you would have known all of this was possible because of a familiar green glass.

Mother nature is in charge of Rocky Edge's remnants of lavishness. Floods have washed away several distinctive features of the estate, including the feature that displayed the wealth attained from green glass, and a bottle that is instantly recognizable throughout the world. Carefully built and audaciously positioned in front of the house, Root created a waterfall and pond that stretched across the entire front yard. The concrete foundation, adorned with small tiles and elaborate textures, was then covered by melted green glass. It no longer remains, and it is unclear if it was removed by Root, or washed away by flooding. Perhaps both, but I would imagine it was finally deemed unsafe, especially for children.

Rocky Edge was not just a party house for Root, it was also a play land for children. The estate was described in an e-mail, by a woman who played at the Root farm as a little girl. She swam in the pool and wandered the estate unfettered. She described the zoo, which at the time included a bear, peacocks, a large variety of birds and a cat of some sort. Considering the size of the estate, it certainly would have been a child's dream to play at the farm.

The estate included many water fountains, a detached brick sauna and many aquatic themed tiles, inlaid on the paths that surround Rocky Edge. The 20' x 35', aquatic themed pool is the main feature of the property. The pool was created and built by New York's Lord and Burnham. The same company that created the New York Botannical Gardens.

Lord and Burnham built aviary and greenhouse

A large greenhouse and aviary occupy a large section of the property, all built by Lord and Burnham. Elaborate tile work includes tiles from artist Herman Mueller, a famed tile designer in the mid 1920s. Much of the estate was imported, including a large variety of trees. Each tree was carefully placed according to the Root's wishes. If anything could save Rocky Edge, it would be the trees. Someone with more knowledge about trees than myself, would find it interesting. A very large Japanese Maple carefully stands near the front of the house. I have heard that Japanese Maples do not grow very large at all, certainly not as big as those at Rocky Edge.

View from front porch

The interior is a mix of original design and modern design, but it’s easy to understand the original layout and intent for the estate. Originally, there was no staircase leading upstairs, nor a kitchen. Now a staircase leading upstairs from the front entrance greets those lucky enough to see this place. The only access to the upper level was by the elevator or a small spiral staircase near the back of the house. The elevator was quite often the way to go up and down. Servants would help guests, with whatever they wanted, and would have been fixtures during large parties. A tour must have been given for those visiting for the first time.

Alternate stairwell from lower level to top level

The entire upper level was a ballroom, up until a previous owner needed living space and created several rooms and the staircase. The ballroom included a powder room, bathrooms and closets. Guests could arrive on the elevator, enjoy the ballroom, and walk around the balcony, which surrounds the upper level. A quick ride down to the bar, and back up to the ballroom would have been a common viewing during a large party.

Elevator

The indoor pool has sliding doors leading into the house, although the one-way mirror doesn't allow anyone to see into the pool. Above the pool is a hidden room known as the "Prohibition Room", where alcohol was stored for the several parties Chapman would have during the summers. There are a few hidden areas throughout the property, but the “Prohibition Room” is the most telling.

Ornate light fixture, located next to the bar

I estimate that at least 20 workers operated the grounds, especially during large gatherings. Year round maintenance was probably done with only a few men. Their duties certainly included maintaining the vast network of pipes that supplied water to the aquatic themed estate. Since there was no kitchen, servants would walk to the Country Club and bring back food on a regular basis.

The Mob, Notables and Stories

The current owner has told me they have proof that the estate had some mob ties. I have heard stories from others as well that would indicate the same. I have seen photos from the various parties held at the estate in the late 20s. I also understand the geographic significance of Terre Haute, not only in the 20s, but currently. Terre Haute was a worthwhile retreat from big city life, and had all of the entertainment needed to attract people from hundreds of miles away.

Guests of rocky Edge may have included the mob type, rich and powerful. The large guardhouse would have been manned constantly. Halfway up the drive sits a small stone building apparently a waiting area for guests entering or leaving the estate. Looking closely at the structure, you will see a small hatch in the corner, which opens a small room underneath. Steps led from the back of the structure, down into a small valley, seemingly a route to quickly get away.

Structure with hidden room underneath

Whether or not the Root family had ties with the mob, is a question I can't answer. I don't believe they willingly had mob ties. They just had the glory and attraction of Rocky Edge. Root died in 1945 and the estate was sold, mostly in parcels to develop Allendale. Root gave several things to friends and colleagues. He gave Mr. Deming the peacocks, and Tootootch the Totem Pole that currently sits at the Terre Haute Historical Society, once sat in the back yard at Rocky Edge. I am sure there are more items spread throughout Terre Haute that once adorned the landscape of Rocky Edge, I just have no idea where.

In the 1950s and 1960s monks used the estate, and occasionally helped the boy's school across the street, now Gibault School for Boys. They would invite the troubled boys over to the estate, as a retreat from the boys school. I was informed there is a signature atop the elevator shaft, in a small cramped space that only a young child could squeeze into. The signature reads Charles Manson, although I could not verify its existence. It has been said that Charles Manson stayed at the school briefly, and could have visited with the monks.

Walk-around beneath the pool

The estate lies between existence and destruction. Most of the glass-covered areas such as the aviary, greenhouse, and pool are dangerous areas to be. Glass panels have fallen and continue to do so. Over time, weather has taken over some parts of the property. It is merely a shell of what Chapman Jay Root created, although many unique features remain. Rocky Edge is the perfect name for this place, as it now sits on a rocky edge waiting for something to happen. I imagine Mother Nature will decide the fate of the estate.

Chapman Root and his Terre Haute company created the most famous trademark and bottle ever. The historical marker at the original location of his factory, bears an image of the famous contour bottle, and is the only historical marker in the state that bears an image. The bottle will forever be remembered, but the house that Coke built may not withstand the time.

Thanks to all of my sources and friends, including the Terre Haute Historical Society, and the current owners of the property. I have several hundred photos that I need to organize and give to the Historical Society and a better appreciation of Rocky Edge. It's been fun.
All Photos ©2010 Joe Goodrick 4/20/2010

Rocky Edge Update

It's getting interesting. I have several facts about Rocky Edge, however I am in contact with the current owner and am weighing the amount of information I really want to archive about it. I have personally not heard from anyone who wants to tear the place down, I have only heard of positive impressions of the estate.

A Result!

I've taken a break, organized my thoughts and now will focus on a short blog. Since I began writing about, and visiting Rocky Edge, I have found several people interested in this little mansion in Allendale. Granted most are artists or artisans, but isn't that a great result? It's becoming a continuing photographic archival, and the interest is up. Rocky Edge is an interesting subject, there isn't one identifiable thing that makes Rocky Edge so special. The entire property and elaborate layout gives you a sense of the flair used in its creation, but when you venture outside you will find even more creativity. Terre Haute has many treasures that are more interesting than Rocky Edge. I just think Rocky Edge is a small treasure of old Terre Haute. It's not the greatest treasure by any means, but one could get a sense of the early 1920s in Terre Haute, from the perspective of a very wealthy man, and Terre Haute's culture in the early 1920s.

Railroaded

Terre Haute was built by railroads, and was a major player in forming industry throughout the midwest. It is clear today that railroads infiltrate parts of Terre Haute that were once outside of the city common. Since growth of the actual city limits, railroad tracks and routes have not changed much. Traveling through each side of the city, you will come across railroad crossings. Time stands still in Terre Haute at times, as trains control movement throughout the city.

Terre Haute was a major hub for shipping goods by trains, and were an important need for businesses both old and new, to flourish. Today, many railroad tracks are not in use, primarily because of Interstate 70, which is now the main hub for product transportation. What can be done to eliminate the tracks that lay still and create unused space, boundaries and obstructions in travel?

For those that live and work in Terre Haute, the railroad system is a nuisance. It is common to be stopped at a crossing and have no route around it, as most crossings are traditional ground-level crossings. One train can stop movement throughout the city, and seemingly will stop you from going anywhere or arriving on time. I can't begin to count how many times I have arrived late, or not arrived at all, because of a stopped train. It's a common and valid excuse that even the most stringent people have dealt with. All you have to say is "a train", and it is understood why you weren't on time.

I say we tear down the railroad tracks that are not in use. I don't see why it would be so costly to remove the tracks, railroad ties and rock. In return, we would free land that could be used more efficiently, increase traffic flow, and not be confined by the railroad system. In addition to removal of unused tracks, we should also create over or underpasses for major streets that would eliminate frustration by travelers. Creating one overpass per year would be a good start.

To better understand the train aspect of Terre Haute, all you need to do is travel east on Margaret Avenue during the busiest part of the day. When you are stopped by a train, or the train simply stops on the tracks, don't turn around and find a way around the crossing because you won't find it. The best advice I can give you is to not hate the train, it is only steel and iron, and serves Terre Haute on a daily basis. Relax and wait, it's all you can do.

Rocky Edge Is On My Mind

In an earlier post, I may have eluded to something very strange going on around Terre Haute. I still don't know what it is, but I'm working on it. In my most recent posting "Rocky Edge", I feel that I over-emphasized architectural and aesthetic qualities of the location. I still feel that both the architecture and the beauty of the property are integral in understanding my viewpoint. I want to focus a little about the purpose of the property. I have a lot of researching to do, and I believe I will finally understand why Rocky Edge is just so damn cool. The artists and artisans who planned, created and crafted the property did so under the instructions of the owner. Perhaps the owner hired a group of local artists to come and "create" a place where people could enjoy themselves. This is the reason I am interested in Rocky Edge.

Rocky Edge has come up in general conversations with friends. Most stories about the place revolve around the party house concept. It had its own ballroom, bar, pool and even an elevator. The entire property was set-up for a party, a wild party. Terre Haute is known as sin city, and I think Rocky Edge is a reflection of sin., but not actual sin To what extent, I hope to find out.

In the next few weeks, I plan to speak with the current owner about the status of the property, and more about the history. I will find individuals, who for whatever reason good or bad, have an interest in the estate. Ideally, I will find solid historical and artistic facts about the estate. I may learn that more people want the building torn down than those who would like to keep it "alive". I will try to persuade everyone to first consider the property an artistic expression, and then those with the power can decide what to do with Rocky Edge. Without the artistic qualities, this property would be certain for doom. I don't think it will remain standing just because of its rich and rambunctious past, but it's certainly an interesting past.

Rocky Edge

The Root Glass Company is well known for their famous Coca-Cola® bottle design. Chapman J. Root moved to Terre Haute in 1900, and his team of designers developed the familiar green bottle in 1916. Chapman J. Root died in 1945, and left an estimated $11 million estate to his grandson, Chapman S. Root. There is not an abundant source of information about this estate, but I have recently had the opportunity to visit and photograph a property once owned by the Root family. Whether or not it is the $11 million estate is a mystery to me, so I will pursue the history of the property throughout this blog.

The property is locally known as "Rocky Edge" or "Root House" and is located in southern Vigo County, in the upscale Allendale neighborhood, tucked away and secluded from Highway 41. It sits within a hillside, and sprawls several acres of lightly wooded land. At first glance, the structures throughout the property appear normal. As you walk around the property and inside the house, you will begin to understand that this place is anything but normal.

A private holder, who fairly recently purchased the property and began to renovate and restore the property, now owns the estate. Unfortunately, the 2008 flood destroyed several neighboring homes, and property values have gone down significantly. My fascination with this property is not merely for the fact that the Root's owned the land; it is for the lavish style and craftsmanship that was used to build it.

Based on firsthand knowledge, and by once speaking with the current owner, I began to realize what Rocky Edge was all about. With its architecture, detail, planning and a clear display of creativity, Rocky Edge served as a party house during the 20's and 30's and beyond. Guests would travel long distances to participate in the adult jollity of Rocky Edge. A former guest exclaimed that the only thing that went on at Rocky Edge was "sex and spirits" with like-minded people. As a visitor, you can feel it was a place of importance, and design. Every inch of the property had been carefully touched and created by hand, and treated with visual expressions of grandeur.

As you walk through the house, you'll notice several small rooms and passages that lead to other rooms. You will come upon several staircases, some carefully hidden and positioned so as to not receive attention. When you venture down a carefully designed spiral staircase, you come across the bottom landing area, where partygoers would have entered. Servants would help guests with keys and coats, and valuables would be locked in a large vault. A few steps away from the landing, is a pool room, featuring a walkaround the foundation of the pool located at the bottom of the estate. A bathroom sits in the bottom level, although not prominently. From this bathroom, a long narrow walkway stretches beneath the pool to an outside exit.

The Rocky Edge pool is an amazing structure, with a carefully constructed metal top, and thand iled surface. The pool boasts glass, light covers have a distinctive texture, and the top would have had glass panels. Although most of the glass has been removed, fallen or stored, some still remains.

The exterior is as flashy as the interior. Copper guttering, large limestone ornaments, hand made clay tiles, and delicately designed walkways certainly gave the guests freedom, and a feeling of wealth and prosperity.



I will continue to write, and research Rocky Edge. I like to imagine the drive to Rocky Edge back when nothing existed between it and downtown Terre Haute. I am trying to learn more about the artists involved in the creation of the estate, and those that would come and party at Rocky Edge.

The Very Basics-Artists In Terre Haute

The original Coca-Cola bottle. This particular bottle was not manufactured,

because the bottle-handling equipment available would not work.
The bottle was reduced in width by its designer,
Earl R. Dean of the Root Glass Company.

Omer "Salty" Seamon's Rocky Edge

Tootootch the totem pole

Terre Haute has enjoyed being the home of several well-known artists. Recently, an artist that has traveled around the world from Columbia to England, Spain, Egypt and Indonesia has landed here in Terre Haute. But it was not until she made the trip to Terre Haute that she found her Promised Land (see article). Terre Haute has a strange attraction for artists, whether born and raised here, or from Bogotá, Colombia. Why?

Other familiar artists who worked primarily in Terre Haute were Omer "Salty" Seamon (see more), and Earl R. Dean, who designed the famous contour Coca-Cola bottle, among others. If you visit the Vigo County Historical Society on 1411 South Sixth Street, you will see the Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculpture Tootootch the totem pole (more). It's worth stopping to see it.

I'm starting get a grip on why Terre Haute is so artsy. As you drive around down town you will notice several sculptures, large and small, lining the streets. I think a lot of pride is being taken regarding art, and displaying art in Terre Haute. I have an upcoming photography session at an incredible home, and one of the best kept secrets in Terre Haute. I really hope it works out.