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The history of Edith Ruhl's home begins in 1907 when the land was deeded to her. In 1910, Dr. Ruhl reportedly started the construction of a two-story home. The second story was built under the eaves with four dormers jutting out from the steep roof to let in sunlight and air. Floranna was born in 1912 in the downstairs bedroom. Many pictures, lovingly taken by her parents, of Floranna growing up in the home are on display at the Inn today. Who Was Dr. A.M. Ruhl? Historian, Stan Hoig in his book, Edmond, The Early Years, relates that Dr. A.M. Ruhl came to Edmond from Logan County in 1895 when he was nineteen years old. His father, Dr. Noah B. Ruhl followed him to Edmond in 1896. Dr. Ruhl was one of the first physicians and surgeons in our territorial community. Records also show that he served as City Councilman from 1908 to 1909. His interest and involvement in the Normal School, now the University of Central Oklahoma, is found in a family heirloom, a stadium blanket, that says Dr. A.M. Ruhl, Team Physician.

Dr. Ruhl and Floranna

Architecturally, the building became more interesting in 1928 when Dr. Ruhl decided to enlarge his home. He proceeded to have it "jacked-up" twelve feet to have a new first floor and basement added.

Two back porches were enclosed at that time also. Floranna reports that her mother, Edith, was quite upset when they put the house back down on the new construction. This kind of construction was not that customary and still today is hard to imagine. The end result was a magnificent three-story stucco home with eighty windows and a grand wrap-around front porch.

Some believe the home was a hospital and clinic for Dr. Ruhl's patients but Floranna disputes that story saying it was only their family home. Prescription labels list his clinic address as 105 1/2 South Broadway, Edmond, Oklahoma.

Dr. Ruhl only lived eight years after he started the enlargement of their home. He died at the age of 60 in 1936. He is buried alongside Edith, who died much later in the 70's, in Gracelawn Cemetery in north Edmond. His parents, Dr. and Mrs. Noah B. Ruhl are buried there also.

In 1989, Edith and the Dr.'s home was looking very poorly on the outside and gutted to the stud walls on the inside. Now with fresh paint, decorative details, the walls rebuilt, and all decorated in the period of Dr. Ruhl's lifetime, the childhood home of Floranna is again as her father intended it to be. It is foremost a family home that is shared as a Bed and Breakfast for the entire community and visitors to enjoy. Now we can step through the threshold into another era, an era of big homes, family music, and romance. Named the Arcadian Inn, meaning a quiet, pastoral retreat where one can relax with old-fashioned hospitality in our "small town".

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