The land on which 500 S. Court Street now stands, was deeded to Samuel Aikman by the United States of America on February 11, 1839. This was part of a large land purchase of 640 acres at $1.25 an acre. That same year, the city of Marion as well as Williamson County was established. In the decades preceding the Civil War, Samuel sold the land to his son Thomas, who in turn, sold it to his brother William Aikman.

In 1882 following the Civil War, William built a beautiful Victorian federal style house on 40 acres and sold it for $5,000.

Years later in 1891, Rosalie Hendrickson, daughter of William Aikman purchased the property. She felt it needed to be kept in the family.

On October 28, 1901, the 40 acres was incorporated into the city of Marion. Rosalie and her husband then divided up lots and sold them creating Hendrickson’s Addition.

In the 1930’s, the former brick street so popular to local traffic, became a portion of Illinois Rt. 37.

In 1934, Minnie Lilly Copeland purchased the house from the estate of Sarah Elrod. Minnie Copeland owned and operated Marion Greenhouse at this address and enjoyed living in this beautiful home.

In 1945, the house passed into the hands of her son John Wallace Copeland. John, his wife Vivian and their 3 children then inhabited the house. Vivian also operated a flower shop and had the small shop to the north built for that purpose.

Curt & Nancy Davis purchased the house in 1984 from Vivian Copeland. Nancy then put into action her long held dream of “Collectors Choice” and the “Court Street Tea Room” in the elegant two story house. The tea room and antique business thrived under the management of the dedicated owner. Nancy continued operating the business after the death of her husband, but later decided to retire.

Upon retirement, the next owners opened “The Court Street Inn,” as an upscale restaurant. Unfortunately, the business failed, closed and the home sat empty for a couple of years.

In September of 2005, Jan and Bob Mathenia, purchased the property in an auction. The couple re-opened the location as an antique mall called “Court Street Inn Antiques and More.”

After a number of years, the building again changed hands and has since been operated as a business called “Biker Threads,” specializing in motorcycle rider apparel, garments and accessories.

It has been reported that some of the former tenants have seen and heard some strange goings-on in the historical house. The ghostly sightings have been few, and if there are actually ghosts in the house, they must be friendly, as no harm has ever been reported.

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(Extracted from  Marion Living Magazine, December 2005 and a “Court Street Tea Room” flyer prepared by Nancy Davis)