My name is Ron Rodecap. My dad was the salesman for the company that purchased and subdivided the Merriweather estate into single family homes around 1968 - 1969. I think the company was Beautibuilt Homes, but can't remember for sure. The developer was having problems with vandals breaking into the then vacant mansion and offered my dad and our family the oportunity to live in the "Big House" rent free as long as the homes were being sold, so as to cut down on the damage being done to the property. I think I was in 8th grade going to Tavan elementry and then Arcadia HS.
The house is truly a mansion, with east and west wings, servents quarters, powder rooms, an elevator, dumb waiter, library, an olympic size swimming pool complete with bathhouse, large garage area that wasn't used and even a basement. Not to mention a living room you could play hockey in.
For a kid my age and for my older sister of 3 years is was an absolute blast to live in. It is also HAUNTED AS HELL! Everyone in our family at one time or another experienced events or situations that went from curious to down right " haul ass out of the room " scary! Always wanted to take my family back and let them see the place inside, but figuered the present occupants would not allow it. Very cool place to live. Other times............not so cool!