RISON - One of the oldest homes in Rison is now home to one of its newest businesses: Magnolia Salon.
Anyone driving along Magnolia Street (Hwy. 133) over the past few months probably noticed a lot of activity going on at 410 East Magnolia, commonly referred to among locals as the Melody Medley House located across from the Cleveland County Extension Service office.
Cassie Riggins, along with her husband, Mason, and their families, have totally renovated the exterior and interior of the frame house to convert it into a salon that keeps its looks and charm. Cassie said records at the courthouse show that the house was originally built in 1901, which would make it one of the oldest homes still standing in Rison.
Cassie, a hair stylist by profession, said she wanted to have her own place, and she and her husband decided to buy the house to convert it into a salon. While she held a soft opening about two weeks ago, she said she is now fully open and taking customers.
While most of her business right now is providing hair cuts for men and women, she said she will eventually be offering facials, lashes, waxing and brow lamination. There are also plans to add (see (continued from page 1) tanning beds with a separate entrance at the back of the business.
Understanding the history of the house, Cassie said she wanted to keep its rustic character while contrasting that with her own modem touch.
Outside, the wood lap siding was covered with two tones of metal roofing panels giving it that farmhouse look. Inside, the wall and ceiling coverings were removed to reveal the wood planks originally used in constructing the house. They simply stained those planks - with all nail holes, blemishes and all - to serve as the new walls and ceiling. That was offset with some white wainscot, and to give it that modem touch, chandeliers were added to each room, including the bathroom.
In addition to her husband, Mason, helping with the renovations, she said Tony Taylor and Kenneth Taylor were involv…