Routon House

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 17, 2025

1. Routon House Marker

Touch for directions.

Tennessee.

South

South.

America,

Hemisphere,

World,

Anglosphere.

Culture,

America,

South.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Pearl Sanders “Miss Pearl” Routon, the daughter of William Sanders (1854-1885) and Henrietta Walker Sanders (1852-1946), was born on July 24, 1882, in the Buchanan community in Henry County, Tennessee.

At the age of four, she displayed an early talent for art by painting flowers on tin cans, and in later years she excelled

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 18, 2025

2. Routon House Marker

in painting china. Mrs. Routon once painted a set of Haviland China for the late Mrs. O. C. Barton using gold leaf.

She finished high school in 1898 and then entered Peabody College in Nashville at the age of 14, and was later awarded the Stief Medal for a still life drawing—the highest art honor Peabody College confers.

Mrs. Routon was married December 19, 1901, to Stephen James “Mr. Jimmy” Routon (1874-1957), who served as a Senator in the Tennessee Legislature representing Henry and Carroll Counties. They had four children: Catherine, Jim, Billy, and Joe Routon.

During World War I, she worked on a number of fundraising projects for the war effort and received a personal commendation from President Woodrow Wilson.

From 1912-1919, Mrs. Routon served as chairman of the women’s division of the Tennessee State Fair at Nashville. She took cake decorating lessons from Betty Lyles Wilson, a famous cake baker for the White House. For over 50 years, Mrs. Routon made cakes and provided floral arrangements for local weddings.

Mr. and Mrs. Routon purchased a home on Dunlap Street in 1916 and hosted such notables as Oscar Lavant, Don Harlburg, and Gov. Frank Clement. For many years the social life of the community was charmingly entertained in this home with typical Routon hospitality.

Mrs. Routon began to grow flowers in her yard soon after

via Henry County Historical Society

3. Arendal Pearl Sanders Routon (1882-1965)

she and her husband acquired the home. In 1919, they opened a flower shop, a greenhouse, and gardens. Routon Florists served the region and thousands toured the famous Pearl Garden to see the largest collection of fine irises in the South. In the 1930s, Mrs. Routon gave away 10,000 iris and other bulbs to beautify Paris. Due to her successful lobbying efforts, the state legislature designated the iris — Mrs. Routon’s favorite flower — as Tennessee’s official cultivated flower in 1933.

In 1937 Mrs. Routon was named one of the ten most successful businesswomen in Tennessee. She was a charter member of the Paris Garden Club and Matinee Music Club, secretary of the Paris Woman’s Club, and member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

During World War II her sons served in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Mrs. Routon encouraged locals to house soldiers and their families after Camp Tyson, the Army’s barrage balloon training center, was built across from her family’s property in Routon, Tennessee.

She took up portraiture in 1944, and painted the portraits of three Tennessee governors: James D. Porter, Jim McCord, and Frank G. Clement. Mrs. Routon was named an Honorary Colonel on Gov. Clement’s staff—one of the few women to be accorded this honor.

“Miss Pearl” led the movement to tear down the old iron fence that once surrounded the court square and

Paid Advertisement

planted shrubs and trees in the courthouse lawn. Pearl Street was named in her honor, Routon Street was named for the Routon family, and Flower Lane was named for her lower gardens and greenhouses. She was responsible for planting a double row of trees that once lined Grove Boulevard and conifers at Grove Tower.

Mrs. Routon served on the Henry County School Board and was influential in having art and music taught in Tennessee’s public schools. Her annual musicale showcased performances of artists and musicians.

On December 16, 1956, she was on nationwide television when she was selected as a This Is Your Life honoree by Ralph Edwards.

A lady of many talents, the gifted artist, baker, musician, florist, writer, and humanitarian died on April 1, 1965, and was buried in Maplewood Cemetery.