An Abandoned 1790s Mansion | The Bradford-Berry House | Hendersonville, Tennessee | Abandoned

 

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Hello friends, welcome back to the blog. Today I would like to share with you a location I previously explored with my mom in Hendersonville, Tennessee. This is the Bradford-Berry House, a lonely brick behemoth with a deep history. 

    Built in 1795 for Sgt. Henry Bradford, the home was one of the first of its kind in Middle Tennessee. Henry Bradford was born on March 12th, 1758 in Fauquier County, Virginia to William Bradford and Mary (Morgan) Bradford. During the American Revolution, Henry joined the Third Virginia Regiment, later being discharged as a Seargent in 1777. 

Bradford-Berry House, photographer unknown, 1944

 

    For his military service, Bradford was rewarded a 1,000 acre land grant located on Drake's Creek in what is today Sumner County, Tennessee. It is on this grant that the prominent estate, originally called Hazel Patch, was built. The home's bricks were hand crafted on site by enslaved persons borrowed from Bradford's stepfather, William Nash. 

    Henry Bradford's grandson, George Bradford, wrote a partial autobiography that went unfinished. In it, George recalls his grandfather being a slave owner himself, as the enslaved were listed in Henry's will to be split among the children upon his passing in 1815. Unfortunately, records of the Bradford's enslaved are sparse, and I have been unable to find further information on their lives, conditions, or names.

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    In 1887, the home and several hundred acres were sold to Horatio Berry for his daughter, Sarah. Sarah would initiate several renovations to the home, and ultimately rent out the estate until selling it to General Electric in 1969. As of 2023, the property now belongs to the city of Hendersonville.

    Challenges have arisen with the property's deed, slowing the preservation process. However, steps have been taken to correct this. In addition, the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society was created to raise awareness and funds for the home's preservation. Click here to visit their site.

Willis-Bradford Cemetery, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Located within eyesight of the house is the family cemetery. Here lies Henry Bradford and descendants, however, most graves are unmarked today. It is also passed through family oral history that a cemetery for the enslaved exists on the property as well, but details are unknown. Further analyzation on these burials must be done. 

    At the time of this posting, there have been no developments at the Bradford-Berry House. All eyes are on the city of Hendersonville as the clock ticks on. Elements of city expansion grow closer all around the old estate. Preservation helps us elevate the voices lost to time, including those that spent their lives in bondage, building these places with their bare hands. 

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Thank you for joining me to explore another location. Thank you also to my mom, who was willing venture out and tromp around this site with me. I do hope you learned something new and will return to blog in the future. 

Sources:

- The Bradford-Berry House: A Hidden Treasure - Main Street Media of Tennessee

- Historic home’s fate still in question - Main Street Media of Tennessee

- TN city approves possible option to build 100-foot bubble structure behind historic home

- Bradford-Berry House Preservation Society | Hendersonville, TN

- Henry Bradford Family

    

The Metropolis That Never Was | Future City, Illinois | Small Town Saturday

 

Bruce School in Future City, IL, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello friends, welcome back to the blog. This week, I want to share with you the community of Future City, Illinois. Future City is located in Alexander County, a part of the "Little Egypt" region of southern Illinois. Founded as a predominantly African American suburb of nearby Cairo, Illinois, Future City first appears on the map in the early 1900s. It was a quickly growing community, and citizens felt optimistic about their young town's future. As a result, the hamlet was given a name that promised prosperity. At this time, neighboring Cairo was experiencing rapid growth, with a population nearing 13,000 by 1900, and exceeding 18,000 in 1905. (I will elaborate further on Cairo in a future series!) This was great news for Future City, and citizens were confident that progress was on the way to their town. 

    Seen in the photo above is Bruce School, the most iconic structure in Future City. Bruce School was opened in 1908, and operated until 1968, according to a local. According to The Cairo Bulletin in 1905, Future City had 200 students attending their schools, nearly all of whom attended the Garrison School. Several newspaper articles reveal that Future City had multiple schools, which were racially segregated, with a separate school being constructed for black pupils in 1907. In 1908, Bruce School was completed and seems to be the first, possibly only school for black children built within Future City proper. The previous school sat about a mile north of town, a long walk for children who were undeserving victims of discrimination. Another school that existed in Future City was Ruth School House, where many residents took shelter after the catastrophic flooding in 1912. Other articles mention schools by the name of Elmwood and Woodside existing around this time as well. In addition, an orphan home would also be opened for black children in Future City.

    After Bruce School's closure, the building would serve as a bar or nightclub under various names and owners for many years. Some of the names associated with the building are the Stork Club, Captain Joe's, The Long Branch Saloon, or Lambert's Lounge. As a nightclub, the former school would build quite the reputation of violence, gambling, and even rumors of prostitution. In spite of this, many locals share fond memories of their time at the nightclub. Some tell of local musicians filling the room with their sweet sound, and dancing until daylight broke. Others recall playing game after game of pool with friends and family. Almost all residents can share fond memories of the owners over the years.

Future City, IL, (Shiloh Baptist Church on far right) taken by Jennie Moore

    Within the first leg of Future City's existence, many amenities came to town, confirming the potential that citizens had seen from the beginning. Future City had homes, churches, stores, gas stations, lodges, and a growing population which had reached 992 in 1905, a 42% increase from the 1900 census. The town saw new jobs, and heavy railroad activity, which included a trolley line that was extended into Future City and neighboring communities. Soon it became apparent that more space for residents was needed, so the village was expanded by adding new streets. Future City was home to The Three States Gun Club, a lumber mill, a steam powered grist mill, and even their own baseball team! By 1910, Future City even had its own mayor, a man by the name of Mr. Kuntz. Things were going according to plan, until one of the things that made Future City so beautiful, turned against its people. 

An article from The Cairo Bulletin from July 19th, 1905.

     Future City, along with neighbor Cairo, sit at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The elevation in this peninsula is quite low, only 312 feet in Future City, in contrast to state of Illinois average of about 600 feet. Although great for agriculture thanks to its fertile soil, this region is constantly under the gun, as floods come frequently. In the spring of 1912, tragedy would strike Future City. Flood waters, peaking at 54 feet in Cairo, ravaged the community and left residents sleeping in tents where their homes used to be. Just previous to this, in 1911, a fire consumed two blocks of Future City, destroying four grocery stores and the homes of 25 families. However, the town recovered from the two incidents, was quickly rebuilt, and citizens proved their resilience. Things were looking up, but less than a year would go by before mother nature began to rear her head again.

An article from The Cairo Bulletin, acknowledging local heroes who sprung into action after the flooding in 1912.

        As previously mentioned, Future City and Cairo's location at the confluence of two major rivers, is both a blessing and a curse. The Great Flood of 1913 took place in March of said year, and left behind immense damage in 21 states. From March 23rd to March 27th, most of the Midwest had seen near constant rain. Both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers would flood, causing catastrophic damage to Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, including many notable cities. The Cairo peninsula being at the meeting point of these two waterways, meant that they were in for double impact. While cities to the north had began seeing flood waters recede on March 28th, waters did not reach peak height in southern Illinois until April 4th-8th, measuring in at a record smashing 54.7 feet in Cairo, which has only been surpassed twice in the 111 years since then. 

Flood of 1913 aftermath in Future City, photographer unknown

    As a result of these events, Future City was left unrecognizable. Cairo faired better, but not by coincidence. During the flood of 1912, the levees around Cairo were compromised. As waters began to rise during The Great Flood of 1913, immediate action was required to preserve the city. Residents of Future City were recruited to assist with sandbagging and reinforcing the levees surrounding Cairo. This would prove to be effective, as Cairo avoided total destruction, but this left a grim fate for defenseless Future City. At this time, 214 structures stood in Future City. As flood waters cascaded into the village, these structures were swept away from their foundations, and deposited messily throughout the landscape. A fleet of motorboats, manned by the Illinois National Guard and led by Cairo's own  mayor, soon arrived in Future City to help. Accounts tell that the National Guard had come with ropes, which were tied around misplaced structures, pulled back into town, and secured to trees to prevent them from floating away once more. Although none were on their correct lots, an impressive 168 of the 214 structures in Future City were saved thanks to their tireless efforts. One waters receded, the structures were able to be moved back to their original locations. Overall, The Great Flood of 1913 was still devastating for Future City, and is often considered the trigger of the town's decline. 

An article from The Cairo Bulletin detailing the flood aftermath as well as reconstruction.

Future City, 1931

    Despite Mother Nature's relentless wrath, the people of Future City persisted. The town never fully recovered from The Great Flood of 1913, but to say Future City's story ends here as many do, would be an injustice. The truth is, although declining, Future City remained populated for decades, and is still home to a handful of families today. Although, it is hard to ignore the deliberate neglect of Future City by local government that had taken place over the course of decades. Future City and surrounding rural areas would be of the last in Illinois to have a mail route implemented. Also, Future City requested for incorporation countless times during the early 1900s, all of which would be denied.

A newspaper article in The Cairo Bulletin from April 26th, 1904, detailing the fight for incorporation.

    An interesting fact about Future City, is that it was never a true stranger to the term "ghost town". During cotton season, a large portion of Future City's population would leave their homes and travel south to pick said cotton for work. As we know, this was extremely labor intensive, and a reminder that black Americans were working on plantations long after the abolishment of slavery. This was mostly due to slim options in the work force as a result of racial discrimination. Even children would partake in the grueling work, with school attendance being noticeably low in active cotton season.

Future City, IL, taken by Jennie Moore

    When researching the people of Future City, something I saw frequently, were draft cards. Several citizens of the town served in the military, especially during World War II. It seems that the children of Future City were instilled with bravery, knowledge, and the desire to help others. When duty called, many from Future City answered that call. We have them, along with the community and culture that raised them, to thank for the freedom we have today. They are among the massive population of African-American veterans that never got the credit and respect they deserve. This honor isn't exclusive to just military however, there have been many upstanding citizens of Future City who had impressive careers.

Donald Lee Purchase (1929-2018), resident of Future City, in Military attire. Purchase was only 18 years old when enlisted to fight in WWII. He is laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks.

Dr. Nathel "Nat" Burtley (1940-2020), resident of Future City, pictured in the 1962 Southern Illinois University yearbook. Burtley later relocated to Flint, Michigan, where he served as the Superintendent for Flint Community Schools District.

Rev. Harold (1909-2000) and Helen (1913-1975) Clemons. Harold was born in Future City, and Helen was from Southern Illinois as well. Harold served in the Military during World War II, was a trucker, and also owned & worked "Harold Clemons Dairy" in the Cairo area at the time he joined the military in 1940. 

The Cawood (sometimes spelled Caywood) Family, from left to right; Sarah "Sadie" (1889- unknown, but no earlier than 1950), Jacob Nelson (1861-1940), Eliza Ellen (1864-1942) (Stewart) Cawood. Sarah is the daughter of Jacob and Eliza. The Cawoods were originally from Indiana, but made the move to Future City sometime between 1900 and 1920. Jacob Cawood was a teamster (an early version of a trucker), among other labor intensive jobs. The couple resided in Future City until their deaths in the early 1940s.

    Today, Future City is quiet, with little to show for its once thriving past. However, anyone from a small community like Future City, knows that the true town identity lies in its people. Future City tells an account of perseverance, community, and the fight for racial equality. It is in places like these where we see the heart, strength, and resilience of black Americans. These communities hold the key to the progress we have seen in the past century, and should be a motivator for us to push for the progress we still have yet to gain. Places like Future City were only the beginning, and we still have so far to go. Let us learn from their stories, to push for an even better, equal, and safe future in America for all.

Catherine Place House | Abandoned

 

Catherine Place, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

     This humble home has sat proudly in it’s spot along northbound Highway 67 for years, greeting motorists to the quaint community of Catherine Place, Missouri. For all of my life, it has mostly remained the same, with few changes ever taking place. It has also appeared to be empty for as long as I can recall, with no family filling these walls. However, the house has stood the test of time, with little visible decay. This was until October 24th, 2021. 

     That grim Sunday night, multiple tornadoes ripped through the area, including an EF-3 that struck Catherine Place, Fredericktown, Junction City, and more. The damage was extreme, like nothing I had ever seen. Catherine Place had been destroyed. Homes and businesses were swept away, and shredded debris filled the trees. My mind went to the little white house that I had admired on every drive into town growing up. I had accepted that it’s time had finally come. 

     The following day my father and I went into the area to deliver care baskets to the tornado victims. As we crested the hill into Catherine Place, I was met with a sickening feeling, as I saw the damage in the daylight for the first time. Though the dread was soon interrupted by a realization. Among the rubble, stood the little white house. It seemed bigger when there were no other buildings to compare it to. It had been beaten and battered, but standing as straight as ever. The white siding had been peeled off in places to reveal the older siding underneath, telling more of the house’s story. I don’t truly understand how the home survived, considering the damage in all directions, but I would like to think it is a  metaphorical reminder for us, a glimmer of hope. 

     The photo you see of the house was taken on May 6th, 2023. It still wears the scars of the tornado, as the community rebuilds around it. I regret not taking more photos over the years, but I’m glad to have finally taken this one. I would like to see life in this home someday, like there once was. I would also like to ask the builder what the secret is to building such a strong house. If you know any information on this place, feel free to comment, message, or email! I would love to hear it. 

Lakeforest Mall - Gaithersburg, Maryland | Abandoned

Lakeforest Mall taken by Jennie Moore

     Today’s blog post is a bit different than usual, but exhibits an interest of mine that I have had for a long time. Abandoned retail is a niche but passionate community that I stumbled upon several years ago. Something about the fallen empires of the modern world is alluring, yet haunting. My favorite content on the subject is created by Jake Williams (Bright Sun Films) and Dan Bell (This is Dan Bell) on YouTube. I highly recommend you check them out. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     I visited Lakeforest Mall on my 8th grade field trip to Washington D.C. It was around that time that my eye for dated architecture began developing, giving me some new found inspiration for my photos. The photos I took, at age 14, are the ones you see in this post. Although they are far from professional, they are still some of my favorites in my portfolio solely because of the subject matter. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall was built in 1978, at the height of the American mall boom. It was wildly successful, as most were at the time. People flocked from all over to the trendy stores and flashy food court. The facility became a local staple, continuing to grow throughout the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. This trend was steady, until the arrival of the 2010s, when the mall began to see a change. This change, is known as online shopping. The wide variety along with availability that could once only be found in a mall, had come to the people’s fingertips. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     In 2012, the mall was valued at $100 million dollars. This would ultimately be the last hoorah for Lakeforest. In the following years, all four anchor stores would leave the mall, along with their smaller counterparts. Lakeforest was sold for $19.1 million dollars in 2017, a minuscule amount compared to just five years earlier. I visited the mall in 2016, and I remember it’s quiet, echoey wings were far from active. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall’s final day in business was March 31st, 2023. It was open 44 years. It is set to be demolished in 2024. I wanted to share my photos of Lakeforest, to forever capture it in time. They are my first photos in the genre, and ignited my interest in liminal spaces. I hope you find these interesting and inspiring like I have. 

An Impromptu Trip to Arkansas | Landmark Landing

     

Abandoned House, Calico Rock, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     Sometimes the best things in life are unplanned, or so they say. After my first “on a whim” trip in February, I think I agree. I’ve always been a fiend for travel, even to, or especially to, typically bypassed areas. I am just as eager to road-trip on two lane roads through rural, small town America, as I am to see sprawling cities. The lesser known, the under documented, the elusive, is what entices me. 

Jon’s New Thunderbird, taken by Jennie Moore

     So when a close friend, Jon, asked my partner Walter & I to take a two day, one night trip to rural Arkansas to pick up one of his dream project cars, (a round of applause for the Thunderbird) I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t help but think of all of the sightseeing I could do, made even better by the presence of my loved ones. 

The Dogwood Motel, Mountain View, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     We left on a Friday night, stopping for pancakes and spontaneously being questioned by the police. An omen for a good trip, I’d say. We drove through the night, long highway straights led us across the state line. From there, Jon guided us along the curviest roads we had ever been on. The second segment of the trip felt much like a rollercoaster ride, and I would like to give major prop’s to the manufacturer of our breaks. We arrived at our motel, a family owned mid-century modern place called the Dogwood Motel. I can’t lie, I loved it. 

Calico Rock, Arkansas, taken by Jennie Moore

     We woke up in Mountain View, Arkansas to a cool, crisp morning. We headed out early and grabbed some breakfast pizza on the way to the seller’s home. The seller was a kind man, and even welcomed us to see his personal project, a shiny red Nova. We loaded the precious cargo onto the trailer, and set off for home. 

Poster in our motel room, taken by Jennie Moore

     Although this trip seemed short, the amount of things you can see in 24 hours is incredible. Communities like Salem, Oxford, and Onia have so much to offer if one wants to look. Mountain View is a beautiful town, and even claims itself as the Folk Music Capital of the world. A unique quality of the city is just how many of its buildings are constructed with local rock, giving a uniform aesthetic to its streets. 

     From chatting with locals, to admiring the architecture along the way, I loved every second of our trip. I hope to find more opportunities to travel and document these hidden gems even further. I did strike gold on one location this time, so expect an article on that soon! Thank you for coming along with me. 

Rivermines IGA | When It Stood

 

Rivermines IGA, taken by Jennie Moore December 2018

        In small town America, places like your local grocery store are so much more than the items they sell. They became a place to socialize, hang out, or find your favorite treat. A great example of this is Rivermines IGA, in the once bustling town of Rivermines, now within the city limits of Park Hills, Missouri. My father, Gary Moore, recalls fond memories of visiting the IGA as a child.

        Gary, his mother, and his siblings were from North St. Louis, a place of hustle and bustle. They took a leap of faith and moved to what is now Park Hills, in 1967. This was a change of scenery for the bunch, and somewhat of a culture shock. My father expressed to me that he quickly fell in love with how small town folk took such pleasure in the most mundane of tasks. Grocery shopping was not a burden, but an opportunity leave the house, visit with friends, and try something new. What was once viewed as a drag, became a highlight of one's day.

        Although I was unable to find an exact build date, my father recalls riding bicycles with friends and siblings to Rivermines IGA from the time they moved to the area, and well into the 1970s. The ride from their home in Elvins was a treat, one enjoyed as often as possible. "Mom got her hair done at the beauty shop near the IGA, and we would go into the store while we waited on her." he said. He recalls the staff as being "very friendly", always wearing a smile on their faces. "You couldn't leave without seeing someone you knew." he continued.

1977 Rivermines IGA Advertisement, courtesy of The Daily Journal

        At the time, IGA ran a red, white, blue, and beige theme. Yellowed tile ran the floors, shelving filled the open space, and florescent lights hung from the ceiling. "What was your must have item that you always got at Rivermines IGA?" I asked my father. "Honestly..." he said, "plain ole bologna." he chuckled. You see, IGA stores were kind to lower class families like my father's. Prices on basics were competitively low, a blessing for those in a pinch. It was a place you could go, and know you would come out with something to put on the table, free of judgment. 

        Rivermines IGA did a good business until, my father guesses, the late 1980s. When big box stores came into the area, mom and pop grocery stores found it impossible to keep up. Like many others across the country, massive chains, would force Rivermines IGA to close their doors. Now on the lot, ironically, sits a Dollar General. I am thankful to have snapped the photo above, just months before the original building was razed. Not only was it a symbol of mid-century culture, but a remnant of the former town of Rivermines, as it read on the building's face. I encourage you to share your stories and memories in the comments, as they are so valuable.  I would also like to thank my dad, for sharing your memories with us. Now they will be preserved for those like me, who missed that time in history. Thank you all for taking this trip with us, and I hope you enjoyed.

Theodore Street House | Abandoned

Historic Home in Park Hills, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

        To be completely honest, I know nearly nothing about this seemingly abandoned home that sits on the corner of Theodore and Berry in Park Hills, Missouri. It does not have a notable story or famous resident like most homes I cover. However, it has had my heart for the past several years, and I've decided to share it anyway. As a historical writer, it is quite often that my searches for information yield little results. Many projects sit collecting dust, because they do not meet the content criteria I have set for myself. Recently, I've decided that that is absolutely silly. We should not withhold our interests from one another based on what we do or do not discover about them. From now on, you will see many more, yet shorter articles on the blog, because it is time to shed light on these landmarks even if there is no tall tale, because the story did belong to someone, a someone who matters. I am the type so shout "wow!" out the car window when seeing a place that catches my eye, and that alone is worth sharing.

        What I do know about this home, is that records show it was built in 1920. I had initially guessed it to be older, as stacked stone foundations, like the one this house rests on, were phasing out at the time. This makes me think it was build by a lower class family, using the most cost effective methods for their home. It is a quaint 780 square feet, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It's location places it in historical town, Flat River, annexed by Park Hills in 1994. That is where the facts end, but where my imagination starts. 

Side view of Theodore Street House taken by Jennie Moore

        I feel it is likely the home was built by a blue collar family, perhaps employed by one of the many local mines and quarries. It is common for mining families to construct or be provided with a home of this size, and design. I'm sure fire blazed in the winter, and every window rest open in the summer. I wonder who walked the floors, and rested their heads within. This I may never know, but it surely doesn't hurt to try. 

        Do you have any information on this home? I encourage you to comment or contact me via email. I would love to make an update in the future. Realtor websites read that a recent sale has been made on the home. Does this mean a restoration could be on the table? I sure hope so. Let me know if you have any favorite sites I should see, and again, thank you for supporting the blog.

 

The Demaree House | When It Stood

 

The Demaree House c. 2017, via St Louis Post-Dispatch

     Hello everyone, and welcome to the newest series on the blog, called "When It Stood". In this series, I'll be writing on locations that are no longer with us in physical form. We will explore their history, share their legacy, and preserve their memory in people's minds. As a historic preservationist, it breaks my heart to lose these places to time. Though we can do our best to retell the stories, and use the pain of loss as motivation to save what is still standing. Today we are discussing the Demaree house, which stood in House Springs, Missouri. First, allow me to share a bit of backstory. 

     House Springs as we know today, was once called Demaree after the builder of this home, Cornelius Demaree. Demaree was one of the earliest settlements in Jefferson County, with its first residents, Adam House and family, arriving around 1796. Adam house was a German man, looking for a place to settle away from the more populous communities of the Upper Louisiana Territory. He found Missouri promising, as the land was fertile, and saw St. Louis a potential trading post for his goods. House came upon a piece of flatland near a spring surrounded by sugar maples, and the family decided their homestead would be built there. 

     Though the House family found success in their endeavor, tragedy would soon strike. In the year 1800, members of the Osage Tribe were traveling to St. Louis, when they made a stop at the House homestead. They requested to borrow two of House's horses, but he declined. In spite of this, after House returned to his work, the Osage men took the horses anyway. House contacted authorities, who had the Osage involved arrested. Things would take a dark turn however, as the Osage would raid the House homestead, killing Adam, and his son Jacob as an act of revenge. The two other House children escaped, and Adam's wife Anne had already passed due to illness by this time. 

     It wasn't until 1837, that another family would see the vision that the House family once had for the land. In the recent years prior, Cornelius Demaree migrated to Jefferson County from Kentucky. It was during 1837, that Cornelius married Delphine Keepers. Following the marriage, the newly weds decided settled on the historic acreage. Here they built a log structure on the land, which would evolve into the two story, center hall home that locals would know and love for years to come. In the land survey #666, it shows Cornelius Demaree owning the majority of the land that had once belonged to Adam House. 

The original 1837 logs exposed beneath the siding c. 2017, via Jefferson County Library

Cornelius was a merchant, blacksmith, and postmaster within the community that has sprung up around his homestead. It was in this home that the Demaree's had three daughters, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Mary. Unfortunately, Delphine died sometime around 1845, less than ten years after settling and starting their new life in Missouri. Though Cornelius did remarry, after falling in love with a woman named Lucinda Longwith in 1853. They would go on to have two more children, Charles and Phoebe.

In 1857, Cornelius Demaree died. His family lived in the home for another three years, but by 1860, it became necessary to sell the property, along with its assets. A man by the name of Dr. George A. Smith subdivided the land and marketed the parcels as “The Town of Demaree”. The probate record lists the town as having 15 buildings, including the dwelling house, a stable, a blacksmith shop, and well houses.

After several years, the Demaree family left the area, causing the name of the town to be changed to House Springs, in memory of the family who had first settled the region. All that remains of the Demaree name now, is a street by the name. Several families would call the Demaree House home throughout the years. Generation after generation ran the halls, giving the home a taste of each American era. The community valued the home as a landmark, and as symbol of House Springs history.

The Demaree House c. 2017, via Historical Barnhart/Imperial and Surrounding Areas on Facebook

Although the home was a pride of many, its triumphant era did eventually come to an end. Vacancy took its toll on the old architecture. John Warmbrodt says on Facebook: “I think during the decade of the 1980's that old house started deteriorating due to neglect. By the 1990's it needed a new roof and painting. Then major deterioration and rotting occurred after 2000. The present owner who had it torn down was not responsible for this.” This most recent owner is a man by the name of Brad Bruce, who faced backlash on the condition of the home while in his ownership. However, Bruce did make an effort to put the home in the right hands. He told the St Louis Post-Dispatch in 2017 that he was open to selling the property to someone who could preserve the home, and move it to another location.

Despite Bruce's efforts, the hopes of finding the right buyer were not fruitful. The house was declining quickly, causing major hazards. It was in October of 2017, that Brad Bruce reluctantly made the decision to demolish the home. This came with great sadness, and criticism from the House Springs residents. “I passed that house everyday on my way to work, it's sad not to see it anymore.” says Aaron Lunsford on Facebook. Though, there would soon be a glimmer of hope to ease the heartache of those who loved the home.

Demaree House being demolished, taken by Jessi Reynolds via Facebook

Bruce spoke out on his decision: "I am the current owner of this house. I purchased the home with intentions of repairing it. Through the years it has seen more neglect than the house could handle. The bottom had unevenly settled and was causing the floors and walls to buckle. Combined with water damage from a leaking roof the house was too far gone for repair. The house is currently being demolished, however the logs are being saved so that they can be inspected and if possible, used to rebuild the structure. I am glad to read that there are so many people in town concerned about the house, because I am concerned as well. I grew up in House Springs and l know how important this house is to the history of the area. It was not simply torn down "in the name of progress." It was a difficult decision for us to make. It was torn down because it was not only beyond repair, but also a safety concern." Jim Davis says: “I had to take it down but they tagged every log of the cabin to put it back up somewhere, so people need to thank Brad Bruce because he took great care to save as much as possible.”

As of October 2021, we still don't know the future of the Demaree house. However we hold out hope that the structure will be rebuilt in an environment where it will receive the best care. Bruce's choice to preserve the logs is a huge win for historic preservation. Though the corner in House Springs where the pioneer homestead once stood is now barren, it isn't the end of the road for the Demaree house. It isn't often these structures get a second chance. We lose more and more of these treasures to demolition all the time, so if restoration isn't an option, deconstruction with the intention to preserve is the next best thing. I am very eager to see what the future holds for this relic. Until then, we will reflect on its time watching over House Springs.

The Demaree House

1837 - 2017

Thank you all for reading once again, I would love to hear your thoughts on the new series. If you have any places you would like to see in this series, feel free to let me know! I am now publishing a new article every Friday at 9:00 AM, so be sure to tune in to see our topic each week.

Until next time,

Jennie

Kingston Ford Bridge | Abandoned

 

Kingston Ford Bridge in 2021, taken by Jennie Moore

     Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! I am so eager to be writing again, and cannot thank you all enough for your patience during my little hiatus. During this time, I have been working hard to better the blog, and form my future plans for it. I am looking forward to bringing my readers higher quality, and more consistent content. I truly hope you enjoy what is to come, as I couldn't do any of this without your support. Each of you help form the backbone of The Diary of Jukebox Jennie. Thank you for fueling my dreams. With that being said, let's get into today's article!

     This is article is the first installment of a new series on the blog, called "Abandoned"! In this series I will share my favorite, and most interesting abandoned locations. When brainstorming ideas for this series, I stumbled across the Kingston Ford Bridge, and knew I had to write on it. 

     The Kingston Ford Bridge is located on the Washington and Jefferson County line in Missouri, bordering Washington State Park. Although left to mother nature now, this bridge has lived a heroic life. Being built in 1885-86 at Lemay Ferry by the St. Louis Bridge and Iron Co., it was moved to it's present day location in 1917. It served it's people for 112 years, making it one of the longest continually used bridges in the state. It carried car after car over Big River, until 1998, when the Missouri Department of Transportation deemed the structure unfit for further service.

     This type of bridge is called a closed truss. This particular bridge is a pin-connected, 8-panel Pratt through truss. Intact bridges of this era and style are constantly dwindling, with more being demolished all the time. Upon seeing one of this age still standing, I immediately planned my trip. The Kingston Ford Bridge was actually one of a pair, with another of it's kind crossing a nearby creek on the Jefferson County side. This second bridge was called the Kingston Slough Bridge, but no longer exists today. 

Kingston Ford Bridge in 2021, taken by Jennie Moore

      

     In the photo above, you are viewing the deck of the bridge in October of 2021. From what I observed, my guess is that the bridge was never paved, and kept it's wood plank deck until it's closure. Today, the deck is heavily deteriorated. Where the shade casts over the wood most of the time, the locked-in moisture has created the perfect environment for a thriving ecosystem. Grass, moss, and other plant life grows on the planks, as bugs and other small animals feed and burrow. You can easily see where these spots are, as the wood has decomposed the most, with some planks missing all together. 

     The rusted metal has a burnt orange color, which the sunset complimented beautifully. The thin rails that line the length of the bridge have become wavy over time, and the overall structure has gained a slight tilt. However when reflecting on the fact that this bridge was first assembled 136 years ago, and has been left untouched for 23, volumes are spoken about the craftmanship of the St. Louis Bridge and Iron Co. They used the best of workers, designers, and materials to create a structure that after a century of wear and tear, and decades of abandonment, still stands today. 

Abandoned cabin just before bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

     The road that once passed over the Kingston Ford Bridge was a well used one, seeing much traffic as the area was being developed by settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As we walked along the former road within Washington State Park, my father noticed an old cabin in the valley below. It appears to me very old, abandoned, and not one of the park's rentals. I of course had to stop and take a few snapshots of it.

     On the other side of the bridge, present day Big River Heights Road, there are more signs of a historic past. Immediately after crossing, lies a former park, (now privately owned) with a sign reading that it was established in 1907. The equipment and pavilion still rest as if paused in time, like it's large iron truss neighbor. I can't help but imagine the children playing, as they watched the cars cross over the river. 

     As I draw this article to a close, I would like to remind fellow curious minds that I take photos as a part of my living, and take safety and respect very seriously. If you would like to visit the Kingston Ford Bridge, I hope you will consider my suggestions. 

     First, the access point of the bridge is crucial. I ask that you approach the bridge from within Washington State Park, and not Big River Heights Road. This is because if accessed by Big River Heights Road, it would require you to trespass, which I do not condone. We only came this way as a first attempt, as I was going off of maps to try to reach the bridge, and chose the Big River Heights Road side due to it having better road channels. Though upon arrival, found that the property surrounding the bridge, is private. There are several "No Trespassing" signs on the property, including around the former park mentioned earlier. We then found our access point on the other side, off of Dug Out Road in Washington State Park. It is legal to access the bridge from here, and rather easy as well. 

     Secondly, it is important to note that the bridge is no longer structurally sound. It is critical that you do not venture out onto the bridge. You may walk to the metal barricade, but I plead that you do not cross it. You will be able to get good photos from behind the barricade, and even the best photos are not worth risking major injury, or even your life.

     Thank you all so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed! I would love to hear your feedback on the new series, along with your suggestions on places you would like me to photograph and write about. 

Until next time,

Jennie

     

Small Town Saturday | Irondale, Missouri

 

Camp Irondale Staff, 1960

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today, I am so excited to introduce my newest series, Small Town Saturday.  In this series, I will be talking about my favorite small towns.  I will highlight their founding, history, and what life is like there.  I conjured up the idea for this series when pondering on how small towns, which are often looked over, could get more recognition.  These bypassed places are gems just waiting to be found, and I want to help bring them to the light.

     I am starting this series off with Irondale, Missouri.  Irondale is a quaint village located in Washington County, with a population of 447.  Irondale was first laid out in 1857 by John G. Scott, who built an iron furnace there.  Scott later sold his iron furnace to Edwin Harrison and Company, who operated the furnace until 1880.  Edwin Harrison and Company also bought 13,000 acres of land at the time, including the site of present day Irondale.  Not long after, the now company town was surveyed by Belt and Priest, and was called Irondale for its iron furnace.

 Irondale Milling Co.

     Irondale was formed from three different assets, the company which operated the iron furnace, and two small prior settlements.  These two settlements went by the names of Mineral City and Log Town.  Mineral City sat on the west side of Dry Creek, where iron ore was hauled from the ore bank neighborhood.  Log town sat on the east side of Dry Creek, and was named for a handful of log homes in the area used as dwellings.

     By 1867, just ten years after being platted, Irondale gained its own post office.  The town was doing well, and had many assets to offer the people.  With the iron furnace in full swing, mining also became a large operation.  Mining had begun in Washington County as early as 1823, when the Springfield Iron Furnace was opened on Furnace Creek.  The mines in Irondale put out iron, lead, and even zinc.

Savoy Railroad Depot, 1912   

     One of Irondale's most notable early memories, was when the town experienced a brief name change.  Due to mail mix ups between Ironton and Iron Mountain due to similar names, Irondale changed its name to Savoy in 1906.  Though the name did not stick, and after just a few years the town turned back to its original name of Irondale.

Irondale Railroad Depot and crew

     Another vital trait to Irondale, was the railroad.  The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway moved into the area in the mid 1800's, and made its way directly through Irondale.  The railroad was a major asset for Irondale, and although Missouri has many abandoned rail lines as of today, this is not one of them.  Though the trains no longer stop in Irondale, the line put in place near 150 years ago, is still very active.  Freight trains rumble through multiple times a day, and if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of Amtrak's "Texas Eagle" passenger train gliding through the night.  Irondale's railway line has changed hands multiple times over the years.  It was built and operated the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway, which was later sold to Missouri Pacific, and is now owned by Union Pacific, one of the biggest railroad companies in the country.

    William Helms Jr. (The Iron Mountain Baby) pictured with the bag he was found in

     The railroad also provided transportation to the popular Camp Irondale, and is most famous for the story of the Iron Mountain Baby.  On August 14th, 1902, William Helms (June 5th, 1835 - December 13th, 1917) a local farmer and Civil War veteran was walking along the railroad tracks in Irondale.  Upon meeting where the line went over Big River, Helms stood aside while northbound No. 4 blew by over the trestle.  Afterward, Helms began to move on with his walk when a strange noise caught his attention.  He traced the noise to what he described as an "old fashioned telescoping valise".  Inside, he was shocked to find a baby, which had been thrown from the train, and had fallen fifty feet.  The child had sustained serious injuries, but was alive.  After taking the child to be examined, it was determined that it was a boy, estimated a five days old.  Helms took the child home to his wife, where he was nursed back to health, and adopted by the family.  He was named William Moses Gould Helms, after his new father, the railroad owner, and being found on the water.  William Jr. went on to recover and live a full life, and the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway paid for his schooling at Braughton's University, and Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University). 

Boy Scouts arriving in Irondale by train, 1922

   

     Many residents of Irondale have fond memories of the railroad.  "I remember as a kid, hobos would always get off the train and come to our house.  I believe our house was marked in some way, like they knew it was safe to come to."  Said Paul Lashley.  "I remember as a kid, always running outside when I heard the train coming to watch it go by, but I think I only caught it three or four times."  Said Jennifer Lashley.

     The old Depot Saloon Building, taken by Jennie Moore

     Even though the passing of time has left Irondale with no train stops, plenty of hints to Irondale's railroading past still remain.  With a keen eye, several sites can be found that allude to the town's once hopping railroad scene.  One of my personal favorite remains is the old Depot Saloon, which is located behind the Blue Haven Cafe, across the railroad tracks.  The building was constructed in the late 1800's as an office for the local zinc mines, but was later converted into the Depot Saloon.  Stories passed down by those who visited the saloon tell of how locomotives used to stop in front of the saloon in order for the railroad crew, including the engineer to purchase beer.  At the time, beer was sold in metal buckets, which would be loaded back onto the train.  If you look closely at the photo, you can still see the faded paint job on the building which reads "Old Lynch Rye", which was an advertisement often found on bars and saloons at the time all throughout Missouri and the Midwest.  Not many of these paint jobs have stood the test of time, which is just another reason I love this site so much.

   1856 Stone Arch Railroad Bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

     Another railroad relic that can be seen today is the stone arch railroad bridge which sits over Dry Creek.  This bridge was built in 1856, is one of the oldest bridges in Missouri, and one of the oldest bridges in the country that is still in service.  It is admirable structure that still serves a big purpose in Irondale.

The old Railroad/Kirkpatrick Building, taken by Jennie Moore

   
     Perhaps the most iconic site on the list is the old railroad building, also known as the Kirkpatrick place, which sits near the stone arch bridge.  The residents of Irondale will tell you that it has looked the same as long as they can remember, as if time had progressed to a point and stopped.  The building was reportedly built in 1867 as a hotel, and later became railroad offices.  "My great-grandfather was a bellhop when he was younger.  It shut down in the 60's."  Said Kayla DeSherlia on Youtube.  "The building was owned by my grandfather and grandmother in the early 1920's, John Ace Eye and Sally Anis Smith Eye.  Not sure when it was sold, but it belonged to the Kirkpatrick family in the 1940's."  Said Rose Dickey on YouTube.

Irondale Pool 2019, taken by Jennie Moore

   
     Another thing Irondale is known for, is the old Boy Scout camp, or Camp Irondale.  The camp was first opened in 1920, but scouts began camping in the area as early as 1913.  The camp began under the name Camp Irondale when land was donated to the St. Louis Council by Clarance Howard.  The community was very supportive of the camp, with nearly all of the lumber used being donated by a local mill, and assembled by farmers.  Though the camp started small, it gained traction fast.  In 1945, an Olympic sized pool was opened at camp Irondale, which replaced the previous spring fed pool.  Rumor has it, this was the first Olympic sized pool not built for the Olympics.  The massive pool was wildly popular, and was in operation until the 1970's, even after the camp itself moved out.  "Growing up, Irondale Estates was in its prime and my brother Pat bought a lot so we could use the Olympic sized swimming pool. Needless to say my sisters and I had nice tans to begin fall classes with." Said Sue (Sucharski) Roney.

Inspiration Hall Chapel 2019, taken by Jennie Moore

     The camp also had many other features such as a chapel called "Inspiration Hall", a climbing tower, water tower, two lakes, several cabins, post office, pavilion, parade grounds, flag pole, nature lodge, and more.  Many of these are still standing, and can be visited today!  The camp was home to as many as 1,200 campers each summer, many of which still reflect on the memories made there.  The camp didn't have a suitable access road for vehicles for many years, meaning the campers arriving by train had to hike from the depot.  In 1938, the Camp had a special visitor, Marlin Perkins.  Perkins was a zoologist, and the host of television's "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom".  He spoke to the scouts, toured the camp, and even visited the "Snake Pit" of Irondale Nature Museum!  Also in 1938, the American Legion donated to the camp an "Indian Village" of six, 20 foot tepees with wooden floors.

Camp Irondale, courtesy of the Lashley/Sucharski family

     The camp remained in operation until 1965, until it met its successor, S-F Scout Ranch (Knob Lick, Missouri).  Now, a portion of the old camp is now a subdivision, known as Camp Irondale Estates.  Though Irondale still owns about 15 acres of the camp, which is in the process of restoration.  In 2010, the Ozark Trailblazers District in the Greater St. Louis area council worked throughout the spring and summer to restore parts of the camp that Irondale still owns.  The chapel, "Inspiration Hall", has been restored and is still in use as of 2019.  If you would like to help keep the camp's history alive, you can become a member of the Historical Society!  (See bottom of post for information on the Historical Society.)

Irondale Elementary class photo, courtesy of the Lashley/Sucharski family

     Even aside from the camp, many people have fond memories of growing up in Irondale.  Before West County schools existed, there was the Irondale Grade School.  Though this was no one room school house, but was a large, two story, stone building.  This school was heated by coal, and was said to have its own kitchen.  "My class in  Irondale was about 13, and when we went over to Leadwood for Junior High School, there were about 50 students between Irondale, Frankclay, and Leadwood.  I am proud to say we had good teachers all the way from Kindergarten to 12th grade." Said Sue (Sucharski) Roney.  "Irondale was a great place to grow up at." She added.  

Irondale boys and girls basketball team ,1923

     Though many small schools in the early 1900's were neglected sports and extra curricular activities, Irondale Grade School and surrounding area schools did not follow that path.  Irondale school children took part in sports, and competed with other school teams as early as the 1920's.  Irondale also had a yearly homecoming, that lasted many years after Irondale Grade School was closed.  "I remember even when I was a kid, it was a big deal.  It drew people from all over, and people that had moved away from Irondale would come back for this event."  Said Jennifer Lashley.   
 

Hickory Grove School near Irondale, Ferlin Husky pictured bottom left 

     Along with notable events, Irondale has also produced notable people.  Irondale was home to aviation pioneer, Tom Benoist (December 29th, 1874 - June 14th, 1917).  Benoist helped make St. Louis a center of American aviation, designed the Benoist XIV aircraft, and also operated the worlds first scheduled airline.  Jessie N. Self is also an admirable name for the community, as he was a school teacher in Irondale until he was called to serve in the Civil War.  Self became Captain of Co. F, 32nd Missouri Infantry.  Self passed away while in the service on February 25th, 1863 due to war related illness.  Letters written by Self can be found in Missouri State Archives.  Lastly, and most well known, is country music artist Ferlin Husky (December 3rd, 1925 - March 17th, 2011).  Husky was from the Irondale area, and attended grade school in  Irondale.  I had the pleasure of meeting Ferlin several years ago, and am pleased to say he was a kind man.  

Irondale Bank, 1901

     Speaking of notable people and events, many don't know of the Irondale Bank robbery that took place in the early 1900's.  On October 26th, 1928, two men, unmasked, entered the Irondale Bank.  The men approached cashier W.H. Jamison, and drew revolvers to his head.  They ordered Jamison to open the vault, and surrender the contents.  Jamison cooperated and then was ordered to open the rear door of the bank, where the two men fled to their automobile with $1,700.  Jamison was unharmed, and the men raced away toward Leadwood.  Though on the loose for a short time, they were later caught as one of the men confessed.  Jamison told the newspapers that the bank faced no real loss thanks to insurance.  

     Blue Haven Cafe, taken by Jennie Moore

     Although Irondale is no longer a mining and railroading boom town, it is still alive in its faithful residents.  One of my favorite stops in Irondale is the Blue Haven Cafe.  The cafe was established in 1946, and is still serving the community today.  Blue Haven Cafe serves several meals, delicious home made desserts, and even has a one of a kind house salad dressing.  Everything I have tried from the Blue Haven Cafe, has been wonderful.  It is a great place to go for a home cooked meal away from home, a burger, or just a light salad.  The prices are very affordable, and the staff makes you feel as if you've known them your whole life.  I was blessed enough to meet the Lashley/Sucharski family at the cafe for lunch to help me with gathering information for this post.  The family are life-long residents and visitors of Irondale, and were such a joy to talk to about life in Irondale.  The cafe and the people in it, are a must see.

     I also must mention Roy's Convenience Store, the one stop shop for gas, groceries, and more.  This little store is reminiscent of an old general store, with a little bit of everything.  There is a never ending flow of customers flowing in and out of Roy's, as it is the only store and gas station for miles.  I really enjoyed popping in!

Irondale Grade School, mid 1900's

     In conclusion, I hope this edition of Small Town Saturday prompts you to pay Irondale a visit sometime.  It is a place of rich history, just waiting to be uncovered.  Irondale never fails to provide smiling faces upon every visit.  Below I have listed the information for the businesses of Irondale.

Blue Haven Cafe-
105 S Oak St, Irondale, MO 63648
573-749-3422
11:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday - Sunday

Irondale City Hall-
110 S Oak St, Irondale, MO 63648
573-749-3223
8:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Thursday

Irondale City Park-
Ash St, Irondale, MO 63648
To donate or participate in fundraisers to help better the city of Irondale's public areas, call the Irondale Park Board at 573-749-3223.

Roy's Convenience Stores-
113 S Oak St, Irondale, MO 63648
573-749-3746
7:00am - 9:00pm daily

The Historical Society of Leadwood, Surrounding Areas and Museum-
501 Bank St, Leadwood, MO 63653
573-701-3951
5:30pm - 7:00pm Tuesdays

     Thank you all very much for reading, and I do hope you enjoyed.  I hope you are eager for this series, and please feel free to recommend any places you would like to see in this or any of my series.  Thank you for making the blog possible!

     A special thanks to the Lashley/Sucharski family, the Blue Haven Cafe, and the Irondale City Board.

With love,
Jennie