Bufordville, Missouri Antique Shop | Small Business Sunday

 

Antique Store in Burfordville, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to share with you a neat shop that my father and I went to a few months ago. Many drive right past the small community of Bufordville, Missouri each day. Though history and nature lovers alike may know this village for it's historic Bollinger Mill and covered bridge (you can read my article on those by clicking here.) Just across the street from the landmark sits this quaint, colorful antique store. It had been closed during my previous visits to the mill, but this day was my lucky one.

"The Little Blue Free Library" on front porch taken by Jennie Moore

    

    The front porch alone boasts an array of interesting pieces, luring the curious minds inside. My favorite would have to be the "Little Blue Free Library". I love the concept of these libraries, as it is a way to encourage reading to any community with no cost needed, just the generosity of book donations. Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm hello from friendly gentlemen, and a soft spoken lady. I couldn't help but feel as if I had known this duo for years, although that surely wasn't the case.

"Antiques" Sign on side of building taken by Jennie Moore

    The building itself I would estimate dates from the mid to late 1800s, being covered in wooden siding accompanied by wavy glass in the windows. In the rear, the wooden floor boards bow where flood waters have repeatedly tested the structure's integrity. Though it still stands, telling the stories of years ago. I wonder how many people have walked in and out of the same doors, roaming the same routes that I myself would take through the winding antiques. 

Nuts from the neighboring covered bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

    While browsing, I came across these nuts on display that once were home to the Bufordville covered bridge, which itself dates to 1858. These were much larger than any I had seen before, definitely not something you will find at your local hardware store. I always enjoy learning about America's historical building methods, as the craftsmanship and talent required to make these engineering feats are nothing short of impressive in a time before power tools and electronics.  

Vintage vinyl section in store, taken by Jennie Moore

    As an avid vintage shopper, I always enjoy flipping through the albums in any store. I must say that this collection was the best I had ever seen in a secondhand shop. Perfectly curated from soft to psychedelic rock from the 1960s to 1980s, I could've taken them all home. The gentlemen at the counter came over, and we began to chat about music and our favorite artists. We had much in common in that department, and I could've spent the day listening to what he had to say about each album.

Front porch of store, taken by Jennie Moore

    If you are ever in the area, rather just passing by or paying a visit to the bridge and mill, I recommend taking the time to stop and look around. It is a little slice of heaven for a vintage collector and music lover, run by the kind of people that strike you like a breath of fresh air. I always treasure my conversations with strangers, especially those as kind as these. I see the beauty in humans among these people, a reminder we all need at times. If you stop in, let me know what you found! Thank you for reading, as always.

Ullin, Illinois | Historic Depots

 

Historic Depot and Caboose in Ullin, IL taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello all, and welcome to a new series on the blog where we will cover one of America's most recognizable relics, the railroad depot. With thousands scattered across the country, the railroad depot has become a symbol of American life, tradition, and progress. Found in the smallest of villages to the largest of cities, the architecture and design of these buildings are a stand out within their communities. The first depot we will cover in this series, I came across by chance when traveling back from Paducah, Kentucky. While making our way through southern Illinois, we passed through the village of Ullin, and to my surprise saw this beautifully restored depot and caboose. Needless to say, I asked Walter to pull over.

    Ullin was first established around 1854, when the Illinois Central Railroad laid their line through the area. An original depot was built in 1854, but no longer exists. Another would be built in 1863, though it would meet the same fate as the first. The location of these former structures is approximately where the parking area for the current depot is today. The current depot was constructed in 1897, and provided both freight and passenger service. Ullin was a prominent exporter of limestone, lumber, and produce in it's day. After the great Chicago fire on October 8-10, 1871, lumber was sent from Ullin to help rebuilt the city of Chicago. Also among the depot's purposes, it served as a telegraph station.

    It is somewhat common to hear of historic buildings being moved to another location to be preserved, but have you heard of such buildings being moved back to its original location years later? I had not, until I began researching the Ullin Depot. After the discontinuation of passenger and freight service in Ullin, the Illinois Central Railroad sold the depot to Wilborn Goines sometime around 1970. In 1972, Mr. Goines would sell the depot to William Bruchhauser, who owned Ullin's Phoenix Flour Mill. Bruchhauser had the depot moved to the mill site, where it was used as a warehouse. After a devastating fire at the mill in 1979, William Bruchhauser relocated his business, and with the depot being deemed too expensive to move, it was left behind.

Historic Depot and Caboose in Ullin, IL taken by Jennie Moore

    An important note is that the Phoenix Flour Mill was located near the railroad tracks, and when the depot was relocated, it was placed on Illinois Central Railroad's property that was being leased to William Bruchhauser. Therefore when the depot was abandoned and the lease ran out, ownership of the building returned to the Illinois Central Railroad. After some time, I.C.R.R. shared their plans to demolish the structure, which quickly received pushback by the Ullin Village Board and the Ullin Civic Club. I.C.R.R. responded to the villages concerns with an offer, one month to move the depot, or it would be destroyed. Amazingly, the village came together, and made a miracle happen. The Village of Ullin was able to purchase the trackside former location of the depot, and soon, the building was on the move. On December 3rd, 1997, 100 years after its construction, Ullin's depot would be taken back home to its original site for restoration. 

    The same year, the city of Ullin would pass an ordinance to protect the depot, and acknowledge it as a community landmark. In 2012, the depot would also become Ullin's library, and village hall. This small structure has had quite the journey over the years, and is still adding to its resume of purposes. I love a story in which a community comes together to save what is theirs, and Ullin is a beautiful example of that. For a deep dive on the Ullin Depot, including much more information and several photos, I recommend reading this great piece by Historic Structures, by clicking here. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do!

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. 

Patti’s 1880s Settlement | Landmark Landing

     

     At the time I’m writing this post, my mother and I are traveling. We’re making our way through western Kentucky, bound for Tennessee. Our appetites were growing, and she had made a suggestion of where we should stop to eat. She recalled a place she had eaten once before, called Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Just from the name, of course I was interested. 

     This restaurant is completely 1880s themed, even down to the clothing of the employees. The entrance features a fair sized gift shop, full of decor, knickknacks, and souvenirs. We were seated after a short wait, (and after I had purchased a magnet for my already overcrowded refrigerator door) and greeted by the kindest staff. 

     Imagine my surprise when the waitress brought to the table a terracotta flower pot with fresh homemade bread flowing out of it. She placed a small cup on the table, filled with their specialty, strawberry butter. I’ll admit I was skeptical, but now I insist that you all try it. The sweet and savory combination is to die for. Both my mother and I both ordered seafood, and we both agree it was fabulous. 

     If you are ever near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I highly recommend stopping by Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Not only a great eatery, but it is surrounded by a quaint, charming village. If you ever visit, let me know what you think! 

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. 

Easter Lilies and Their Secrets

Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Friends, today I want to share with you one of my favorite things about the spring season. Although Easter Lilies are beautiful in their own right, what I love most about them is the history they hold. It may seem silly to say that flowers can talk, but I assure you it’s true. 

Homan St., Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Growing up in a former boom town, I quickly learned that a lot of people have passed through our small community over the past two centuries. I wondered about those people, and where they laid their heads at night. I was probably only four or five years old when my father told me I could find that answer in the flowers. He explained to me that the way my mother planted all kinds around our house, is something those people had done too. He led me to the southeast corner of our property, where Easter Lilies had sprouted in a perfect square, outlining where a small house had once sat. 

Plummer Rd, Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Since then, I look for shapes, lines, and angles in the spring flora every year, looking for the next piece of the forgotten puzzle. I find many of these shapes in our humble town of Knob Lick, Missouri. The photos I share with you today are from a walk I had taken earlier this week. To my neighbors, I’m sorry if me taking pictures of nothing was startling. I plan to match these photos with their former structures and add it to an interactive map project I am working on for the Knob Lick Historical Society. Click here to follow our page for updates! 

Plummer Rd, Knob Lick, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Next time you see Easter Lilies off on their own, remember the mother like mine who had planted them all those years ago. Time goes on, but the small joys of being a human never change. Maybe someday your Lillies will tell your story to a curious soul. 

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.

 

Aunt Beck May House | Landmark Landing

 

Aunt Beck May House, taken by Jennie Moore

        In the rural town of Piedmont, Missouri sits a relic that once belonged to a beloved citizen. Rebecca (Payne) May was born on April 10th, 1848 near Sandborn, Indiana. She spent her childhood in Greene County, and on November 22nd, 1866, married William A. May there. The couple remained in their home town until c. 1876-1883, when the couple moved to Wayne County, Missouri, where they would raise 10 children.

        The two story log cabin seen above was originally built c. 1885-1890 on the western side of Mingo Swamp by John Albert Wilfong. In 1894, Wilfong would wed the daughter of William and Rebecca, Laura. Unfortunately, the marriage would be cut short, when Laura passes away during childbirth the same year. During this time, details are unclear about John's whereabouts, but the cabin he had built would be passed into the possession of his in laws, William and Rebecca May. Also around this time, the cabin would be moved to a spread of 43 acres 7 miles north of Wappapello. This land was gifted to William May for his time serving in the American Civil War. In this location, the pair raised their children, and orphaned grandchildren.

Side view of Aunt Beck May House, taken by Jennie Moore

        William and Rebecca were loved by their community. Rebecca in particular was considered a local treasure, thanks to her work as a midwife. She delivered many of the area children, and was lovingly gifted the nickname, "Aunt Beck". The two would spend the rest of their days in this cabin, with William dying on January 12th, 1906, and Rebecca dying on September 23rd, 1923. The community mourned the loss of their heroic midwife, who would leave a permanent footprint in Wayne County history. Though over the years as new generations came, Aunt Beck's memory began to fade. That was until a remarkable discovery decades later.

Rebecca "Aunt Beck" (Payne) May posted outside of her cabin

        In 1994, Earl and Ruth Carver were preparing to remove a building on their farm with intentions to construct a new barn. Though upon initial dismantling, they would quickly discover that beneath the façade, sat a log structure. This would quickly be confirmed to be Aunt Beck's lost cabin. The Carvers would reach out to locals Bob and Evelyn (May) Wilson, as Evelyn happens to be the great granddaughter of William and Rebecca "Aunt Beck" May. They immediately hopped into action, taking on the project alongside the Carvers of dismantling, restoration, and finding a new location for the cabin. Bob Wilson also created numerous graphs to number each cabin piece, and how it was to be reconstructed. The cabin was donated by the Wilson's to the Wayne County Historical Society. The organization then settled on the new location, on Route 34 in the city of Piedmont. By October of 1995, the reconstruction was complete, and could not have been done without the determination of the Carvers, the Wilsons, the Wayne County Historical Society, and group of volunteers. Now the memory of Aunt Beck can be shared for generations to come.

Aunt Beck May House signage, taken by Jennie Moore

    

    If you would like to visit the Aunt Beck May House, I encourage you to do so. It is easy to access, and requires minimal walking. The cabin also serves as a museum, so keep your eyes open for when it may be open to the public. You are able to walk the exterior at any time. Thank you all for tuning into the blog once again, I hope you will join me for our next stop! It is thanks to readers like you I am able to document these places.

        

Old McKendree Chapel | Landmark Landing

 

Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore

    

        Hidden on a wooded back road in Jackson, Missouri, sits a religious relic that played a major role in American Methodist history. Not only is McKendree Chapel the oldest standing Protestant church west of the Mississippi, but it is older than the state of Missouri itself. Constructed in 1819 by local carpenters and class members, the chapel was home to an early area congregation, founded in 1809. Before the chapel was built, services and revivals were held by the group on the same site. This two acre plot was owned by the Williams family, who would later donate the land for the chapel's construction. This site was chosen because of its poplar, oak, and maple tree groves, in addition to it's proximity to a natural spring, and being located on a high point. The chapel's name is derived from well known preacher William McKendree, who visited the site one year before construction began, in 1818. McKendree was the first native born Methodist bishop in America, and spent his life navigating the country to speak the word to thousands. He is often referred to as the "Father of Western Methodism".

        

Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore

         At the time of its construction, McKendree Chapel was a primitive log structure. Designed by architect Charnal Glasscock, the chapel showcases features uncommon for the era, such as windows with sashes, plank flooring, and a shingled roof. In the rear of the building, a sizable stone fireplace provides heating in the winter months. As early as the 1850s, weatherboard siding was added to the chapel, providing an extra layer of protection to the logs and mortar. Also on the property sits the Williams family cabin, and a cemetery.

Inside Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore

        The church congregation grew and flourished over the decades after its founding, serving many local families every week. In the 1830s, the chapel even became a schoolhouse. This trend was steady, until strain fell upon the church shortly before the Civil War. In 1844, the Methodist Episcopal Church split into a northern and a southern branch. McKendree Chapel's pastor, Nelson Henry, was a northern sympathizer, and kept his church associated with the northern Methodist branch. However, the Jackson area was of a very southern demographic, and this impacted McKendree's health as a church. From the time of the split, attendance dwindled, and the church's integrity weakened. By 1890, regular services along with schooling ended, and the congregation had disbanded. 

Old McKendree Chapel, taken by Jennie Moore

        Over the years after the chapel's closure, it began to fall into disrepair. Though the community recognized its significance, and decided to take action. In 1926, Reverend William Stewart was named pastor at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. Stewart immediately took the reigns, and began renovations on the chapel. The initial restoration was completed in 1933, and without the guidance and enthusiasm of Reverend Stewart, McKendree Chapel may have been lost. On October 15th, 1933, the northern and southern branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church came together to host a rededication service at Old McKendree Chapel, with over 2,000 people in attendance. Also in 1933, the McKendree Chapel Memorial Association was founded to protect the chapel, cemetery, cabin, and grounds. 

Reverend William Stewart

        Improvements continued over the decades, thanks to the association. In 1958, a steel canopy was added over the chapel to provide further protection. Then in 1977, the weatherboard siding was removed from the chapel to expose the original logs. 9 years after that, the Williams family cabin was reconstructed on the property. After these changes, the Old McKendree Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. In recent years, the original stones in the adjacent cemetery have been restored. Also recently (2022), another round of renovations are being done on the chapel and grounds. Such as a new steel canopy, improvements on the Williams cabin, and a fresh lawn. 

Old McKendree Chapel Stone, taken by Jennie Moore

        These days, Old McKendree Chapel once again sees the love and life it was built for. On the fourth September of every year, an event called Old McKendree Day is held at the chapel. All are welcomed to this event, as well as many others throughout the year. The McKendree Chapel Memorial Association has even more plans for the historic grounds. The future for the property is most certainly bright. For more information on upcoming events, information, visiting hours, and how you can contribute to the association's plans, visit their website. https://oldmckendree.org/