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/

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

Greenville's Unknown Soldier | Landmark Landing

 

Grave of unknown soldier in Greenville, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Deep in the hills of southeast Missouri, lies a mystery that thousands unknowingly pass by everyday. Under the shade of a skyscraping, generations old pine tree, lies a man who's identity has been lost to time. Although we don't know his name, we do know pieces of his story. This story has resonated with the citizens around, who then came together to protect and pay respects to him and his sacrifice. 

     Just a few hundred feet from the northbound lanes of US Highway 67, about 3 and 1/2 miles from Greenville, the unknown man rests. Here he has his own piece of serenity, called the Lonesome Pine Memorial. Where he lay, sits a raw granite stone with a plaque that reads "Unknown US Soldier, Civil War". Nearby, a flagpole with the stars and stripes flies proudly in the breeze. A sidewalk leads from a small parking area, to a lookout point of the grave, shown in the photo above. The grave and surrounding area are maintained by Wappapello Eagles 4066, Piedmont Eagles 4227, Wayne County Eagles 4187, VFW Post 3416, and American Legion Post 281. They have done a fantastic job upkeeping, and upgrading the memorial. 

Grave of unknown soldier, taken by Jennie Moore

     When I first caught wind of this man, my first thought was "What do we know about him?", and the truth is, not much. Regardless of not knowing even the most basic details of the soldier's personal identity, we do know enough to conclude his heroic identity. 

     The first confirmed reports of the unknown soldier and his gravesite appear in 1917-18, when Highway 23, now US Highway 67, was being constructed. (The next account is vital to the story, but does vaguely describe the discovery of the grave. This may disturb some audiences. Feel free to skip to the next paragraph.) Jeff Garner says on Facebook, "My Grandfather, Charles Franklin Gibbons (born 1901) was working on that highway about that same time. His dad, Joseph T. (Gibbons) was one of the supervisors as I remember the story, and they had their MO mule teams. My grandfather was driving a team when the head mule fell in a giant hole. They had to unhook the mule and get him out of the hole. When they did, they discovered he'd fallen into a grave. My grandfather took the shovel and lifted up the legs. He said it was a Civil War soldier unknown. The uniform cloth and buttons were still visible. He said the mule team was straddling a young pine tree, and they left it as a marker as to where the grave was. They moved the road bed over a few yards to avoid the grave, and kept up their work. So, my grandfather discovered the grave at the Lonesome Pine Memorial on Highway 67. I am fairly certain he said it was a blue uniform of a Union soldier." 

     A cousin of Jeff's, Jim Gibbons says, "I heard much of the same story, and was told it was state route 23 at the time. Dad said Grandpa (Joseph Gibbons) was working off his property taxes by supervising the road work. When Highway 67 was widened some time in the 1950's the grave would have been on the right of way and was not marked on the maps. Dad told one of the state engineers (Charles Ellinghouse Jr.) about the grave and where it was. They moved the new road over and built the rock embankment around it."

     The Historical Wayne County, Missouri Facebook page added some of their thoughts on the topic. “I believe there are probably 2 other soldiers there as well. There was a skirmish in Greenville during the war. 5 Confederates were killed and 3 Union. The Confederates were buried in town, and presently marked. The Union were camped on the south side of the river out of town. Those 3 Union soldiers had to be buried somewhere in the vicinity. Yes the 5 Confederate are at Old Greenville. It’s my belief the 3 Union are at this site."

     

     I found this theory of Historical Wayne County, Missouri's very interesting, and very plausible. According to reputable sources, there were two skirmishes at Greenville, just six days apart from one another. The first took place on July 20th, 1862 when Confederate forces arrived in Greenville. Also in Greenville, was a Union camp occupied by the Twelfth Missouri State Militia Calvary Companies B and G. Upon learning of this camp, the Confederates carried out a surprise attack as daylight broke. This resulted in a Union loss, forcing them to retreat. The Confederates made off with most of their rifles, 16 Savage revolvers, 50 pairs of holster pistols, and all of their horses. Four were killed, and five were wounded. 

     Two men present during the attack spoke on the event soon after. E. Francis, First Lieutenant Company B, Twelfth Regiment Cav., Mo. S. M. says, "Leeper's brother came in from Black River and reported that Deas and Reeves, or a part of their bands, had been and took some horses from him. They belonged to the same party that attacked the camp next morning. There had been guards on the east side of the camp, but were withdrawn after Major Lazear left. I know of no other cause for the guard being withdrawn than the confidence of the commanding officer that he could whip 500 men. I think that if the camp had been guarded as it should have been, and as there were men sufficient to have guarded it, that we could not have been surprised and could have whipped the rebels. The attack came from the southeast side of the camp. If a guard had been where it usually was I do not think a body of men could have passed them without being seen. There were over 100 men in camp at that time, but I cannot remember exactly the number reported."

October 29th, 1862 copy of New York Times newspaper

Sergt. James M. L. Jamieson, of lawful age, being sworn, says, "I reside in Saint Francis County, Missouri. Am now first Sergeant of Company B, Twelfth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, commanded by Captain William T. Leeper. I was in camp near Greenville, Mo., on the morning of July 20, at the time the attack was made on said camp. I was in camp all the night before. On the night before the attack there were 3 pickets between the camp and town at the spring, and 3 on the Fredericktown road, up the river from the camp. The first 3 were on the river below the camp, and 3 camp guards and 1 corporal. This was all the guards that I have any knowledge of being out that night. These were the only guards we had out after Major Lazear left the camp, or at least there were no others out that night or the night before. I think Major Lazear left the camp some time between July 10 and 20. Some few days before the camp was attacked Captain Leeper said to me that we would have to keep a sharp lookout, for that we would be attacked, for they knew our strength, and that would be the place they would attack. I don't think a proper guard was kept at that point. There were at that time considerably over 100 men in camp."

 

     The second skirmish took place on July 26th, 1862, however, I could not find as many details on the matter. We do know that the skirmish involved the Third and Twelfth Missouri State Militia Calvary. It was another Union loss, with two more men killed, and six wounded.

     The chances of the unknown soldier being one of these Union casualties, is fairly high. If that is the case, we can add another piece to the puzzle, as we know which regiments, even down to the possible company, he may have belonged to. We can imagine what life would have been like for the unknown soldier, by analyzing the lives of men in the Union Army during this time. 

     Another reason I believe may contribute to the lack of information on the identity and burial of the soldier (along with the other unaccounted for Union casualties) is the poor luck of the Wayne County Courthouse in Greenville. In 1866, records were stolen from the courthouse, and never recovered. Then on December 14th, 1892, a fire broke out, destroying a portion of the records. Perhaps any documentation containing the names, burials, or acknowledgements of the unknown soldier were lost during these events.

Myself leaving a flower arrangement at the grave, photographed by Colleen Gallagher

     Even with the information we do have, it tends to leave us with more questions than answers. We may never know the true identity of the unknown soldier, but that isn't a requirement when preserving his memory. His identity, or lack of thereof, doesn't subtract from the sacrifice he made. Our soldier is one who left behind all he had, to fight for unity, and a better future for the United States. He may have wondered as he passed that day if what he had done was worth the hardship, or if his one life made a difference. I hope he is able to watch the visitors pay their respects, and thank him, to answer that question. Even without a name, or details of his life, he brings our community together 160 years later. That is a true hero.

     Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed. This article was a bit different than my past work, because it involves a bit more hypothesis opposed to solid facts. Though this site spoke to me, and I knew I had to write a piece on it. I feel it is worth sharing, regardless of what we are missing. If you are interested in visiting the Lonesome Pine Memorial, I will leave the directions below! 

     Directions: If you are traveling south on Highway 67, you will have to drive about a mile past the site and then return on the north bound lanes to access it. You will see the large pine tree in the clearing before you reach the right turn. Parking is available at the site. 

     Coordinates:  37°5'37"N   90°27'23"W

  

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

     

Honey Festival + Market 2021 | Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

 

     Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! I have some really exciting news for my friends in the 573. It is almost time for the first Honey Festival + Market in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri! If you aren't familiar, this event is a must see for lovers of history, music, nature, and more. It takes place in Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve, on Saturday June 26th noon-6:00pm, and Sunday June 27th noon-4:00pm.

     This event is created and held by Harold's Famous Bee Co., an incredible local business unlike any others. At Harold's, you can find all things bees. From hand harvested honey in endless flavors, to the patented pain relieving bee cream, there is something for everyone. The people behind Harold's Famous Bee Co. are so passionate about beekeeping, they created the Honey Festival + Market to celebrate and invite others to explore local bee culture!

                                                                                                                                                                           Not only will you find the Harold's team and their creations, but many of their friends in the bee business with their products! As seen in the flyer above, there will be a wonderful lineup of beekeeping guests. There will be many opportunities to shop products of all kinds, taste test, and learn about beekeeping. You will get to watch a live honey harvesting, and even get hands on by spinning the extractor! 

     Aside from all of the honey products, there will be many craft vendors, where you can purchase all kinds of locally made merchandise. From all the shopping and activities, you're bound to grow hungry. Thankfully, there will be several food vendors, and trucks! Not to mention there are some spectacular restaurants within historic downtown. You will find all sorts of cuisine from different cultures, and styles. You will never go hungry in Ste. Genevieve!

     As for entertainment, you are in luck. There will be live music both days! On Saturday, locally loved and nationally successful country band Route 67 will be playing from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. On Sunday, sit back and enjoy the great work of local singer/songwriter Gabe Miciah Puhse from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. These two acts will not disappoint! As for the children, have them tag along! The Harold's team has created the "Kid's Zone" where the kiddos can take a picture in a bee costume, dress up like a beekeeper, help paint a hive, and more!

      I am so eager for this event, and I hope it becomes annual! Every vendor and member in putting this together, will be so thankful for everyone who attends. They were also gracious enough to make the admission completely free, so come, go, and enjoy the entertainment to your heart's desire. Below I will include the links to the Facebook event, and the websites of those involved. I hope to see you there!

With love,

Jennie

- Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/4DRgfy738

- Harold's Famous Bee Co.: haroldsfamous.com

- Gabe Miciah Puhse: https://www.facebook.com/gabemiciahpuhsemusic

- Route 67 Band: https://route67band.com/     

De Lassus, Missouri | Forgotten Settlements

 

Couple at the De Lassus Depot, early 1900s

     Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  It's been a while, and I am so glad to see you again.  Before we get into today's article, I want to thank all of my readers for being so supportive and patient during this break.  As most of you know, I deal with physical health issues.  Back in spring, I found myself in a poor health state.  I needed to take some time away from my work to get to a better place.  I have had a great recovery, and am so excited to bring you new content that I hope you will love!

     As you may have noticed, this is the first installment in a new series!  Not to anyone's surprise, I am a big fan of small, bypassed, and historic areas.  If you're new, you may not know about my Small Town Saturday series.  In that series, I write about small towns and villages with populations under 1,000.  This series is called Forgotten Settlements, and will have a similar theme and layout to Small Town Saturday.  The different element of this series, is the communities featured will be abandoned, bypassed, or left to wither in time.  There will be locations you may have heard of, and some you haven't.  I'm very eager for this project, and hope you enjoy!

De Lassus, 2020

     Today's location is the community of De Lassus (also spelled DeLassus) in St. Francois County, Missouri.  De Lassus is located primarily within modern-day Farmington, with some of the community lying on the outskirts of the city limit.  You can find De Lassus by traveling on Highway 221 from Farmington, and turning on De Lassus Road less than one mile to the left.

     De Lassus was first platted in 1869, when the railroad was extended to that point.  At this time, the land was an estate granted by Spain, to Charles de Hault de Lassus de Luziere.  Charles was the last Spanish Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana.  With this land grant, Charles made a plan for a prosperous city, one that could compete with nearby Farmington. 

De Lassus Depot, early 1900s

     The railroad extension through De Lassus was crucial for the town's founding, but De Lassus was not the first choice for this extension.  When the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad were creating plans for this new branch line, Farmington was chosen as a stop.  Officials in Farmington were keen on this idea, as the railroad would add another valuable asset to the city.  Though while plans began for this new project, Farmington officials made an interesting choice to aid in funding the construction.  Residents of Farmington were prompted to purchase railroad bonds, and this idea was heavily marketed to every social and financial class.  Though officials were optimistic, this proposition didn't go over as well as they had hoped.  The residents of Farmington promptly refused to purchase these bonds.  There were a few reasons for this response, a main reason being the U.S. was just 4 years out of the Civil War, causing financial strain on most families throughout the country.  This predicament was fatal for the railroad plans, and caused the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad to pull out completely. 

     Thankfully for the railroad, they caught wind of an up and coming town just two miles away where the branch line could be directed.  Soon, De Lassus became a stop on the Belmont Branch of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad, which now detoured Farmington completely.  This was amazing for the small village, bringing jobs, residents, and notoriety.  By 1870, a post office was opened under the name De Lassus, and the growth began. 

     Alanzo and Lizzie Overall (and family) next to their newly built home, 1895 (Photo courtesy of Gena Overall Sweeney)

     As the late 1800's progressed, De Lassus was doing well.  The town now consisted of 28 city blocks, two being set aside for commercial buildings.  Families were moving into the area, building homes and founding farms.  Small businesses popped up along the streets, providing for the locals.  Things were going so well, that De Lassus offcials, inculding Charles de Hault de Lassus de Luziere, grew their ambitions even further.  During this time, a proposition was made to move the county seat from Farmington to De Lassus, including building a brand new courthouse.  Although residents found this admirable, the idea was quickly denied and dismissed.  

     Regardless to this setback, progress was still being made in the town.  De Lassus became a very important railroad shipping point, a crucial asset for both Farmington and Doe Run.  This created several jobs for locals, positions that would last for decades.  Even in the railroad's final years, the segment which ran through De Lassus would aid the nearby State Hospital, (now Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center) by delivering goods such as coal, which the entire hospital campus ran electricity and boilers on.

De Lassus Tornado Damage

     With all of this rich, 19th century history in De Lassus, you may wonder why nearly all of the existing architecture dates no earlier than the 20th century.  This is due to a nearly forgotten tragedy that shook the De Lassus community in the early 1900's.  Between 10:00pm and 11:00pm on April 15th, 1912, a tornado touched down in St. Francois County.  Most towns and communities would come out unscathed, De Lassus was not so lucky.  The tornado ripped through De Lassus, destroying nearly all of the town.  Homes and businesses were flattened, along with several reported injuries.  The railroad freight house was completely swept away, the depot was severely damaged, and the De Lassus Hotel was beyond repair.  Among this devastation, the community banded together to rebuild.  The lumber from the hotel was repurposed to build new homes for the Overall, Yancy, Hill, and Cole families.  All four of which are still standing today!  The best news of all being, there were no reported fatalities. 

Lizzie Overall and son Donald Overall in front of rebuilt home, c. 1920 (Photo courtesy of Gena Overall Sweeney)

     After the reconstruction of the town, De Lassus continued to be home to the railroad, several businesses, and a school.  The Delassus School taught first through eighth grade, and graduated hundreds of children over the decades.  De Lassus contributed to the 144 8th grade graduates in the area in 1949, the last year of operation before consolidating with the Farmington School District.  Many former students have fond memories of the school, and their education there.  “My daddy went to school there and graduated from eighth grade there. He talked about how so many of the teachers were very young girls, often only a year or two older than some of the seventh and eighth graders” - Linda Russell on Facebook.

De Lassus School, c. 1900

Around the mid 1900's, changes started to arise for the local railroad. In 1904, the city of Farmington created their own solution to being bypassed by the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. This solution would be an electric trolley system that ran throughout the city. These trolleys would primarily transport passengers, and was popular for doing so. Although by the 1940's, the electric railway was in desperate need for expansion. The city of Farmington and the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad would agree to connect their lines, creating a larger rail system. This allowed train access between Farmington, Hurryville, and De Lassus. Passengers were now able to board a train at the Washington Street Depot in Farmington, and be taken to the depot in De Lassus.

Map depicting the former Farmington/De Lassus Line (dashed line represents the railroad in relation to the modern day area)

In 1947, the Farmington railway was officially dieselized, as most railroads were doing at this time. This meaning that the electric trolleys were swapped out for diesel locomotives, which opened great opportunity for the area. At this time, De Lassus was still a major freight hub for the county, processing and shipping nearly all of the area's goods. With the approved dieselization, freight trains could now travel from De Lassus into Farmington directly by rail. This was a breakthrough for both Farmington and De Lassus, heightening the function of both cities. I am blessed to say that there is rare footage of this railway in use, as trains travel between Farmington and De Lassus. This film dates to the late 1940's, and I suggest everyone give it a watch! Click here to see the video.

Because the presence of the railroad in De Lassus existed until the mid 1900's, several residents and former residents have memories regarding this. “When I was young, we lived in the old feed store just to the right of the road on the right side of the depot. The building was owned by Lorris and Ruth Cole. It was torn down years ago. There was generally a freight wagon parked on this side of the depot. They were big and heavy. I remember the older men used to gather on the wagon and tell tales. I loved those guys and was constantly running down there to talk to them. Then my poor mother would have to come get me and take me home. She came after me with a switch one time because I had ignored her calling me. Those men gave her a hard time about the switch. As I recall the switch was only a prop (threat). She never used it.” - Linda Russell on Facebook.

     Also during this time, there were still several businesses that called De Lassus home.  One of the most memorable being the feed store owned by the Pratt family.  “The feed store was right down by the railroad tracks you would pass to get down to the river. I grew up in that wonderful little spot on the map. Things sure have changed a lot.” - Marla Hammers recalls.

Coordinate Pin Point of Cemetery Location

Although the city of De Lassus is no longer, there are still several things that can be seen within the community that tells its story. From historic homes, to small businesses, to loving churches. Though my favorite relics are those that you may not see at first glance. Such as the old railbed that is visible from Delassus road, the very one that lived and died with this town. That piece of land saw all of the prosperity, hardships, success, and dwindle. I also must mention the Delassus Cemetery, which many have no knowledge of. The Delassus cemetery has been unkept since 2005, and is no longer visible to the road. On the contrary, from my findings it is still a public cemetery that may be visited. There is at least 56 recorded graves, with the oldest having a death date of 1872. The cemetery location is several feet off of the corner of 4th street and Delassus Road. If you decide to visit, I suggest going in winter to minimize the threat of injury and animal bites.

St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad Railbed visible from Delassus Road, 2020

     De Lassus may not be a county or state recognized settlement anymore, but anyone who lives in or near the former town can tell you that this tight knit community is alive and well!  Still proudly representing the name, the people of De Lassus are not going anywhere.  My goal with this series is to bring the spotlight back to these forgotten places, that still have so much to say.  I suggest everyone pay De Lassus a visit, just to cruise along the hidden streets and admire the relics of a once booming city. 

     Thank you all for reading, I do hope you enjoyed and learned something new.  I'd love to hear your feedback, and your requests for future installments of this series.  I'd also be thrilled to hear any stories, memories, or photos you have on De Lassus!  Until next time.

Jennie Moore

     

Glamlite Cake Palette Review | Jennie’s Vanity

 

Glamlite Cake Palette

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today's post is pretty exciting, as it is my first post in my beauty series, "Jennie's Vanity"!  As most of you know, I have had a love for cosmetics for years.  Makeup artistry has been one of my most dedicated hobbies, and I decided it was time to take it one step further.  I have been posting my makeup looks on my social media for years, and have always dreamed of going more in depth. In this series I will be sharing all things beauty, from reviews, to favorites, to hauls.  When a Jennie's Vanity post goes up, there will be a corresponding post on my social media.  I hope y'all enjoy this new series!

Product:     

     Glamlite Cosmetics is a brand that I have had my eye on for a while.  They are known for their unique style branding, and iconic products such as the Burger Palette.  Glamlite's products have been reviewed by the most popular beauty gurus, like Nikkie Tutorials and Jeffree Star.  After announcing their newest release, the Cake Palette, I knew it was time to get my hands on the magic of Glamlite.  The Cake Palette is a brightly colored eyeshadow palette of 20 shades, that  retails for $40.00 on glamlite.com. I had spoken on my Instagram about the Cake Palette being the newest addition to my wish list, and it had fallen on the most generous of eyes.  My close friend Anna was kind enough to purchase and gift this palette to me.  For that I cannot thank her enough, and it makes this palette all the more special. 

     

     First things first, I have to appreciate how quickly the palette arrived.  It only took three days for the palette to depart from Glamlite, and arrive at my home.  It was well and safely packaged, with no harm to the product in transit.  I have to praise the box that the palette comes in, as many brands don't put as much work into the outer carton like Glamlite.  The packaging is well thought out, creative, and overall a touch I really appreciated.  It goes without saying that the interior of the palette is gorgeous, with the eye immediately being drawn to the brightly colored eyeshadows.  I really love the color story of this palette, it is without a doubt a product that inspires me to create.

Application:    

     Upon diving in, I found the matte shadows to be very well pigmented, and easy to pick up on the brush.  It dispersed a fair amount of product, without too much fallout.  I first applied the shade "Key Lime" into the crease, defusing it up toward the brow bone.  I then dipped into shade "Icy Mint", putting that in the crease and blending it just under the first shade, leaving the edge of "Key Lime" still visible. For the final matte shade, and the one I was most excited about, I applied "Birthday Cake" in the lower crease, outer V, and outer lid.  This shade is the star of the palette in my opinion, and without a doubt one of the most impressive matte blue shades I have ever used. All of the matte shades translated well on the eyes, staying true to the color they appeared in the pan.  The mattes were even, and easy to blend. 

     I have to say, I am a fan of bright colors, and I am almost always wearing some kind of colorful eyeshadow.  I find that brightly colored eyeshadows can be very hit and miss, especially from brand to brand, but the matte shades of the Cake Palette are definitely a hit.  

     When it came time to add some shimmer into the look, I was eager to dip in.  I cut my crease with concealer and decided to go in with shade "Blueberry".  It applied well and stood out on the eye, but of course, I decided it needed more.  I then applied shade "Lavender" over shade "Blueberry" which gave it a light duo-chrome shift that was to die for.  The last shade I added, also a shimmer, was "Blue Raspberry".  I put that shade on the edge of the shimmers to make the transition into "Birthday Cake" a little more cohesive.  The shimmers applied beautifully, with an almost creamy texture.  I find that they apply best with a finger like most shimmers do, but could be applied with a brush if you have the patience to layer up the product. 

     I am eager to say that both formulas performed well, and Glamlite's shadow formula's as a whole are right on target for my standards.  The only disclaimer is that the eyeshadows may stain.  This is not uncommon for brightly colored eyeshadows, are will not cause any harm.  I noticed pink staining on the lid where "Blueberry" and Lavender" were applied, and I noticed staining from shade "Birthday Cake" on the outer lid.  The staining was mild and faded away withing a few hours, and could easily could be covered with foundation or concealer in the meantime.  It is also important to note that I am very fair complected, so someone of a darker skin tone may not experience staining at all.  I personally don't mind the staining and it will not deter me from a good product, though I thought it was worth mentioning.

Final Thoughts & Photos:

     Overall, I really enjoyed using the Cake Palette, and it will absolutely have a home in my collection.  This product not only meets, but exceeds my personal standards.  I was able to create a look I was very happy with, and I'm eager to keep creating with this palette.  I would recommend this product to anyone looking for bright, colorful, and well performing eyeshadows.  I feel that the array of shades provide the perfect variety of color, and endless creative opportunity.  I will continue to share my look using this palette, and can't wait to see what Glamlite does next. 

     Thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you are feeling inspired to dip into your makeup and be creative.  I hope y'all enjoyed the first post in this new series, and tune into the next installment.  I can't thank my followers enough for giving me the opportunity to pursue and share my art. Thank you. 

     

     With love, Jennie