Historic St. Joseph Emporium

04/13/2025

In Downtown St. Joseph, Missouri, the Provident Building, a 1921 Neoclassical, stands out. It has been updated over the years to maintain its historical integrity while providing modern comforts. Once a bank, the main floor features 18-foot ceilings, polished stone flooring, period lighting and fans, a full bar with 12 taps, 2 half bathrooms, and a full kitchen. You gain access to the newer, stamped concrete patio on the main floor. The original bank vault is the centerpiece of this magnificent space! The vault features a floor-to-ceiling wine rack, a library ladder, and a spiral staircase that leads to the basement speakeasy. The luxurious speakeasy has stone tile flooring and a 2nd bar with a sink. This building is worth exploring if you are in the area. It could be a home, a business, or a combination of both.

03/23/2025

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Museum Hill features an extraordinary variety of architectural styles - Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, American Foursquare, and Bungalow / American Craftsman. Located at 1215 Charles Street, this home is an option that has charm to spare.

03/23/2025

The majestic Shakespeare Chateau was built in 1885 for Nathan Phipps and Elmarine Ogden when St. Joseph was known as "Queen of the River Cities." High atop a bluff looking down across the city and the Missouri River, 809 Hall is one of several mansions in the National Register Historic District known locally as "Millionaires' Row." If you need proof of why historic preservation matters, this mansion shows the reason with over 40 stained glass windows and many different types of wood. Take a look this spring and see for yourself. There is an opportunity here!

02/16/2025

Nestled in the Museum Hill Historic District, this stunning all-brick home at 1215 Charles Street oozes with timeless charm and features ample space for comfortable living. It could also be an excellent investment opportunity. Previously utilized as a successful B & B, the home features beautiful period details, including intricate woodwork, original hardwood floors, and tall windows that fill every room with natural light. The updated kitchen and bathrooms balance historic character with contemporary convenience, making this home move-in ready or turnkey for vacation rental use. Enjoy the serene neighborhood with its tree-lined streets and proximity to St. Joseph's vibrant downtown, local museums, and cultural attractions. Whether you're seeking a forever home or a lucrative investment in one of the city's most charming areas, this property is a must-see!

01/06/2025

A jewel is available! 1901 House - 1802 South 20th, St. Joseph, Missouri

A little background...
Individuals:

Charles Fabriss Herman: (Jan. 20, 1845-May 29, 1913). Born in Germany; immigrated in 1857. Worked as a brick manufacturer. Herman Brick Co. Married Wilhelmena Sowers in 1868. Died at 1802 of pulmonary tuberculosis. Buried at Mt. Olivet.

Wilhelmina Sowers Herman (1852-Nov. 15, 1918). Born in Germany; immigrated in 1866. Died of strangulated hernia at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Buried at Mt. Olivet.

William Herman (April 16, 1873-July 1, 1933). Born in St. Joseph to Charles and Janfer Eva. Worked in the brickyard and as a teamster. Never married. Died at 1802 of myocarditis. Buried at 1802.
Joseph J. Herman (April 28, 1874-Dec. 27, 1919). Born in St. Joseph to Charles and mother is listed as unknown (the informant on his death cert is his brother Anthony). Worked as a brick manufacturer, treasurer of the Herman Brick Co.. Never married. Died from being crushed by a tree he was cutting down at 1802. Buried at Mt. Olivet.
Anthony Joseph Herman (April 22, 1880-Oct. 25, 1949). Born in St. Joseph to Charles and Wilhelmena. Had an 8th grade education. Worked as a brick manufacturer. The plant was closed in about 1923. Married to Olive. Died of re**al cancer while living at 1802. Buried at Mt. Olivet.
Mary Adamack Herman (Nov. 1, 1877-June 15, 1927). Born in Humboldt, NE. Died while living at 1802 of obstructed bowel. Buried at Mt. Mora.
Mary Patek Adamack (July 5, 1840-Oct. 4, 1927). Born in Bohemia. Died at 1821 Scott St of endocarditis. Buried at Mt. Mora.
Olive “Ollie” Yehle Herman: (Sept. 23, 1883-Feb. 10, 1971). Born in Maryville, MO. 8th grade education. Married Anthony in 1928. Died at State Hospital #2 of broncho pneumonia and “organic brain syndrome associated with senile brain disease”. Buried at Mt. Olivet.


Clyde E. Osborn (Dec. 8, 1888- Nov. 21, 1953). Born in Mendon, MO. Worked as yard masster for Union Depot. Never married. Died of anemia while living at 1802. Buried in Independence, MO.
Anna Belle Kenney Osborn (March 27, 1862-March 8, 1954). Born in Daviess County. Married to Dr. John Franklin Osborn. Buried in Independence, MO
William Franklin Evans (July 10, 1919-Sept., 1981). Born in Lathrop, MO. Married to Jean. Banker, VP of American National Bank. Buried at Memorial Park.
Jean A. Evans (1917-2001). Buried at Memorial Park


Clippings

News Press, Nov. 22, 1922



Gazette, Nov. 3, 1918


News Press, Nov. 15, 1918

Gazette, May 31, 1919


Gazette, Dec. 28, 1919


Gazette, Aug. 31, 1920


Gazette, June 16, 1927


Gazette, June 17, 1927

Gazette, April 10, 1928


Gazette, Aug. 16, 1928



News Press, July 1, 1933


Gazette, Dec. 7, 1933



News Press, June 8, 1938


News Press, Oct. 25, 1949


News Press, Nov. 22, 1953

News Press, March 6, 1955



News Press, Sept. 15, 1981

Gazette, Jan. 15, 1975

12/03/2024

Alicia Williams, better known as Lady Taphos on TikTok, will discuss the fascinating history of monument-making.

06/23/2023

The Shakespeare Chateau Guild is partnering with 5-Point Masonry to host a historic masonry workshop series in an effort to teach people how to help preserve historic architecture.

12/22/2022

11/01/2022

NEW DESIGN RELEASE! Our 80s inspired STJOMO shirt brings all the color and retro vibes! Shop now at www.wiryorphanco.com or find them at Manic Snail in Downtown St. Joseph!

10/19/2022

503 N. 5th Street, St. Joseph, Missouri

Before E.J. Eckel came to town, the leading architect in St. Joseph was W. Angelo Powell. Unfortunately, there are not many examples of his work still standing. The Jonathan Bassett House at 503 N. 5th Street, in the Robidoux Hill National Historic District, is one of the exceptions. The rumor is that the oldest part of this house was built by Joseph Robidoux himself. Now that may or may not be true, but what is certain is that in 1868 alterations to the house – then owned by Mayor J.M. Bassett – were made by Powell himself. This wonderful property, now converted into apartments, is for sale as part of a package of wonderful multi-family homes. Learn more at:
https://historicsaintjosephemporium.com/jonathan-bassett-house

10/12/2022

Here's a resource with reference to a study. Take a look...
https://grandbates.org/2017/04/13/repairing-your-homes-original-windows-for-curb-appeal-and-energy-savings/