Eternal Homes….from Murphysburg to Mount Hope Cemetery
Saturday, June 18 Headstone Restoration Workshop starts at 10:00 AM
Cemetery Mausoleum Vignettes are performed between 3:00 & 8:00 PM
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will think outside their block by hosting a tour and workshop at Mount Hope Cemetery. Have you ever wondered what a mausoleum looks like behind those ornate solid bronze doors? Do you want to hear directly from the “spirits” of Joplin “influencers” of the early 1900s? Saturday, June 18, 2022 is your chance. The cemetery tour starts at 3:00 and goes to 8:00 pm. Tour includes docents, historic reenactors, musical entertainment and theatrical performances by Dream Theatre Troupe.
Hands-on workshop will also be offered at 10:00 am. Guests will learn the basics of headstone restoration, maintenance, and safe cleaning practices. Bring your own soft brush and bucket and we will supply the rest.
Refreshments will be available so that attendees can “sip and stroll” through this historic site atop Jasper County’s highest natural elevation.
Tour at your own pace to each selected mausoleums and monuments to hear directly from the “ghosts” of Joplin “influencers” of the early 1900s.
Mount Hope Cemetery represents an extremely valuable cultural and historical asset of the four-state area through their genealogical information, gravestone architecture, and iconography. Joplin co-founding father Patrick Murphy and Webb City founding-father John Cornwell Webb are both interred here. The cemetery was designed in 1905 by Hare and Hare, who later went on to assist in the design of the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, Nelson Art Gallery, and much more.
This special event is brought to you by Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc and our sponsors
The Women of Murphysburg . . . Bendelari Women of The Olivia Apartments
A lot has been written about the history and current restoration of The Olivia Apartments at 320 South Moffet Avenue in Joplin. In honor of Women’s History Month, we present stories of four women directly connected to the Olivia, each with their own unique stories.
The first story belongs to Frances Geddes. The next three women are the daughters of Fredrico Bendelari, Mary, Helen and Olivia.
In honor of Women’s History Month—and in celebration of the ongoing restoration of the Olivia Apartments at 320 S. Moffet Avenue—Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will present “Women of the Olivia,” long forgotten accounts of four unique, smart women. Paula Callihan, one of the group’s members, said, “We knew a little bit about two women connected to Murphysburg’s history, but when we decided to expand on it, we were excited to find evidence of two other women’s biographies.”
Mary Anne Phillips, another member, said, “Now that historical data is available on the internet, it’s amazing what can be found about Joplin’s or your family’s history by a simple word or name search. Expect to read politically incorrect language and content based on today’s standards.” When browsing old newspapers for women’s history, be sure to look at the so-called woman’s page, personals, club notes, social forecasts, and general society columns. There are also gaps in years/months/days of many archived newspapers.
All of the Bendelari women in the series were considered socialites, were well traveled, cultivated special talents, earned national recognition, and made their homes in Joplin before, after, and during their careers. The Bendelari sisters were educated at home and abroad. All four women lived to their 80s and 90s and all died in California.
In September 1871, Murphysburg was incorporated in Missouri and named for co-founder Patrick Murphy. At the time, Murphysburg was generally on the west side of Joplin Creek and Joplin City was on the east side of the creek. Although the two cities had a contentious relationship, they merged and incorporated in March 1873, under the name of Joplin.
This event was a way to have fun with history and learn about the rehabilitation and future use of four significant Murphysburg properties—the Olivia Apartments at 4th and Moffet, plus the Schifferdecker, Zelleken, and Rogers Houses near 4th and Sergeant.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the activities of HMP.
The event is in cooperation with Joplin Historical Neighborhoods, Inc.
Historic Murphysburg Preservation’s mission is to promote historic preservation throughout the Murphysburg Residential Historic District and the City of Joplin. We seek to preserve the integrity of the downtown residential community, educate visitors about our rich history, save limited natural resources, and instill community pride.
Homes of Murphysburg!
Architectural elements you can discover in Murphysburg
Elements of Architecture
The Murphysburg Historic District appears much as it did during the period of significance (1880-1965) and as a whole retains all aspects of integrity. One hundred twenty-six of the 153 (82%) primary resources are contributing to the District while three of the primary resources were previously listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These resources remain in their original locations within the neighborhood and just west of the downtown commercial center. The residential setting has streets lined with sidewalks, mature trees, and houses on widely-spaced lots, as it did when it was initially platted.
Commercial areas have developed to the south and east, but these do not compromise the integrity of the District. The District clearly communicates its associations with and feelings about the patterns of residential development and the breadth of architectural styles that shaped the community of Joplin from the late 1800s into the mid-twentieth century.
The majority of resources retain their original design, materials, and workmanship. The array of architectural styles represented by the original designs, including National Folk Forms, Queen Anne, and Revival Styles, remains intact throughout the District. The majority of the resources have their original form and materials, such as limestone foundations, wood siding, and wood windows.
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