Celebrating National Historic Districts & Places That Matter

2025 Accomplishments | Activities | Events

January – Removed Christmas wreaths from utility poles at $150  *  Baby in the Bushes story (219 S. Sergeant in 1945)  published in the Show Me Route 66 magazine

February – Mary Anne represented HMP at the CVB “Connections” meeting

April – Baby in the Bushes story on KZRG TV (MSSU TV) aired on Newsmakers Show and KOAM TV

May – The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt profited around $740 with 42 participants with 7 volunteers  *  New Banners were installed by the City at a cost to HMP of $440 for the design process and $625 for the banners totaling $1,065; the City paid for the brackets and installation

June – Received a $2,500 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council for printing of a comprehensive booklet; edited/researched the booklet all year

July – Mary Anne and Paula represented HMP at the Route 66 Association meeting held in Joplin

September – Whisky & Whispers: A Reflection on Prohibition profited $3,403 hosting 60 guests with 8 volunteers  *  Salvaged architectural elements from the Jane Chinn House (circa 1893) in Webb City; some items already sold and donated with remaining items for sale


October – Murphysburg After Dark History Tour profited around $360 with 37 paying guests and kids that were free totaling about 45 guests  *  Mary Anne met with a tour planner to promote Murphysburg District

November – Presented the salvaged Jane Chinn monogramed transom to Webb City Area Genealogical Society  * Install Christmas wreaths on poles around Thanksgiving at $150  *  Received a $3,500 CVB for events between Nov 1, 2025 and Oct 31, 2026  *  Annual Meeting

December – Tea & Scandals: An Afternoon Tea with a Twist (and holiday homes tour of the James Dangerfield House) profited $3,000 with 80 guests and 10 volunteer’s. The tea was December 20, tickets were $40 per person

$1,709.00 banners & brackets Wreaths $500.00 Website

$418.00 insurance , about $5,000 to operate HMP for a year

A special thank you to our sponsors and volunteers

Murphysburg Treasure Hunt

The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt Coordinators.
The winners of the $1,000 Prize. Our friend on the right, Michelle Ferguson represented SMB and was there to give the prize to our happy treasure hunters.
More treasure hunters at the finish line. They stated, even though they did not win a prize they learned a lot about Joplin and had a good time.

 Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. produced an exciting community  event to celebrate Historic Preservation Month: The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt is race to solve riddles, uncover clues, and explore Joplin’s rich history.

Want to take the Treasure Hunt on your own? The hunt features historical sites throughout the city. Each one is tied to significant events and unique stories from Joplin’s early days.

Message us on our Facebook page for Answers or more hints to find the treasures.

A special thanks to Southwest Missouri Bank for for sponsoring the event.

Paula’s Beauty shop

Joshua Shackles Production

City of Joplin

CLEVELAND APARTMENTS

The Cleveland Apartments were built by William Phelps Cleveland (1870-1936) who was in
the mining business and the inventor of a magnetic separator. He was married to Annabelle
Bartlett Cleveland (1866-1919).
 
Stones and other materials that were salvaged from the deconstruction of Patrick Murphy’s
mansion (built in 1898 at 4 th & Wall) were used to construct these luxury apartments.

Each of the six prestigious residences were “modern and up-to-date” with seven rooms, a large sleeping
porch, pantry, closets, large attic, basement, two fireplaces with mantels, and a private garage. In
spite of a major fire in May 2022, restoration continues by owners (and brothers) Shawn and
Stephen Grindle and Neal Group Construction & Restoration.

The Cleveland was a prestigious place to live, similar to the Olivia Apartments, especially for
wealthy widows. Common for the language of the time in 1916, a help wanted advertisement in
the Joplin Globe read as follows: WANTED-Colored or white girl; must be experienced; easy
work; small family; permanent place. No. 3 Cleveland apartments; apply personally.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland lived here, but eventually moved to 108 N. Jackson Avenue, the duplex
directly to the north. That structure is also part of the restoration project. At this time, it is
unknown if Austin Allen designed that structure.

ELKS CLUB LODGE NO. 501

Currently: Old Elks Club Office Building

The Elks Club/Lodge was an important part of the business, social, and philanthropic lives of
many men who established their homes in what we now call the Murphysburg Historic District.
Some of the wives also sat on sub-committees for grand balls and charity fairs. In 1910 several
wives were involved in the infamous baby auction- – -but that’s a story for another time!
This brick and stone building features a columned portico flanked by two slightly projecting bays
accentuated by limestone quoins. The first floor featured an Oriental-inspired lobby, billiard
room, reading room, card rooms, a social function room, kitchen and serving rooms. Sleeping
quarters, lodge hall, and bathrooms occupied the second floor. The basement housed a four-
lane bowling alley, gymnasium, Turkish bath, lockers, and storage rooms.