Celebrating National Historic Districts & Places That Matter

The John & Annie (Zelleken)Comerford House

JOHN COMERFORD Died 1937 Born 1865  Original Owner of 115 South Sergeant Avenue  Dutch Colonial, Circa 1902 T he John Comerford House should really be called the Annie Zelleken Comerford House. This Dutch Colonial property was a wedding gift from Edward Werner Zelleken and Margarethe Zelleken to their first born child, Annie Doretia Zelleken. I n 1891, at the time her parents were buying the land ($800) and planning the stately two story nine room residence, Annie Zelleken Frantz was already a widow with an infant son, Clarence. Subsequently, in 1894 she married John Comerford and they set up housekeeping and added another son, John Patrick Comerford to the family in 1901. John Comerford owned a plumbing supply business with his brother Thomas Comerford. But happiness for Annie was not to be. By 1915 she had relocated to the sunshine of California that only her Zelleken family wealth afforded her. Her husband, John followed her but returned to Joplin in 1916 as a single man.

Research has indicated that her sons at the same time, had her declared insane by the California Superior Court and she was committed to the Southern California State Hospital at Patton, California. And there she was to remain for 22 years until June of 1938 when she was released upon the decree that she had been restored to her right mind. Interestingly on the Joplin home front, her nephew Edward P. Dwyer was representing her sons in the sale of her property at 115 South Sergeant. However, her friend and neighbor, Mr. Frank Wallower interfered with the final disposition of the Jasper County Probate Court’s order and saved the property for Annie’s own disposition. She sold the property in 1941 to four sisters who used it for investment property. The house at 115 South Sergeant has since been the home to Haywood Scott, a local attorney and civic leader. It was also the home of Clifford “Clarence” Haynes who was Joplin Mayor 1958-1968.

Architecture

The two-story gable-front house has been sub-divided into apartments. It has a parged limestone foundation and an asphalt shingle roof. Aluminum siding capped with a carved wood band clads the first story; stucco clads the second story. Gambrel-roofed wings project from the north and south elevations. A brick chimney rises from the north slope of the ridge. A full-width flat roof porch spans the primary (west) elevation. It has wide brick piers with paired tapered wood columns. On the first story of this elevation, a single fully glazed wood door flanks each side of a paired window. A band of three windows pierces the

center of the second story. All windows are historic one-over-one double-hung wood windows. A historic photo shows this house originally had a prominent gambrel roof with shed dormers, wood siding and shingle cladding, and a balcony over the porch. The alteration of the roofline, cladding and balcony have compromised the integrity of the house, rendering it non-contributing to the District.

A one-story two-car garage is located at the rear of the property. It has concrete masonry unit walls and a front-gable asphalt shingle roof. Wood shingles clad the gable end. Two replacement vinyl overhead doors access the garage on the primary (east) elevation. Constructed within the period of significance, the garage retains integrity, rendering it contributing to the District.

Helena Apartment House and Dance & Music Studio

One of the most unique structures in the Murphysburg Historic District is the Helena Apartments, built on a 50 x 125-foot lot, tightly tucked in between two historic houses.

In September 1937, a Joplin Globe classified advertisement read, “Unfurnished Apartments – NEW apartment, ready October 1st, $40. Helena Apartments, 509 Moffet.”  In October 1937 another advertisement read, “Unfurnished Apartments – Helena Apartments, four large rooms, bath, garage, $35.00.  507 Moffet.”

HELEN NUTZ and her story – Helen was born on February 14, 1924 in Joplin and died on March 13, 2023 at the age of 99 years old.  

Even though Helen was 13 years old when the Helena was built, she ran advertisements in Joplin newspapers that read, “Helen Nutz – Teacher of Dance And Music – will open her fall classes September 20 in her new building.  Helena Studios – 505 Moffet.”  Helen’s half-sister, Adele, said Helen was “talented and precocious.”  Helen continued her love of dance and was active in ballroom dancing into her 80s! 

THE HELENA and its story – According to the Joplin Globe on September 12, 1937, “Above is pictured an unusual combination apartment house and dance studio, built by James Nutz at 505 Moffet Avenue.  It was designed primarily for his daughter, Miss Helen Nutz, who will conduct a dance-music school in a specially built air-conditioned and sound-proofed studio on the main floor of the two-story section of the building.  The building is U-shaped, with two gabled one-story wings, each with six apartments, and the two-story section in the rear with two apartments above the studio.  The building is of brick.  It has been named the Helena Apartments.”

Helen’s 1941 graduation picture

Helen graduated from Joplin High School in 1941 and from Joplin Junior College in 1943.  She was accomplished on the piano and violin and performed in numerous concerts in the Joplin area.  During World War II, she was a Junior U.S.O. Hostess.

Helen married her first husband, Marion Phillips in June 1947 and they lived in Joplin.  He was a professional golfer and they had two sons.  After the couple divorced, Helen moved to California to be near her brothers.  She remarried Bert Windle in the 1960s, another professional golfer.  Helen divorced Bert and later married Joseph Campbell, a man who was a New York City Deputy Police Chief.

JAMES NUTZ and his story – James F. Nutz, Sr. (1897-1969) owned and operated Nutz Reality along with his brother Ralph Nutz, and later with his second wife Louise, and daughter Helen.  James was a skilled builder, a veteran of World War I, and an airplane mechanic during World War II.  James’ first wife and mother of Helen was Pauline Griffin Nutz.  Pauline died of tuberculosis in 1928 at the age of 28.

According to Louise Nutz, James and his brother, Ralph, were skilled builders.  Also, according to James’s daughter, Adele her father understood how to build with concrete more than building with wood.  This could explain why the Helena Apartments, the Adele Apartments, and the Glen Theater (see sidebars below) have a bunker-style construction design!

James Nutz also built the Adele Apartments at 215 North Sergeant in 1955 and is still in use in 2026.  It was named for his daughter Adele who was born from the union of James and his second wife Louise.  In an April 2026 interview with Adele Nutz Thompson, she said, “I laid some of the brickwork for the Adele.”
Also built by James Nutz around 1946 —that can still be seen in 2026—is the movie theater at 1413 South Main Street.  Originally, he named it “The Show.” The Joplin Globe reported on November 13, 1949 that the Dickenson Operating Company purchased the theater and renamed it the “Glen Theater.”  At that time the new owner completely remodeled and redecorated in an ultra-modernistic style.  The lobby was redecorated largely with mirrors, and the theater front was also remodeled.

The Glen Theater is not to be confused with the Rex Theater that was a few doors to the south at 1423 S. Main.

Second Annual Murphysburg Treasure Hunt

Help us celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May at the second annual Murphysburg Treasure Hunt, a race to solve riddles, uncover clues, and explore Joplin’s rich history.  The event starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026—rain or shine—in the west parking lot of Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street.

Your host, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., has raised the bar this year by adding cash prizes for second and third place!

The event promises to take treasure seekers on an interactive adventure to find iconic historic sites, links to significant events and people, and hidden history stories in the Joplin metro area.  

At the start of the event contestants will receive their first riddle to solve that will lead them to a landmark. Once they arrive at the correct location, they will find a QR code. Scanning the code will unlock their next clue that will take them further along the treasure trail. The race continues until someone solves all the clues in the correct order and reaches the final destination—destination—thus claiming the $1,000 prize money! The second-place contestant
will receive $750 and third-place contestant will receive $250.

The treasure hunt is open to participants of all ages. The entry fee is $35 per person.

First place 2025 winners pictured to the right. Far right, Michelle Ferguson from Southwest Missouri Bank met the winners at the final clue to deliver the $1,000 prize!

Winners of the first Scavenger hunt with Michelle Ferguson from Southwest Missouri Bank to hand them the $1,000 1ts place prize

Register here to start the adventure . People can also pay in person on May 16 starting at 9:00 a.m. at the parking lot on the southeast corner of 6th and Joplin Avenue.  For questions contact Paula at paula@murphysburg.org

WOMEN ON JOPLIN’S ROUTE 66

TIMELINE

Historic Route 66: 1926 to 1985

Dorothy Peck at Mac’s Pie Shop-Bakery-Donuts: 1957 to 1984

Emma Sue Hills at Mr. Swiss & Hillbilly Hills: 1967 to 1987

In honor of Women’s History Month and Joplin’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will proudly present two stories. The first story is about Dorothy Peck, who along with her husband, co-owned and operated Mac’s Bakery and Donuts from 1957 to 1984. The store was located at 701 West 7th Street on Route 66, which is also the gateway to the Murphysburg Historic District. At Mac’s you could enjoy a freshly made pie, cake, or donut with your cup of coffee. During the last three decades of Route 66’s official years there were many “mom and pop” bakeries in Joplin, but it is Mac’s that locals still remember.

Between 1957 and 1987, travelers got their kicks on Joplin’s Route 66 by stopping at Mac’s Bakery & Donuts and at Mr. Swiss Drive-In.  At Mac’s you could enjoy a freshly made pie, cake, or donut with your cup of coffee.  At Mr. Swiss you could eat a traditional hamburger with fries and ice cream, or a plate of Spaghetti Red.  What—you don’t know what Spaghetti Red is?  

Both establishments were on opposite corners of South Sergeant Avenue and West 7th Street, an important Joplin and Route 66 economic corridor.  The establishments were also on the southern edge of what is now the residential Murphysburg Historic District, considered a Route 66 complementary corridor.  During the last three decades of Route 66’s official years there were many “mom and pop” bakeries, but it is Mac’s that locals still remember. 

THE STORY OF DOROTHY PECK AND MAC’S BAKERY
THE STORY OF EMMA SUE HILLS and MR. SWISS DRIVE-IN

May 2011 Joplin Tornado Crashes Into Dorothy’s Life and Hugh’s Life

Michelle, another daughter, said after the tornado Dorothy continued her life of kindness toward others and the ability to “take charge.” Immediately after the tornado, she gave shelter and medical attention to her injured and crippled neighbors.  She used every towel she owned to treat their wounds and blankets to comfort them—all this at the age of 89 years old!  After the Redwood apartments were completely rebuilt, Dorothy returned to live there.
Dorothy’s beloved Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building (Joplin Stake Center), where she was a member, also took a direct hit.

After Emma Sue’s death in 2007, Hugh remained active with his lawn service.  Just like Dorothy, Hugh also miraculously survived the Joplin tornado.  He sheltered in a bedroom closet!  Unfortunately, his house, photographs, and his Mr. Swiss mementos were destroyed.  Seven days after the tornado, President Barack Obama toured Joplin and spoke to Hugh in front of his destroyed house.  A photograph with the President and Hugh can still be viewed by searching “Joplin tornado” on Wikipedia.

Just a few days after the E-F5 tornado struck Joplin, family and friends were helping clear debris and try to save family heirlooms. Photo left to right. Daughter in-law, Kristen Hills, daughter, Conni Lipe, grandson, Dylan Hills, President Obama, friend, Mark Callihan, Hugh Hills and son Tom Hills.

Final Thoughts
Travel writer Sage Scott said it best, “The iconic Mother Road wouldn’t be what it is today without the women who helped shape it.  From musicians and motel owners to restaurateurs and preservationists, their contributions continue to inspire every traveler who sets out on America’s most famous highway.” 

THE STORY OF EMMA SUE HILLS and MR. SWISS DRIVE-IN

In honor of Women’s History Month and Joplin’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. is proud to present the story of Dorothy Peck and Emma Sue Hills.  Dorothy and Emma Sue were not famous.  They were not civic activists or talented athletes, but they were successful business owners, managers, cooks, wives, and mothers who served people on “The Mother Road.”

EMMA SUE LEATHERWOOD HILLS

Emma was born on September 21, 1924 in Purcell, Missouri.  Her father passed away when she was only 13 causing her to quit school and go to work at the age of 14 for a pharmacist and his family in Carthage.  As an adult she started working at Meeker (Leather) Co. in Joplin.  One of her tasks was to glue leather billfolds which required bending over for long periods of time in a very hot environment. 

Emma Sue met Hugh Hills at Meeker Co. and they married in 1951.  Together they raised two daughters and one son. 

The long-time owner of Meeker Co., and former mayor of Joplin, was Freeman R. Johnson.  Through the years he came to appreciate how valuable Hugh was to the business and to Mr. Johnson personally.  When Mr. Johnson passed away in 1965, he bequeathed his garden tools and a generous dollar amount to Hugh.  Today Mr. Johnson’s legacy lives on through the Freeman R. Johnson Trust that he set up for the furtherance and development of charities, education, and municipal projects in the Joplin area.  The trust holds well over $1 million in assets.

According to an article on February 8, 1995 in the Joplin Globe, “The building was constructed in 1930 at 1101 East 7th Street on Route 66.  At its prime, Meeker Co. had more than 400 employees and distributed its leather goods to stores in 50 states and some foreign countries.  That work force dwindled to about 10 employees before the plant shut down in 1987.”  The building was razed in 1995. 


MR. SWISS COMES to 635 West 7th Street

One day Emma Sue’s nephew came to her and Hugh asking them to co-sign on a loan so he could buy a Mr. Swiss franchise in Joplin.  The Hills honored his request, but soon it became evident that the nephew was not a good business operator, therefore, in 1967 Emma Sue and Hugh decided to take over the Mr. Swiss operation.  Hugh visited the creditors and promised to pay them back in full, which he did.  

The Hills ran the restaurant for 20 years, first as a Mr. Swiss and then as Hillbilly Hills when Mr. Swiss went out of business.  The restaurant closed in 1987.  Currently the building, with its distinctive A-frame architecture, is extant and waiting for a new life. On August 16, 2007 at the age of 82, Emma Sue passed away at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, now known as Mercy Hospital.

DIVERSITY and KINDNESS on ROUTE 66

The Hills were generous to youngsters who stopped in.  Hugh would give kids a paper sack and tell them to help themselves to ice cream treats made at the store that were sold from a freezer case.  However, at times Emma Sue would need to remind her husband that they were running a for-profit business. Hugh passed away on April 22, 2025 at the age of 99.

Just like the Peck children, daughter Conni started working at Mr. Swiss at 15 years old, daughter Cathy at 13 years old, and son Tom at 12 years old.  When Hugh opened a second Mr. Swiss at 130 N. Range Line Road, Emma Sue took over supervising the 7th Street location.  The family worked hard seven days a week but did find time for some fun.  Conni Hills Lipe remembers that employees of the 7th Street location would come over to the Range Line location for occasional water balloon fights. 
The Hills understood that being community minded was also good advertising.  The Hills frequently sponsored pee wee teams, women’s and men’s softball teams, and men’s bowling teams.  The team’s name was Joplin Mr. Swiss or Mr. Swiss.  Around the 1970s it was common for such teams to be named for their sponsors, usually that of local businesses. 

SPAGHETTI RED

Pictured: The famous Fred & Red’s Spaghetti Red

*Spaghetti Red is spaghetti noodles topped with a slow cooked meat sauce.  The sauce is a type of chili without beans.  The plate is served with optional dill pickles, sliced onions, grated parmesan cheese, and ketchup.  The sauce does not have tomatoes but is prepared with William’s Chili Seasoning (invented in Joplin) and crushed up soda crackers that soak up the meat grease. Yummy!  Recipes vary and are closely guarded.  Spaghetti Red is still served on alignments of Route 66 in Joplin.  You can enjoy a plate at Fred & Red’s, 1719 S. Main Street and at Stogey’s Coney Island, 2629 E. 7th Street.

When “No Reservations” television food host Anthony Bourdain (1956-2018) came to Joplin in 2010 he stopped at Fred & Red’s.  The episode aired in March 2011.  After sampling a plate of Spaghetti Red, he announced it was “heart attack on a plate.”  OK—so what’s your point Anthony?

Mr. Swiss Menu
Mr. Swiss Menu

After Emma Sue’s death in 2007, Hugh remained active with his lawn service.  Just like Dorothy, Hugh also miraculously survived the Joplin tornado.  He sheltered in a bedroom closet!  Unfortunately, his house, photographs, and his Mr. Swiss mementos were destroyed.  Seven days after the tornado, President Barack Obama toured Joplin and spoke to Hugh in front of his destroyed house.  A photograph with the President and Hugh can still be viewed by searching “Joplin tornado” on Wikipedia.

Dylan Hills shaking President Obama’s hand.

Final Thoughts
Travel writer Sage Scott said it best, “The iconic Mother Road wouldn’t be what it is today without the women who helped shape it.  From musicians and motel owners to restaurateurs and preservationists, their contributions continue to inspire every traveler who sets out on America’s most famous highway.”