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.

 “Whisky & Whispers: A Reflection on Prohibition”

Step back in time and party like it is 1933!  Yay! The18th Amendment has been repealed!  Joplinites can enjoy the free flow of liquor again! Celebrate with us at a Whisky Tasting & Food Pairing event on Saturday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. hosted by Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. Whisky & Whispers: A Reflection on Prohibition will be held at The Main Event, 611 South Main Street in downtown Joplin on Historic Missouri Route 66. 1930’s dress attire is welcomed.

Grant Testerman, our whisky sommelier will facilitate the event by teaching guests how to enjoy various types of whisky and food that is best paired with them. Included in the tasting, 5 top shelf Whiskies, Wilders signature whisky tasting glasses, food pairings, tasting note cards, and history interpreters will be provided. Guests can also purchase raffle tickets before and during the event for a chance to take home premium bottles of specialty whiskies and more.

Your $125 ticket will include 5 whisky tastings & food pairings.  Our top shelf libations are from Japan, Kentucky, Ireland (the Quiet Man 8 Year), and Tom’s Town Distillery out of Kansas City, Missouri. Our feature is the “unicorn” Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon.  The food pairings will bring out the flavor of these choice liquors. Our commemorative tasting glasses are sponsored by Wilder’s Steakhouse.  Every taster will receive a commemorative glass with the historic Wilders Steakhouse logo. Our guests will learn how Vern Wilder played a colorful roll in in Joplin during Prohibition!

If you don’t want to be in on the tasting but want to come and have fun and learn about prohibition, purchase a $50 companion ticket.  It will include 2 bootlegger drinks sponsored Tall Pines Distillery (peach moonshine). 

All  guests will be treated to a harvest of beautiful charcutiers style food & great music. The Main Event will have their bar open to purchase beverages to keep the fun going through the evening.  

Thank you Wilder’s Steakhouse & Tall Pines Distillery out of Pineville, Missouri!

Whisky tasting & pairing ticket
Companion ticket
$20 for 1 Whisk(e)y raffle
$50 for 3 Whisk(e)y raffle

TICKETING – Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $125 per person for the whisky tasting, special seating. $50 per person for a companion bar & couch seating. Guests must be 21 years old to attend. Be prepared to show ID. For tickets or additional info contact paula@murphysburg.org or by calling Paula Callihan at (417) 208-9376. Check out website for updates at murphysburg.org

The Volstead Act and the 18th Amendment caused the sale and consumption of liquor to become illegal and was commonly referred to as “Prohibition.”  All liquor sales had to end by January 16, 1920.  However, local newspapers reported that after Prohibition was ratified, Joplin remained a “wet oasis” in the Four-State thanks to bootlegging. 

But many residents saw the benefit of having the country and Joplin go “dry.”  Men and women were active in the Anti-Saloon League of America and the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.  One of the slogans attributed to the WCTU is “Lips that touch whiskey are lips that will never touch mine.” Prohibition ended with the 21st Amendment in 1933. 

How do you like your whisky?  Drinking whiskey is a personal experience – there’s no right or wrong way to drink whiskey as long as you savor the flavor.

Neat: Room temperature with nothing added allows you to experience its full complex flavor profile.

On The Rocks: Adding ice chills the whisky, providing a refreshing drink that slowly dilutes the spirit as the ice melts, want a slower melts try a big cube.

With a Slash of Water: A small splash of water can mellow the whisky’s harshness and help release its subtle aromas and flavors

Whisky Stones: Freezer safe cubes made of soapstone, metal or marble provide chill without diluting your spirit.

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

Celebrating Our Local Preservation Heroes for Historic Preservation Month in May

Joplin Historic Preservation Commission announces annual awards During Preservation Month in May, The commission gives out three awards — the Murphysburg Award, the Leslie Simpson Award and the Jeff and Carolina Neal Award.

A ceremony was held Thursday in the lobby of the historic Frisco Building in downtown Joplin. William Mountz, chairman of the commission, said those who received awards worked to save buildings as well as memories from Joplin’s past.
Winners were:

The Murphysburg Award – Awarded to groups or organizations who have made significant contributions to historic preservation in Joplin by way of improving our historic neighborhoods through community engagement or rehabilitation of a historic home. RICK BUSSEY, recipient of the 2025 for his work restoring the century-old home at 402 N. Wall Ave.

From the left: Emily Ellis, Joy Ellis and Kay Ellis

The Leslie Simpson Award – Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to historic preservation in Joplin by way of preservation administration, education, events, outreach, planning, research, or service.  EMILY AND KAY ELLIS, formerly of Joplin, were honored for contributions of reenacting as Living Historians and Period Dressers.

The Jeff & Carolina Neal Award – Awarded to people who have made significant developments to historic preservation in Joplin by way of developing and restoring/revitalizing buildings and property within Joplin’s commercial corridors. DAVID GLENN received the Jeff and Carolina Neal for his work nearly 40 years ago saving a classic train station that sat at 10th and Main streets.

Then on April 29th the Neal Group were one of eleven “Preserve Missouri” honor award recipients given by the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, also for the Pennington Lofts on the rehabilitation of the 400,000 square foot Pennington Drug Company building began nearly seven years ago. Although the building stood vacant for nearly 40 years, the historic open floor plates and exposed structure provided a clean canvas on which to start the rehabilitation. The first step in the project removed a non-historic 1950s facade which allowed the building to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and qualify for historic tax credits. The developer immediately added a new roof and then, over the course of four years, rehabilitated the once vacant building into 21 apartment units, called “Pennington Lofts,” and three commercial spaces. The apartment design highlights the building’s historic industrial use, and features unique inverted steel rod trusses and historic steel windows. The project overcame several obstacles, including the global pandemic, increased construction costs, and higher-than-expected interest rates. Within the first three months of the building reopening, it was nearly 85 percent occupied. In addition to state and federal historic tax credits, the project received Chapter 353 property tax abatement from the City of Joplin. This retrofit celebrates sustainable design, art, open-mindedness and is a great example of giving a 100 year old building a better next century.