Welcome to Murphysburg Residential Historic District
In 1992, the City of Joplin designated Sergeant Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street as the “Murphysburg Residential Historic District.” At the request of homeowners in the adjacent neighborhoods, the City of Joplin expanded the historic district in 2004. Today, the historic district encompasses Sergeant Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street and Moffet Avenue from First Street to Fourth Street. Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, endeavors to preserve the integrity of the district and raise public awareness. You can contact us at murphysburg@gmail.com
Nestled in the heart of Joplin, the Murphysburg Residential Historic District transports visitors back in time to a bygone era. An era when the clip-clop of horse hooves on the streets and friendly laughter from shady porches were familiar sounds. The historic district was home to Joplin’s wealthiest and most influential citizens during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eastern capitalists and miners who had made millions from their discoveries built impressive homes in the residential neighborhood bordering the downtown area.In the last ten years, residents have invested countless hours and money into the impressive structures that line the streets of the district and restored them to their former glory.Within walking distance, you will find Colonial-Revival, Queen Anne, Romanesque, Arts and Crafts, Dutch Colonial, Classic Four Square and Prairie style houses.While strolling down the tree-lined sidewalks, you will discover that the homes feature architectural elements that give each place its own unique character. Many of the homes boast original wrought-iron, grand staircases, ornamental plasterwork, stained glass windows, fireplace mantels and decorative woodwork. In addition to the collection of residences, the district includes some of Joplin’s most beautiful churches and a luxury apartment building. Whether you’re a history buff or an architecture connoisseur, there is something for everyone in Murphysburg Residential Historic District.
The Board of Directors for Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. elected new officers at their annual retreat.For the 2010-2012 term, Paula Callihan was elected to the office of President, Mark Williams as Vice-President, Pamela Mense as Secretary, and Gaye Pate was re-elected to the position of Treasurer.
“Our new officers represent a balanced mix of experience and fresh perspectives”, stated Robert Morton, out-going president and board member.
Callihan owns a home in the district and is the proprietor of Evelyn’s Beauty Shop.Williams is a historical property developer/owner and is well known in Joplin due to his participation in civic activities.Mense also owns a home in the district and is the co-owner of Madison Lane Interiors.Pate owns a home in the district and is a retired circulation librarian.
The remaining board of directors includes Mary Ann Neff and Mary Anne Phillips, both district homeowners.
While you are trekking across the beautiful USA on the Mother Road, take a 1.1 mile side trip through (click here for map) Murphysburg Historic District map
2017-2018 HMP Board Members
The Board of Directors for Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. elected new officers at their annual retreat. For the 2017-2018 term, David Pommert was elected to the office of president, Mary Ann Neff as vice-president, Mary Anne Phillips was re-elected to the position of secretary, and Gaye Pate was re-elected to the position of treasurer. Ann Leach, Bob Morton and Paula Callihan serve as directors.
Now you can become a Murphysburg Facebook Fan. Keep up with what's happening in the Historic District
Leslie Simpson's book will be available for $17.95 at the Post Memorial Art Reference Library
Now and Then and Again is based upon Leslie Simpson's slide program titled "Extreme Makeover: Joplin Edition." The program compared current views of Joplin historic sites with vintage photographs of the same locations. Sometimes it was a vacant lot or a new structure replacing the historic building. Other times it was an existing building that had been covered up or remodeled beyond recognition. Then she finished up with some good news--buildings and houses that have been restored and/or adapted to new uses.
The 98-page book includes 195 images from the slide program will be available beginning the 2nd week in December at the Post Memorial Library and other locations to be announced later.
The residents in 2,300 “certified local government” historic districts in the United States believe that preserving the historic character of the buildings and revitalizing neighborhoods can have a positive economic impact on their cities. Residents in Joplin’s historic district hold the same belief. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that historic preservation plays an important role not only in the heritage of a community, but in the city’s economy as well. Recent studies across America have produced strong evidence that historic districts are making significant contributions to the economic health of cities.
ORGANIZATION’S GOALS
Goals of the organization are to promote historic preservation throughout Joplin, educate the community about its architectural history, contribute to the stabilization of the adjacent neighborhoods and instill a renewed sense of pride in the historic district.
