Epperson House

On the campus of the University of Missouri Kansas City I found these gates.  As I started to take a photo I noticed the stairs were crumbled half way up.  As I researched the Epperson House I found so much interesting information.  I will keep my eyes and ears open for a possible tour.

Uriah Spray Epperson hired eccentric French architect Horace LaPierre to design the monumental house. Construction on the house began in 1919 and was completed in 1923 at a cost of $450,000. The four-story Tudor-Gothic structure contained 54 rooms, including six bathrooms, elevators, swimming pool, billiard room, barbershop, a custom organ, and a tunnel linking the east and west wings.  
The building is well known for its apparent hauntings and secret passageways, which earned it a spot on Unsolved Mysteries as one of the top five haunted houses in the United States

Secret Garden

One of my favorite escapes.

Shade

This is where I would be in the heat as the kids ran through the fountain.

Keeping Cool

Kids run through this fountain at Crown Center to keep cool on our hot, hot days.  Gradually the fountain shoots much higher. We have been in the high 90's and 100's for the last couple of weeks and add high humidity to that number and we have heat indexes (feels like temperatures) at 105-115.

Where the buffalo roam

I found this herd roaming freely in front of the Leavenworth Penitentiary while in the area last month.  You can see the bob wire fencing between the trees. 

The Stone Church is part of the Community Christ Church in Independence.  The Stone Church sits next to the sixty-three acre tract of land consecrated and dedicated in August 1831 by Joseph Smith Jr. as the “land of Zion and the spot for the temple.”  The cornerstone of the building was set in place on April 6, 1888.  Unfortunately the doors to the church were locked.

International Headquarters

Community of Christ Church International Headquarters in Independence, MO.

Jim Bridger

Mountain man, trapper, guide and scout, Jim Bridger, may be more associated with the Rocky Mountains, however, he was one of the founding fathers of Westport here in Kansas City.  He died on his farm near Kansas City and is buried in Independence.

Trains

There were many trains in the depot, but it was these old rusted ones that I like best.

All Aboard

This is exactly how I picture the depot waiting room circa 1879 and I would be waiting to hear just those words, All Aboard

Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot II

I think I would rather take a train over a stage coach any day.  Can you image riding even 10 miles in a stage coach and I'm sure many endured much greater distance.

Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot

 This depot was the final leg of the famous triangle from Chicago to Alton, IL to St Louis and then finally to Kansas City.  The last train passenger train stopped at the depot in 1960.  It was restored and moved to this location in 1992 - 2002.

Wagons Ho!

Found in Independence, MO.  Lots of history in the area by the Bingham-Waggoner Estate that I have been showing you for the last week.

I am heading to Alabama today to help move my grandchildren to the family's new local at the Univ of Alabama.  I am sure we will not have internet right off the get go and unless I have a spare moment to lounge at Starbuck's I will not be able to visit your blogs, but will catch up when I return this weekend.  Thanks for stopping and I have the Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot scheduled for the remainder of the week.  I hope you enjoy.

Wheel

I am not sure what this wheel pulled.  If anyone has a clue please comment.

The Waggoner's were millers from Pennsylvania.  They bought the estate and the mill across the street.  They owned this property from 1887 until 1976.  They produced what was considered to be the best baking and cake flours in the Midwest called "Queen of the Pantry"

George C. Bingham

One of the earliest prominent owners of this property was George C. Bingham, a famous Missouri Civil War artist and politician.  There are several buildings on the property.  Shown above is the backside of the carriage house.   To the right is thought to the home of one of the early owners, which Bingham used as his studio.

Gem Water Pump

This old Gem Water Pump was found on the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estates.   In the early days (1828-1878) wagon trains passed by this location using it as a short cut to the Santa Fe Trail.  As a result the location had many owners hoping to make a profit selling goods to the settlers.  Some made significant contributions to the area.  In 1999 wagon swales were found on the south end of the property suggesting considerable wagon traffic through the area.

Midwest Weekend Reflection

Hats

Trying on hats one or two at a time.

Tractor

I wanted this tractor, they were asking $55. for it which I'm certain was negotiable.   I decided it wouldn't work as a center piece in my house or would rust horribly in the garden.  I bet my grandson would like it, but not my son.  

For those who commented on the butterflies from my post a few days ago.  Initially I thought they had died.  When I returned to my car, I noticed them moving back and forth over one another and knew there was not a breeze on that hot day.  

  

Kettle Corn

This man gave his all in preventing this corn from burning.  I wasn't sure how he could stand over the heat in our mid 90 temperatures.   But then I saw the fan behind him blowing the heat away.  I'm sure it was still hot.

Yesterday several of you commented on not seeing the patrons with purchases,  if you look closely in the below shot you may see some bags.  I know when I arrived everyone was carrying items out to their cars.  Someone had the exact chair I intended to search for, only they found it first...

Antique Sale

Once a year the Bingham-Waggoner Estate host an antique sale on the grounds of this historical mansion.  As you can see many people attend this sale and fortunately there are lots of tall trees to shade the grounds.  Bingham and Waggoner were separate owners of this mansion.

Butterflies

On my drive to St Louis last weekend, I stopped at a rest area.  When I stepped up on the curb I noticed these butterflies between my car and curb.  Fortunately I did not pull all the way forward to the curb or I would have missed them.  Butterflies are attracted to their own color, shape, veins and recognize each other thru pheromones.  These butterflies did not choose the most romantic place for their rendezvous.

Western Auto Building

This 3 sided building was built in 1914 for the Coca Cola Co.   Western Auto took over the building in 1951 and placed the iconic sign on top.  Although this building is now lofts and has changed ownership over the years, the citizens of Kansas City will fight to keep the sign.

The Western Auto Supply Co was started in Kansas City in 1909 by George Pepperdine who also founded Pepperdine University. 

Weekend Reflection

This is the bridge over the Missouri River leading into Leavenworth, KS.   KC area experienced heavy rains yesterday and flooding has been a concern everywhere along the Missouri.  Roads north of Leavenworth have been closed.  Last weekend I drove east to St Louis, MO.  About half way across the state I cross the Missouri River and the river had exceeded it's banks on the west side 1.2 miles.  At this intersection the land is extremely low and it is common that the river over runs it's banks.

Old Blockhouse

I love stumbling onto this kind of history.  My wanderings in Fort Leavenworth....

Across the Street

Across the street from the bluffs seen in yesterdays photo sits this beautiful brick home built in 1861.  Lewis and Clark traveled and camped along these bluffs during their expeditions in 1804.

Bluff Overlook

Looking out over the Missouri River from Fort Leavenworth.

Happy Independence Day

One of my favorite stores in Leavenworth Artistic Works by Lu had their window all dressed for the 4th.

Fort Leavenworth National Cemetary

As our nations heads into celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, I thought this was a good reminder of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  I hope all those celebrating our Independence Day have a safe and happy weekend.

In answer to a couple of questions, yes civilians are allowed on post and can roam freely.  Just have to sign in at the gate with id.  The main road was under construction on this recent visit so I entered on a different path.  It is extremely easy to get lost and is helpful to have a guide.

Fort Leavenworth

This is the oldest active Army post west of Washington DC.  Built in 1827 it is known as the Intellectual Center of the Army.  I have always found the post to be beautiful.  It sits on a bluff above the Missouri River and is covered by large trees, brick homes and appears so peaceful.  Perhaps not peaceful to those who live on the post.

Theme Day July - Green

Green in a Sea of Orange

This is actually called: 2 Degrees East by 3 Degrees West by Robert Russell 1997

The first day of each month is Theme Day on CDP
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