Oldest home in Stoddard County now considered endangered

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bloomfield landmark received statewide recognition Tuesday.

The Henry Miller House, 106 Cape Road, was constructed between 1845 and 1849. Miller, a prominent civic leader and merchant, was involved in the creation and promotion of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad Co. in the 1850s.

Believed to be the oldest home in Stoddard County and one of the oldest homes in Southeast Missouri, the Miller House now is considered to be endangered.

Missouri Preservation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and coordinating historic preservation activities throughout the state, chose the Miller House as the site for its announcement of the 2013 Most Endangered Historic Places List.

More than 40 people were present for the announcement.

Wally Rexroad looks over the Missouri Preservation's list of most endangered historic places in the state, Tuesday, May 21, 2013, inside the Oliver-Leming House in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

The Bloomfield home, structurally sound despite its cosmetic damage, sits atop the list.

"We truly hope that its listing in this register will bring renewed interest to the property," said Missouri Preservation field representative Bill Hart.

The home served as a residence from the time of its construction until 1979. It has since remained vacant.

Numerous restoration efforts over the years have fallen short, but those who believe in the historic value of the home persist.

Chris Kinder, a graduate student of historic preservation at Southeast Missouri State University, has taken a hands-on role in the restoration of Bloomfield's oldest standing structure.

Kinder, who also serves on the board of directors for the Stars & Stripes Museum/Library, wrote the nomination to have the Miller House placed on the endangered list.

Guests gather for a reception inside the Oliver-Leming House in Cape Girardeau, Tuesday, May 21, 2013, following the announcement of the state's list of endangered properties. (Laura Simon)

The hope is that the list will garner added recognition in an effort to gain economic assistance. Part of the plan involves an attempt to have the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kinder, who is working on the nomination for the national registry, has received a grant of an undisclosed amount from Drs. Burt and Mary Ann Kellerman, both former professors at Southeast Missouri State University, to aid in the expense involved with applying for the National Registry of Historic Places.

While such a listing does not guarantee any additional funding, it does open up other avenues to pursue various types of funding.

The Most Endangered Historic Places Program is designed to bring attention to threatened historic resources throughout the state.

This year's list comprises nine places in addition to the Miller House:

* The Poage-Arnold House "Three Gables," Kansas City -- Clay County

* The Ozark Community Building, Ozark -- Christian County

* The Phillip Kaes House, Sherman -- St. Louis County

* Camp Zoe, Round Spring -- Shannon County

* The James Clemens House, city of Saint Louis

* The Frizel-Welling House, Jackson -- Cape Girardeau County

* Greenwood Cemetery, Hillsdale -- St. Louis County

* The Book House, Rock Hill -- St. Louis County

These sites have been placed on the list for a variety of reasons ranging from disrepair to proposed development.

An additional list of Watched Properties was announced at the Bloomfield ceremony.

For more information, visit the Missouri Preservation website at preservemo.org.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, MO