Maplewood History: Woodside in Peril!

By
Doug Houser
-
12
125
Woodside, ca. 1904. Courtesy of the Rannells Family.

It gives me no pleasure to report that our oldest and most historic home, Woodside, has been placed on their Places in Peril list for 2015 by Missouri Preservation. Missouri Preservation is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation.

We are honored that they have chosen to include our Woodside on their list of the 15 most important historic properties in the state facing imminent peril. Woodside has deteriorated dramatically in the last 14 or so years since the last owner moved out. But the home would not exist today if not for the generous donor who wished to remain anonymous and who paid for a new roof in 2005. This person is the true savior of Woodside thus far but more help is needed.

Woodside is deteriorated but not lost. A new nonprofit, Friends of Woodside, has formed with the admirable mission of raising funds to stop the deterioration of the building and enhance the beauty of the site. Amongst their many aims are exterior repairs, such as replacing missing siding, tightening the building’s envelope (but not so tight it can’t breathe), constructing faux but attractive shutters to protect and secure the building, capping the chimneys, removing debris inside and controlling vegetation outside.

I support the Friends of Woodside and will help them all I can. I am remaining separate from their governing body in order to afford them every possible chance at success. I have copied to them every file and photo that I have on Woodside. I will make a financial donation and I hope you will as well.

I invite the President of the Friends of Woodside, Luke Havel, to post any information he would like to pass on in the comments section of this post.

The story of Woodside and the Rannells family is not only the history of our community; it is the history of our country. We have a fresh, real chance to preserve it. Let’s not let it be lost.

Earliest photo of Woodside, ca. 1895. Courtesy of the Rannells Family.
Earliest photo of Woodside, ca. 1895. Courtesy of the Rannells Family.
Woodside, ca. 1904. Courtesy of the Rannells Family.
Woodside, ca. 1904. Courtesy of the Rannells Family.
Woodside in 2005.
Woodside in 2005.
Cherry newel with winders.
Cherry newel with winders.
Balustrade with sawn boss on the second floor stairs leading to the third floor.
Balustrade with sawn boss on the second floor stairs leading to the third floor.
Adzed first floor joists with bark still intact. White Haven has similar joists.
Adzed first floor joists with bark still intact. White Haven has similar joists.
Stone corbel supporting the first floor hearth on the west end.
Stone corbel supporting the first floor hearth on the west end.
A most likely original mantel on the second floor, west.
A most likely original mantel on the second floor, west.
Gothic muntins on an original window.
Gothic muntins on an original window.
A foundation of dressed stone (superior to rubble).
A foundation of dressed stone (superior to rubble).
A small third floor door next to a handmade window on the third floor.
A small third floor doorway next to a handmade window on the third floor.
The small handmade door that once was mounted in the previous photo. this door has now been removed hopefully for protection by some unknown person/s. We'll accept its return. No questions asked. Contact me.
The small handmade door that once was mounted in the previous photo. This door has now been removed hopefully for protection by some unknown person/s. We’ll accept its return. No questions asked. Contact me.
Mortise and teneon construction supporting the eastern, older hearth.
Mortise and tenon construction supporting the eastern, older hearth.
Original wall paper.
Original wall paper.
third floor stair surround made of early beaded boards.
Third floor stair surround made of early beaded boards.
Very organic roof deck. Unless stated otherwise all photos are by Yours Truly.
Very organic roof deck. Unless stated otherwise all photos are by Yours Truly.

 

12 COMMENTS

  1. Who will be overseeing the actual restoration? I rehabbed a house here in Maplewood (which looked a lot like some of these pictures) and know first-hand the amount of loving hard labor involved to restore. Could work be done immediately on cleaning up/ cleaning out the inside and outside? I’m willing. Or must word from City Hall come first for that also? It seems to me that if some work is being done now and can be seen that more people might be willing to put some money toward this project. Also, what about talking to TV Channel 4 about airing something?

    • Patty, Luke Havel of the Friends of Woodside has been in contact with the city officials. I’m unsure of exactly what has been agreed upon. I agree with you that other people will be willing to contribute funds and show up to help when they see work being done on Woodside. I also agree that coverage from the local TV stations would be a plus. Thank you for your suggestions. Stay tuned. I’ll forward your post to Luke.

      • Thank you Patty and Doug. Unfortunately, the best information I have is that the City should be getting back to me mid-August to let me know if we have the OK to do anything. Please email me at [email protected] with your contact info so that I can add you to our list of possible volunteers.

        Thanks
        Luke

  2. Doug, thank you for the commentary and support. To all that are interested, we do plan to launch a fund raising campaign via Indiegogo as soon as possible. We have been informed that we will receive an answer from the City by mid-August on whether they will permit us to begin implementing the plans we presented to the City Council. I am hopeful that we receive some sort of good news from the City at that time. For all those interested in supporting us, please contact us via [email protected]. If we get the approval we will need both donations and volunteers. I will posting an article on 40SouthNews soon regarding out plans and asking for support.

    Thank you.
    Luke

  3. We have to get the word out so the right person will take it on. I sit on my back deck and watch raccoons crawl out of the siding and bats fly out of the chimney and it is so disheartening. I think gofundme is as good an idea as any! Let’s make this happen people!! I’m in!

  4. Has anyone thought about starting a “Go Fund Me”….type of post. There are different sites on Facebook or where ever to do that type of fundraising……just a thought. I grew up walking past Woodside a lot as a child in the 50’s and late 40’s. My grandparents built the house at Bland and Williams on the corner, which is about a block or two from this house. I wish I had some money to help with it…..

  5. I truly hope this historic house can be saved. The house has been in danger for years, but still it stands, just waiting it seems. Somewhere out there is a person or persons with the means to rescue and restore this important home. The house is waiting.

    • I couldn’t agree with you more, Barb. The Friends Of Woodside are hoping to make sure the wait isn’t fatal. They have told me of their plans to start an Indiegogo fund raising campaign. I have no idea what that is or if I spelled it right but if it raises funds, I’m in favor.

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