The eight-room home was built in 1908 and is complete with its original furnishings--very few date later than 1930, from the blue Quick Meal range in the kitchen to the upright piano on which Stella gave lessons in the parlor. Other rooms contain interesting quilts, antique toys, new dishes and kitchen items still in original boxes, Stella's amateur photographic equipment, and much more.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the museum is the intact harness shop operated by Elsie and Stella's father, Frank Schlosser, from 1890 until his sudden death at age 74 in 1941. The shop was then locked, with the dark green shades pulled, concealing and protecting from damaging ultra-violet light the tools and new old stock harness and related agricultural items in place, many with price tags of the day affixed. The family had also lived on the second floor of the harness shop from 1890 until 1908.
The Heritage House Museum property, listed as the Frank Schlosser Complex, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, joining the already-listed Original Mineral Springs Hotel and Bathhouse that is also in Okawville. The hotel is located just three blocks east on the same street and is believed to be the last operating mineral water spa in the state.
Our group then enjoyed lunch and lots of conversation at the Eats and Treats Bakery. That followed with a bit of shopping at an antique and gift store next door. Those who joined us for the day were: Connie Frederking (who lives close by), Rusti Grogan, Joy Richey, Carol Schlitt, Ruby Lingle, Martha Speir, Joyce Pyatt, Donna Rumsey, Patti Faughn, and Lois Smith.
Plans are progressing for our next bus trip to Savannah, Georgia at the end of November! More details later on that.
