We're always happy when descendants of the builder stop in Chariton for a tour of the A.J. Stephens House, centerpiece of the Lucas County Historical Society museum campus. So it was fun to meet Dane and Sherry Hall and their granddaughter, Lucy Porter, at the museum bright and early Friday.
They were driving home to Minneapolis from Texas and made a slight detour off Interstate 35 to pay us a visit. Sherry had visited a few years ago, but wanted her husband and granddaughter to see the old house, built during 1911 for his family by Andrew Jackson Stephens, a Chariton contractor (that's A.J. on the chair).
Sherry's grandmother, Andrew Fern Stephens, was married to Floyd E. Starr in the front parlor here on April 9, 1919.
Andrew Jackson Stephens (1871-1956) and his wife, Sarah E. (Myers) Stephens (1870-1958), had six children in all and Andrew Fern --- known as "Andy Fern" as a child, just "Fern" thereafter --- was the fourth. According to family stories, A.J. Stephens declared before the birth that his next child would be named "Andrew" without regard to gender. And so she was.
The youngest Stephens daughter, Mary, was my great-aunt, married to Nolan D. Myers, my grandfather's younger brother, so it was entertaining to sort out family relationships even though we weren't actually related.
The Stephens House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part because of the materials A.J. used in its construction --- rusticated concrete block and blonde brick --- but also because it is a well preserved example of the vernacular domestic architecture of the time with a traditional floor plan --- foyer, two parlors, dining room, kitchen and pantry down; five bedrooms and a dressing room up.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the museum is open this season by appointment only. We're glad to show people around, but can't ask our vulnerable volunteers to serve as staff and that limits our ability to provide tours. Anyone interested in touring is welcome to call 641-774-4464 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday to make arrangements (or leave a message at other times). Admission is free, but guests will be required to wear face-coverings during tours.
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