If I baked, a 90th birthday cake would be in order this year for this small building in the heart of the Chariton Cemetery most often called the Shelter House, in earlier days the "rest room" and on rarer occasions, the chapel.
It is well preserved for its age, but generally open these days only twice a year --- over the Memorial Day weekend when volunteer genealogists staff it and welcome visitors, and sometimes during the September cemetery heritage tour. The Chariton Historic Preservation Commission sponsors both of these events and pokes and prods the city now and then to ensure that it's attended to and that the toilet inside works (although it's generally accessible only during the aforementioned events).
The generous front porch is open year-around, however, and is a fine and private place to sit on built-in benches and think about stuff. The building also is a "contributing structure" to the Chariton Cemetery Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places during 2009-10.
The shelter was among many improvements to the cemetery made after 1924 when the grounds were purchased by the city from the heirs of Dr. John H. Stanton, who had succeeded his father, Dr. James E. Stanton, as owner. This small article that noted its construction was published in The Chariton Leader of Aug. 6, 1929:
NEW REST ROOM
Best & Sons Erected It at Chariton Cemetery
Some time ago, the Chariton cemetery association employed E. H. Best & Sons to erect a small chapel, or waiting room, at the cemetery. It is of tile and brick construction probably 20 x 30 feet, or maybe less, with a porch. It is a neat little structure and will be found most convenient. There is a basement room also, and the heating plant is in this. This improvement has been considered for some time.
The building undoubtedly was designed by William Lee Perkins, Chariton architect and at the time city engineer. It incorporates many of his trademarks --- brick and tile construction, metal-framed windows and a gracious fireplace inside. But no official record of his involvement ever has been found.
The Chariton Woman's Club also was involved in the project and took charge of furnishing the small building. Here's a brief item from The Herald-Patriot of Aug. 22, published under the headline "Woman's Club Notes" ---
"The Chariton Woman's Club has assumed the responsibility of furnishing the rest room being erected in the Chariton cemetery. When completed and furnished, this room will be open to the public at all hours during the day, for the convenience of visitors and will fill a long desired need in the community. Donations of money, however small, will be gratefully received from individuals, families and organizations."
The set of wicker furniture --- settee, chairs and table --- purchased by the club remains in pristine condition. Sorry, but no one's allowed to sit thereon these days. It's all too fragile after 90 years. Also still intact are portraits of 1929 cemetery board members on the south wall. The room also contains a case in which the large flags displayed at the cemetery over Memorial Day are stored when not in use.
During 1930, city water was piped to the cemetery, supplementing the old cemetery well. This and other improvements were noted in an article published in The Leader of July 22, 1930, under the headline, "Beautifying the Cemetery."
"Within the past few years the Chariton Cemetery Association has accomplished much in beautifying and improving the 'City of the Dead.' Last year, with the help of the Chariton Woman's club, a chapel and rest room was erected and has proved a great convenience. Trees and shrubs have been set out, flowers planted, and bird baths and bird houses have been added, under the supervision of the caretaker, O.E. Lamb.
"City water is now being piped to the cemetery and hydrants will be placed at many places where hose can be attached and the lots sprinkled, shrubs and flowers watered, and individuals can easily secure water for bouquets and plants. This will be a great improvement as heretofore persons desiring water have had to carry it a considerable distance, and in dry seasons the grass and shrubbery have suffered greatly from lack of moisture. it will also prove a welcome feature in the rest room where it can be used in the lavatory. The board of directors is to be highly commended for installing the city water."
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A cross incorporated into the chimney's brickwork is the only real indication that the building was intended for use, too, as a chapel. I've only found one instance, however, of a small funeral service actually being conducted there.
The basement seems always to have been used as a service area, supplemented later by an attached garage and then by a free-standing metal building.
In any case, if you walk or drive by this little building within the coming weeks, wish it a happy birthday.
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