Judge Crist and the Gang of 64!

The Benjamin House has so many joys.  Judge Crist was able to join us and had a great time meeting people from his past.  It is always nice to share memories and stories, but Judge Crist was also the recipient of at least 50 hugs!  Hubba, hubba.....

Dorothy Poore says goodby to friends

Reflecting on a good day with friends.

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Shelbina Class of "1964"

What a fun group!  Dorothy Poore helped arrange a visit to the Benjamin House for  her class on their 50th anniversary.

The Class of 64 arrive

And Mary "the teacher" gets them organized

    WHAT A CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beginning of the Shelbina Mansion Restoration Fund

We were expecting the class of "64" at noon on a beautiful fall day.  Jo Kampschmidt had called and said that there were two men from Chicago who would like to visit the house if possible.  We agreed to meet in the morning before class arrival and the 27th of September became a very special day.  John Byrd was from Shelbina and had thought of purchasing the Benjamin House in 1994 when the Crists had it for sale.  It was great to talk and tour the home with John and Jack.  People who know the home and early owners are always a treat.  We spoke of the progress and future projects that included rebuilding the carriage house or  the" three hole" brick outhouse.  Imagine our surprise when John made a donation to start the funding for these projects! Like so many things, getting started is the hard part.    Thanks John!

Early lives in Benjamin House

The objects were part of the lives that took place in the Benjamin House.  So many questions come to mind.  Why is the whiskey bottle so much bigger than a medicine bottle?  Why does the neck of the whiskey bottle lean to the side (did the glass maker taste the contents before making the bottle)?   Did the dark bottle contain Ladanum?  What was in the tiny bottle?  And the doll head must have belonged to a young woman of one of the families.  After being buried for over 100 years, the color of the paint is still vivid.  Can you feel anyone?  Will any of these items send us a message?

We cherish them.

Looks like a strawberry, but I don't think so..

In the backyard of the Benjamin House we have strawberry plants that make a nice ground cover under the privet hedge.  Birds beat us to most of the strawberries, but we enjoy them.  Once in awhile we find the pictured strawberry look alike.  They are smaller than a dime, but pretty.  Also, they always seem to be alone.

Historic Hannibal Group

Hannibal has a group that seeks to promote old architecture in the Hannibal area.  By meeting in the old homes and business of the area, they share ideas for restoration.  This support has helped new people appreciate the value of older buildings and provide some experienced help with projects.  Though located in Hannibal, they  also enjoy and encourage members from Quincy, Palmyra, and yes, now Shelbina.  The meeting in Shelbina was the largest attendance of the year even though it meant an eighty mile round trip drive.  The Benjamin House has a reputation and all enjoyed their tour.  Ideas were shared with possible ways to finish some of the projects.  President Jack Klotz offered to help locate old foundations and buried artifacts.  His offer was successful as noted in another post.  It is our hope to draw people to Shelbina and appreciate points of interest in the town.  Everyone also had curiosity about the Jewett house located just north of the Benjamin House.  It has a special draw.

Why do you like Chocolate?

Some of the best people in your life are like chocolate.  You just "like them" and it does not take science to tell you that you want them around.  When times get difficult or tedious, you appreciate them even more.  This July is winding down with great weather and a visit from daughter Monika.  Together we make our trip to see Betty Lou and Robert Crist at their kitchen table.  Their 35 years in the Benjamin House gives them great insight into the issues that we now face with the restoration and needed support of the house.  Laughter and stories flow around the table as we relate our adventures.  Bats, bills, and love are common topics.