The Brownstone On The Hill

 This magnificent 1888 Brownstone built for William Chick Scarritt burned yesterday.   A local television station broadcast interior pictures from before the current owners restored this masterpiece. With their permission I'm posting these pictures of what was ACTUALLY lost.   This is a tribute to the work of Larry and Susan... at least we have these memories for now. Much of the work was done by the owners themselves.  To show the interiors before any work took place with the implication that not much in terms of furnishing was lost, is awful .

 New roof, new copper gutters, restored exterior, rebuilt chimneys .

 First floor rooms.  No fire, but thousands of gallons of water and collapse damage.

 Second floor, totally lost.

 Third floor, also a total loss.

 Note the view of the Kansas City skyline out the third floor window.

 Basement.

Monumental

 Elmwood Cemetery, opened in 1872 at Truman Road and VanBrunt, has many famous people buried there with lots of interesting tomb stones and vaults.   http://elmwoodcem-kc.org

Monumental

 Elmwood Cemetery, opened in 1872 at Truman Road and VanBrunt, has many famous people buried there with lots of interesting tomb stones and vaults.   http://elmwoodcem-kc.org

You Find More Things When You're Not Looking

 I was photographing an up-scale listing for a local agent when the homeowner suggested I check out "The oldest occupied home in Jackson County."   Down a private road with no markings I dead-ended at the Luther Mason Home.   Built in 1838 and renovated, at least twice in 1976 and 1995, the home is in impressive condition.   Luther Mason was a prosperous cattle rancher and county judge.  When it was built the Mason Family planted virtually every variety of tree and shrub available in Missouri at the time and thus the property was called "Variety Grove."  The home was also a stop on the Underground Railway.  Amazing what you find when you aren't looking.  178 years young.