Secrets of Historical Homes
So what’s it really like to live in a Most Notable Property? Get the inside scoop at the 7 p.m. Oct. 24 meeting of CoMo Preservation in the Columbia Public Library, which is free and open to the public.
Meg Ross and Melissa Hagan, who both live in historic homes will talk about the joys and challenges of living in a historic home – including an encounter with a giant spider!
At the meeting, you’ll also learn about the Most Notable Properties program, including that anyone can nominate a place or space for the list. .
This 1925 bungalow is on Columbia’s Most Notable Properties List. Learn how you can nominate places for the list here.
Meg Ross - 1925 bungalow
Meg's brick bungalow was once home to noted regional artist Fred Shane for more than 30 years while he taught at the University of Missouri. A close friend of Thomas Hart Benton, Shane's career at MU began in 1932 and lasted 40 years. Learn more here about Shane: https://missouriartists.org/person/morem221/
The home was added to the city’s Most Notable Properties list in 2020, but it isn’t her first historic home. She and her husband rehabbed 15 old houses before moving eight years ago from Virginia to Columbia, her husband’s hometown. While in Virginia,
Meg had a real estate career focusing on historic houses. In Columbia, Meg has served two years on the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Melissa Hagan - 114-year-old historic home
Melissa, owner of MH Designs, an interior design firm, and co-owner of The Staging Company, moved into her and her husband’s 114-year-old house in the Old Southwest in 2021, fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers.
A 30-year resident of Columbia, Melissa has found historic homeownership joyful, often wondering how many little feet have run down the staircase or how many parties were hosted in her home.
But it isn’t all daydreams, she says. She’s faced bees, bats, and a giant-sized spider in the basement. The house was placed on the Most Notable Properties list last year.
Yet Melissa says, “I still love my house and it’s worth it knowing I own a piece of the historic fabric of Columbia. I want to make sure it lasts for another 100 years.”
In addition to serving on the Historic Preservation Commission, she serves on the Downtown Leadership Council.
CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by signing up for our newsletter, attending an event, or donating monetarily.
Do you have ideas for future topics? Interested in writing blog post or sharing a photo? Did you notice an error? Email CoMoPreservation@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
