Since 1998, the city’s Most Notable Property (MNP) Program has been highlighting and celebrating the historical significance of properties in Columbia, Missouri. The Program is managed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. In order to be considered for MNP recognition, a residential or commercial property must be at least 50 years old, within the city limits, and possess historical or architectural significance unique to Columbia.  To make a nomination or find more information about the MNP Program visit https://www.comopreservation.org/most-notable-property-program. Applications are due by the end of the year.

Built in 1939 this property was recognized as a Most Notable Property in 2014. As described by local Historic Preservation Consultant, Deb Sheals, in the Most Notable Property archives:

“This picturesque rock house in the East Campus neighborhood was built for local historian Francis Pike, who brought the stones used for the exterior walls from southern Missouri. Built in the Tudor Revival style in 1939, the house offers a relatively rare local example of a native stone construction method that is often referred to as "Ozark Rock" or "Giraffe Rock".

Francis Pike (1910-2010) was one of Columbia's most prominent historians in the last half of the 20th century; his 2010 obituary noted that he was considered to be "The Boone County Historian." An employee of the Columbia Daily Tribune for 75 years, he authored several books as well as a popular history column titled "Mid-Missouri Memoirs." He was also active in local history outside of work, serving as the president of the State Historical Society of Missouri and as a long-time member of the Boone County Historical Society.

Architecturally, the house offers an interesting combination of refined Tudor Revival styling and vernacular masonry. The steeply pitched roof, arched porch openings and ornamental half timbering of the gable ends are all common elements of the Tudor Revival style, which was popular for houses in many parts of the country from the late 1910s until around 1940. Like several revival styles of the day, Tudor Revival is inaccurately named, being based upon late Medieval houses in England rather than those of the Tudor period.

The stonework used on the Pike house walls was inspired by sources closer to home--rock buildings of the Ozarks region of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Ozark Rock construction features undressed stone, or rock, generally used just as it came from the field. This distinctive construction method developed in the Ozarks, where rock was often more plentiful than farmland. Streets of Ozarks towns are often lined with modest rock buildings that were built in the early part of the 20th century. Although still familiar locally, Ozark Rock is much less common this far north, and only a few examples can be found in Columbia.”

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 is necessary for Columbia’s residents, students, and visitors to achieve a sense of place and also for our city’s continued economic success. If you would like to join us in our mission there are many ways to become involved including signing up for our newsletter, attending an event, or donating monetarily.

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Sources

Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission. “Most Notable Properties-What Does It Mean To Be A Most Notable Property?” City of Columbia Community Development, Columbia, MO. 

"Most Notable Properties Database." Prepared for Columbia, Missouri’s Historic Preservation Commission, by Historic Preservation Consultant Deb Sheals, https://www.como.gov/boards/historic-preservation-commission/most-notable-properties-program/. Accessed September 26, 2023.