Highlighting the Victorian home tour in the oldest historic district in Springfield, Mo.
SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Midtown, the heart of Springfield, celebrated its 30th annual Victorian Home Tour back in December. Friday evening showcased five beautifully lit homes, all decked out for the holidays. Saturday afternoon highlighted the same homes with a daylight view. Marie Wood, Treasurer of the Midtown Neighborhood Association, shared several interesting facts about the popular Victorian home tour.
Midtown is the oldest historic district in Springfield. The homes range from having been built in 1885 – 1920. The Neighborhood Association aims to provide the home tour annually. There are five homes showcased on each tour, generally on the first Friday evening of December and the following Saturday. Each home typically welcomes 550 – 650 guests.
When asked how the homes are selected each year, Wood said: “We ask everyone in the neighborhood that has not shown their home.” Some homes have been shown more than once over the years, but Wood prefers they have a 10-year hiatus between showings.
“It is a lot of work to share one’s home – not only the extensive preparation, cleaning, and decorating, but the evening and daytime hosting. Most homeowners prefer to be present to answer questions about the history, renovation projects, and to meet folks that share a past association with their home.” shared Wood. In addition, each home offers a handful of docents to share the homes’ history and answer questions.
The 2025 tour began at the Drury Diversity Center at the Historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church. A shuttle transported guests to the first stop, The Drury University President’s House at Benton Ave., built in 1894.
Drury President, Dr. Jeff Frederick, and his wife, Melinda, along with their locally famous dog, Briggs, spared a few moments for a brief history of their home. The Frederick’s have lived in the historic home for a year and a half, since Mr. Frederick took his position at Drury University.
“This well-loved home has seen babies born and children raised. It is a great place, not only for the President’s family, but to host students, faculty, and alumni. A big portion of Drury University events are hosted in the President’s home.” shared Jeff Frederick.
“The President’s home has, for years, been a comfortable and inviting family-oriented living museum.” said Frederick. “Drury University is a vital part of Springfield, known for its unique location to Midtown. We were excited for folks to share our home in preparation for the holiday season. We met several alums that had never visited the home. Being part of the Midtown Home Tour is one step in making the community feel open and welcome on campus.” said Jeff Frederick.
Melinda Frederick commented on the notable architectural details of living in an older home. She enjoys the huge iron hinges, pocket doors, and intricate details along the staircase, which cannot be found in modern homes.
“It is an adventure to explore a house like this. When you unlock mysteries, you discover new things.” said Jeff Frederick.
The home offers windows that face every direction, which aids in catching a welcome summer breeze. In addition, the President’s Home offers a prime location to witness student activities on campus.
The Frederick’s are not only fond of living on Drury campus, but enjoy the midtown area, including historic C-street. Dr. Frederick proudly invites all Springfieldians to “Explore midtown, take a step back in time, and discover an integral part of Springfield history.”
The second stop was the Danny Crisp residence, a local entrepreneur and artist that calls North Benton home. This home is a conglomeration of old meets new, where history and the present converge to create an inviting and entertaining space in which Crisp lives, produces art, and hopes to join forces with neighbors to continue the Midtown Renovation Project.
Crisp purchased the home in 2020 from previous Springfield Mayor Carlson. While looking for a home on the north side of town, where one can get more ‘bang for the buck’, Crisp walked into this midtown mansion and fell in love at first sight. He made an offer and has never once questioned his devotion to this remarkable space and close proximity to historic C-Street.
“This felt more like a home than any house I have ever been in.” said Crisp, who went on to share: “Midtown is a beautiful, historic area which is transitioning up. There is a distinct underdog vibe that is shifting. The socioeconomic diversity and proximity to Commercial Street, where so many new lofts and businesses are thriving, is captivating. I love living amidst so much positive upward growth.”
Crisp enjoyed recounting the home’s exciting past. Built by Elizabeth Stoughton, with significant holdings in the Springfield Street Railway Company in 1907, then purchased by Dr. J.T. Evans in 1917. General Ralph Truman, cousin to Missouri President, Harry S. Truman, bought the home in 1951. President Truman visited his cousin in 1952. The tour provided photographs and a detailed archive of the President’s iconic visit to the historic home.
“My home offers a unique space. I wanted to share the history of President Truman visiting and give those in the community a chance to see what Midtown is all about and how it is changing.” shared Crisp. His favorite part of this gorgeous home is the addition the former owners, Thomas and Chandler Carlson, built in 1995. They structured an indoor-outdoor living room and porch and added a garage apartment. The back of the home offers an open view with huge windows on the south side.
“North Springfield has so much worth preserving and there are a lot of us working to keep that history alive. Please help support these efforts in extending the Commercial Street Historic District as well as others like it, it is worth the effort.” said Danny Crisp.
Crisp went on to share: “Preserving the history of our Ozarks region is vital. Not just that but making history accessible is crucial. To quote Jane Jacobs, “New Ideas must use old buildings.”, which is a perfect way to sum up the purpose of the Midtown Home Tour.
Check out the Midtown Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page for details on next year’s annual Victorian Home tour.
