The Oliver House in Jackson

Fred Lynch ~ Southeast Missourian

Saturday, May 19, 2018

The Oliver House, 224 East Adams St. in Jackson, was restored by the Jackson Heritage Association. Missouri State Senator Robert Burett Oliver and his wife, Marie Watkins Oliver, purchased the house in 1881. Marie Oliver, known as the "Betsy Ross of Missouri," designed and sewed the first Missouri state flag.

The Oliver House is seen in this drone view May 6, 2018 in Jackson. Situated to the southeast of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse, the property was first sold in 1848 as what would be considered the entire block. (Fred Lynch)
Margie Schwent shows the kitchen of the Oliver House to third-graders from Jackson's East Elementary School. The fireplace was used for cooking. (Fred Lynch)
In the guest bedroom, a trundle bed is pulled out for display in the Oliver House. (Fred Lynch)
Margie Schwent shows a Missouri state flag to Phisher Outman in the foyer of the Oliver House during a tour by third-graders Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in Jackson. The flag was designed by Marie Watkins Oliver. (Fred Lynch)

The back yard with Marie's Garden is seen from the second floor of the Oliver House. (Fred Lynch)
Cheryl Mabuce shows a stereoscope to third-graders touring the Oliver House on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in Jackson. (Fred Lynch)
The sewing chest on display in the upstairs hall was owned by Marie Watkins Oliver. (Fred Lynch)
A collection of arrowheads gathered by sons and grandsons of Senator Oliver are displayed in the children's bedroom. (Fred Lynch)
Flowers bloom in Marie's Garden behind the Oliver House in Jackson. (Fred Lynch)

An oil painting of Senator Robert Burett Oliver is displayed in the Oliver House in Jackson. (Fred Lynch)
A portrait of Marie Watkins Oliver is displayed in the entrance foyer next to a glass dove calling card holder that was owned by Mrs. Oliver. (Fred Lynch)
The parlor is the most formal room in the Oliver House. Senator Oliver and distinguished visitors would have gathered here. (Fred Lynch)