The Kellerman Foundation Awards First Grants

Press Release : For immediate release

The Kellerman Foundation Awards First Grants

The Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation awarded its first two Historic Preservation grants on Friday, April 19, 2013 to two Southeast Missouri State University students. The grants were awarded to Samantha Kluesner and Chris Kinder, both Historic Preservation students.

Mr. Kinder's grant project and mission is to continue preservation of the Henry Miller house in Bloomfield, Missouri, which was constructed circa 1849. Mr. Henry Miller, was a merchant, politician and railroad executive. The cypress frame, a rare mix of heavy timber and balloon frame construction, remains and is in good condition. Much of the original interior construction also remains and is in remarkable condition. The house is currently in need of weatherization in order to stop moisture from entering the home and degrading the original material. A nomination for the National Register of Historic Places is currently underway. Mr. Kinder's goal is to prevent further deterioration as he finishes the nomination and seeks further funding for complete restoration.

Ms. Kluesner's project focuses on the preservation of the "Drink Milde's" wall mural on the wall of Lankford's Drug Store in Chaffee, Missouri, which has been hidden from view since 1926. The Milde Company was founded in 1894 in Jackson, Missouri by Emanuel Milde Sr. The company operated in the Cape Girardeau area until the 1980's when the franchise was purchased by Coco-Cola. While residents may not remember the sign, most do remember the drink. Very few, if any, remaining murals are left. The one being uncovered in Chaffee would be a very early example of the murals that once canvassed the area. The anticipated outcome for this project is that the wall mural be preserved in its current state as an example of early 20th century advertisement and protected from further deterioration.