Home for the Holidays
It’s like HGTV meets the History channel. Home for the Holidays, a tour of historic homes in Joplin, is inspirational and educational – and a tad voyeuristic, allowing our curious eyes to peek inside the walls of these well-crafted, one-of-a kind structures.
Held every other year, Home for the Holidays is organized by Historic Murphysburg Preservation, an organization that holds various events throughout the year at historic locations, opening them up to the public so that people can experience the richness of Joplin’s history in an immersive way.
This year’s Home for the Holidays tour was held on December 14 and included nine residences plus the tour headquarters, which was housed at Unity of Joplin – another historic structure. Tickets were available online or at Unity of Joplin, and participants received an informational brochure and map.
The tour included three different Joplin neighborhoods: Murphysburg, North Heights, and downtown Joplin.
The tour ran from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., a reasonable amount of time to walk through the houses, listen to the history of each location, and travel between stops. I started the tour about 2 p.m., and I was pushing it to finish by closing time. There’s just so much to soak in.
The Tour
Here’s a breakdown of the 2019 Home for the Holidays Tour:
Unity of Joplin, 204 North Jackson Avenue
Serving as the headquarters and ticket location for the tour, this building represents the Spanish Mission architectural style, and was built in 1911 as Calvary Baptist Church.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-exterior-front.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=3f1f3ebf1a82c127314039e3ec47a70e 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-exterior-front.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=3685b75f7ed6605a4304b8314504e68b 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-exterior-front.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=6bf5ea1bc45dacbd2fc84bbe35f6d93a 551w)
The Woman’s Club of Joplin moved into the building in 1930, and Unity of Joplin purchased it in 2012 and continues to occupy it today.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-interior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=e6e7a5d8cfeebddedd9461a28108b1ca 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-interior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=0ad67e8730c11702446946e1f1134d7c 511w)
What struck me most about the interior are the timber ceiling beams and the breathtaking stained-glass windows, which fill the worship area with natural light.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-stained-glass.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=f187b0de6ff6d4c1a8386e8667df1613 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-unity-stained-glass.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=201f62cefd22c930600971dbf4666831 484w)
Murphysburg
The following four homes are located in Murphysburg, the first residential neighborhood established by the founders of Joplin. Many architectural styles are represented in this picturesque, 53-acre neighborhood, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (If you would like to explore this area in depth, here is a walking tour to use as a guide.)
Henderson House, 518 South Sergeant Avenue
Charles G. Henderson, President of S.C. Henderson Wholesale Grocery Co., built this home in 1917. With its dentil molding on the roof line, and gabled dormers, this home is an example of the Colonial Revival style.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-henderson-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=20e557a69a2adb344a6629dd3fd8569a 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-henderson-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=84c0bff2498ed3725bf1ffc60494fe09 525w)
These decorative windows added an eye-catching element to the main stairwell.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-henderson-windows.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5837ed3efe34cf5af259f206fba0699e 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-henderson-windows.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=93ee1b34d9d56b9f196c0d987aeb32cf 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-henderson-windows.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=579aff99f20ad130f0f9e60e4214b8a6 600w)
Frye/BaSom House, 318 South Sergeant Avenue
I have to admit that this has always been one of my favorite homes in Joplin. It just seems to exude pride in its alluring beauty.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=6356e299a659e6efb4d6530f67803371 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=3f6d1f578ca0f8f97b000957712362c8 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=07ba3ed31a838f76d83e9f7f13878f63 600w)
Can you believe that it was built for just $5,000 back in 1891? That would be about $141,000 in 2019, and considering the craftsmanship I observed inside, that’s quite a steal, even by today’s standards!
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-kitchen.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=1de3c819afa8054576c9d8d5be24088e 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-kitchen.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=2554faa8d439d0e32b6fa5b92c8ceaf1 394w)
The architectural style of this house is Second Empire, also known as Modern French, which was popular from 1865 to 1900. The home was built by Charles C. Frye, who moved to Joplin from New York to invest in the mining industry. In 1898, it was purchased by attorney Fred BaSom, who later organized Joplin Telephone Co., the first phone company in the city.
While there are many aspects of this home that I love, the coolest feature is the staircase hidden behind this mirror in the main hall.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-mirror.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=76b96632c242f3037843151251ee1b2c 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-mirror.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=e6dd66f257a20a5631c98e81a6aaccfe 425w)
Ta-da!
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-staircase.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=c8e58a3c80a08e45cd6c61a776a50575 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-frye-staircase.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=9f8ec6c96479633bb4b9ee61ad75bae7 450w)
Fischer House, 315 South Sergeant Avenue
Built by Julius Fischer in the 1880s, this is the oldest home in Murphysburg.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-fischer-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=1d0cd46cca4b5dbd208c0e253efcae48 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-fischer-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=8d974125c2d5edea991f18a8469d2f0a 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-fischer-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=175c60bfc81eb9f4c8d2184c4ff8a0d0 600w)
The original structure is a simple farmhouse style, and Tudor elements were added later. These photos show the different exteriors over time.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-then-now.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=fe77ad751a2726f3d137a4460b712637 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-then-now.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=c5a67eaa2a5e191e1ce589db4d0ba4f6 526w)
Here’s a notable (yet not-so-grand) fact about Julius Fischer: In 1890, he lost the Jasper County Clerk election to Mrs. Annie Baxter, making her the first female county clerk in the United States – and an important Joplinite. (Interesting coincidence: I’m typing this at the Joplin Public Library right now, and I just looked up to see a bust of Mrs. Annie Baxter in the Post Memorial Library section.)
Geddes House, 301 South Sergeant Avenue
This ornate beauty is an example of Queen Anne architecture.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=b8a80f090fb8f7b87b7deab3687644bf 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=b15dc78bd379c019a7c482a2d4d3d8ae 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=b560bfb75f69e9fe733faf8a068085d2 568w)
It was built in the late 1890s by James I. Geddes, a newspaper owner and publisher, as well as an attorney, and an investment broker. Geesh! That’s one busy man. I hope he had time to enjoy the intricately detailed woodwork in the many rooms of his grand home.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-dining-room-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=cb68d9be0b0c778bc0e1274e713991a2 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-dining-room-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=63832749700e6941289e9b5f96bdf13d 437w)
I sure did.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-study-3.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=bcdfef84c5181c2d4d5a9393dc786a5f 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-geddes-study-3.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=c4ef4f2ba8937be35e80e0135475fff8 489w)
North Heights
The next three homes are located in the North Heights neighborhood, located north of the Murphysburg district. Development in this residential area began after 1891, when this land was sold to the City of Joplin by the Granby Mining Co. (Every year in October, this charming neighborhood holds the popular North Heights Porchfest, a laid-back musical festival, which you can read more about here.)
Rogers House, 536 North Wall Avenue
Designed by esteemed local architect Austin Allen, this home was built in 1905 by Frederick H. Rogers, who worked in the lumber business, then moved to Joplin to become involved in the mining industry.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=8da660bc87bc9d254a32400dc00ce55b 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=602184e1303d0c1f851789bf26e4f814 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=c095aa1d194ec81acb4794bafc7afe88 589w)
The interior of the home contains spectacular examples of hand carved woodwork throughout, including the stunning staircase,
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-staircase.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=3e3216c3f55d1afb75f8f7e8c077dcce 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-staircase.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=54e263db147ab3a8017de6ef120f8420 450w)
and the mahogany ceiling beams and paneling in the dining room.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-dining-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=802ba57a174fbea1349dfd545df10115 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-rogers-dining-1.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=78612a55e473530420b32b5e82fecae6 450w)
Beckham-Richardson House, 603 North Pearl Avenue
While the original owner and date of construction of this home are unknown, the current owner has embraced the unique interior elements of this home with a sense of whimsy.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-beckham-exterior-angle.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=7f740b022e2f0b0a165e9191277ec631 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-beckham-exterior-angle.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=af2a053974395afe57a283264888f0d2 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-beckham-exterior-angle.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=516492d125ace54e96de02ad514ba353 600w)
It was fun exploring the nooks and crannies of this home and discovering surprises.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-beckham-fireplace.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=3fa07c6c1d1d7d81f1bedd713158fde9 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-beckham-fireplace.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=f329c0d866207e5701b0c73533450154 450w)
Cotton House, 602 N. Wall Avenue
Built by John A. Cotton in 1918, this house offers a fine example of a craftsman interior.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-cotton-exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=32d241d75b5923f7c51d644e83de4c45 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-cotton-exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=3d4d67e200436eb056fe846f4633775e 481w)
I liked how the current owners’ clean, modern decor paired well with the simple, yet exquisite, woodwork throughout the home.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-cotton-dining.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=5f83eb857a369b97a1e0a95a4e564c2d 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-cotton-dining.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=4996d9deb3f87b21ff271f13b3798a94 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-cotton-dining.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=c19bcb7e971cdb54aad920baeed9e95f 600w)
Downtown Joplin
The next two residences on the tour were apartments located in downtown Joplin.
R&S Chevrolet Building, 214 East 4th Street
This building, constructed in 1909, is an example of Late-19th/Early-20th-Century Revival architecture.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-exterior-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=1ccd58609645ed81c632786328ed37c9 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-exterior-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=5ed7c6f0cc0f94b7ebdcaa24180ff314 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-exterior-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=36b0a51208c8ab7b46b430ff968af9cb 600w)
It was built by Century Auto Co., which became R&S Motors in 1926 (owned by Bill Robertson and Winston Spurgeon).
When you see the apartments inside the building today, it’s hard to imagine that a motor company once operated here. Apartment #1A on the ground level was opened up for the tour, wowing visitors with its chic, urban interior design.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-living-decor.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=2a6ae000e7bf2237df075f0c75ed65e8 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-living-decor.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=7261250bed1c680aebc15f6ab0e0bc5d 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-living-decor.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=2d9b8d49441a33652f6424b42b2c2b06 573w)
It truly looked like something from the pages of Architectural Digest.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-bedroom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=81bdb7c43324cec8cece89e045e87cc1 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-bedroom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=af156ffe403f56f9f006dddf9ad661ed 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-chevrolet-bedroom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=2b3526a8a467785382da104a477def52 600w)
Empire Block Building, 524 South Main Street
The next residence was a palatial two-story apartment which occupies the second and third levels of the Empire Block Building, located in the Joplin’s Downtown Sunshine Lamp Historic District.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=e03c937b9f510efb05b895d492c1bc8f 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=2f296ef40141b29b3b8f50ab0ba20949 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-exterior.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=ea211c99ec7e1f942c78e9e024a50cdf 600w)
Designed by architect Thomas R. Bellas, it was built in 1900 by brothers Charles and Oscar DeGraff, operators of Empire Mine.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-bar.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=06f883d1edcc792cc5b72b5af1ddc430 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-bar.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=026ebce073cb854be5d3a95fc9f31b61 540w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-bar.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=645a343735baeea8668c40c4a9c0ef83 551w)
The highlight of this apartment was the glass inserted into the floor of the upper-level walkway, allowing the light from above to filter through to the lower level, creating a bright space throughout.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-plexiglass.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=f2b60b9b78b59d685224ef64c8a9c983 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/home-for-the-holidays-empire-plexiglass.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=345e1b3fdd655180589392e2db9b24fd 414w)
It’s such a neat design concept, although I admit I felt a bit disoriented walking on a see-through floor.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting the opportunity to explore these homes, each of them brimming with history, and I’m already looking forward to the next Home for the Holidays tour.
Learn more about future events in Joplin’s historical districts on Historic Murphysburg Preservation’s website by clicking here, or on its Facebook page by clicking here.
To read more about my adventures in the area, visit JoplinMOLife.com.