Purchase Price: $89,900

2 bed · 1.5 bath · 984 sqft

Contact: Jennifer and Travis Pflugradt, Coldwell Bankers

Call: 816-341-9713

Beautiful, full of character home that is ready for you! This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home has lots to offer: well maintained wood floors, comfortable living, and plenty of space ready to accommodate your needs! Not to mention the built-in pantry in the kitchen and lovely custom cabinetry. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this your home!

House History & Gallery

The Charles E. Thornton Residence at 2401 Faraon Street was built in 1895. This modest, charming house has been home to some fascinating characters in the past nearly 130 years. Soon after building the house, Thornton moved down the block to a larger house and rented out 2401. The first tenant was William H. Charlton, a linotype operator. In addition to being well-known in printing circles in St. Joseph, it appears that Charlton was a talented entertainer. In December 1899 at a “Printers Smoke” he “gave a comic recitation, entitled ‘She Wanted to Learn Elocution,’ and followed it with a highly exciting war dance.” In July 1897, thieves broke into the stable at 2401 and stole Charlton’s buggy – interestingly a week later this ad appeared in the Gazette: “For Sale – cheap: good horse, buggy, and harness. Inquire 2401 Faraon St.” William and his wife lived at the house until 1902.

In 1903, the house was on the market for $3,000, but there must not have been any takers because at the end of December 1904 it was again for sale, for $2,800. The new owner continued to use the home as a rental property.

In 1904, Reno Eshleman and his wife Stella lived here for a year. He was a clerk at Swift & Co. When the Eshlemans left, their place was taken by the well-known hotelier, Alexander H. Truckenmiller. He was the proprietor of the Turkenmiller Hotel and Cafe at 109-111 N. 3rd St. The next year, Fred C. Harman, an adjuster for the J.S. Brittain Dry Goods Co. lived here. From 1909-1911 William G. Fogg and his wife Nelle enjoyed their life at 2401. While William was busy running Avenue Feed Mills on Frederick Ave., Nell was active in the Ready Helpers and frequently hosted luncheons at her home.

From 1913-1924, the house was the residence of the extended Norton/Hurlbut families. Thomas F. Norton, the manager of the McCord Norton Shoe Co. lived in the home prior to his marriage to Hazel Hurlbut, whose family lived at 2320 Francis. In 1915, the couple married and remained at the house until their son was born. At that time, Hazel’s father, Ellsworth Hurlbut moved in. Ellsworth was a conductor for the Burlington Railroad. He had an accident at work in July 1923 that received a fair amount of press coverage; thankfully the fall from one of the cars did not result in a serious injury.

The most prominent of the occupants of the house was Jack and Winifred Tootle who lived here from the time of their marriage in 1946 until his promotion to Vice President of Tootle Dry Goods in 1953. Jack and Winifred met when their families were vacationing at Mackinac Island, WI. They married quickly and Winifred came to St. Joseph to take up her position in the social swirl of the city. The couple were well-known among the elite of the city and were present at many high-end entertainments. During the period that they lived in the home, Jack moved steadily up in the family business. When he was appointed Vice President they moved to a much larger house at 2728 Francis Street. Not long after the move, the marriage broke down and the resulting divorce was heavily covered by the local newspapers.

Following the Tootle tenancy, 2401 Faraon continued to be a well-cared-for rental property. It is ready for the next chapter in its story.