Purchase Price $140,000
5 bed · 1.5 bath · 3,236 sqft
This striking historic brick home sits on a 0.28 acre lot across from Huggins Park, which has memorable river views. The house boasts its original woodwork, a butler’s pantry, full kitchen. The laundry facilities are on the 2nd floor and there is a 3rd floor bonus room. The detached carriage house and the generous front porch give a feel of times past to the property.
Contact: Noreen Derr, Stroud & Associates, Keller Williams
Call: 816-232-4111
House History & Gallery
This imposing 5-bedroom house first appears on the map of St. Joseph in 1896. Located in a growing upper middle-class residential district close to the Sacred Heart convent, 705 S. 13th St. was the perfect place for a successful businessman to bring his family. That’s exactly what Felix Muleski, who was making a substantial living in the meat business did in 1904. Felix, his wife Sarah, and their daughter Clara made this their home and it was from this house that they took their place as active members of the bustling Catholic community in the area.
Felix was a part of an extended German immigrant community, many of which were also in the meat business. Over the years they occupied a number of different locations and formed – and broke – various partnerships, largely in the 900 block of Frederick Avenue. Felix’s success can be put down to his entrepreneurial spirit; he certainly understood the value of a good advertisement. For decades his ads ran in the local newspapers, highlighting what made Muleski meats different and better than the competition.
In 1913, the household grew when Clara married local businessman William Dienger. William was associated over the years with various local manufacturing concerns: in 1918 he was credit manager at National Biscuit Co (Nabisco) and at the time of his death in 1933, he worked for a box manufacturer.
Clara and her growing family continued to call 705 S. 13th Street home along with her parents; there was ample room for both households even as three children (Felix William and the twins Bernard and Bernandine) were born and grew up here. Clara and her mother were active in the parish served by the church of the Immaculate Conception (now commonly known as Twin Spires) and jointly hosted church-related gatherings at their home, which they decorated with seasonal flowers for the occasion.
Clara Muleski Dienger was the consistent presence in this home, coming to 705 as a girl and not leaving until close to the end of her life in the 1960s. As one walks through the front door it is easy to imagine Clara stopping on the landing of the imposing central staircase and gazing contentedly at her home.
In recent years, the home has been lovingly restored and served for a time as a combined home/attorney’s office. It still remains as impressive as it was when the Russian immigrant businessman Felix Muleski proudly brought his family to live here.
