Purchase Price $249,000
4 bed · 3 bath · 2,553 sqft
This stunning family home features original oak woodwork, floors, and staircase, impressive built-ins and leaded glass windows. Though it has the charm of yesteryear, it has been tastefully updated so it has all the modern comforts. The house has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with a finished attic and basement for additional living space. Both the master and second bath have been beautifully remodeled and feature claw-foot tubs. There is a half-bath on the main floor, a second floor laundry, and the kitchen has been updated with quartz and new stainless appliances.
Contact: Dennis Prussman at United Country Property Solutions
Call: 816-232-7160
House History & Gallery
In 1917, Frederick W. Werner and his wife Hattie F. Schmaltz Werner had been married for just over a decade and were the proud parents of two young children. Fred was working for Garrett and Son, a boot shop at 110 S. 8th Street in bustling downtown St. Joseph. Werner, born in Troy Kansas to German immigrants, was a man with ambition. He graduated from St. Joseph Business College and went to work for the John S. Brittain Dry Goods Company; on Saturdays he worked for the Garretts. His hard work and drive paid off, and in 1908 he became manager of Garretts.
Fred made a good living selling shoes and he wanted to give his family a wonderful place to live. In the second decade of the 20th century, Ashland Avenue was being developed and was quickly becoming one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in the city (a status it still retains). In 1916/17, Fred and his wife Hattie Schmaltz had their wonderful home built. On January 27, 1917 the Gazette carried a small article about a party that they held in “their attractive new home, 2504 Ashland avenue.” In October 1939, the house was the scene of a larger party when they hosted a reception for their son Forrest and his new wife Robilee Du Bois. Over 100 guests attended to wish the new couple well and they were charmed by the décor – the dining table was lighted by pink and blue candles in silver holders with a centerpiece of pink, blue, and white asters in a sliver bowl.
The Werners remained in their home on Ashland Avenue for three decades, for the last years of that their son Forrest and his wife Robilee lived there with them.
In 1923, Fred purchased the shoe business and renamed it Werner Shoe Company. He was President and Hattie was Vice-President. The business remained in the family following Fred’s death in 1961 when his son Forrest took it over. In the 1980s, it was run by Fred’s grandson Robert Werner.
In 1947, the Werners sold the home to Dale L. and Elizabeth Neely. Dale was a trooper with the State Highway Patrol and Elizabeth was a nurse at Missouri Methodist Hospital. Since then the home has been much cherished and cared for.
