Historic Florissant, Inc. Hosts Annual Benefit Dinner

Event is Sunday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at Hendel's Market Cafe.

Historic Florissant's Christmas House Tour Offers Old Town Holiday Charm

The tour will be held on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, November 25, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Looking for a fun, local way to teach the family about Christmas history? If so, you'll be thrilled to learn that Historic Florissant’s Christmas House Tour is coming up on Nov. 25. About the Tour All the homes are located in Old Town and many are within walking distance of each other, according to a press release from Historic Florissant, Inc. "Some old favorites will open their doors to visitors plus two homes that will be on tour for the first time," the release reads. "The age of the homes range from 85 years to 212 years, but all have one thing in common. They are all owned by people who have shown a deep commitment to preserving and maintaining these homes, guaranteeing they are around for another generation." Tour Details You Need …

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Former Florissant Mayor's Home Marked as City Landmark

Sidney Garret served in a number of important roles in Florissant's development.

The frame house at 549 St. Jacques was built circa 1880 but is best known as the home of Sidney Garrett who lived here in the early years of the 20th century. Sidney Garrett, son of Silas Garrett, was born at Cross Keys in 1864. He married Catherine Castello, daughter of Mayor Charles Castello, and soon became town marshall for Florissant. In 1897, he resigned that position to build a mill at the corner of St. Jacques and St. Francois with a partner, Charles Griese. Soon after the mill was built, Garrett moved his family into this house, which was next door on the south side of the mill. The mill was quite successful, and for several years the name of the street was changed from St. Jacques to Mill Street. However, in 1909 the name was …

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Historic Florissant Homes

Former Florissant City Hall Served as Hub of Town

The building has served a number of functions since its erection in the late 19th century.

Florissant’s first City Hall sits unnoticed to most people traveling up and down St. Francois Street. Tucked back from the streets edge at 619 St. Francois, the little white brick building was once the center of activity for the City of Florissant. The City Council authorized the construction of the building in the spring of 1876 to serve as the City Hall and Calaboose, or local jail. Throughout its more than 130 years, it has been used for a variety of purposes, adjusting to the needs of the town. The first time the building was altered was in 1919, when the Florissant volunteer fire department was formed. An addition to the east side of the building made room for the fire truck and other equipment. The city grew quickly after World War …

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Historic Florissant Homes

Castello House Provided Home to Key Florissant Family

A former Florissant trustee and his family resided in this residence.

 The Castello House, the gray brick building at 755 St. Francois Street, is named after one of Florissant’s more prominent early families. It is well known that Charles Castello was mayor of Florissant from 1865 until 1890. This home was not named for him, however, but for his grandfather Michael. Michael was the first of his family to leave Ireland and come to America in the very early 1800s, marrying and settling in Pennsylvania. Prior to 1820, he moved his family to Florissant and purchased this property from Antoine Riviere. The records are unclear whether the house was on the property at this time or was built by Castello soon afterward. Land records tell us that the property was purchased in July 1820 for “$100 in hand and $600 to be…

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Magill House Showcases German Architecture Style

The historic home of Magill House dates back to the early 19th century.

This week, we check out the Magill House at 410 Harrison Street, which provides some great historical features not only for the city but for the state of Missouri. The National Register Application for Florissant’s Historic District states, “this is the finest example of the Missouri German style in the Multiple Resource Area. Its brick exterior boasts a fanciful corbelled, toothed cornice which is unique in Florissant.” The original residence consisted of only two rooms built in 1834. Many additions and alterations have been made to the house with the most extensive changes in 1932 by owner/architect Harry Hallmuth. (Details of these plans and drawings can be found in the archives of Historic Florissant, Inc. in the Gittemeier House.) The…

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Jensen House Has a Long-Standing Tradition with Residents

We're taking you on a new tour of a historic Florissant home with the Jensen House.

Arnold Ellebracht purchased this entire block in 1872-1874, and the original part of the Jensen House at 406 rue St. Louis was built a few years later. The two-story frame vernacular home consisted of five rooms, three rooms in a row on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor. There was a detached summer kitchen in the back of the house. There was no basement but there was a small fruit cellar. The home was sold to Dr. Jensen and his wife in 1896. The doctor had a small office built at the corner of his lot where he saw his patients. In 1916, Charles Garrett, son of long-time mayor Sidney Garrett, purchased the house and lived in the house for the next 60 years. About 1930, Garrett dug out a full basement by hand, pouring a …

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Our First "Best of Florissant" Winners Revealed -- Part 1

We're letting you know who won some of the categories for our first year-end series.

Florissant Patch readers have spoken, and we’ve tallied the votes of our first “Best of Florissant” series. More than 500 votes across eight categories were cast. Some races proved quite tight, while others proved to be an easy win. Last week, Florissant Patch editor Aja Junior hit the streets to share the good news with winners. Gretchen Crank of Historic Florissant was in the midst of her day when we presented her the certificate for Best Group/Organization. “We’re looking forward to 2012,” she said. “This represents the way things are going.” Furthermore, Crank thanked everyone for their votes and support. She also reassured residents that the fall house tour will continue in 2012. For “Best Breakfast Spot,” Florissant City Diner won …

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