Friends of Historic Hannibal
What is FoHH?
The Friends of Historic Hannibal group celebrates historic architecture and bringing new life to old buildings. FOHH was created fourteen years ago by newcomers to the downtown “historic” residential and commercial area of Hannibal. Some of the founding members were new to Hannibal and some had grown up in Hannibal, moved away, and were returning. These newcomers were buying historic houses and buildings in the downtown area and renovating them for their own use. The members of this group meet once a month. They share their experience of living in the historic area and restoring the buildings. Some of the sharing includes blisters and calluses, as well as restoration tips, sources of materials, and contractors. |
The fact that the group meets once a month, each time at a different location has helped keep interest going because it appeals to the curiosity factor, getting to see inside old houses and businesses. Refreshments are served and a tour is given by the owner of the building which includes information about the history and the renovation. For example, a recent meeting was held at 506-508 Bird, a double house owned by Candace and John Klemann. Present at the meeting were the original three couples who restored the building in 1995. Tales were told of the joys and pains of renovating the double house that had been condemned by the city before it was purchased. The "before" pictures spoke volumes of the work required to produce such wonderful results. Sharing renovation experiences and accomplishments is helpful for anyone embarking on a restoration project; it can keep the novice renovator from giving up in despair.
Old Baptist Cemetery:
One of FOHH’s most challenging projects has been restoration of the Old Baptist Cemetery. The cemetery had been neglected for many years; in fact many people were not aware it existed. The FOHH group took on the task of clearing brush, and locating stones, and then persuaded the city to remove dead trees. Now that the dead trees and brush are cleared out, the city keeps the cemetery mowed. FOHH has turned its attention to setting up stones which have fallen over and recording as much information as possible from the stones before the weathering makes them illegible. FOHH has also brought attention to some very interesting graves, including the stone marking a slave who belonged to Laura Hawkins’s mother, and black and white Civil War gravestones. FOHH schedules work days at the Old Baptist Cemetery beginning in spring, and continuing into fall. The September meeting for FOHH is an evening picnic in the cemetery.
One of FOHH’s most challenging projects has been restoration of the Old Baptist Cemetery. The cemetery had been neglected for many years; in fact many people were not aware it existed. The FOHH group took on the task of clearing brush, and locating stones, and then persuaded the city to remove dead trees. Now that the dead trees and brush are cleared out, the city keeps the cemetery mowed. FOHH has turned its attention to setting up stones which have fallen over and recording as much information as possible from the stones before the weathering makes them illegible. FOHH has also brought attention to some very interesting graves, including the stone marking a slave who belonged to Laura Hawkins’s mother, and black and white Civil War gravestones. FOHH schedules work days at the Old Baptist Cemetery beginning in spring, and continuing into fall. The September meeting for FOHH is an evening picnic in the cemetery.
Annual Home Tour:
STEP BACK IN HISTORY 150 YEARS WITH FRIENDS OF HISTORIC HANNIBAL HOME TOUR
FOHH holds a home tour every year. The purpose of the tours is to promote appreciation of Hannibal’s and the surrounding area's old buildings and history. Money from the tours helps fund projects which FOHH helps support, such as books on historical architecture for the library, restoration on the rural Mt. Zion Church, the restoration of the 1858 Marion County Jail in Palmyra, Palmyra’s Gardner House Museum, the Dr. Eels House, preservation education in the Hannibal area including Old Baptist Cemetery, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Palmyra’s Lincoln School Memorial and donations to groups in the area who are struggling to preserve their history.
STEP BACK IN HISTORY 150 YEARS WITH FRIENDS OF HISTORIC HANNIBAL HOME TOUR
FOHH holds a home tour every year. The purpose of the tours is to promote appreciation of Hannibal’s and the surrounding area's old buildings and history. Money from the tours helps fund projects which FOHH helps support, such as books on historical architecture for the library, restoration on the rural Mt. Zion Church, the restoration of the 1858 Marion County Jail in Palmyra, Palmyra’s Gardner House Museum, the Dr. Eels House, preservation education in the Hannibal area including Old Baptist Cemetery, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Palmyra’s Lincoln School Memorial and donations to groups in the area who are struggling to preserve their history.
Friends of Historic Hannibal
926 Center St. Hannibal, MO 63401 Dues: Dues are $10.00 per year. $15.00 per couple. Monthly Meetings: Friends of Historic Hannibal meet the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in historic preservation. Location of the meetings are announced in the monthly newsletter. | Organization Officers
President: Carrie Smashey Vice President: Bill Conley Secretary: Mia Fleegel Treasurer: Doug Warren Newsletter: Lisa Marks Webmaster: Ken Marks |