St. Louis, Missouri — Campbell House Museum
Tuesday: The Campbell House Museum was closed when we arrived, but we stumbled upon a special tour and got to go inside. Booya.
The Campbell House is one of those enormous and over the top homes that belonged to a wealthy family and blah blah blah.
I mean, the place is super nice, and that’s fun for a while. For example, this fireplace is sweet–
But while luxury and historic preservation are all well and good, it’s the stories that make the museum.
Luckily, the Campbell House recognized this and devoted a significant part of the tour to the lives and memories of the servants.
Even better, they had restored the extensive system of bells the servants used to respond to the whims of the folks who occupied the home. It’s like an old-timey intercom system.
Unrelated, I also love it when house museums leave evidence of their restorations.
It’s so telling of an old house’s craftsmanship, how easily and quickly a house can decay, and how dedicated individuals can perform feats of brilliance provided they have a truckload of funding. The restoration was really, truly remarkable.
Better yet, they have a full-time staff of one (who was not even close to above working the cash register), and we met a board member who was busy vacuuming the floors. Our docents were volunteers and true students of the house and the history. It’s a great house museum, sure, but only because they run what seems like a marvelous organization.
Susie wanted me to mention that they saved the best part for last. In the carriage house, they’ve got the original carriages that belonged to the Campbell Family.
We weren’t allowed to take ‘em for a spin.
Topics Discussed — Helicopter Parents, Clingy Children, How I Forgot My Business Cards, Gentrification, Gift Shops with Unrelated and/or Ridiculous Wares, Christopher Radko
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
2 Comments to St. Louis, Missouri — Campbell House Museum
I like when they show the pre-renovated spaces too- we should tell Bob Villa he should have thought of that at the Nest.
ps- Susie, they are selling cheapie Radkos at Kmart. I saw them in Maryland! Admittedly not as good as old carriages, but close!
I’m one of the students that gave the tour as well as creating the fan page on facebook, and just wanted to say thank you so much for the comment on facebook and review on the blog. It really helps us a lot with getting our name out there, but even more it’s wonderful to see others appreciate Campbell House, especially when they’re fellow historic house museum devotees. Thank you again and Wren’s Nest is most DEFINITELY on my list of must-see historic house museums now; if I’m ever in Atlanta, I will absolutely be stopping by! Thanks again!!