The History of the Tappmeyer Homestead
To understand where the Tappmeyer Homestead fits in Creve Coeur history, it is important to first know about the origins of Olive Street Road. Because Olive is a direct route between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, it has always been important to Creve Coeur, and to America. First it started as an Indian trail. Some of the first farmers in the country used it to get to a settlement at Creve Coeur Lake in 1796. It was the route pioneers took starting in 1805 to get to the Missouri River to follow Lewis and Clark to the West. In 1851 it was a toll road, and was known as Central Plank Road by 1876.
Because the land along Olive was fertile and the rolling hills and trees so beautiful, some settlers went no farther. Creve Coeur became an agrarian community of farms serving St. Louis and those on their way West to open up the frontier.
When Frederick Wilheim and Adelia Tappmeyer moved from St. Louis to their newly purchased farm in 1876, they followed the tradition of American settlers. They first built and lived in their barn. A barn was the first priority. If grain could not be stored safely, the livestock perished, the land could not be cleared, crops could not be raised and their investment was lost.
In 1880, the Tappmeyers were ready to build their home. A wagon load of potatoes was traded for the lumber and a three-sentence contract was signed to have the house built for $260, with room and board for the carpenter also being provided. In 1884, the home became the Tappmeyer Homestead as seen today.
Four generations of Tappmeyers lived in the house. It is unique in that it always was the home to only one family, many of whom still reside in St. Louis. Because the family descendants have always loved the house, they still retain many photographs, the original contract and much of the home’s original furniture.
It is quite unusual that such a piece of history exists structurally intact and with a clear record of its past and the people who lived there. The Tappmeyer home represents an important link in Creve Coeur history.
Moving to Millennium Park
In 2003 the Tappmeyer home was moved from its original location to Millennium Park to preserve its heritage. How does one move an entire house? It is not an easy task! First the entire home had to be lifted off the foundation and loaded on a truck. Then all of the power lines had to be taken down over the five miles for the move. Thankfully the trip was made without incident and the Tappmeyer Homestead now has a forever home where it can be enjoyed by future generations.
The Tappmeyer Homestead Foundation
The Tappmeyer Homstead Foundation was formed to preserve, restore, and furnish the Tappmeyer home consistent with an early St. Louis county farm house. In 2009 the Foundation raised over $400,000 to restore the home’s first floor and basement to be used as a museum and community space. Work was complete in the fall of the same year and a grand opening was hosted on Saturday, October 17.
As with any old home, the work is never done. The Tappmeyer Homestead Foundation is always seeking individuals who are passionate about history and the Creve Coeur community to help out. To show your support, please visit the Donate page.