The Knights of Pythias built this amazing structure in Springfield, Missouri in1913. Fifteen thousand people came to the grand opening, more than Springfield had hotel rooms for. It was designed as a home for orphaned, widowed and elderly members of the fraternal order. Built to house 100 people, it was so over-crowded during the great depression that tents were erected on the lawn.
The home was still in use until 1941, when the US Military acquired the property as a service club for wounded soldiers of WWII. They also housed POWs. Some of the cells are in the basement, and since the one Japanese prisoner had a private cell he painted a mural of his home.
The two Whippets who live here are definitely not watch dogs. They could hardy be bothered.
The theater was used for the Knights' meetings, then U S O shows. Our guide assured us that Bob Hope performed here. The facility is now a popular place for weddings, with a ballroom and dining hall.
The original seats are still in great shape.
This shows what the unimproved part of the home looks like.
In 1993 the Army decided to sell the property, but the highest offer was only $80,000. Considering how much work would be needed to renovate there was little interest. The house was put up for bid and only one person put one in. A homeless man bid $3,600 and wound up with the property after sweetening the figure to $4000.
The current owners are renovating one room at a time. They offer a wide range of diversions. Besides the wedding venue they have ghost tours, murder mysteries,comedy nights, dinner dances and in our case, a private history tour.
What an awesome place.
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