Dr. Kimberly Schutte

Intersections: Of Time and Buldings, St. Joseph

 

 

 

St. Joseph Missouri, an historic community founded in 1843 by the fur trapper and trader Joseph Robidoux, emerged on the national consciousness as a primary gateway for settlers heading westward in the nineteenth century. Strategically placed at the intersections of rivers, roads, and rail; what began as an insignificant trading post developed rapidly into a vibrant and growing urban area. The wealth generated by its role in the westward expansion fueled a golden age in architecture in the city. Wealthy businessmen built wonderful houses and impressive commercial structures. As time has passed and the economy has changed many of those buildings no longer serve the purpose for which they were built. While, some structures have been restored and have found a use in the modern world, others have not been so lucky. The issue of historic preservation is a contentious one in the community, with some advocated the need to “save our heritage,” while others believe that many of the buildings are eye-sores and consumers of limited resources. “Of Time and Buildings, St. Joseph” is a proposed exhibit by the St. Joseph Museums, Inc. designed to explore the intersection of preservation, history, politics, and art around the issue of preservation. Utilizing art-quality photographs of selected structures in the community – both those that have been restored and preserved as well as those that have not – the exhibit will encourage people on both sides of the issue to consider opposing points of view, to appreciate the intrinsic beauty in the structures themselves, and to provide a space for conversation on the issue of the role that “time and buildings” play in the community and perhaps usher in another golden age in St. Joseph; this time a golden age of preservation.