 |
| From a 1942 LIFE Magazine article |
We have addressed several major structural issues including the stone foundation, floor joists, floors, woodwork and brick chimney, and are currently in the process of doing the interior renovations, restoring the interior features as close to original condition as possible. The costs so far have exceeded $66,000.
 |
| The room where Ginger was born. From a 1942 LIFE Magazine article |
The architectural style is called Craftsman Bungalow and according to the Independence Heritage Commission, this house has unique features such as the porch columns and extensive exterior and interior wood trim work not normally found on "working class" houses.
The location is at 100 W. Moore Street, one block off of 24 highway at the corner of Main and Moore streets in Independence. Watch here for our progress photos and opening date. Please sign up for notices so you can keep up with our progress.
We can't make any further exterior changes without permission from the Independence Heritage Commission since this is an Historic Landmark Property. We have big plans for the exterior landscaping, fences, and parking in back, but this portion of the project won't be started until we raise adequate funds. The cost for the landscaping and parking is expected to be around $50,000.
We are real estate investors and normally buy, restore, then sell or rent historic houses. Our purpose in purchasing the home was solely to preserve it as a piece of history rather than have it go into further disrepair or have another family living in it as a private residence that the public did not have access to. Part of the reason for this decision is that I am a huge fan of Ginger Rogers, as was my mother. Ginger Rogers was an extremely talented woman and her mother was a very strong and independent woman. Both were good role models for young women.
Ginger visited this house several times while in Independence or Kansas City playing at Starlight Theatre or other venues, and in 1964 when she visited President Harry Truman at the Truman Library, just three blocks from this location. Ginger again returned in 1994 for the Ginger Rogers Day Festival hosted by the City of Independence and Mayor Ron Stewart. She was given the key to the City at that time.
 |
| Ginger Rogers at the house and Mayor Stewart holding the historic plaque which he affixed to the house |
 |
| The house today, the columns repaired and a new chimney constructed |
For more information about how you can help with this project visit www.thegingerhouse.org.
