The house where Ginger Rogers was born is for sale

Three Trails Cottages, LLC
1134 S Pearl St. Independence, MO 64050
816-833-1602
www.threetrailscottages.com

The two-bedroom, 1 ½ bath house at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri is where famous Hollywood actress Ginger Rogers was born. It is for sale by Three Trails Cottages, LLC. The house was purchased by the company in 2016 and fully restored by Gene Padgitt and HearthMasters, Inc.  It opened as a museum in August of 2018 and operated as such until the fall of 2019 when it closed for the season. Reopening has not been possible due to the Coronavirus situation and lack of public interest and support.  

100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri

Three Trails Cottages, LLC restored this 1906 Craftsman Bungalow to as close to original as possible with period look kitchen and bath, period light fixtures, antique furniture and other items. The City approved this home for use as a short-term vacation rental and it is set up for a new owner to begin using it as a short or long-term rental, or to move in. Most of the furniture, including the beds and linens and a TV is included along with kitchen utensils, dishes, and pots and pans.

Extensive renovation was completed to the property including foundation repair, floor repair, woodwork repairs, painting inside and out, updated electrical, plumbing, and more. The original claw foot tub and corner sink remain. The kitchen features new 1940’s look appliances and a farm sink.

The museum related items which were donated, loaned, and purchased have been removed and stored for a new museum dedicated to Jackson County history.  Some of the 260 items include gowns worn by Ginger Rogers, her tennis racquet, a pair of shoes, and a key to the City of Independence which was presented to her by President Harry Truman in 1964. There are more items that were not on display due to lack of space. 

Kitchen

The Local History Preservation Society has plans for a museum which would include famous people from the area including William Powell, Jean Harlow, Ed Asner, and others. The house was simply not big enough to display all the items acquired, and a larger space will work better. Bricks purchased by supporters will be moved to the new site which has not yet been determined. The LHPS is currently seeking a donated building in Jackson County. 

The price of the house is $109,500.

Contact:

Marge Padgitt, Museum Director and owner of Three Trails Cottages, LLC.
threetrailscottages@gmail.com

www.owensrogersmuseum.com
816-833-1602 office
816-365-9492 cell

Ginger Rogers' Ancestor Developed Precursor to Hydroxychloroquine

Dr. John S Sappington, the great-great-paternal grandfather of Ginger Rogers, developed an anti-malaria pill from Quinine.

Sappington was a wealthy landowner, entrepreneur, and Doctor who moved to Missouri on the advice of his friend U.S. Senator and famous artist Thomas Hart Benton. Benton told Sappington that the Missouri Territory was an area where large pieces of land could be purchased at low prices from the U.S. government.

The Sappington family moved to a farm outside of Arrow Rock called the Boonslick region in 1819. Arrow Rock is located near the central part of Missouri near the Missouri River. His stores sold goods to travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. Sappington's enterprises included milling lumber, processing salt, loaning money, farming, importing goods and medicines, and practicing medicine. He began importing cinchona bark as early as 1820, but it was years later that he discovered its use against malarial fever, which was a major health problem along the Missouri River.

In 1832, using quinine taken from cinchona bark, Sappington developed a pill to cure a variety of fevers, such as scarlet fever, yellow fever, and influenza. He sold “Dr. Sappington's Anti-Fever Pills” across Missouri. Demand became so great that within three years Dr. Sappington founded a new company known as Sappington and Sons to sell his anti-fever pills nationwide.

Interestingly, Hydroxychloroquine, a modified version of the drug, is now being used to treat people with Coronavirus.

More info here: https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/historicmissourians/name/s/sappington/

Dr. Sappington was the Great-Great Grandfather of Ginger Rogers on her father, William Eddings McMath's side. He was married to Jane Breathitt Sappington. Two of Sappington's sons-in-law served as governor of Missouri, largely due to Dr. Sappington's money and influence.

Note: Both paintings in this article were done by Thomas Hart Benton. 

Sappington Museum Information: http://friendsofarrowrock.org/properties/

Season Opening April 1, 2020

100 W Moore Street, Independence, MO

The Owens-Rogers House Museum at 100 W Moore Street in Independence, Missouri will
open for the season on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The hours are Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. and by appointment for groups of 10 or more.

The home was the dwelling of Hollywood screenwriter Lela Owns-Rogers and is the birthplace of Hollywood star Ginger Rogers, who was born here on July 16, 1911. Special events are planned for Mother's Day week, Ginger Rogers' 109th birthday celebration in July, haunted tours in October during the City of Independence haunted sites tours, and other dates.

Lela Owens-Rogers and Ginger Rogers

The home was recently converted to a combination museum and short-term vacation rental. It is open year-round for rent and sleeps up to four adults. The home has two bedrooms with one queen bed and one daybed with a trundle, one full bath with the original claw-foot tub, and a half-bath, laundry room, HD TV, free wifi
and a fully stocked kitchen with utensils, pots and pans and new 1940's style appliances.

Available days for rental are Friday through Monday weekly during the tourist season from April through September, and seven days a week the rest of the year. It is listed at airbnb.com and vrbo.com.

For more information visit www.owensrogersmuseum.com or contact the Museum Director Marge Padgitt or her staff at owensrogersmuseum@gmail.com or call 816-833-1602 Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 pm.

Moe Resner Donates Items to the Owens-Rogers Museum

Moe Resner with his friend,
Ginger Rogers in the 1960's

A long-time friend of Ginger Rogers, Moe Resner, recently donated several items to the Owens-Rogers Museum in Independence, Missouri. Moe was a stand-up comedian, die-hard Cubs fan (even though he was from the Bronx) and fell in love with Ginger Rogers at age 11.  He met Ginger later in life when he was asked to take a photo of her while she was performing Hello Dolly! on Broadway. The two became fast friends for the next 30 years.

Moe contacted me by phone after finding out about the museum. He told me he had several items he wanted to donate including programs, copies of a fan newsletter, a book he co-wrote called The Chicago Cubs and Moe, and correspondence between him and Ginger.  I've started reading the book, and it is quite entertaining.

Moe threw the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley field on May 25, 2017. and again at Tennessee on April 11 and 12, 2018. At age 87, he could still hit and pitch! Moe was a semi-pro baseball player from 1950 - 1959. He was an assistant manager for the AA Dallas Eagles and a coach for the Kansas City A's. Heck, he may have been in KC at the games I attended as a kid.

Moe produced the film End of an Era, NY Giants Last Day at Polo Grounds 1957.

Moe is a member of the screen actors guild and is a speaker for business and baseball functions.
Here is a link to an article written in April of 2018 about Moe throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs game: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2018/04/11/chicago-cubs-tennessee-smokies-moe-resner/491031002/


Moe appeared on TCM's 25th Anniversary Presentation before and after Kitty Foyle was aired. He sent us some collectible cards from that event. The video he sent to TCM is a part of this article: https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/people/2019/04/06/moe-resner-edison-appear-april-19-turner-classic-movies/3346723002/

Thanks, Moe, for the wonderful story of your friendship with Ginger and the gifts to the museum for everyone to enjoy!

Items from Moe Resner

_____________________________________________

Marge Padgitt is the director of the Owens-Rogers Museum and the Local History Preservation Society. Contact her at owensrogersmuseum@gmail.com

Mother's Day Tea at the Owens-Rogers Museum

The Owens-Rogers Museum at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri, is where Lela Rogers lived and is the birthplace of famed actress, singer, and dancer Ginger Rogers. The Museum opened to the public for its first full season on April 3, 2019.

A Mother’s Day Tea will be held on May 11 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the museum. Tea, coffee, and desserts will be served, and participants may take a tour of the museum and have their photo taken with their own camera in front of the house just like Lela and Ginger did in 1964. Staff will be on hand to help with photos. Tickets are $15 each and must be purchased in advance.

Lela and Ginger Rogers

Marge and Gene Padgitt, of Independence, Missouri purchased the property in February of 2016 and began the restoration process, which was quite extensive. Marge Padgitt is a Ginger Rogers fan and wanted to save the house for the public to enjoy. Gene Padgitt was the general contractor for the project. The interior has been restored to as close to original as possible with the addition of museum displays which include photos, posters, clothing, memorabilia, Ginger’s family history, and items that both Lela and Ginger owned. The featured display is the gown the Ginger Rogers wore to the 1967 Academy Awards.  

The home was designated as an Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence in 1994 when Ginger Rogers visited for her birthday celebration. Mayor Ron Stewart affixed the plaque to the home at that time.

The Owens-Rogers Museum

Audrey Elder, author of “Guide to Selling Historic Properties for Real Estate Agents” and 29 historic property books including “100 W Moore Street,” is the manager for The Ginger House Museum. After recently leaving a twelve-year career in real estate, Audrey now teaches continued education about working with historic properties for realtors in Missouri and Kansas, as well as training presentations specific to historic preservation and sustainable community building in historic districts. Audrey served three years on the City of Independence Missouri Heritage Commission, and is a member of many local historic societies.

Regular museum hours are 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Wednesday and Saturday from April 1 to September 30. The museum is open to private group tours by appointment year-round.  Ticket prices are $8 for ages 13 and up; $6 for seniors on Wednesday; and $5 for children aged 5 – 12. The Ginger House Museum hosts special events such as  Ginger’s birthday celebration in July. The museum has several items for sale including books written by Ginger Rogers, postcards, and milk bottles from her Oregon ranch. 

For more information visit www.owensrogersmuseum.com 

or call 816-833-1602. 

Owens-Rogers Museum to Open April 3

                                     

100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri 64050
816-833-1602 www.owensrogersmuseum.com

PRESS RELEASE

The Owens-Rogers Museum at 100 W Moore Street in Independence, Missouri will open for the season on April 3, 2019. The 1906 Craftsman Bungalow is the site where famed actress and dancer Ginger Rogers was born in 1911.

Independence, Missouri, March 25, 2019

The Owens-Rogers Museum is owned by Marge and Gene Padgitt of Three Trails Cottages, LLC. They worked to restore the home for over two years before opening it to the public in August of 2018. The home has been transformed into a museum dedicated to Lela Owens-Rogers and her daughter, Ginger Rogers.

Lela Owens-Rogers was a Vaudeville scriptwriter, newspaper reporter, and a Hollywood screenwriter. Her daughter, Ginger, became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. Ginger Rogers made 73 films and appeared in dozens of radio shows and theatrical productions.

Displays include memorabilia, posters, dolls, signed items, Ginger’s family tree, and authentic gowns and other items that Ginger Rogers owned and wore. Guests may listen to a radio broadcast with Ginger Rogers and Bob Hope.

The Museum is open Wednesday – Friday from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. From April through September. Private groups of 10 or more must make arrangements in advance.

Tickets are $8 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 5 – 12.  Free for children under age 5. 

The Owens-Rogers Museum offers a 60-minute in-depth pre-tour presentation for groups at their group meeting site in the greater Kansas City area.

                                                                                ###

Contact museum director Marge Padgitt at 816-833-1602 or email owensrogersmuseum@gmail.com for more information. 

Owens-Rogers Museum Name Change

The Ginger House Museum name has been changed to the Owens-Rogers Museum to better reflect the subjects.

Lela Owens-Rogers was a Vaudeville scriptwriter, newspaper reporter, and later a Hollywood screenwriter and instructor at RKO studios, a producer, and manager for her daughter, Ginger Rogers. She gave birth to Ginger Rogers in this home.

Lela Rogers played Ginger Rogers' mother in movie The Major and the minor.

Ginger was a Vaudeville and Broadway sensation and Hollywood film star and the highest paid actress in Hollywood in the early 1940's.

Visitors will find information about both of these amazing women and their family history in the museum located at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, MO 64050.

The Year 1911- Fashion

While watching Ginger’s movies it’s hard to believe that they were filmed so long ago. Even harder to imagine is that she was born over 100 years ago! So exactly how different was 1911 compared to today? Let’s take a look at 1911 fashion:

1911 Outfit at Ginger House Museum

Welcome to the end of the Edwardian Era. High waste, long heavy skirts and shirtwaist blouses and high waste dresses were all the rage in 1911.  Women’s clothing was embellished with fur, ruffles and buttons. Lots of buttons. High heal shoes and boots, again with lots of buttons covered women’s feet, long gloves covered hands and large wide hats adorned with flowers, feathers, tulle and bows covered heads. Essentially covered from top to bottom, before you decide to try on this outfit you might want to wait for a mighty cool day.

Did you know?

The feather hat was so popular that the Egret and other birds nearly went extinct. This was a large motivator in Congress approving the Migratory Bird Act on March 4th, 1913

The “Gibson Girl” look was ideal for this year in hair. This style rolled hair up with a bun on top, often with a slight amount of intentional messiness. Hair let down a bit would be adorned with a wide headband. Other accessories often found in a woman’s dressing room would have included a corset, petticoat, stockings, fans and parasols.

Dark colored wool “sack suits” were at the top of men’s shopping list. The term “sack” refers to the loose or bagginess of the suits. Under the suit men wore button up wing collared shirts commonly with a bow tie, though long ties were also acceptable fashion. Like women’s shoes, men’s had a bit of a heal and (though not all) yes again….buttons!  Leather gloves and derby or bowler hats finished up the outfit. Below the hat- a mustache, often long, thick and sometimes curled at the ends.

What would baby Ginger have worn? Well, just like her male baby counterparts- a gown. Both baby girls and boys of this era wore gowns and had long hair into their toddler years.

Did you know?

The first waterproof diaper cover “The Boater” was invented by Marion Donovan in 1946. The modern disposable diaper didn’t hit the scene until the 1960’s.

Americans made an average of $750 per year ($62.50 per month) from 1900-1919. In 1911 a six-room home rented for between $16 & $25 per month, a woman’s dress cost nearly $6 while a man’s suit cost up to $20. Obviously not everyone could afford high fashion and what fashion could be afforded was kept to a minimum for the average American. Jobs for women and minorities were much less available, paid significantly less per hour and were often riddled with unfair labor practices. In sad irony, the popular shirtwaist style blouse was also the name of a factory struck by tragedy that eventually improved some safety standards for future workers. The New York City Triangle Shirtwaist Factory caught on fire on March 25th, 1911. The fire killed 123 women and 23 men, most due to exits and doors being locked to prevent workers from stealing.

Independence had only a few clothing stores in 1911 (City Index photo above). Although it is quite possible that Lela may have purchased some clothing items for both she and Virginia (Ginger) it is more likely that she made most of their clothing. Lela was a skilled seamstress and would have needed nothing more than some fabric, a pattern and thread.

The Ginger House Museum Opens in Independence

100 W Moore St. Independence, MO

The Ginger House Museum at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri, is the birthplace of famed actress, singer, and dancer Ginger Rogers. The Museum opened to the public on August 22, 2018. A ribbon cutting was held by the Independence Chamber of Commerce on August 21.

Marge and Gene Padgitt, of Independence, Missouri purchased the property in February of 2016 and began the restoration process, which was quite extensive. Marge Padgitt is a Ginger Rogers fan and wanted to save the house for the public to enjoy. The Padgitts own several businesses including HearthMasters, Inc., which is a chimney and fireplace restoration company, and Three Trails Cottages, LLC, which is a real estate investment business. Gene Padgitt was the general contractor for the Ginger House Museum project. The interior has been restored to as close to original as possible with the addition of museum displays which include photos, posters, clothing and items that Ginger Rogers owned, and her family history. The exterior of the home and landscaping will be completed in the spring of 2019.

The 1906 home was designated as an Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence in 1994 when Ginger Rogers visited for her birthday celebration. Mayor Ron Stewart affixed the plaque to the home at that time.

Audrey Elder, author of “Guide to Selling Historic Properties for Real Estate Agents” and 29 historic property books including “100 W Moore Street,” is the manager for The Ginger House Museum. After recently leaving a twelve-year career in real estate, Audrey now teaches continued education about working with historic properties for realtors in Missouri and Kansas, as well as training presentations specific to historic preservation and sustainable community building in historic districts. Audrey served three years on the City of Independence Missouri Heritage Commission, is a member of many local historical societies.

Audrey Elder at the front desk

Museum hours are 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Wednesday – Saturday from April 1 to September 30, and weekends in October through December, and again in February for special holiday theme tours. The museum is open to private group tours by appointment year-round.  

Ticket prices are $8 for ages 13 and up, $6 for seniors, military, fire, and police,and $4 for children aged 5 – 12. The Ginger House Museum hosts the annual Ginger Festival in honor of Ginger Rogers. Plans for the 2019 Festival are underway and include a 1940’s theme, fashion show with Ginger Rogers gowns, a banquet and dance.

Fundraising for the project includes the sale of engraved bricks for the new sidewalks, which will be installed in 2019. Bricks may be purchased for $100. Larger contributions are accepted. The museum has several items for sale including books written by Ginger Rogers, postcards, and milk bottles from her Oregon ranch. 

The museum is seeking volunteer docents to work part time on their own schedule. For more information visit www.thegingerhouse.org or call 816-833-1602. The blog address is www.thegingerrogershouse.blogspot.com, and the museum has a Facebook account where updates are posted.

Grand Opening of the Ginger House Museum

The Ginger House Museum Opens in Independence

The Ginger House Museum

The Ginger House Museum at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri, is the birthplace of famed actress and dancer Ginger Rogers. The Museum opens to the public on August 21 after a 3:00 pm ribbon cutting ceremony by the Independence Chamber of Commerce, and will celebrate the grand opening until August 31.

Marge and Gene Padgitt with Three Trails Cottages, Inc. own the property and have been restoring it since they purchased it in February of 2016. The Padgitt’s own several businesses including HearthMasters, which is a chimney and fireplace restoration company, and Three Trails Properties, which is a real estate investment company. Gene Padgitt is the general contractor for the Ginger House Museum project. The interior has been restored to as close to original as possible with the addition of museum displays which include photos, posters, clothing and items that Ginger Rogers owned, and her family history. The exterior of the home and landscaping will be completed in the spring of 2019.

The home was designated as an Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence in 1994 when Ginger Rogers visited for her birthday celebration.

Ribbon Cutting with the Independence Chamber

Audrey Elder, author of “Guide to Selling Historic Properties for Real Estate Agents” and 29 historic property books including “100 W Moore Street,” was recently hired to manage the Ginger House Museum. Audrey is the co-owner of Past to Present Research LLC. Past to Present specializes in historic research, education and sustainability consultation. After recently leaving a twelve-year career in real estate, Audrey now teaches continued education on working with historic properties for realtors in Missouri and Kansas as well as training presentations specific to historic preservation and sustainable community building in historic districts. Audrey served three years on the City of Independence Missouri Heritage Commission, is a member of many local historic societies, Missouri Main Street member, founder of sustainability community group Meaningful Living and Co-Chair of Education Outreach for the Oregon California Trails Association.

Museum hours are 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Wednesday – Saturday and 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday from April 1 to September 30. From October through March the Museum will be open for private group tours by appointment. Prices are $8 for  ages 13 and over, $6 for seniors and military, and $4 for ages

Grand Opening Cake

5 - 12. The museum is seeking volunteer docents to work part time on their own schedule. For more information visit www.thegingerhouse.org or call 816-833-1602.

Ginger Rogers Festival a Success

The first Ginger Rogers festival hosted by The Ginger House Museum July 13-15, 2018 was a big success.

We were thrilled to be able to have several amazing speakers at the event including Audrey Elder of Past to Present Research who has done extensive research on the property and wrote the book "100 W Moore Street"; Tom Talbert with Tom Talbert Video, who shared his amazing story about video taping Ginger Rogers in 1994; Gene Padgitt, with HearthMasters, Inc. who is the general contractor responsible for the restoration of the property; Linda Lee Sutton, with Linda Lee Sutton Original Dolls who created the Fancy Feet Doll approved by Ginger Rogers; and your's truly, who discussed Ginger's unique history and family tree.

We were especially pleased with the keynote presentation by Roberta Olden, who was Ginger Rogers' assistant for the last 18 years of her life. Roberta shared many of her interesting stories about the time she spent with Ginger and answered many questions from the audience. Roberta donated some very unique items to the museum that were owned and worn by Ginger Rogers. Some items were sold at the fundraising auction, but most are going on display in the museum.

Among the items on display are two stunning ball gowns (one is the blue dress Ginger wore to the 1967 Academy Awards ceremony), one red and yellow polka dot dress that Ginger is shown wearing in a photo on the back of a book, a negligee set that Ginger designed for JC Penney, the key to the City and proclamation from the 1964 "Ginger Rogers Day" event in Independence, and gloves and purses. A pair of shoes and pair of boots that Ginger wore were among several items that sold at the auction.

Christine McDonald donated a beautiful pink gown with feathered sleeves to the museum, which will be on display soon.

Joann Carlson donated many items to the museum which are now on display. Vivian Miner also donated many clippings and other items, and we have books, magazines, an collectibles that were donated by multiple individuals.

An "everyday" skirt, blouse, and jacket are on loan from Mrs. Marilyn Stewart. This item was purchased at the estate sale in California.

We hosted a Ginger Rogers Fan Club meeting at the museum on Sunday morning so attendees could take the first tour of the house. Even though all of the displays are not yet up, the crowd seemed to enjoy seeing all of our hard work. It was so nice to be able to see people face-to-face that we've been communicating with via social media, and to be able to speak with other die-hard Ginger Rogers fans!

The museum security system and camera system are installed and we are currently working on anti-UV light display cases for the gowns.

We are gearing up for our grand opening on August 16 at 4:00 pm  with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Independence Chamber of Commerce. The museum will be open to the public on August 17. For more information and tickets visit www.thegingerhouse.org.
__________________________

Marge Padgitt is the Director and owner of The Ginger House Museum, and the President and Director of the Local History Preservation Society which is a not-for-profit organization who handles donations to the museum. mp@thegingerhouse.org.

The Ginger House Update

I wanted to let everyone know about the progress at the Ginger House- The interior is 99% completed. The only thing left to do is the white subway tile with gray grout in the kitchen and finish the displays of Ginger Rogers memorabilia and some of the items she owned.

The next step is the exterior, and that won't be as easy a task since we must get approval from the City of Independence Heritage Commission for any repairs or improvements since this is an Historic Landmark Property.

The steps involved include getting a site survey, having a plan drawn up by a landscape architect, removal of trees that are a danger to the house, approval by the city arborist, and getting approval from the Heritage Commission.

Our plans include replacing the sidewalks around the house and to the front porch with paver bricks; new landscaping and grass; a lighted sign; uplighting of the house; a new old style fence around the property for added security; repair of the porch, columns, siding, and soffits, and roof replacement. Last March hail severely damaged the roof. We are planning to restore the exterior color to the original white, and keep everything on the exterior of the house original except the roof, which will be a period look roof. We are also planning to add a paver brick driveway and patio in the back of the property.  The expected remaining costs are between $30,000 - $40,000.

People who donate $50 or more to the project will have their name engraved on a paver brick which will be placed in a permanent location on the property.

The grand opening of the museum will be July 14-15, 2018 at the Ginger Rogers Day Festival.

Donations can be made at www.thegingerhouse.org.
___________________________
Marge Padgitt is the Director of The Ginger House Museum. Contact her at mp@thegingerhouse.org.

Down to the Wire

Update on the GR House:

The wiring and plumbing are completed and passed inspection by the building inspector - yea! Next, Gene is getting ready to put the insulation in the walls and put up drywall in the kitchen - the next to the last thing to do inside the house. The cabinets are sitting in the house and ready for installation. The alarm system has been repaired and is now working.

We are going to add a small half bath off of the kitchen so visitors will have a place to use the restroom without disturbing the tours through the full bath. After the interior is finished we need to apply to the city for the exterior improvements and landscaping. Don't worry- the look of the exterior will be kept the same as it was originally.

Seeking Donations for the Restoration of the Ginger House

100 W Moore Street, Independence, MO Birthplace of Ginger Rogers

Three Trails Cottages, LLC is seeking donations for the expenses to repair and restore the birthplace
of Ginger Rogers. The home, built in 1906, is located at 100 W Moore Street in Independence, Missouri. Ginger Rogers was born in the home on July 16, 2011. Her mother, Lela, rented the home and worked nearby after being estranged from her husband.

Rogers visited the home on several occasions while she was in Independence for other events such as a tour of the Truman Library by President Truman and while she appeared at Starlight Theater in a production of Mame in 1972. Her last visit was in July of 1994 when she appeared for Ginger Rogers Day, hosted by the City of Independence. A plaque designating this Historic Landmark was placed on the house by Mayor Ron Stewart.

Ginger visiting the house in 1942
Photo: LIFE Magazine

Marge Padgitt, the director of the Ginger House, said that antique period furniture and Ginger Roger's memorabilia is also needed to complete the project. Needed items are a dining table and chairs, a sideboard, side tables, and one dresser. Memorabilia will be placed around the home in locked cases and on the walls, to tell the amazing story of Ginger Rogers.

Once completed, the home will be open to the public for tours pending city approval for a special use permit. All contributors will receive a brick with their name on it placed on the property in new sidewalks. See www.thegingerhouse.org for more information about how to contribute and the different levels and rewards that are available.

Contact Marge Padgitt at 816-833-1602 or mp@threetrailscottages.com for more information.

Seeking Donations for the Restoration of the Ginger House

100 W Moore Street, Independence, MO Birthplace of Ginger Rogers

Three Trails Cottages, LLC is seeking donations for the expenses to repair and restore the birthplace
of Ginger Rogers. The home, built in 1906, is located at 100 W Moore Street in Independence, Missouri. Ginger Rogers was born in the home on July 16, 2011. Her mother, Lela, rented the home and worked nearby after being estranged from her husband.

Rogers visited the home on several occasions while she was in Independence for other events such as a tour of the Truman Library by President Truman and while she appeared at Starlight Theatre in a production of Mame in 1972. Her last visit was in July of 1994 when she appeared for Ginger Rogers Day, hosted by the City of Independence. A plaque designating this Historic Landmark was placed on the house by Mayor Ron Stewart.

Ginger visiting the house in 1942
Photo: LIFE Magazine

Once completed, the home will be open to the public for tours pending city approval for a special use permit. All contributors will receive a brick with their name on it placed on the property in new sidewalks. See www.thegingerhouse.org for more information about how to contribute and the different levels and rewards that are available.

Marge Padgitt, the director of the Ginger House, said that antique period furniture and Ginger Roger's memorabilia is also needed to complete the project. Marge is looking for a dining table and chairs, a sideboard, side tables, a queen sized bed frame, and two dressers. Memorabilia will be placed around the home in locked cases and on the walls, to tell the amazing story of Ginger Rogers.

Contact Marge Padgitt at 816-833-1602 or mp@threetrailscottages.com for more information.

Welcome to the Ginger House Blog

From a 1942 LIFE Magazine article

Welcome to our new blog about the Ginger House - the birthplace of  actress/dancer Ginger Rogers in Independence, Missouri. We purchased this home on February 29, 2016 and are restoring it so that hopefully we can open it to the public in the near future.

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

This house was built in 1906 by a developer who built three houses on this block at the same time. They are all still standing.

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

We are planning a Ginger Rogers Festival and fund-raising event in the spring of 2017 and will post more information about that on this blog soon.

For more information about how you can help with this project visit www.thegingerhouse.org.