This post has been sitting in my queue for awhile now. In fact, since this fateful night in February, I have been back to Olive's house multiple times! This was definitely the start of a beautiful friendship... :)
Let me introduce you to Olive Gilbreath McLorn, a fascinating woman indeed! Olive was born and raised in LaPlata, MO, graduating from high school in 1900. She attended Wellesley College, graduating with her Bacheor's degree before earning her Master's degree from the University of Michigan. She traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Russia during tumultuous times in their own history. She was the author of 3 books and many articles for publications such as "Harpers", "Yale Review", and "Asia Magazine". She married David McLorn at the age of 51 and together they lived in Shanghai where David was a banker. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 they were interred by Japanese forces who were occupying China. They spent 2½ years in a concentration camp until their release in 1945. After the war, Olive and David moved to the house in LaPlata where they lived out their days. This is a mere snippet of Olive's life. And while the house is the focal point of this post, it is Olive herself who draws us in. I cannot believe that I have lived in this area most of my life and yet did not know about Olive Gilbreath McLorn until February of 2018!
So, how did I finally 'meet Olive'? My friend, Sheryl, is on the board of the Gilbreath-McLorn house and she offered to give our little Grace Girls group a tour of the home. Sheryl warned us that she herself had become obsessed with Olive and her history... and we all quickly followed suit. The night Sheryl took us for our first tour, we all fell in love with Olive. Her spirit, her story, her love for her home drew us right in. This will not be the last time you hear about Olive on this blog! :)
It was a dark and (sort of) stormy night when we first visited Olive's home, but that seemed totally appropriate somehow. :)
Chris, Karen, Sheryl, Susie, Deb
Laura, Karen, Sheryl, Susie, Deb
Sheryl sat us down in the dining room to give us an overview of Olive's life.
the three books authored by Olive
you can see the Asian influence throughout her house
Chris, "who doesn't like museums", had the most fun of all looking through all the drawers! She was like a kid in a candy shop and gleefully channeled her 'inner Olive' throughout the house. :)
her excitement was tangible and catching! :)
love the pocket doors
Olive in front of her home.
so many cool architectural details, like curved walls
David McLorn's luggage
Chris - channeling Olive :)
clockwise - Sheryl, Laura, Susie, Chris, Karen
Olive's father was a cattleman - photo of record sale of cattle at Chicago stockyard in 1917.
in the attic
going to the basement - notice another curved wall
in the basement
Deb, Susie, Karen, Sheryl, Chris
If you are interested in more photos, you can see an entire album at this link.
And here is a video from our first evening at Olive's house.
I imagine that some of you reading this post know about Olive Gilbreath McLorn. If you have any personal memories of her or stories about Olive and David, let me know. I would love to visit with you! And if you are interested in preserving local history, consider taking a paid tour of the home, renting the home to host an event, or simply donating to the home. This is a treasure in our midst and I hope to be a part of helping to preserve it. Here are links for your information.
I found the Nomination form for placing the home on the National Registry of Historic Places to be quite interesting reading. You can download a copy at this link... https://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/78001667.pdf
I remember Mrs. Slaughter, who taught the 4th grade/ took us there when I was a kid. I remember we were told so many stories about their travels. I will never forget the shoes from Japan. Thanks for the tour.
I remember her well,I was born in LaPlata in 1947 and lived about 4 or 5 blocks north of her home. I would pick dandelions for her as a kid. It was my favorite place to go trick or treating.
Hi Tammy, I was able to see your comment when it first posted. That you so much for your lovely comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the photos in this post. It is, indeed, a lovely house!
I remember Mrs. Slaughter, who taught the 4th grade/ took us there when I was a kid. I remember we were told so many stories about their travels. I will never forget the shoes from Japan. Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your memories!
DeleteI remember her well,I was born in LaPlata in 1947 and lived about 4 or 5 blocks north of her home. I would pick dandelions for her as a kid. It was my favorite place to go trick or treating.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I would have loved to have known her. Great memories!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy, I was able to see your comment when it first posted. That you so much for your lovely comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the photos in this post. It is, indeed, a lovely house!
ReplyDelete