Now Announcing the First Original Treasure of 2025
The first Original Treasure of 2025 is located at 603 Henderson, west of SEMO University, formally known as the Himmelberger House.
It was built in 1921 for Harry I. Himmelberger and his family who were returning to Cape Girardeau after several years of living in Morehouse, Missouri. The house was built in the Neoclassical Revival style and was considered to be one of the finest homes in the area. Built of red mat brick, and Bedford stone, with a tile roof, it contained all of the modern appliances and conveniences of its day. The Neoclassical Revival style is known for its symmetry and emphasis on grand design.
The Himmelberger House perfectly exemplifies this through its symmetrical set of 3, 3 over 1 sash windows that flank the doorway, along with a matching set on the second floor. Neoclassical Revival is also known for its Greek and Roman influences, which can be seen in the Doric columns on the porch. The house was designed by A.F. Lindsay, a well-known Sikeston architect of the day, and was built by Samuel Bouton of Cape Girardeau, who built many other fine homes in the area. No expense was spared as over 30,000 was spent on the materials alone.
In 1952, the house was purchased by the University and has had many uses over the years. It was purchased in 2023 by architect Ben Traxel and his wife who have restored, renovated and reinvented the home into Rockwood Inn, a boutique hotel where they kept in mind the integrity of the original architecture.
The next Original Treasure of 2025 is 1616 Whitener.
1616 Whitener, also known as Longview, was once the home of Colonel George C. Thilenius. Built circa 1870-1873 by Thilenius himself, this house is a beautiful example of Greek Revival Style architecture, which is relatively uncommon for this area. A defining feature of any Greek Revival Style building is a feeling of symmetry which is perfectly exemplified by the matching sets of two-over-two sash windows on the east and west sides of the house. Both sides of the house are perfectly identical, showcasing this symmetry. Another defining feature of this building is the large overhanging triangular pediment over the porch on the front of the house facing south. Along with the decorative pilasters on each corner of the house, and the dentals around the roofline, this house is a wonderful example of Greek Revival architecture.
Colonel George C. Thilenius was a German immigrant to Missouri. He and his family fled from their homeland after they participated in the failed revolutions of 1848. Once in Missouri, Thilenius served on the side of the Union during the Civil War. Between the years 1867-1873, he served as the mayor of Cape Girardeau and helped bring the Southeast Missouri State Normal School to Cape Girardeau. This school would go on to become Southeast Missouri State University.
Original Treasures is a yard sign program that recognizes historic buildings that have been preserved. To be eligible for Original Treasures, a building must be at least 50 years old, feature a unique architectural design or represent a vernacular style, and has been maintained in a manner that retains its architectural integrity.