Save Eliza Mullanphy Iron Castings
Donation protected
We are raising funds to help salvage architectural artifacts from St. Louis’s most romantic building: our Cast Iron Valentine, The Clemens Mansion.
The property sits on the northern outskirts of Downtown St. Louis at 1849 Cass Avenue. In 1858, James Clemens Jr. constructed the iron-clad home adorned with the memory of his late wife, Eliza Mullanphy Clemens.
Eliza passed away from cholera in 1852, 6 years before the completion of the home.
Clemens commissioned architect, Patrick Walsh, to construct the Greek Revival style mansion with cast iron features to ensure that the structure would be fire-proof.
It is believed that iron ornaments adorning the 25 exterior windows were created from a cast of Eliza’s death mask.
Plaster artist, Porter White, reproduced Eliza’s image throughout the house. Eliza’s face could be found in plaster window lintels, ornamental ceiling moldings, and above the mantels.
Today, the property is owned by developer, Paul McKee and has sat vacant for decades. In that time, various efforts have been made by the community to save, repurpose, and stabilize the building.
On July 12, 2017 a fire destroyed what remained of the structure.
McKee plans to demolish the building before the end of the year, beginning with the adjoining Chapel. He has chosen not to pay for a salvage effort that would safely deconstruct the building materials.
Decedents of the Mullanphy family are raising funds to purchase at least three faces from McKee for $2,500.
The more money we raise, the more masks we can save! Please donate what you can. Thank you for your support.
The property sits on the northern outskirts of Downtown St. Louis at 1849 Cass Avenue. In 1858, James Clemens Jr. constructed the iron-clad home adorned with the memory of his late wife, Eliza Mullanphy Clemens.
Eliza passed away from cholera in 1852, 6 years before the completion of the home.
Clemens commissioned architect, Patrick Walsh, to construct the Greek Revival style mansion with cast iron features to ensure that the structure would be fire-proof.
It is believed that iron ornaments adorning the 25 exterior windows were created from a cast of Eliza’s death mask.
Plaster artist, Porter White, reproduced Eliza’s image throughout the house. Eliza’s face could be found in plaster window lintels, ornamental ceiling moldings, and above the mantels.
Today, the property is owned by developer, Paul McKee and has sat vacant for decades. In that time, various efforts have been made by the community to save, repurpose, and stabilize the building.
On July 12, 2017 a fire destroyed what remained of the structure.
McKee plans to demolish the building before the end of the year, beginning with the adjoining Chapel. He has chosen not to pay for a salvage effort that would safely deconstruct the building materials.
Decedents of the Mullanphy family are raising funds to purchase at least three faces from McKee for $2,500.
The more money we raise, the more masks we can save! Please donate what you can. Thank you for your support.
Organizer
Mariquita Barbieri
Organizer
St Louis, MO
