IT IS HOME TO PLATTE COUNTY MUSEUM
On Saturday, June 24 at 2 p.m. at Third and Ferrel Street in Platte City you can enjoy some down-home fun during a 140th birthday celebration for the Krause Mini Mansion.
Built by the German immigrant Fred Krause from 1882-May 1883, this historic mini mansion of the Missouri Governor’s mansion is also home to the Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum.
The celebration will begin at First Christian Church followed by an open house with music, cake and refreshments at the mini mansion museum located directly across from the church.
In case of inclement weather, all festivities will occur inside the church.
The historical society explains that the event will be in “1883-housewarming style” as if visitors are stepping back in time. This includes the program “19th Century Fun, Farces and Frivolities” by Marla Matkin.
A living historian and award-winning children’s author, Matkin has performed from the Midwest to the Smithsonian. She will share an amusing and unique look at the social activities, entertainments and recreations enjoyed in the 19th century. Audience members will learn firsthand the dances, parlor amusements, games and theatricals enjoyed by country and city folk alike before the advent of TV and the use of electronic devices.
Featured also will be a readers-theater performance entitled “Our Favorite Things, a Story with Sounds” by actors with Harper Haus Music Company from Platte City. They will portray the seven Krause children along with Fred and Nannie Krause, first owners and builders of the mini mansion.
In addition to the above presentations, the historical society will recognize Vanetta Renz of Platte City; the museum is named for her uncle Ben Ferrel. Additionally, four centenarians – Marie Klein, Martha Brenner Noland, Lila Belle Nash and Harold Searcy, all from Platte County, will be recognized and some or all may be in attendance. For this reason, community members are encouraged to attend to share in this occasion.
Platte City Friends of the Arts is coordinating a Plein Air Art event as part of the festivities with registration at their website. An art activity for children will be provided that day.
The 140th Birthday Celebration is a family-friendly event that is free and open to the public.
Additional information at the historical society’s website http://www.pchs1882.org or by calling (816) 304-1627.