2007-09-24 Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The focus of our outreach efforts is to bring the Sutter-Meyer farmhouse, and the history connected thereto, to the attention of area residents who are unfamiliar with the property. We plan to mail our brochure on Sutter-Meyer Society and the work we plan to do there, to the attention of people in approximately 16,000 residences and businesses in our community. It is our hope that as people hear more about this structure and the history related to it, they will begin to support local, state and national preservations efforts. Goal 2: Strengthen and enhance historic preservation as an economic development tool. History has already played a part in expanding economic development opportunities in University City. Last year, residents of University City approved the implementation of a sales tax for economic development. One area in which these funds can be used is on Olive Boulevard, our city’s historic district and the heart of the area’s original development, along the afore-mentioned plank road. Thousands of dollars will eventually be spent to encourage and implement economic development along this corridor, within site of the historic Sutter-Meyer farmhouse. In addition, one of the goals of the Sutter-Meyer Society is to develop a relationship with organizations operating other historic properties in the St. Louis region. If we are able to establish a connection among all the properties to the financial benefit of all of us – perhaps as part of an area-wide effort to attract more visitors to learn about regional history? Goal 3: Accelerate the identification, evaluation and protection of Missouri’s historic, Culture and archaeological resources. The Sutter-Meyer farmhouse has, in fact, already been identified as an historical resource. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been designated a city landmark in University City. However, even with those designations, the farmhouse is little known in the city where it is located or in the St. Louis region. The work the Sutter-Meyer Society has already done and will do will bring this lovely building into the public consciousness and eye. As area residents become familiar with this 1873 building, they will also become more attuned to the presence of other historical structures in our region. Presenting history “in your own back yard” makes it more personal. And people pay attention to the personal. The Sutter-Meyer Society has already developed a relationship with the Mound City Archaeological Society, a chapter of the Missouri Archaeological Society. The Mound City group has been conducting an archaeological dig at the farmhouse for two years. Their work will continue with the full support of SMS. A number of members of the Mound City Archaeological Society are members of the Board of Directors of the SMS, further strengthening the tie between the two groups. Goal 4: Enhance cooperation and partnerships among government entities, K-1-j institutions and the private sector. September 24, 2007