The curator of the Cuba History Museum Betty DeLeo passed out this first person narration of the museum’s history as a building at the Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday.
The History Museum has been part of Cuba's history since 1934. The Veterans Memorial is a recent addition to the grounds.
I am one of 20 historic buildings in Cuba, MO. Did you see my historic plaque on the side of the front door? I am very proud of this distinction as it evolved over 75 years to be a member of the historic preservation community.
First, let me describe what I am made of: Missouri-mined sandstone cut and fitted in a “giraffe” pattern. This is a prevalent pattern used by local Ozark craftsmen. In the history books written about me, I am always referred to as the rock building. When the original Cuba school was condemned having been built in the early 1920’s, I was built in 1934 under the WPA issued by President Roosevelt. You can still discern the cement foundation of the original school on my front lawn. There was a tunnel that connected the two schools used during inclement weather or by some, to take a fast smoke.
This was the original school that was later torn down. It sat in front of the present museum.
Mr. William Recklein donated to the city the land and the old buildings, bought at auction for $ 10,000, including my building and the auditorium. He then built the library across the street in memory of his wife. My times were great during school days-enjoyed the tramping & laughter of kids growing up between my walls, which by the way, are 20” thick. You can see this best in the basement windows, but these times did come to an end when all of the schools were consolidated and moved to new buildings in the south end of Cuba.
I was kind of lonely for a few years until in 1964 my building was turned into Recklein Community Youth Center. I don’t know (since time means little to me) how long this went on, but in 1972, I was reinvented again as a Well Baby Clinic. Talk about a lot of activity! The Two Score Plus group met on the first floor, and mothers with children went up to the second floor in the library and those rooms that were prior classrooms. Yes, my heart (I do have a heart, as any old building does) would just melt when the children cried after a shot. But I would just harden up because I knew it was for their own good.
Speaking of good vs. bad, the Police Department of Cuba was also housed here between the dates of 1990-91 to 2001. Whew, I was sure glad when they built their own place.
Now, comes my grand finale-in 2002 the Historical Society moved into my 3 floors with all of their historical artifacts. Now, my rooms are filled with lovely antique furniture, in the guest parlor, a one room school, a 1900’s kitchen, the bridal isle upstairs, etc, etc, etc. I have finally found my true relatives. Yes, relatives, for they belong to me, they are my family, they love me, they love my history.
They are the Crawford County Historical Society.
I am coming into the modern times. Visit my new website: crawfordmomuseum.com. Email me at info@crawfordmomuseum.com.
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