This year marks the centennial anniversary of the structure on the William Jewell campus that has, throughout the years, been called the President’s Home, President’s Manse, and Colonial House. Not only has the name changed, but the function of the building has also changed over time.

In 1892, John Priest Greene, serving as pastor of Third Baptist Church in St. Louis, was called as the new president of William Jewell. Dr. Greene and his family, like the presidents before him, lived in a private home in Liberty. However, one of the deacons of his former church, A.D. Brown, owner of the Brown Shoe Company, believed the college president should live in a campus home befitting the role. Mr. Brown donated $25,000 for the project. Land was purchased and construction of the president’s residence, located on the corner of Mississippi and Jewell Streets, began in 1904. In 1905 William Jewell College completed construction of a white-columned, red-bricked, modified-Georgian-style house at a cost of $18,000. The exterior of the house, with broad porticos and a porte cochere, appears very much as it did when it was first built. The only major change to the exterior of the home was the addition of the sun porch built in the 1930s above the porte cochere on the east side.

To celebrate the completion of a grand, elegant home for the College’s presidential family, an open house was hosted by the Board of Trustees on Friday, September 1, 1905 from 2:30- 9:30 p.m. According to the September 14, 1905 issue of the state Baptist newspaper Word and Way, the editors expressed appreciation for being invited to the open house at the “President’s Mansion” where “light refreshments were served while an orchestra discoursed delightful music.” The article also stated that 2,000 invitations had been extended and that one of the trustees proclaimed “the building is better than the Governor’s Mansion.”

Originally, a rock drive extended from Mississippi Street to the east side of the house, ending at a barn that stood beside the home. The second story of the barn had living quarters for a coachman, typically a position held by a student. Later the barn was converted to a garage and was eventually torn down so the road could continue to Miller Street. Now a sidewalk extends from Mississippi to Miller Street, and the driveway that approaches the home from Miller Street ends at a patio which has been embellished by a lovely flower garden.

The home has been occupied by a total of ten presidents and their families through the years. During World War II (1942-44), however, the campus hosted a Department of Navy training school, making it necessary to be very creative in finding housing for Jewell students. With residence hall space limited, the President’s Home served as a dormitory for women, several of whom even slept in the upper sun porch without heat or insulation. Later that decade, due to remodeling of Jewell Hall, the house was used as classrooms and faculty offices. After eight years of use for academic and institutional purposes, Dr. Walter Pope Binns directed that the home be renovated to once again accommodate a family.

In 1995, the ninety-year-old home underwent a major renovation. It was reroofed, replumbed, and rewired to make it a safer structure; however, the character and charm of the house was not lost. The interior alterations included improved kitchen and bathroom facilities, new paint and wall coverings. The original oak, maple and fir floors were uncovered and restored to their initial beauty. The interior design elements such as paint and wallpaper were specifically chosen to reflect the turn-of-the-century construction.

The current occupants are well aware of the heritage they enjoy as the tenth family to occupy the home. “It is a humbling experience to live in a space that evokes memories and emotions for so many people,” said Mary Sallee.

“We are always delighted to hear descriptions of different styles of hospitality enjoyed in this space, as well as personal vignettes that alumni share,” Mary added. “Recently John (’47) and Doris (Ward ’48) Truex told us of charting their future while sitting on the front porch. Andy (’81) Pratt, Dean of the Chapel, and his wife, Pam (Knight ’81), were married on the grounds of the home. Aloah (Burke ’58) Kincaid and Dixie (Sanders ’56) Pollard have spoken of their experience living upstairs as students. With a twinkle in his eye, Woody Rixey ’48 confessed that he rang the doorbell at the back door so that the professor teaching Mary’s (Douglass Rixey ’50) class at the back of the house would dismiss the class early and allow them to get to Old Ely in advance of other students. After the dedication of Gano Chapel and the Walter Pope Binns steeple, several generations of the Binns family came to the home and enjoyed a family time of remembrances.”

David and Mary Sallee express appreciation for the link they have with former residents. “While the style and logistics of events may vary, we know that each president and spouse have hosted students, alumni and friends of the college,” Mary Sallee said. “We are privileged to be a part of a tradition of hospitality that those connected to William Jewell College respond to, regardless of what generation of students they are most closely associated with.”

In 2005, William Jewell College was chosen to receive the Liberty Preservation and Development Commission’s Stewardship Award given to an individual or organization that has maintained a historic structure. The President’s Home continues to serve, not only as the president’s family residence, but also as a welcoming center to the campus. Hundreds of people attend events in the home annually.

With a century of traditions, stories and events behind it, the historic home on The Hill warmly greets guests as it did 100 years ago.

Memories of the President’s Home

Jewell alumni and friends were invited to share their memories of the President’s Home in commemoration of the home’s centennial anniversary. Following are their comments:

I attended William Jewell from 1971-1975.  Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Field were President and First Lady at that time.  I was thrilled to be selected to serve as a Cardinelle.  One of the perks of being a campus hostess was to assist with functions at the President's house.  It was, and still is, a grand house.  It was the warmth and hospitality on the inside, however, that made it even more special.  Mrs. Field was so proud to share that home and I clearly remember the guest room set up for the grandchildren.  What I didn't know at the time was that one of those grandchildren was Liberty's own Greg Duncan, who later became a Jewell grad himself.  Serving at those functions provided an opportunity for a young collegiate to meet many new interesting people.  Being the music enthusiast that I am, a highlight of the events, especially at holiday time, was listening to the pianist seated at the grand piano in the foyer of the house.  That probably had some influence on selecting a piano for my own home.  Okay, so it's a "baby" grand and it is located in a room adjoining the foyer, but close enough.

A few months ago, I attended a women's luncheon hosted by the current First Lady Mary Sallee.  When I walked through the front door and saw familiar faces from my college days, I couldn't believe that it had actually been thirty years (by the way, ladies, you all looked fabulous)!  Mrs. Sallee continued that tradition of warmth and hospitality as she guided us through the house, allowing us to take a peak at the personal touches that she and Dr. Sallee had added to make it their home.

I now live less than ten miles from the college and it is not unusual to take a detour through the campus and drive by the grand house on the hill.   Happy100th birthday. If only I could look so well- preserved when I turn 100!

Liz (Ginn) Hager '75

I was a transfer student and had two regular school years and one summer session at Jewell. I lived off campus, at Maple Hall the first year. The second year I was in the new dorm, Jones Hall. It was opened for freshmen to live in. My roommate, Carolyn White, and I: Betty Jo Willis and Terry Eighmey were to be the “Big Sisters” living in the new dorm. Because it wasn’t finished when school began, the four of us, and some other students, lived at Dr. and Mrs. Binns’ home until November. Mrs. Binns let us help with receptions and other hospitality during that time. We learned a lot and were treated very special. This was before the days of the Cardinelles.

Joan Pryor Barth

Jean Anne Winkler and I looked forward to Fridays and Saturdays when the women could stay out until eleven. After we kissed goodnight at the back door of Melrose, I would walk “home” through the President’s driveway and would frequently see Dr. Binns sitting in his study reading a book and smoking a cigar.

Gerald E. Hudder

It was the fall semester 1947 at William Jewell. The class I remember most that fall was of all places, in the president’s home. It didn't resemble a home, for the rooms had been emptied and the usual furniture replaced with student and instructors' desks.

The teacher was Mrs. Elizabeth Hansen. I remember that it was noisy.

The desks were so close together that one could hardly squeeze into them.

It was so crowded that it was difficult to raise one's hand to give an answer to a question which had been asked by our instructor.

There are always those who are late for class, it seems. With such crowded circumstances the usual noise made by late comers was magnified greatly. I admired Mrs. Hansen for her brave endeavor to get us freshmen grounded in the correct usage of the English language, for that would be needed for the many term papers ahead.

I am grateful for the education I received at William Jewell. And I am thankful for those teachers and students who endured. And again I say "Thank you."

Ken Harder '51

When I think of the President’s Home, I guess my first thoughts are of the women whose special talents and leadership abilities made that house (their fishbowl residence) a unique tribute to a place called home with which every student could identify as a reality in his/her own life or . . . only as a dream of what was wished for but was not. With each President and wife—and I served three over a 34-year span—the Home always had high hill visibility, the doors were always open, and a “parent” or friend—which ever was needed—always stood in the doorway with a smile and a welcome home—often with an apple in one hand and a cup of hot chocolate in the other.

Each First Lady shared a common attribute—strength of character:

Virginia Field (1970-1980) – combined strength with genuine sweetness and warmth and grace—she was like a mother to the students and a favorite next-door neighbor to the faculty and staff.

Betty Kingsley (1980-1988) – combined strength with care and compassion for the students, and with her role model for the freedom to pursue personal dreams and goals even while serving others, as she demonstrated herself by working as a professional counselor and pursuing a Ph.D.

Anne Sizemore (1995-2000) – combined strength, talent, vision and commitment to accomplish impossible tasks in and for the President’s Home, some of which literally lifted the house off its foundation—gave it a new one—and gave the Home freshness and renewal and warmth and strength, and preserved its life to be enjoyed by the Jewell family for the years to come.

The campus’ atmosphere and tone is significantly affected by the love and care that emanates from that Home as it settles in the hearts of the students.  Jewell would have been denied a valuable ingredient of a sense of safety and security and warmth without that Home on The Hill . . . and the “keeper of the springs” within it.

Joan Lawrence
Assistant to the President, retired
Honorary Alumna 1997
Service years: 1964-1998

Though I came to William Jewell as a freshman in 1984, I already had 10 years of wonderful memories of the President’s Home. From 1970 to 1980 we frequently stayed in the home while visiting my grandparents, Tom and Virginia Field, then President and First Lady of the College.

Of course there were many family gatherings punctuated by memorable events such as getting to shoot “Silly String” in the big attic with my grandfather (not a particularly presidential activity!). I remember when the first security system was installed under the carpets. Despite an exhaustive training session after arriving one Friday evening, my brother and I woke early the next morning with the singular thought of Saturday morning cartoons on our minds, only to set off the alarm while “sneaking” down the stairs.

My grandmother was the consummate hostess and the President’s Home was a grand stage for entertaining. Anyone within earshot knew to expect an assignment, often with written instructions. My cousins and I served many an M&M walking through the crowded house begrudgingly wearing our Sunday clothes. We knew it could be worse, however, because many of her parties had themes and what’s a theme without costumes? The Bicentennial Faculty party was particularly memorable because it required knickers, not just of us kids, but of my Grandfather, too! Those pictures still get a laugh at family slide shows. Helping to pass out apples next to the red and black barrel in the driveway was a much preferred job.

Of all the parties, perhaps one of the family favorites was the 100 th birthday party for William F. Yates. My grandmother wrote, and the four grandkids performed, a play recounting his life. The pocket doors between the main hall and the back kitchen hall served as our curtain for scene changes.

In the 25 years since my grandparents lived there, I have visited the house many times as a student, or an alum, or a community member. The once-gigantic house seems smaller to me now than it did as a kid, but no less wonderful. Despite the necessary redecorations and renovations, to me it will always have gold medallion wall paper in the entry hall and turquoise tile in the guest bath upstairs. And if you can’t find me at the next party there, check in the cabinet under the sink in the powder room – parents never look there!

Greg Duncan '88

In the 1970s, the most direct access to the Student Union from the Semple, Jones and Melrose residence halls was walking on the driveway past the President’s Home. Unlike today, in the 70s, Grand River Chapel and the Old Schoolhouse did not exist on the campus nor did concrete sidewalks and a landscaped route leading one to higher ground and away from the President’s Home. The route from the dormitories would lead one up a blacktopped driveway directly adjacent to the home’s side porch. It was not uncommon to see President Thomas Field or Mrs. Virginia Field coming out of the house and greeting students as they passed.

My most vivid memory of activity at the President’s Home is that of Mrs. Field presiding over large barrels, painted black with red trim, making their appearance one autumn day. The barrels were filled with crisp apples and Mrs. Field would entreat you to take one or more as you passed on your way to or from campus. Frequently, late-risers would have an apple as their breakfast or those with an early class would enjoy an apple as a mid-morning snack en-route back to the dorms after class. It was always such a treat when the apple barrels would be moved into position and Mrs. Field’s smiling face was so heartwarming as she greeted students. It was a small but very meaningful gesture on the part of the Field’s and endeared them to many students over the years.

I don’t recall many events for students in the home during my school years but do remember attending the President’s Open House on Homecoming weekend, where foods indicative of the season such as hot cider, miniature pumpkin muffins and apple tarts were presented in the dining room, served by uniformed staff. It was delightful to be able to see the interior of the home and be acknowledged by Dr. and Mrs. Field. This was certainly a highlight of Homecoming weekend. A tag line from the marketing department’s Jewell promotional materials circa 1977 was “Even the President of WJC knows my name” and this was certainly true of Dr. Field as well as Mrs. Field, as they addresses students by name and inquired about their studies and activities.

Dr. and Mrs. Sallee currently make the President’s Home very accessible to students during their years at WJC, especially as invited guests for the Senior Dinners where seniors have an opportunity to dine with alumni and influential community leaders and where many valuable contacts are established. Considerable time is spent matching seniors and their career interests with the appropriate guest and Mrs. Sallee creates and prepares the menu for the dinners. I wish something like this had been done when I was a student and I applaud Dr. and Mrs. Sallee for opening their home and hearts to today’s WJC students.

The President’s Home continues to stand as a tribute to the Presidents and First Ladies of William Jewell College who have resided in the home throughout the years.

Patricia Zwiebel Petty '77

The college had to use the President’s Home as a dorm as Melrose Hall was used for the military men. We were on the first floor with a nice window. Many a girl came in after hours!!! It was a pleasant experience.

Romalee Hofer Rasmesen '45

In the summer of 1942 when I heard that the President’s Home was going to become a girls’ dormitory, I was one of the first to sign up to live there. Some of my happiest memories of Jewell are living in Colonial House, the name we gave the President’s Home.

I selected the room on the northeast corner of the second floor, at the top of the stairs. It was a large room and comfortably accommodated two. The second floor had been converted into seven rooms and two bathrooms, making it a hectic place on weekend nights when everyone was getting ready to go out on a date. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights were special because we could stay out until 10:30 or 11:00. The other nights we had to be back by 7:30. Since it was not the typical dorm, it was easy to become close friends with all the girls – particularly the ones one the second floor.

Miss Mary Mitchell (Spud) was the housemother and was dearly loved by all of us. I stopped by her room every day for a short visit, and to read the news about the war. During my senior year when Spud would have to be gone for a short time in the afternoon, I was hired to stay in her office and answer the telephone. For this job, I was paid twenty-five cents an hour.

Dorothy Fowler Ray '45

I have many fond memories of the president’s home – the first being an overnight there when I was twelve years old. My sister, Fran, was housed there during the war with several other girls.

Other memories were from my last semester of my senior year when I was invited to live there with Carolyn (White) Budget. Mrs. Binns wished to have some company in the house since Dr. Binns often had to travel as president of the college. Carolyn and I would help out at teas and parties with serving and in the kitchen. I was especially awed by the fact that there was an elevator we could take to our room in the upper right hand corner of the house. Mrs. Binns was a lovely, gracious southern lady and we enjoyed our stay in her house. I remember sitting with her and watching the original TV production of “Peter Pan” with Mary Martin – many years ago.

Lila Wyss Haendiges '55

In 1944, during WWII, the President’s Home became a girl's dormitory with about twenty girls along with our housemother, Mary Mitchell, whose nickname was "Spud."

That year I came to William Jewell from Independence, Mo., with two of my high school friends. We shared a room which is now the formal dining room. Two beds, two desks, two chairs, and two closets were furnished. Two other rooms on the first floor were occupied with two girls in each one. One bathroom serviced all of us. Upstairs were rooms housing about 12 girls; the two comer rooms housed three girls each, and there were two bathrooms.

The Housemother, "Spud," lived at the far end of the living room, divided off by pocket doors to give her some sense of privacy. Her bath was across the hall and under the stairway leading to the upper floor. Her bedroom was behind the living room. The College had initially attempted to provide a kitchen in the basement but the facility was not satisfactory, so it was closed and we walked to Melrose Hall for our meals.

The furnishings were not elegant, but were very pleasant and the living room was convenient for everyone to entertain our parents and visitors.

My room on the first floor was blessed with two, large windows, one on each side of the fireplace. This fact made us popular with several upper classmen, and it didn't take long for us to figure out "why"! The ground was no great distance from the window ledge and made going out the window for a date "after hours' not difficult at all! To re-enter, pebbles were thrown at the windows until one of us would open the window and pull the "late date" back inside.

One of our favorite socials was a traditional picnic held on the east side of Colonial House at the spot where the Grand River Chapel now stands. The president of the College at the time, Dr. Walter Pope Binns, along with P. Casper Harvey, "Dad" Bowles, and other professors personally prepared the food. Only in a college the likes of William Jewell could such a wonderful event take place --- a very sincere and real bonding of "lowly" students and "eminent" professors!

Colonial House was not a new structure and at night, it was a common sound to hear mice running up and down the boards inside the walls. We didn't care for this! As we studied at our desks at the end of the beds, we would often eat cookies, crackers and other snacks, and naturally, a few of the crumbs would be left behind after a long night of book work. Guess what? By morning, not a crumb could be found. Where did the crumbs go?

As part of freshman initiation, the traditional "beanies" were worn. When passing upper classmen, we were obligated to bow with one hand on the beanie situated on our head.

Also in 1944, the Navy had a V-12 program on campus, and the sailors definitely were part of the social life on "The Hill." As part of their morning roll call, the V-12 sailors would be in uniform and lining both sides of the library's sidewalk. It would be "the pleasure of the freshmen women" to walk between the two lines of sailors on our way to classes in Jewell Hall. On one particular day, we had to wear our beanies, no make-up, at least four braids in our hair, with a sign on our back with name and phone number. The height of embarrassment!

Pat Campbell Lund '48

I had two classes there during the renovation of Jewell Hall in 1948/49. One of the classes was first-year German under Dr. Gier. He presented himself to his classes as a gruff, mean man who would eat you alive, but inside, he had a soft heart. One day, someone was translating from a German novel, the translation being "Put down your sack and make ready to fight". However, it came out, according to the reader, "Put on your stocking and go to the priest." I had never seen Dr. Gier laugh before, but this translation broke him up so badly that he dismissed class.

My other class there was Bible History under Dr. Hester. The class was held in the rather dark, dingy basement which had a cellar door near the back of the class area. Many times, we would get to class early to assure ourselves of a back row seat where, in the gloominess, we could slide down out of our seats onto the floor and crawl, unseen, out the cellar door. I guess we were naive enough to think that Dr. Hester did not notice our absence by the end of class!

Jim Leatherman, '49

My future husband and I sat on the steps of the President’s Home when the house was being used as a classroom building in 1949, and my husband placed a ring on my finger, signifying our engagement to be married. That old house, then in bad repair, was a frequent location in evening hours for couples seeking places to be alone together. Among them was probably Ercell Head, who later married President Walter Pope Binns' son. Another couple who must have sought out the old home during our graduation week was Mary Jane Miller, whose future husband, Sheldon Jackson, also visited during that final senior semester in 1949! Well, the above are not stories of great public events, but they were certainly important moments in the lives of students in 1949.

I remember attending Dr. Hester's Bible classes and also an Ethics class there. The Ethics class was taught by a young man who also taught a "freshman English class", which I was taking as a senior, because I had never completed an English requirement. Before the days when you could "test out" in such cases, I had to complete that for graduation!

Who would have dreamed then that old house would be restored to its present elegance?

Well, the above are not stories of great public events, but they were certainly important moments in the lives of students in 1949.

Ella Massey Pascale '49