The 1845 Historic Elgin/Cottrell House Museum

   Located  about 100 feet from the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River, in the Historic town of Clarksville,Missouri, the 1845 Historic Elgin/Cottrell House Museum, is open for tours ,anytime with reservations or during special events. Call Richard Cottrell, the owner, to arrange your tour.573 -242- 9688
  Tours last around 1 hour and cost $5.00 a person. Baby strollers are not allowed.Clarksville is 70 miles from St.Louis,Missouri and 50 miles from Hannibal,Missouri.

This is the entrance to the Mississippi River Front Park, just across the street from my Antique Shop

   Clarksville was settled in 1815 and named after the famous American Explorer, of the Lewis and Clark team. It is one of the few towns left with it's main street on the river banks. Having survived many floods, it is a thriving town with many artist studios and antique shops. A great tourist destination, especially the 1845 Elgin/Cottrell House.
     The Elgin family came to America on the Mayflower. They fought in the Revolutionary War with George Washington. They married into the John Adams family. They were given a Spanish Land Grant  by President James Manroe ,in the territory of Missouri. Missouri became a state in 1821. That land was in the area of Clarksville,Missouri ,starting at the river, They built a trading post and dealt with the native Americans. Built the first road from Clarksville to St. Louis. Opened the first hotel in Clarksville and built a opera house. Hazakeah Elgin built the Elgin/Cottrell house, stating in 1845 with an 1860 addition. The house stayed in the Elgin family for over 100 years.

The grounds are done in the Ante Bellum style

   The house was bought by Richard Cottrell in the spring of 2006. Having no working utilities it was not livable. A massive 3 year restoration was done and in 2009 it was opened to the public for the first time. Tours have been offered ever since. The house is named for it's builder,Hazekiah Elgin, and it's savior,Richard Cottrell. Thus the, Elgin/Cottrell House. It is one of the oldest houses in Clarksville.
    Reproduction wall paper, fabric and paint colors were used. Antique furniture and decorative accessories from the 1860 period fills the rooms of the museum. A large collection of formal oil portraits are on the walls. The house is very beautifully decorated and appointed.Most guest are amazed at the treasure inside and the decor. A lot of museum houses  are rather bare, Not this house.

The Down River or Gentleman's Parlor

Wall paper and ceiling details

Some of the   fine  antique accessories you will see in the museum

The windows are 9 foot tall, go all the way to the floor and all have a grand view of the Mississippi.

   The house has been featured twice, in the nation magazine, Victorian Homes. It was also features on PBS -TV,with a 30 minute program in February of 21012. Many local newspapers have covered the house as well.
    The tours are given by the owner, a antiques dealer, art major and interior designer. there is no question he can not answer and he always throws in a little humor as well. Be sure and ask him who cleans the house and who the people are in the portraits. There are 12 rooms, all done to the Ante Bellum period. You can walk in the rooms, set on the furniture and touch things with permission. It is a very fun and unique experience.
   I promise you you will enjoy the tour, so make plans to call for a reservation soon.

My Antique Mall 2 blocks from the house.

Inside the mall where I have 7 dealers plus me for a nice  mixture of antique and vintage  items

  Richard also has an Antique Mall in downtown Clarksville. It is only 2 blocks from the house. It is a very unique shopping destination. Several dealers all add personality  to the every changing inventory. 101 First Street. Open every day but Tuesdays. 10 to 5. The Downtown Antique mall. 573- 242-9688

The Up River or Ladies Parlor. Facing the river.

The museum has one of the largest collection of formal oil portraits in Missouri.

Beautiful Antique Accessories are every where.

 
 

The Kitchen

 Hand Made Early Baskets

Cow creamers and Staffordshire Dogs

Early crockery in the kitchen

 

  The house can be rented for parties. Cottrell will make a beautiful setting for your next function. he uses all the fine china, crystal and silver from the butlers pantry, Fresh flowers make for a beautiful  setting. Small groups can have brunch, lunch, dinner, or a desert buffet. You can even have a small, private and very beautiful wedding in the double parlor. Prices are figured on number of people and what you need. You can do the food or Cottrell will arrange for it. References upon request.

Dining room mantle

Dining room wall paper and ceiling details

Dining Room chandelier is 5 foot tall, French, and came from a palace in Turkey

Bus tours are welcome, we have plenty of parking

Tourist arriving at the 1845 Elgin/Cottrell House

Tourist enjoying a tour and a piano player.

 This is Sissy, she will always greet you at the door with a jump and a kiss.

                                      PLEASE COME TAKE A TOUR REAL SOON.
                                                Call for reservations. 573-242-9688