Crestwood, Missouri
Admission is $5.00. Parking is free.
Opened in 1966.
http://sappingtonhouse.org/
The Thomas Sappington House is thought to be the oldest brick home in St. Louis County. The house was built in 1808-1809 with slave labor and remains on its original site. It is an outstanding example of Federal architecture (1780-1830) making it an extremely rare find in Missouri. It is a National Historic Landmark.
The house sitting on 2.5 acres was purchased by the city of Crestwood in 1961 and was extensively restored, opening in 1966.
Seen from behind, the brick house to the right of the Sappington House was built for the caretaker and it includes public bathrooms.
There are two other main buildings on the site - the library and the restaurant/gift shop.
There is an 1800 formal flower garden, seen below, and an 1800 herb garden, both maintained by volunteers.
The interior of the house is maintained by The Sappington House Foundation. The home has been restored and furnished to appear as it would have 200 years ago.
The tour begins in the kitchen, which is the only addition to the original building. It was added about 1818 to the left side of the house.
There are many excellent details throughout the house adding to the successful restoration.
From the kitchen one goes into the dining room.
It is another room - thus, another fireplace and mantel.
Note the cabinet doors below. The Sappingtons would have paid a door tax for each of these inside doors as well as for the closet door on the second floor.
Another fireplace and mantel means another room. This main room is the third and last room on the first floor. Above the mantel is a portrait of Thomas Sappington. He and his brother came from Kentucky and settled in what is now Crestwood owning much of what is now that city. 
With the tour of the house we learned a fascinating explanation as to why the saucers under the cups were not flat. Take the tour so you can learn!
This old desk includes a Sappington family Bible on top.
There was also a mirror tax but if there was a picture above the mirror and attached to it you paid no tax.
The violin in the main room is one of the few items belonging to the Sappingtons. None of the furniture in the house was theirs.
We left the main room and went upstairs. The bedroom at the top of the stairs belonged to Thomas Sappington's daughters. These floors are the original wood floors.
And of course there is another fireplace and mantel. This one is special because the stone hearth is the only original hearth in the house. The others were made to match this existing one.
And these are actually original curtains!
Toys from the early 1800's on display in the children's bedroom.
Clothing on display include shoes, a corset, and an 1810 dress.
This 1830 framed memorial to a deceased family member includes hair from the deceased and hangs on the bedroom wall.
From the master bedroom there is a flight of stairs to the attic which served as a bedroom for the Sappington boys. It is not open for viewing.
While we were there a temporary exhibit of quilts was in several rooms. This quilt was made in 1830.
These three quilts were among those on display in the main room. Some were made quite recently.
Behind the house is the Library of Americana and Decorative Arts which is open to the public.
Pictured above the mantel is a portrait of Mrs. William McDonnel who was responsible for the authentic restoration of the house. She carefully researched all aspects of the time period and her many research books can be seen on the right side of this picture. Speakers come almost daily to this library to share their knowledge of history, etc.
Also on display in the library are artifacts from the two years of archaeological digs that have taken place at Sappington House. Students from several area high schools participate in the digs.
The Barn Center was built in 1969 and houses the restaurant and gift shop.
The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and has recently added a dinner menu on some evenings.
The grounds behind The Barn Center and next to Sappington House serve often as the venue for weddings, receptions, and other celebrations. The site can accommodate up to 200 people. Also on the grounds there is a pond with picnic tables.
The gift shop is on the upper level of The Barn Center and is run by the foundation.
In addition to the usual gift shop items, the shop offers many historical items.
Comments: We really enjoyed this meticulously restored home. Five of the seven in our group had taught years ago at the elementary school across the street and many of us had eaten at the restaurant at one time, but none of us had ever toured the house.
We had a private tour which is always great. Our first guide was the caretaker and her enthusiasm for the place is almost infectious. She was able to answer our questions and shared much information about the Sappington family as well as the house. Two volunteer guides completed the tour and they, too, aimed to please. I believe we spent about 45 minutes in the house. It was especially interesting to learn about the early 1800's taxes, customs, etc.
After the tour we met the caretaker in the library and had another short presentation about the archaeological digs, the library contents, the speakers, and the need for volunteers.
Because we had eaten at the Barn Restaurant before the tour we received $1 off each admission fee.
The house is only open on Wednesday-Fridays, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and some Saturdays. I highly recommend calling first to arrange for a tour, like we did, and to confirm that they are open. The website is not overly informative and could use some updating on admission prices, etc.
Our breakfast was very good. The restaurant has been been through several owners and this one appears to be quite successful. They are hoping to build up a dinner clientele. I will definitely go back there.
