I watch and listen with great interest as local citizens express their opinions concerning the request to convert the Joplin Memorial Hall into the Joplin Memorial Hall Museum.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say up front that I do serve as a member of the Friends of the Museum Board of Directors and, as such, I have some insight as to what has taken place up to this point.
I keep reading, “Why do we have to do something over night, why not take our time and make sure we are making the right decision?” I want to assure you that this is not a decision made without careful thought. The museum board has been discussing the need for another building for the past 10 years. We have known that we do not have adequate space to display the thousands of artifacts that currently go unseen. We know that the current museum structure is in need of significant repair. We know that we need better access for our disabled population. And, we know we need security and climate systems to protect our priceless exhibits. Finally, we have the opportunity to provide for all these needs.
I also read that we could build a new building for less than we want to spend to remodel Memorial Hall. Well, let me answer that question once and for all. Yes, I believe we could. However, you should know this: Webster defines a museum as a place for display of objects of lasting interest or value. What could be of greater historic value and interest than a building that was built in 1925 to preserve the memory of those who have fought to defend our freedoms, including our freedom to disagree about the future of the Memorial Hall building?
One goal is to save a historic monument whose obituary is currently being written if something is not done to preserve its structural integrity. I have been responsible for leading the renovation efforts of the Frisco Station Apartments, the Durward G. Hall Federal Building and the Zahn and Ridgeway Apartments in Joplin, and the Drake Apartments in Carthage. I know something about renovating buildings. Each of the restorations that I have been involved in has been a success story, and each was met with negative comments that proved to simply be wrong. Further, these restorations have lead to four additional buildings being added to the National Register of Historic Places.
And, I have built new buildings. They are wonderful, they can be less expensive to build, but they will never replace the character of a building that is a piece of our heritage. It is also my opinion that to obtain the quality and detail of an older building, new construction can cost as much as the renovation of an historic building. Remember, when the Memorial Hall was built, a two-by-four was actually 2 inches by 4 inches, not one and a half inches by 31/2 inches.
But, it is not all about construction cost. Consider the fact that the museum will become a component in Joplin’s downtown revitalization, is adjacent to historic Route 66 where we can attract more people to our city to spend some of their precious time and money; and, at the same time eliminate the city’s subsidy for both Memorial Hall and the museum. I truly believe this is one of the best opportunities in recent memory for the citizens of Joplin.
John Joines is the director of the Economic Security Corporation and a member of the Friends of the Museum Board of Directors.
