Vaile Mansion

Designed for Harvey M. Vaile, operator of Star Mail routes, by Asa Cross of Kansas City, this Second Empire style house was described in 1881 as "one of the most costly and beautiful residences" in the county. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  1500 N. Liberty, Independence, MO.  May 24, 2013.

Lewis-Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Bingham Waggoner Mansion, Independence, MO. May 15, 2013.

Above are the south and west sides of the Bingham Waggoner Mansion in Independence, MO.  John Lewis built the original six room house in 1852. George Caleb Bingham resided here from 1864-1870, painting "Martial Law"-Order No. 11 while in residence. 

"Martial Law"-Order No. 11

W.H. Waggoner, co-owner of the Waggoner-Gates Mill, and his descendants owned the property from 1879-1976, expanding the estate to its present size between 1895-1899.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Joseph T. Noland House

In 1910, while visiting his aunt "Ella" Noland, Harry Truman seized the opportunity to return a cake plate to the Wallaces, beginning his courtship with Bess. 216 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO. May 24, 2013.

Frank G. and Natalie Wallace Home

In 1915, Frank Wallace, Bess's brother, built this bungalow for his new bride, Natalie Ott. This lot was given by Frank's grandfather, George Porterfield Gates.  601 W. Truman Rd., Independence, MO.  May 24, 2013.

Buchanan/Bush House

This Spanish Colonial Revival house was built for Mrs. E. Buchanan in 1926 and was then home to members of the P.D. Bush family for 47 years.  310 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 24, 2013.

Compton House

This was the home of Louis L. "Polly" Compton, a successful businessman and a poker buddy of Harry Truman.  He was also a member of the Harpie Club.  318 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Bridges House

Joseph Bridges built this home in 1905 while serving on the Independence city council.  He was also a school board member and a Truman political ally in eastern Jackson County.  423 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 24, 2013.

Kelly/Etzenhouser House

This was the home of Truman's friend Charles Kelly.  Kelly's sister, Madeline Etzenhouser, taught first grade at Bryant School.  She helped prevent the kidnapping of Margaret Truman in 1930.  426 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Burrus House

This 1870s Italianate house was the boyhood home of Rufus Burrus, Harry Truman's close friend and attorney.  Rufus also served as director of the Truman Library Institute.  503 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Sawyer - Jennings House

Erected in 1887 by Aaron Flint Sawyer, a partner in the Chrisman-Sawyer Banking Company, this Queen Anne style residence is the design of T.B. Smith, a talented Independence, MO, architect and builder.  510 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Duke House

This was the former home of Mr. and Mrs. William Duke.  Mrs. Duke was a member of the local bridge club with Bess Truman.  511 N. Delaware Ave., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Allen House

This was the house of Phog Allen, Kansas University basketball legend. Phog and his five brothers were members with Harry Truman of the "Waldo Street Gang." 619 N. Delaware, Independence, MO. May 21, 2013.

Fullerton House

This unique Independence Cross Gable house was owned by John Fullerton, a Masonic Secretary and fellow lodge member with Harry Truman.  627 N. Delaware, Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Mize Peters House

This was the home of Mize and Ann Peters, who were good friends of Harry and Bess Truman and often invited them to their Christmans Parties.  631 N. Delaware, Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013.

Sea/Hare House

H. LeRoi Sea lived in this 1920 Tudor style house.  He owned his father's abstract and title company.  Later owner, attorney George Hare, was a staunch political opponent of Harry Truman.  633 North Delaware st., Independence, MO.  May 21, 2013

Bostian House

This was the home of William Bostian, a postmaster of Independence.  Bess Wallace often watched over the Bostian children.  William's son, Kenneth, served with Harry Truman in World War I.  602 N. Delaware, Independence, MO.  Looking west.  May 16, 2013.

Thice House

Muriel Thice received citations from three presidents, including Harry Truman, for her service as legal advisor to the local draft board. 618 N. Delaware, Independence, MO. Looking west. May 16, 2013.

Bullene/Choplin House

This home was built by Tom Bullene, a successful merchant during the 1880s. It was purchased by Robert R. Choplin in 1919, and his daughter Josephine lived here until 1997. 702 N. Delaware, Independence, MO. Looking west. May 16, 2013.

Overfelt-Johnston House

Overfelt-Johnston House. 305 S. Pleasant Street, Independence, MO. Looking East. Photographed May 14, 2013.

Serendipity Bed & Breakfast

No known historical significance, just visually appealing. 116 S. Pleasant Street, Independence, MO. Photographed May 14, 2013.