Owens-Rogers Museum facts for kids
The Owens-Rogers Museum was once the home of famous Hollywood star Ginger Rogers. It was also the birthplace of this amazing actress, dancer, and singer. Her mother, Lela Rogers, was a writer and producer.
This house was a popular tourist attraction and museum. It is located in Independence, Missouri, United States. The address is 100 West Moore Street. This small, cozy house was built between 1906 and 1910. A local businessman named Oscar Mindrup built it.
Virginia Katherine McMath (Ginger) was born here on July 16, 1911. Her mother, Lela Owens McMath, was living apart from her husband at the time. The museum closed in May 2020. However, the owners plan to create an online version of the museum soon.
Contents
Ginger Rogers' Early Life and Career
Lela Owens-McMath rented this house. She and Ginger likely lived here for about four years. Lela wanted to have her baby at home. This was because she had lost her first child in a hospital.
Ginger's mother, Lela, later married John Rogers. Ginger then took his last name for her stage name. Lela became a scriptwriter and producer. She was very involved in theater.
Ginger appeared in her first newspaper ad at just 18 months old. She learned about vaudeville shows from a young age. She would watch them from backstage. At 15, she won the Texas State Charleston Contest. She became a Broadway star at 19. Soon after, she became a Hollywood film actress.
Lela Rogers was Ginger's agent and manager for most of her career. Ginger Rogers made 73 films. She also starred in Broadway shows, radio, and TV. She even had her own traveling nightclub act.
Ginger Rogers is famous for the ten films she made with Fred Astaire. But she was a huge star even before they worked together. Ginger became one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in the 1940s.
Ginger's Visits to Independence
Ginger visited her hometown several times during her life. In 1942, she visited the house for an interview. This interview was with LIFE magazine. In 1964, President Harry Truman declared July 16 "Ginger Rogers Day." This was part of a big celebration for her.
Ginger visited the house again in 1972. She was in Kansas City to perform in a musical. The mayor of Kansas City gave Ginger a key to the city during this visit.
On July 16, 1994, the City of Independence held another Ginger Rogers Day. There was a parade, a book signing, and a film festival. Ginger was given another key to the city. The house was also declared an Historic Landmark Property. This was one of Ginger's last public appearances. She passed away in April 1995 at age 83.
History of the House
Oscar Mindrup bought this piece of land in 1906. From when it was built until 2016, different families owned the home. Some of these families are mentioned in a book called 100 West Moore Street.
In 2016, a company called Three Trails Cottages, LLC bought the house. They worked hard to restore the home. They made it look as close to its original condition as possible. They saved many historic features. These include the front porch, columns, and original bathroom sink.
The Owens-Rogers Museum Experience
When the museum was open, visitors could step back in time. They could see what life was like from the 1910s to the 1940s. The museum displayed many interesting items. These included movie posters, magazines, and photos. There were also items worn and owned by Ginger Rogers and her mother, Lela.
Some special items on display were:
- The gown Ginger wore to the 1967 Academy Awards.
- A pair of Ginger's shoes.
- The sewing machine Lela Rogers used to make Ginger's dresses.
- Milk bottles from Ginger's ranch in Oregon.
- A tennis racquet Ginger won from a tennis pro.
The museum also hosted special events. These included a Mother's Day Tea and Ginger Rogers' Birthday celebrations. The Owens-Rogers Museum is no longer open to the public. But soon, you might be able to take a digital tour online!
