Pythian Home of Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pythian Home of Missouri
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 Location in Missouri
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| Location | 1451 E. Pythian Street, Springfield, Missouri |
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| Area | 2.66 acres (1.08 ha) |
| Built | 1913 |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000812 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 2009 |
The Pythian Home of Missouri, also known as Pythian Castle, is a cool old building in Springfield, Missouri. It was built way back in 1913 by a group called the Knights of Pythias. Later, the U.S. military owned it. During World War II, German and Italian soldiers who were prisoners-of-war stayed here. They received medical care and helped with work. Some prisoners were even kept in a separate building behind the castle. The U.S. Army still owns that laundry building today.
This special building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 7, 2009. This means it's recognized as an important historical place. Today, it's privately owned and you can visit it for tours if you make an appointment.
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What is Pythian Castle?
The Pythian Castle was designed to look like a real castle. This style matched the theme of the Knights of Pythias, who built it. The outside walls and foundation are made from "Carthage Stone." This is a very strong type of limestone found in the Ozarks region.
How Was the Castle Built?
Inside, the castle has a strong steel frame. The floors, ceilings, and stairs are made of solid concrete. The inner walls were built with special "Pyrobar Blocks." These blocks were made of gypsum and helped make the building fireproof. Over these blocks, wire mesh was added, then covered with many layers of plaster.
The main floor of the castle has a grand entrance hall. It also has a big meeting room, a ballroom for dancing, a dining hall, and comfy sitting rooms. On the second floor, you'll find dormitory-style rooms for children and bedrooms for adults. This floor also has a theater with its original ticket booth and seats. There's even a special room for movie projectors and lights, plus changing rooms backstage. The building also has a full basement. A separate building behind the castle, called the power house, held the boiler and laundry facilities.
History of Pythian Castle
The Pythian Castle has a rich history, serving different purposes over the years.
A Home for the Knights
The Knights of Pythias were a friendly club, or "fraternal organization." They built the castle and the power plant as a retirement home. It was for their members who needed help, and for their widows and children. They called it The Pythian Home of Missouri. Springfield was chosen for the home after selling 53 acres of land to the Knights for just $1 in 1909. The castle also served as a meeting place for the Knights until 1942.
The Castle During World War II
In 1942, during World War II, the United States Military took over the castle. They used it with the nearby O'Reilly General Hospital. The castle became The Enlisted Men's Service Club. It was a place for injured U.S. soldiers to relax and get better. The facility had a movie theater, a ballroom, a bowling alley, a pool hall, a library, and an arts and crafts area.
Many famous movie stars, comedians, and entertainers performed in the theater. Big bands played in the ballroom for soldiers to dance. After the war, the military kept the building as a reserve center until 1993. Then, it was sold because it was no longer needed.
Pythian Castle Today
Today, the Pythian Castle is privately owned by Tamara Finocchiaro. The property has been updated with a new driveway and parking area. In 2010, the castle reopened to the public. It is now a place for tours and special events. You can rent it for weddings, proms, and company parties. They also offer public events like history tours, murder mystery dinners, ghost tours, and holiday celebrations.
