Mudd's Grove Celebrates 150 Years 

Mudd’s Grove stands majestically at the corner of West Argonne Drive and North Harrison Avenue in the heart of Kirkwood.  It has held its position on this well-traveled corner since 1859 only six years after Kirkwood was formally organized. Designed in a classic Greek Revival style, this 3-story antebellum house was completed in 1860 for real estate developer John Hoffman.  Henry T. Mudd and his family were the first occupants of this grand house, residing there from 1864 to 1882.

The home is named for the Mudd family.  Records from that period indicate that the Mudd and Hodgen families (who were related) owned much of present day Kirkwood including Kirkwood Park.  This land was used mostly for farming, but nearer to home, the family farm also had a grove of fruit trees, hence the name Mudd’s Grove. 

 
Henry T. Mudd rose to some prominence during this period. In addition to being a cousin to the infamous Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, convicted conspirator in the Lincoln assassination, Henry Mudd was a gentleman farmer, Kirkwood council member, Missouri state legislator, and St. Louis County auditor.  Mudd was a state legislator at the time of St. Louis County’s split with the City of St. Louis in 1876.   As result of the split, Kirkwood nearly became the county seat.

Succeeding owners of Mudd’s Grove have added to the home through the years even converting it to a two-family residence. By the time the Kirkwood Historical Society purchased the house in 1992, it was on the verge of collapse and many residents believed tearing it down was the only viable solution for this sad relic from a bygone era. Restoration architect Ralph Elgin Wafer was retained to do a careful evaluation of the house and at the finish of his in-depth inspection, he concluded the house could be saved and restored to its former glory.

The residents of Kirkwood banded together to raise the funds necessary to save this once beautiful home and return to its rightful place in Kirkwood’s history.  The house opened to the public in 1994 after completely renovating it from the ground up. However, as the renovation neared completion, the money began to run low.  Consequently, the contractors used materials on critical exterior areas that couldn’t withstand the elements.

Sadly, Mudd’s Grove now needs significant repairs to many of those same areas. The Kirkwood Historical Society Board of Directors has once again retained the services of Ralph Elgin Wafer to assist with these repairs.  Mr. Wafer’s inspection of the house has determined that the society must raise nearly $80,000 to repair damage as a result of the elements. Once again, the Kirkwood Historical Society turns to you – the residents of Kirkwood – for help to keep this community asset open.

Two community-based events are planned: one in August and one in October.  On Friday, August 28th, the society will host a duck float at the pool in Kirkwood Park. For a $10 investment, the winner will walk away with a $500 first prize.  Tickets may be purchased at National City Bank, Hanlen Fine Meats, and McDonnell’s Market. More details are available on this website.

The capstone event is a live and silent auction on Friday, October 30th at the Kirkwood Community Center.  The purchase of a $25 ticket will get you a plentiful sampling of hors d’oeuvres and beverages as well as the opportunity to bid on some fabulous auction items.  More information about the auction is coming soon to this website. All proceeds from both events will go to Mudd’s Grove for repairs.  And, your donation is tax deductible.  With the support of Kirkwood’s residents and businesses, Mudd’s Grove will retain its proud heritage.  This beautiful mid-19th century home is the foundation of Kirkwood’s existence.  We hope you’ll be a part of its future!