CAMPLIN HOUSE-BOONSLICK INN-SPRINGDALE GARDENS
This house located at 1312 West Broadway was named a Most Notable Property by the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission in 2004. At the core of this house is a two-room log cabin believed to have been built by Edward Camplin between 1828 and 1848. The land on which the house stands was part of 160 acres originally patented in 1821 by Joshua Newbrough who sold it to Camplin in 1828 for $700.
Photo from Most Notable Property Inventory Forms, compiled for the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission, 2010-2024.
Edward Camplin (1781-1849) was an astute Boone County businessman who also owned some land and a small inn on the old Boonslick (Boon’s Lick) Trail northeast of Columbia. He sold that property, now known as Greenwood on Mexico Gravel Road, to Walter Raleigh Lenoir (1786-1844) around 1834. When the Boonslick Trail moved south to what is now Broadway, Camplin built a two-room log cabin to serve as an inn on the western outskirts of Columbia.
Image source: Brunt, John William. Map Showing Route of Boon’s Lick Road from St. Louis to Old Franklin and Santa Fe Trail from That Point to Kansas State Line. 1908, created for the Daughters of the American Revolution, State of Missouri.
The property had several owners in the late 1800s, including James William Conley (1835-1914), who bought the cabin and 10 acres in 1892. He built the present house around the log cabin. Edgar G. McAllister (1883-1969) purchased the property in 1921. In a 1954 article in the Columbia Missourian, McAllister said there were several buildings behind the house when he purchased it, including a two-room servants’ quarters, jail, storm cellar and smoke house. The McAllisters lived in the house for 10 years and then it was turned into a nightclub called Springdale Gardens that was a favorite dinner and party spot for Columbians for many years.
Image from “Fresh Face on a Landmark,” Columbia Missourian, 24 May 1954
In 1952, architect Hurst John (1911-1979) bought the old 10-room house along with approximately 40 undeveloped acres to the south. He removed a one-story porch that wrapped around the east end of the house and constructed a two-story porch with columns that created a Southern plantation effect. He built a garage on the west end of the house, added shutters on the windows, a terrace off the dining room, and extensively remodeled the interior of the house. Hurst John kept an acre of land around the house and divided the rest of the property into the Spring Valley subdivision.
SOURCES
Deb Sheals, Most Notable Property Inventory Forms, compiled for the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission, 2010-2024.
Idol, Carol. “Fresh Face on a Landmark.” Columbia Missourian, 24 May 1954, p. 9
Pike, Francis and Crawford, Midge. “Whatever Happened to…” Columbia Daily Tribune, 13 March 1988, p. 33
CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. Preserving historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member, or donating.
