A Spanish Eclectic Landmark in Columbia
(Image of exterior of home courtesy of Google Earth)
The house at 2 East Stewart Road offers an unusual local example of the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture. It was built circa 1927 for Daniel Allen “Dan” Wilkerson (1881-1957) and his wife, Gona or Gonia Bell Wilkerson (1892-1979). The Wilkersons moved to Columbia from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, in 1918. For his first five years in Columbia, Mr. Wilkerson worked with the S. H. Kress Company. Then for 27 years, he operated Wilkerson’s Department Store. After 1947, he operated a real estate agency as well as owning and operating the Show-Me Motel on Old Highway 40.
Mr. Wilkerson and his wife Gona/Gonia lived at 2 East Stewart Road until 1941. Some
believe that Gona/Gonia Wilkerson was Hispanic, which influenced the selection of the
architectural style of the house, but on the 1900 Federal census, she is listed as Indian
(Native American). She is living in the household of her uncle, Frank M. Morgan, who is
also listed as Native American. The Wilkersons (or their architect) may have simply
liked the style; it was popular nationally from around 1915 to the early 1940s.
(Photo of Gona/Gonia WIlkerson courtesy of Ancestry.com)
The use of clay tile roofing, stucco walls and arched window openings are all typical of
Spanish Eclectic style houses of the time. The house has two additions - a family room
was added in the 1940s and a master bedroom suite was added in 2002. Both additions
match the original architectural style of the house. Street addresses have changed over
the years; city directories show that the original address of this house was 222 Stewart
Road. The street was not divided into East and West Stewart until after 1940. The
house was named a Most Notable Property by the Columbia Historic Preservation
Commission in 2004.
(Image of interior courtesy of Zillow)
(Interior images courtesy of Zillow)
The house occupies parts of Lots 1 and 2 of the Welch Addition to Columbia, which was created in 1922 by John Benedict Welch (1843-1925) and his wife, Sarah Louise Hubbard Welch (1851-1939). The Welch Addition is a small subdivision located on the west edge of land that had been part of the Welch Military Academy property. The Welches created ten new lots along the east side of Garth Avenue between East Stewart Road and Lathrop Road. The former academy building survives as the Sigma Alpha Epsilon House at 24 East Stewart Road.
Today, 2 East Stewart Road stands as a remarkably preserved testament to Columbia’s
expanding 1920s residential landscape. Through deliberate additions that honor its
original tile, stucco, and arched detailing, the home seamlessly bridges the legacy of the
Welch Military Academy property with the entrepreneurial story of the Wilkerson
family—continuing to earn its place among Columbia’s most notable architectural
treasures and turn heads along Stewart Road just as it did nearly a century ago.
(Image of exterior of home courtesy of Google Earth)
Sources:
Inventory form prepared by Deb Sheals for the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission
Google Earth
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.
