The 1890’s witnessed a new
building being built in Mt Vernon, Mo, and a tango dance being created in Buenos
Aires, Argentina. Both have survived
today, and both are witnessing a new revitalization.
Karen Murray Whitesell bought the JC Stone building at 202 S Hickory in
1999, renovated the top floor for
her loft apartment and tango salon and had her first milonga in Oct 2000.
The last occupants in the upstairs was the Odd Fellows Lodge, abandoned
and windows boarded up in the 60’s. This
space is now Murray’s Vintage Venue, a crystal ballroom for special events and
a place to experience Argentine Tango. Karen
shares her tango in regular classes and special workshop events with guest
instructors.
The building’s exterior
was tackled in 2003, removing the squared front that had been “modernized”
in the 50’s. There was nothing
original underneath so major effort and expense was required to replace the four
support columns to hold up the second story octagonal shape.
To lend authentic flavor, four antique cast iron columns, front doors
purchased on E-bay salvaged from the Jackson Co courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio,
and awnings were added.
The first floor has been under
renovation since the Laundromat left in 2002, taking out a dropped
ceiling, replacing bricked in windows, and adding a mezzanine level over new
bathrooms and office space. Again,
salvage antique trim and stairway has been used to restore authenticity.
The new first floor space is Karen’s Stained Glass Studio. Karen
features her creative works, retail supplies, and shares her art through
apprenticeships and classes.
Visit the Murray building in
Mt Vernon Missouri, home of
Missouri’s first tango salon and Karen’s Stained Glass Studio.
The building’s new Murray name is dedicated to Karen’s parents, Troy
and Anna Murray, her aunt, Lorena Murray, and her grandfather, Renne T Murray.
[ Home
] [ Building Renovation ] [ Murray's
Vintage Venue ] [ Karen's
Stained Glass] [ Argentine Tango] [ Tango
Art]
Send mail to: Karen
with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 Karen
Whitesell
"All photographs, text and code appearing on the Murray's website are the
exclusive property of Karen Whitesell and are protected under United States and
International Copyright Laws. "Photographs, text and code may not be
reproduced, copied, stored, or manipulated in any form without the written
permission of the respective photographers or webmaster. This includes use of
any image as part of another photographic concept or illustration. No image or
any part of this site is within public domain."
Murray's Vintage Venue
202 South Hickory
Mount Vernon, MO 65712, USA
phone 417-471-1001
e-mail to webmaster: Jim Quarles
