Feature 291: 611 West Maple Avenue (in 2011)

Classification: Contributing.
Historic Name: Wright/Prewitt House.
Architectural Style: Prairie School.
Construction Date: ca. 1914.
Period 2 of Harry S Truman’s Life: Establishing Community Roots, 1890-1919.
Tax Identification: 26-340-12-03.
Legal Description: Moore's Addition, part of lot 14.
Description: Contributing two- and one-half story stone dwelling; rectangular in shape; hipped roof with hipped dormers and bellcast flare at eaves with decorative wood brackets, clad with composition shingles; uncoursed cut stone exterior; double-hung wood windows; porch with gabled roof across facade supported by square cut stone columns; stone foundation with daylight basement. Lot features lawn and large shade trees.
• Contributing cut stone garage with hipped roof in rear yard probably dating from 1910s [Feature 292].
History/Significance: On his morning walks down West Maple Avenue, Harry Truman often stopped to admire and speak to a prominent Gingko tree shading the front yard of this property. He was overheard saying, "You’re doing a good job," as he patted the tree.
J. Allen and Mary Higgason Prewitt had this stone house built around 1914. Architect and building contractor Robert L. McBride, a native of Independence who received his architectural training and his early professional experience in St. Louis, designed the Prewitt's house. McBride is noted for his design for several stone homes, as well as schools and public buildings, in Independence in the early 1900s. McBride-designed buildings in the Truman National Historic Landmark District include: The Compton House at 318 North Delaware Street [Feature 054] and the Independence City Hall on Main Street [Feature 238].
James Allen Prewitt, born in 1862 and trained as a lawyer at Georgetown College, was admitted to the bar in 1887. Prewitt practiced law in Independence for many years. In 1906, he was elected mayor of Independence; during his term, he endeavored to improve the city's streets and sidewalks. J. Allen Prewitt married Mary Higgason in 1896. The Prewitt's one daughter, Anna, married Edward C. Wright. The Wright couple began living with the Prewitts at 611 West Maple in 1939. Following the death of J. Allen Prewitt in the 1940s, Mary Prewitt continued to live with her daughter's family into the 1950s. The Wright family remained in this house until 1972. It was later owned and occupied by Eric Fowler.