Fayette was laid out in 1823 to be the Howard County seat, and the town's oldest buildings reflect a wealth of history and tradition. This walking tour takes about one hour and shows a dozen of the most interesting among manuy old structures. All 12 buildings on this tour are within five blocks of the courthouse square. Please use the map on the back of this folder.
Begin at the south entrance to Central Methodist College at the north end of Main Street. Go north on campus.
1. Mary Kring Givens Hall - Adam Hendrix Home (ca 1848-50)
Second building north of Elm on west side of sidewalk extending north from Main, on Central Methodist College campus. A two-story L-shaped Federal-style residence having a two-story portico with a door on the upper level. The white brick front of the residence is laid in Enlish bond pattern. Side walls are tied together with headers, every five to seven layers. Note antique windowpanes, hidden interior shutters at the front windows; small attic windows on each side of a chimney, at either end. Built by Adam Hendrix who came to Howard County from Maryland in 1838. He served as cashier of the Bank of Missouri. After it closed in 1868, he purchased the building and opened his own bank. He was a curator of both Howard-Payne and Central College. He died in 1876. His son, Eugene Russel Hendrix, was elected president of Central College in 1878, and served until 1886 when he was made a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Building was purchased by Howard-Payne College in 1903. For years it was the residence of its presidents. After the merger of Howard-Payne and Central College in 1922, it became the conservatory of music. In 1928, it was remodeled and named Mary Kring Givens Hall. In her memory, funds were contributed for the restoration. Mary Kring Givens was a member of the first graduating class of Howard Female College, predecessor of Howard-Payne College. The building became a residence for single ladies who taught at the college. During World War II it was used as an infirmary for Naval officer candidates attending Central. In 1953 it was remodeled as a guest house, with faculty offices on the first floor. In 1981 the Central Methodist College Dames restored the parlors. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Go north to Spring Street, go west to Church Street, turn right and walk north on Church Street to Site 2 at the southwest corner of Crib and Church Streets
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