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Commission updates work on Woodlawn research, cemetery finds and potential local recognitions
Summary
Commissioners reported locating three previously unlisted cemeteries inside O'Fallon, discussed gaps in documentation for designating the Woodlawn Seminary and an African American schoolhouse as historic, and explored partnering on regional cemetery recognition efforts.
The O'Fallon Historic Preservation Commission heard updates on property research and cemetery-identification efforts that commissioners said may lead to future nominations or community memorials.
The chair reported finding three cemeteries not listed in city records — identified by the names 'Tresh' and 'Printer' and a third site on Plaquemar Road — and said he would contact the Prince family and consult county records to learn more. "I did find 3 other cemeteries located in the city of O'Fallon, and I haven't found them on any other records," the chair said. Commissioners noted limited corroborating evidence online and in a county pamphlet.
Commissioner Amos reported continuing deed research on the African American schoolhouse and 411 Woodlawn and said available materials are incomplete; Miss Davies said the draft resolution for designation needs more contextual content to meet the city's application form requirements. The draft cited the complex's origin in 1914, a privy predating that building, and archaeological and agricultural significance, but staff told the commission more explanatory line items are needed to justify local designation.
The chair also raised a regional initiative: participation in Reese Across America (Dec. 13) to recognize veterans at local cemeteries and discussed a Wentzville project to mark mass graves of railroad workers ("Gandy workers"). He suggested O'Fallon consider partnering on recognition or monuments for early laborers and veterans buried in unmarked or little-known sites.
Next steps include more archival research, outreach to identified landowning families, supplementing the draft Woodlawn resolution with detailed historical context, and exploring participation in regional recognition programs.
