DeLozier Building
Clinton
Henry County
Clinton, Henry County
In 1887, the Henry County Bank building on the northwest corner of the courthouse square in Clinton was opened. It was designed to be a “handsome new building that would be a lasting ornament to Henry County.” Unfortunately, the Henry County Bank and other financial institutions housed in the building failed. Over the years, it housed the US Post Office, and was last occupied by Dunning Furniture, which closed in the 1980’s. In 1994, Tracy DeLozier purchased the building and donated it to the Henry County Historical Society in memory of his late wife Juanita DeLozier. The building was renamed The DeLozier Building in her honor. Five years after acquiring the building, the Historical Society began to slowly rehabilitate it. Work on portions of the building were completed as time and fundraising dollars allowed. The East and West Ballrooms were among the first finished and are available for public rental as a way to raise funds for the historical society’s museum, continued work on the DeLozier building, and funds for the maintenance of the 4 other historic buildings owned by the Henry County Historical Society. In spite of the goals of the historical society board and volunteers, maintenance is often deferred until the funding and the craftsmen with the skills to do things correctly are available, and thus many of the buildings face various issues. The rock foundation of the DeLozier building is compromised and deteriorating mortar leaves piles of dust on the floor. The second floor and basement are severely compromised and are only accessed rarely and with extreme caution. The historical society hopes these spaces can one day be used for storage and administrative space. Without new funding sources and preservation expertise to stabilize and restore the DeLozier building, it is at risk of continued deterioration. The Henry County Historical Society is currently spending their limited resources to stabilize what they can, but the total amount of work required will greatly exceed their funding capabilities. After a series of building losses on the courthouse square, the historical society wants to ensure this iconic building remains a part of the streetscape for generations to come. It is hoped that listing the DeLozier Building as a Place in Peril will raise awareness for their plight, open up new fundraising opportunities beyond their community, and help them find experts who can aid in the stabilization and rehabilitation of this important historic structure in Clinton. Donations can be sent to the Henry County Historical Society (EIN #23-7010352) at 203 W. Franklin Street in Clinton, MO 64735 or by visiting hcmomuseum.org