Twentieth-Century Utopia
5
This cache series will have you exploring the history and some
of the lesser known treasures of our home town. You might want to
bring pencil and paper with you to record the coordinates for the
multi caches and a calculator might be handy too. As the past finds
its way to us, we will be adding more to the “Utopia” series.
Home Sweet Home
As Dr. Dowie began building his Twentieth-Century Utopia he too
needed a place to call home. He hired Swiss architect Paul
Burkhardt, to design his home. Finished in 1902 this three story
mansion with 25 rooms was named Shiloh House. Remarkably unique,
the $90,000 home was built through the combined efforts of the
town’s craftsmen. The original tile roof has a distinct design
depicting the triangular pattern of the Trinity. The Swiss chalet
design of panels, plaster and wood, in Shiloh’s upper stories was
Burkhart’s’ personal signature. Located just northeast on Elisha
Avenue was the “Dowie Barn” also known as the Carriage House. The
building was multi-functional housing apartments for the drivers,
caretakers, and their families. Dr. Dowie had a secret passage
under Elisha Avenue to connect the two buildings so he could travel
as he pleased.
After Dr. Dowie was impeached in 1905, the General Overseers of
Zion allowed Dowie to live in exile at Shiloh House until his death
on March 9, 1907. Upon his death, we assume the house remained in
receivership since we could not find history regarding the home
between 1907 and 1910.
Mrs. Gring, bought the home in 1910. She added two upper porches
and painted everything white inside and out, including the tile
roofing. This gave the house the appearance of a colonial mansion
rather than a Swiss chalet. After Mrs. Grings’ passing the house
and barn were sold to the Great Lakes Bible Institute; which used
the home as a school. The upper floors of the home were utilized as
a girls’ dormitory. The Dowie Barn was remodeled into classrooms
and a boys' dormitory. The school relocated to Springfield,
Missouri in 1954.
Loyal friends of Dr. Dowie purchased the home for Mr. and Mrs. D.C.
Huntley who hoped to rekindle the passions of Dr. Dowie. Using the
home as a chapel, print shop, and library, Mr. Huntley reprinted
copies of Dr. Dowie's articles and sermons. With only a few
followers this new movement never gained momentum. Unable to raise
the necessary funds for preservation Shiloh House fell into
disrepair.
Wesley Ashland dreamed of returning Shiloh House to its original
grandeur. He approached Mrs. Huntley after her husbands’ death in
1967 with his plans. Agreeing, she sold the home for $18,500.
Wesley played a pivotal roll in gathering a handful of loyal
citizens to help in the refurbishment of Shiloh House.
Because of Mr. Ashland’s efforts Shiloh House is now the
headquarters of the Zion Historical Society. The home is listed on
the National Register of Historic Sites. Tours of this grand home
are given on Sunday during the months of June, July, and August for
a nominal donation.