Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, St Louis, Missouri

The Scott Joplin House stands unassuming on a quiet section of Delmar Boulevard in Saint Louis. A small plaque at the side of the front door announces the House to be a Historic Landmark. Signs to the house were very sparse and we almost missed it nearly driving past. Parking was easy as we were able to park directly outside the house – almost no other cars around.

Things were, of course, a little different when Scott Joplin and his ...
...say a little about who Scott Joplin was and why this house is listed as a historic landmark. Scott Joplin is best known for his piano rag-time music including The Entertainer (featured in the film “The Sting” starring Paul Newman) and the Maple Rag. He was an African-American child prodigy exhibiting musical talent from an early age. By the time he was 11 years old, he was able to play several musical instruments, and compose his own music. He went ... more

The Scott Joplin House stands unassuming on a quiet section of Delmar Boulevard in Saint Louis. A small plaque at the side of the front door announces the House to be a Historic Landmark. Signs to the house were very sparse and we almost missed it nearly driving past. Parking was easy as we were able to park directly outside the house – almost no other cars around.

Things were, of course, a little different when Scott Joplin and his new bride Belle moved into the house in 1900. The area, then called Morgan Street was not quiet. It was a busy and vivacious district of African-Americans and German immigrants. Nearby were the honky-tonks bars and clubs populated by jazz and rag-time musicians.

Maybe it is time to say a little about who Scott Joplin was and why this house is listed as a historic landmark. Scott Joplin is best known for his piano rag-time music including The Entertainer (featured in the film “The Sting” starring Paul Newman) and the Maple Rag. He was an African-American child prodigy exhibiting musical talent from an early age. By the time he was 11 years old, he was able to play several musical instruments, and compose his own music. He went on to complete a degree in music eventually became the leading exponent of the new, syncopated musical genre earning the title of "The King of Ragtime."

2658A Delmar Boulevard is the last surviving home of Scott Joplin in Saint Louis. He and Belle lived here for a short time only - between 1900 -1903. When living in this house, Joplin worked as a music teacher whilst composing some of his better known works: The Entertainer, Elite Syncopations, March Majestic and Ragtime Dance. The house was designated a national historic landmark in 1976 however was nearly demolished a year after when the area was being renovated. In 1983, it was turned over to the state of Missouri opening as a museum in 1991.

The house was not the unassuming house it is today. It was built in late 1800s in the newly popular Italianate style of architecture and must have appeared very grand. Some of the features are still evident. The low-pitched roof; the balanced, symmetrical shape and the tall narrow windows topped with roman arches, today appear a little prim and sedate.

The building is a red-brick four-plex consisting of four flats (two down and two up). Scott and Belle lived in the upper right flat only whilst the museum now takes up the whole of the building. Entrance to the museum is via two high stone steps and through the left-hand door way which leads into the shop / reception area.

The reception area is manned by very knowledgeable people who also lead the hourly tours. We were the only visitors present and had an individualised version of the tour. The guide and receptionist were more than happy to talk and answer any questions about the musician, his works and his life.

From the shop, you enter first into a small room with an antique player piano with a variety of music rolls stacked on top. The music is naturally all rag-time melodies composed by Joplin and many others. The guides readily will set the piano-player to any melody you request.

The main downstairs area has museum exhibits, with information about Joplin and St. Louis during the ragtime era, mounted on the walls. Copies of his music are set out in the centre of the room. Chairs are placed around the room allowing visitors to sit and absorb the information and music.

A set of steep narrow stairs lead to what was Joplin’s flat. There is no alternative access to the upstairs area so unfortunately wheelchair users or anyone unable to manage the stairs would be unable to view the area. (There is however a DVD available to buy in the shop giving a guided tour of the museum – at a cost of course). Gas lights and furniture from the early 1900 re-create what is thought to represent the modest beginnings of Joplin's St. Louis years. Sadly, it is not authentic furniture or fittings from Joplin’s time spent here – many people inhabited the flat following Joplin so in all likehood changes took place. Care has been taken to produce a believable scene.

Back to the shop! As can be expected there is a plethora of CDs, DVDs, books, postcards and sheet music available for purchase as souvenirs.

From March until October, guided tours are available hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. From November until February , the house is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours cost $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children age 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free of charge.

Nest door, on the corner of the street is a replica of The Rosebud café (the original Rosebud was actually about eight blocks away) where Joplin often played. Unfortunately this was not open at the time of our visit. It can be rented out for events and parties. Similarly the gardens, which are fenced in and unavailable for general viewing, can also be rented out for events. No toilet facilities are present when the café is closed!

My opinion? Well, it was mixed. The museum itself is a little sparse with little actual artefacts from Joplin’s time at the house which was a little disappointing. The house is a little misleading – you need to remind yourself that Joplin only lived in a small area – one half of the upstairs. On the plus side, the piano-player was fun and the music atmospheric. The staff were extremely pleasant and knowledgeable providing individual tours adapted to the visitor’s own interests. The cost is minimal and parking was no problem. All-in-all, I do recommend a visit. It does provide a flavour of Rag-Time St Louis.
 

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