The setting sun in the western sky cast a rosy hue behind the lonely house of Gloria Tremonti at 8801 East 66^th Street in Raytown, Missouri. Looking through my window at this home, my thoughts and memories of the years Gloria lived there flood through my mind. She was a woman dedicated to saving this historic home on the early trails.

 

It seemed like a mystery novel to watch these two persons of different nationalities and backgrounds merge their interests into this absorbing project.

 

Extensive repairs were made to the original structure. Dormer windows allowed better ventilation and lighting of the interior, modern bathrooms, a heating system, and the replacement of the old log cabin finished off the restoration. Then the final touch of colorful wallpaper and antique furniture restoring the historical background for the Lord and Mistress of the Manor.

 

However, as in all mysteries, problems arose to cause tension and suspense. The residents of this small town, Raytown, were of the Christian faith and these newcomers were different. Dr. Louis Tremonti was a foreigner from Sicily and spoke with an accent. He was a Catholic of a suspect faith and was friends with the Tom Pendergast gang downtown Kansas City. It was whispered he performed abortions. Never did they consider that this compassionate physician felt an abortion might be an act of mercy and not a sin. To this day, these unproven allegations have haunted the saving of the old Rice Plantation.

 

The doctor passed away in 1949. Gloria remained a widow for forty years guarding their treasure. Throughout these years, she donned her sturdy brown corduroy trousers and heavy work shoes keeping the buildings repaired, the yard mowed, fencing in her property for security and privacy. Friends were welcomed; strangers suspected. All immediate relatives passed away. She was lonely, depressed and enclosed herself into her two-room cocoon.

 

When Gloria passed away January 2, 1997, she was assured by her cousin that the property, if possible, would pass to an agency that would preserve it as a historic site.

 

As I watch from my window, I see that group of busy, loyal volunteers called The Friends of the Rice-Tremonti Home Association working over there. They are as busy as a swarm of honeybees. They mow the yard, the house has been painted repeatedly, and the inside is looking like a home again. I feel they love that house as I do. They feel the pain and pleasure of those post families who lived in that sturdy structure which refuses to succumb to progress, time and the elements.

 

Thank you Gloria for saving this house holding an important part of Raytown’s history.

Roberta Bonnewitz

Researcher/Historian