From The Archives

Clifton Lodge

Clifton Lodge elegantly graces a double corner lot overlooking wide streets and a little park with a gazebo that from the large foyer and dining room feels like part of the grounds. Ground broke in 1904 to build the lovely load bearing brick house; construction took two years. It was built by Joseph Mullien who had a shoe store in downtown Moberly at the turn of the last century when it was growing rapidly and hence nicknamed ‘Magic City’. Joseph had an eye for quality and insisted that all the materials used be heftier than usual. The bricks themselves are large – the house is three courses of brick thick – and the basement sits two thirds of the way out of the ground with many large windows, a great work space! The first floor is all trimmed out in over sized white oak woodwork – two functioning pocket doors, an original stained glass window adorns the foyer as well as a stunning leaded glass transom window. Some of the original pressed tin ceilings are still in view – others might very well be restored. The second and third floors are trimmed out in over sized pine – very pretty. There’s another beautiful and functional pocket door on the second floor – in the yellow suite – which also sports a dramatic and enormous picture window and receives light from three directions. The yellow suite also has its own shower and toilet. The third floor is a very fun space indeed! It looks out over everything around – the horizon can be glimpsed from all directions – definitely the place to be at sunset! There is a Jacuzzi tub and sink in one area – a wet bar in the main area – a toilet and sink in another spot and a little bedroom off the main room – on the third floor – once known – in its hey day as the safari room.