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For the last 55 years, Grace and Walter Stemme owned the Boone Monument Farm, caring for the historic cemetery where Boone, other family members, his slaves and later owners of the home were interred.
Bernardo Brunetti, of Town and Country, purchased the farm this June with the intention of studying its origin and returning the mid-1800s brick home to its original condition.
"I love the early American lifestyle," Brunetti said. "Their simplicity, hard work, morals and religion guided their whole lives. They followed the principles of simplicity."
Although Brunetti was born in the United States, he spent many years in Italy. His thick Italian accent stands out in an area where German is still spoken by old-timers.
"I'm more at ease with Early American history," he explains. "In Italy things are too . . . materialistic. I feel more comfortable in a pair of blue jeans."
Brunetti is not a stranger to the area. His first restoration project was the historic Harvey Griswold House in Marthasville (circa 1843), recently completed. The property is available for lease after many years standing unoccupied.
Griswold built his family home on the "highest and best hill in the county." Members of his family married into the Boone and Callaway families. At one time, Griswold owned the property that held the remains of his friend, Daniel Boone.
Experienced at restoration, Brunetti has completed many projects through his company and preservation society, Doors to the Past. Founded in 1990, Brunetti offers restored historic homes and mini-farms for lease in the greater St. Louis area, and Franklin, Warren and Jefferson counties.
Brunetti plans to restore the brick home on the Boone Monument Farm property to its "former glory." He said the Stemme family took very good care of the home and the restoration will be time-consuming, but not difficult.
Work has already begun. Paint on the walls has been carefully chipped back through several coats to reveal original colors. The walnut staircase and hand-mortised doors will be preserved. Cottonwood trim and heart of pine floors will be stripped and restored.
Brunetti said the windows are original and he's thrilled to look through the old "wavy" glass panes to the grounds beyond. He plans on installing central air and heat and rebuilding the fireplace that will include a large stone used by the Stemmes as its hearth.
Future plans for his new acquisition are still up in the air, he said. One option will be a weekend home for his family.
During a visit to the property, Brunetti and his youngest son Thomas enjoyed showing off the orchard, log outbuildings and the view across ripening cornfields. Thomas spent his day "poking around" looking for possible artifacts from days gone by.
For the short-term, Brunetti is working to clear brush and mow fields for the rededication of the Boone Monument by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m.
He also is partnering with the Friends of Daniel Boone's Burial Site in Missouri to make improvements to the cemetery.
"We have a common goal," said Brunetti when describing his relationship with the committee. "We want to research, restore and possibly make it a national landmark with the facilities to support it."
"We are thrilled that someone historically minded has purchased the property," said Cathie Schoppenhorst, board member for the committee.
Brunetti said he hopes the parking situation can be improved for the thousands of people who visit the Boone Monument each year. Future additions may include exhibit boards with historic information and public restroom facilities.
"It's a sympathetic restoration," said Brunetti. "My name is on the note, but it really belongs to the people."
