Boone-Duden Historical Society
Local People Preserving Local History
About us
Named after early settlers Daniel Boone and Gottfried Duden, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving area history for future generations. We collect, preserve and exhibit historic records, artifacts and artwork of the people of southwestern St. Charles and southern Warren County. BDHS maintains cemeteries, erect informational signs, and hold events and seminars.
Officers and Advisory Board Members
Scott Repke, Cathie Schoppenhorst, Penny Pitman, Ruth Busdieker, Bob Brail, Paul Richard, Don Kops, and Marcia Behr
We have volunteer opportunities available. Join us and become part of history!
Email us at info@boone-duden.com
Member telling story dressed as deceased person would dress when they were alive.
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Write to us: P.O. Box 82 New Melle, Missouri 63365
Please Note: We are no longer in the Kamphoefner house in New Melle but are in search of a new location from which to serve you.
For many years the Society was fortunate to occupy a restored house, built of native brick in 1871 by John Friedrich Kamphoefner and his wife, Wilhelmina. The bricks were fired at the Stahlhuth Kiln in the park across from St. Paul's Lutheran Church. It is one of the oldest houses in New Melle. John Frederich and Wilhelmina became the parents of 12 children, born in this house.
John was a blacksmith and constructed a shop for wagon making and blacksmithing on the north side of the house. All three of their sons became blacksmiths and Herman, the middle one carried on the business until 1941. In October 1912, John Frederich died at the age of 65. Wilhelmina continued to live in the house until her death in 1946 at the age of 94. The house was sold several times and finally was purchased by Fred Weber, Inc. and occupied by the Historical Society for many years.
