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Casa Magnolia was
built in 1906 by Jacob Stockey, owner of the city's largest clay brick company. This beautiful home was built as a wedding
present for his daughter, Edith.
Around 1920, it was purchased by Charles Galloway, the 1904 World's Fair organist.
It is said that during the summer months he would open the front door and give informal concerts for the crowd who would gather
across the street in Tower Grove Park to hear him play. When Charles passed away, his widow Garfielda remained in the house
until she died in 1952. Their oldest son, Charles, then moved into the house with his wife Patricia Ann McCown.
Charles was also a well-known organist in St. Louis, serving as music director at Washington University and St. Louis University.
Charles died in 1955. His wife, Patty, remained in the house with their children, one son and five daughters.
She later married Dave Lehleitner, who had one son and daughter of his own, and together they had a son. They built the in-ground
pool as an economical way to entertain nine children during those long, hot days of summer. When Patty died, the children
were grown, and Dave decided it was time to down-size.
It was 1997. Jordi and I, along with our two-year-old son,
Jesse, were searching for a beautiful old house big enough for a bed and breakfast. It was love at first sight.
Since
that time, we have lovingly dedicated our spare time to restoring its grandeur.
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