519 South Main Street
Independence, MO, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Dr. John S., Jr., and Harriet Smart Bryant House (Bryant-Clements-Barr House)

Statement of Significant:

The Dr. John S., Jr., and Harriet Smart Bryant House is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A in the area of Community Planning and Development for its association with suburban-type residential development in Independence before the turn of the century, and under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a good representative example of a Queen Anne style residence in Independence. After its early years as an outfitting town for military outposts and overland migration, Independence settled into its role as the "Royal Suburb" of Kansas City. Long-time, wealthy residents of Independence, as well as prominent business men from Kansas City, constructed large, fashionable homes in Independence after travel became easier between the two cities. Dr. & Mrs. John Bryant, Jr. we’re not only from established local families, they also managed a number of real estate ventures in Kansas City and added greatly to their wealth. They chose, however, to reside in Independence, enlarging their original 1867 residence until it was comparable in design and size with the other fine homes constructed in the 1880's and 1890's. An 1892 Sanborn Map reveals that the house had reached in present size by that time, and a newspaper article stated that the additions and alterations occurred over a period of time (Independence Examiner, 27 April 1921). The Bryant House is therefore representative of the broad pattern of events occurring in community planning and development, particularly in residential development, in Independence before the turn of the century. It is also significant under Criterion C as a typical representation of the residential architectural style prevalent in the decades preceding the turn of the century in terms of its scale, design, and craftsmanship. However, although an abundance of Queen Anne features is found on the house, their judicious use and restrained classical design result in a home that is truly a reflection of its owner's tastes. In addition, although there are a number of Queen Anne residences both large and small in Independence, relatively few are constructed in brick.