The Parlor, Before & After

We are in the process of attempting to ascertain the extent of the damage done by now evicted tenant, Kelly Semande. Along with everything else, he is now telling how the Matsons are going to demolish the historic house. After he was quoted in the media, he is now telling how the story is in the local paper and on a local television channel, about demolishing the building. He is begging for a non-profit to step in and repair the damage before the Matsons can demolish the house.  It is a very frustrating situation.

The Parlor  -  Before

Saturday Morning Update & Overview

By SJR

Last Photo of Wyatt Earp - 1929

Long story short, the Matsons are heart-sick about the damage Kelly Sermande has done to the Pike-Sheldon House, better known as the Wyatt Earp Birthplace, Inc.  Bob & Melba are no stranger to attacks, only this one is different.  It strikes at their heart, and their pocketbook.  The damage is still being assessed.  Those of us who care about the house where Wyatt Earp was born are dedicated to helping the wonderful old building regain its glory.  A Go Fund Me campaign is being planned, and will be announced within the next two weeks.  We will keep everyone updated. 

In the News: WDEF

The disaster at the Wyatt Earp Birthplace, Inc. is starting to receive wide-spread press coverage.  WDEF was given a tour of the damage.

Damage Report - To Date

The total is also indicated for the STOLEN items.

WEB INTERIOR OF 2 STORY MUSEUM--Damages for the interior of the Museum have not been determined at this time as we are not allowed in.

WEB MUSEUM HISTORICAL ITEMS--Theft of items inside the museum are not known at this time as we have not been allowed in. This would increase the amount of STOLEN items total.

WEB MUSEUM ROOF DAMAGE- We are waiting for an estimate of damages and repair from a Roofer

WEB OK CORRAL FENCE, BUILDINGS, BUCKBOARD WAGON-We are waiting for estimate from carpenter to repair OK Corral buildings used in OK Corral Reenactments,, the fence and Buckboard wagon *$500 original cost by my parents.

WEB Garage-We are waiting for an estimate of damage and repair to fix the garage door and roof of the garage.

Before - Photos Taken April, 2014

The museum portion of the Wyatt Earp Birthplace & Museum, Inc. has been a labor of love, with Bob & Melba Matson putting their heart and soul into each and every nook and cranny, literally. Over the years, they furnished it with antiques, many of them belonging to their own family. These are photos taken in April 2014, documenting exactly what was what, and where. They also have a detailed inventory of everything in the house.

What On Earth?

On the evening of Friday, October 16, 2015, Kelly Semande, tenant of WEB (Wyatt Earp Birthplace Museum), 406 South 3rd Street, in Monmouth, Illinois. was arrested by Monmouth police  following ongoing complaints filed by the long-time owners, Bob and Melba Matson.

Complaints included violations of their lease-purchase agreement, non-payment of rent, and damage to the historic house. The house is full of antiques, and period furniture. The condition of the contents is unknown.

The Matson’s are concerned not only about the antiques, which are part of the museum, but the general condition of the property itself.

In the News: WQAD-TV, Moline, IL