Jackson County (Mo.) Historical Society

Portals to the Past

by David W. Jackson

Drumm Institute and the Power of Giving

Have you paid attention recently to Oprah’s “BIG GIVE?” If so, you’ve seen that big or not, giving has unfathomable, inestimable rewards. With that in mind, let me share with you a rare opportunity for you to both help area youths AND save an historical landmark!

Preservation of local history/heritage is a core value for any civic-minded resident. Scores of area nonprofit organizations striving to fulfill that vital role need your support, including the Jackson County Historical Society that I represent.

Another local organization, the Andrew Drumm Institute, is worthy of your attention, not only for its goal to save a part of our shared cultural, historical landscape, but also for the center of services they provide to area foster children and foster families today.

Drumm Farm, its former brand, was founded through an endowment established by the Last Will of Major Andrew Drumm, who died in San Antonio while attending the Texas Cattlemen’s Association, on April 14, 1919, at the age of 91.

Desiring a home, working farm, and vocational training program for disadvantaged youth, Drumm bequeathed $1.8 million to establish the Andrew Drumm Institute, which opened in 1929. For years, Drumm was highly decorated at agricultural and livestock shows, as well as in public speaking and parliamentary procedure contests. In more than seven decades, hundreds of Drumm graduates have become proud alumni, and moved on to raise their families with the values and character they formed at Drumm Farm. 1948 Drumm graduate, William W. “Bill” Richards, Oak Grove, has ensured Drumm’s history is preserved by printing books and depositing original materials in the Jackson County Historical Society’s archives.

Andrew Drumm, who was born on February 6, 1828, in Muskingum County, Ohio, rushed to California’s Gold Rush as a ‘49er and mined for gold for 20 years. He then went into the cattle business eventually becoming a millionaire. In the 1870s, Drumm owned 40,000 cattle, branding as many as 7,5000 calves in a single season. He had ranches in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, California, Missouri, New Mexico and Arizona. A clerk in a Wichita store started calling him “Major” and the name stuck. Cattle barons often gained military titles like “Major” or “Colonel” as befitting one commanding respect. At age 58, Drumm married Cordelia Green, 21 years his junior. Mrs. Drumm left another $750,000 to Drumm Farm in her estate when she died in 1937. Both rest eternal in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In 1912, Drumm purchased a 370-acre farm from Alexander Frazer for $85,000 at what is today 3210 Lee’s Summit Road. On the property was a three-story brick residence built between 1881 and 1884, which stands today as Drumm Institute’s moniker building, named Swinney Hall (after E. F. Swinney). It contains 12 rooms, eight fireplaces, hardwood floors, and 11-foot ceilings. Originally, the residence had running water made possible by gravity flow; water was pumped up to a water tower and flowed into a storage tank (no longer standing). The original slate roof was covered in the 1960s after being damaged by a hail storm.

A campaign has just kicked off to save this historic building on the property…and you can benefit by helping to preserve the structure. The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently awarded Drumm tax credits to further their mission to increase the number of children they may help; improve their program spaces; and, upgrade facilities to improve efficiency and accessibility. Saving Swinney Hall can do just that.

By making contributions to this initiative, individuals, businesses, and corporations with Missouri income tax liability can reduce their tax bill in TWO ways: 1) state and federal charitable contribution deductions, and 2) a 50% return on all contributions in state tax credits. When all is said and done a $1,000 contribution might only cost you $160 after deductions! Best of all, think of the treasure you’re actually giving to others into the future. Call Rufus Little or Kate Schwaller at (816) 373-3434 to learn how you can help…and benefit!

It would be a blessing, but you don’t need $1.8 million to impact your neighbors, and the community in which you live. Remember the meaning behind Andrew Drumm’s example as you take immediate advantage of next year’s tax deductions, charitable contributions…or maybe even the forthcoming economic stimulus refund.

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