| Year(s) Listed: • 2025 |
| City/Town: • Chetopa |
| Location Class: • Residential |
| Built: 1886 | Abandoned: ~2011 |
| Status: • Abandoned • Endangered |
| Contributor: Abandoned Atlas Foundation |
Jeremiah Brown Cook (1834–1921), a Civil War cavalry commander, became a successful real estate businessman in Chetopa, Kansas. In 1886, he began building a grand brick home, which cost around $10,000 (equivalent to $335,000 today). Though its architectural style is debated (Italianate or Second Empire), it became a local landmark. Cook retired in his 50s, remarried at 60, and had two sons with his second wife, Rose. He served as Chetopa’s mayor and supported local railroad development.
His granddaughter, Rose Cook Greenwood, recalled living in the home during the Great Depression when her grandmother Rose was struggling financially and selling furniture to survive. The house was sold in 1933 to undertaker Charles B. Fritz, who turned it into a funeral home and residence until 1946. Fritz also ran a watch repair and eyeglass business there.
From 1946 to 1988 to 2011 the home served as a funeral home for various different businesses.
After decades of business at this location, the Bath Funeral Home made the difficult decision to move in 2011. This was hard as Herb Bath absolutely loved this home. But with its age also came difficulties; the modern conveniences offered by their new location make this facility more comfortable in every way.
Over the last decade, multiple owners have bought the home and taken their shot at an attempted restoration to no avail. A new metal roof was put on sometime in between 2018-2022. This move will single-handedly help preserve the vacant home from further deterioration, being that a metal roof lasts longer than a shingled.
