Original Harlin House in West Plains demolished following safety concerns

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — The original Harlin House has been torn down following safety risks at the Harlin Museum of West Plains.

According to a Harlin Museum of West Plains social media post, the Harlin Museum Board decided to tear down the original Harlin House following the foundation's crumbling and the basement's collapse in West Plains.

The museum says that multiple contractors confirmed that the structure could not be saved.

All historic items from the house were removed and have been placed in storage to be preserved for future use by the museum.

The post says the Hathcock Gallery, the newer brick section of the museum, remains open and active during this time.

According to the museum's website, the Harlin Museum is a building that was once the home of James P. Harlin, former mayor of West Plains. The original two-story house was first built in 1889 and later became home to the Harlin family.

Today, the museum is run by non-profit volunteers who host art shows, workshops, educational lectures and kids' art programs.

For more information, visit the museum's website.