1940 Census: Morris Muschany, age 50, funeral director - own business
Nellie, age 51
Acreage: 64.53
Contract price: $24,500
Property condemned on June 19, 1941
For the history of this home, click here.
A St. Charles newspaper article dated October 30, 1941 reads as follows: "Farmers in the Howell-Hamburg neighborhood on which options for the United States Government are now being obtained for construction of a Government TNT plant are willing to cooperate as long as they are given a fair price for their land and are not required to move in midwinter, Morris Muschany, Howell merchant said last night.
"Muschany said the report that a meeting of residents of the section would be held in the Howell High School last night was erroneous but unless the people are told something definite 'there may be a meeting.'
"Muschany said the agents are unable to tell the people definitely when the government plans to move them out. 'Some say immediately while others tell us 30 or 45 days.' The merchant, a leading figure not only in his community but in the entire county, said the people are demanding enough money to they can begin life on the same scale in some other section.
"He also said the people are protesting the payment of five per cent of the sale price to R. Newton McDowell, agent for the government. Muschany said the people think the government should pay the commission. In addition the people are expected to pay the costs of clearing the title and with the commission paid McDowell would amount to at least $200 on a $2000 sale price."
In March of 1941, Morris Muschany told a newspaper reporter, "The people are getting riled up and downright hostile. They've all been law abiding citizens, but things are getting serious. They've lost their homes once and may lose them again if they don't get paid soon."
The smaller house was situated back from Highway D; the road in the background is the road north out of Howell. The inventory sheet indicates no electricity; perhaps it was wired after it was occupied by the government worker.
For a Howell street scene showing the other two homes, click here.
