An Historic Landmark Since 1872

MID-NINTEENTH TO MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY - 1872 to 1954

Originally built in 1872, seven years after the cornerstone of Platte County Courthouse was laid, in what today is known as 1890 Weddings + Events, was a homestead with historic significance. A man from Kentucky first developed the property, named Felix Grundy Cockrill, who moved his extended family to the area around the same time. Felix was a senior member of the Cockrill & Company Bank that he operated with his brothers, all of which owned swaths of land ranging from Platte City to Weston, Missouri.

Felix and his wife homesteaded on the property, raising their children here and building what is today the centerpiece of our property, a beautiful Federalist Style home, an architectural style commonly found in the Eastern parts of the United States. Resting atop the high rolling hills, the family could look down upon the trains that frequented Tracy, Missouri, adding to the ambiance of the area. A passage was found in old historic text from a friend of Felix's who described him saying, "He was a man of engaging address, gentle manners, and much beloved for his amiable disposition".

Upon Felix's death in 1879, the property was purchased by C.O. Moore, who remodeled the home, using architectural elements that resembled the Victorian Era around 1890. The home today, much in its same resemblance from 150 years ago, still has Moore's addition of leaded glass windows, engraved with his name. In fact, in 2014 during a recent renovation of the home, a drawing was discovered in the wall above the fireplace that features a man smoking a pipe, signed by Moore himself.

Mid-Twentieth to Early-Twenty-First Century 1954 to 2010

Perhaps the property's most memorable owner was a veterinarian by the name of James Cranston "Doc" McCrea. According to historical records, Dr. McCrea began living in the home in 1954 while operating his veterinarian practice out of a custom barn on the property. As a 56-year area vet, Dr. McCrea built a solid reputation as an animal whisperer in the area and helped countless farmers and citizens with their animals.

Doc was part of the first graduating class of the University of Missouri's School of Veterinary Science in 1950. He's credited in the area as the local "Country Vet", a title he was proud of based on historic documents. The same tribute states, "Doc became a symbol of hard work, probably treating more cases in his lifetime than any veterinarian in Missouri and doing so with integrity and support in his community. He was a humble but strong giver, physically and otherwise to deserving causes."

Today, Doc is credited with the preservation of the beautiful Victorian home we see today as well as keeping the veterinarian spirit alive with a full time animal hospital, still operational and on property today, called Maple Hill Animal Hospital. Over the years Doc updated the house extensively, creating a permanent fixture for the property and helping preserve this historic landmark represented today.

1890 Amenities Today Images of 1890

Making Memories Since 2014

1890 was truly our dream venue. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. From having our rehearsal there the night before and staying the night to the best reception. Paula and the staff were amazing to work with and so accommodating! I would highly recommend having your wedding at 1890.

~ Taylor B. ~

I've been to a few weddings and events here and it's always a wonderful experience. The staff is super attentive, and the owner is SO helpful. Oh my the scenery; the house is absolutely gorgeous and there are stunning, picturesque views at every turn. I love it here!

~ Vanessa R. ~

We had such a great experience with 1890 during our special day. They were very professional throughout the entire process and helped everything run smoothly. We were able to customize our experience down to the smallest details in order to have a perfect wedding. We are so thankful to have had our wedding at such a beautiful venue. We would recommend this venue to any of our friends and family for any event or wedding in the future!

~ Victoria H. ~

Let me start by saying I love Paula (Owner) so so much! Paula and the staff at 1890 went above and beyond to make my wedding day perfect! If I could give this venue 10 stars I would. The venue is absolutely beautiful and the staff are wonderful! I couldn't have pictured my wedding being anywhere else!

~ Victoria T. ~

My wife and I had such an amazing experience here. Paula is such a kind person and really made our wedding perfect. Staff was great too! Would give this place more stars if I could.

~ Derek S. ~

We recently had our son’s wedding rehearsals dinner at The Fields at 1890 & it was wonderful! From the time we called to inquire, to the clean up of the event, the staff was very courteous & helpful! Grace & Paula were terrific & I would recommend 1890 to anyone!

~ Brett C. ~

OMG! I love 1890 Event Space! As a Wedding Officiant I have seen so many Wedding Venues, but 1890 Event Space is one of my all time favorite outdoor venue spaces! As soon as you pull onto the property you just feel warm and cozy! There is a sense of magic in the air. I love the owner Paula, she is the best! I recommend them without hesitation.

~ Timmy G. ~

Recently had our reception here and it was nothing short of perfect. Paula and her team did a fantastic job throughout the whole planning process and event date. I cannot express how happy we were with our decision to celebrate here. The team is super attentive, responsive, and caring. We will be recommending 1890 to our friends and family!

~ Michael B. ~

This place is absolutely beautiful! The perfect wedding venue! No negatives.

~ Jim T. ~

We recently had 120 of our closest friends and family for our wedding at 1890. It was such an awesome experience working with them! Grace and Paula were wonderful and took care of literally everything. Our entire wedding party was able to have our rehearsal dinner on property the night before. The bride and bridesmaids stayed in the house the night before the wedding and loved the experience. Thank you 1890 for giving this old but new couple a day in our lives we will always cherish!

~ Brent C. ~

Reviews

Twenty-First Century to Today 2014 to Present

In 2014, Old "Doc" McCrae's property was purchased by Brian Mertz, a local owner of Parkville Development, who envisioned this premier setting as a potential wedding venue for the future. Mr. Mertz, a long time friend of 1890's current ownership, spent 2 years renovating the home, bringing it back to its original Victorian-era look while adding the significant name, 1890, to the property.

in 2016, the land was purchased by friends Paula and Doug Owens, who were the first to be married on the property, an event that set wheels in motion for what has now become a premier wedding venue location for Kansas and Missouri residents. Paula says, "We were so smitten with the location and the tiny town of Tracy. It's no accident we are here doing this and think everything happens for a reason". Over the years, Paula has witnessed countless weddings on site and says it still brings tears to her eyes when couples recite their vows at 1890, knowing the history of the property.

Today, in 2024, 1890 Weddings + Events specializes in planning and coordinating weddings, corporate retreats, parties, and special occasions that can be customized in range from 50 to 350 people. The 16-acre property boasts two beautiful event venues, each separate and unique from one another, that feature beautiful reception halls, covered and uncovered outdoor space and picturesque country views of what has long been known in the area as the best kept secret in North Kansas City.

1890 Venues Events Hosted at 1890