Wyatt Earp house in Monmouth reopens

The Pike-Sheldon House in Monmouth held a ribbon cutting for its reopening on Friday.

The house is believed to be the birthplace of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp . His exploits have been featured in multiple films and shows.

A few years ago, the house was vacant with no sign of return. Now it's reopening as a rental and occasional open house for visitors.

"Two years ago I drove by and noticed the property really needed someone to renovate it, to restore it," said Jason Robbins, head of the project. "As I was leaving, I think I drove four or five blocks and I realized that should be us. We've saved a lot of properties. My wife and I have renovated close to 200 properties in the Monmouth and Galesburg area. I just hate the thought of this place being tore down."

Robbins is grateful for the community's help in reopening the property.

"I think everyone, including the city and the chamber and the small businesses recognize what a value and what an asset this could be to Monmouth, and so they've been very supportive," said Robbins.

Robbins believes more could be done with the property.

"If this goes well, we have purchased three of four lots that are adjacent to the Wyatt Earp birthplace," said Robbins. "The hope is, if there's enough interest in this property, that we would build an 1800s town and turn the Wyatt Earp birthplace back into a museum and the town would be the rentals."

Its first open house will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the house, 406 S. 3rd St., Monmouth.