VOJ Home Prices with available options (circa 1972)
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The cost of building a new VOJ home in 1972 was a real bargain compared to today but the financing ...eh, not so much. The largest home plan was the Model 1776 at 1,400 sq.ft. plus basement with a base price of $25,700. Also modestly priced were the options, where only $220 got you wall to wall, deep shag carpeting installed throughout this 4 bedroom model including bathrooms and dining areas. Shag carpet in the kitchen and baths? Eeeeeww! But you had to love the 70's with those stylish Harvest Gold and Avocado appliances to complement all that funky shag! (Not shown is a later Model 1772, base price of $27,900)

Loans were made by Jefferson Savings and Loan, who was also the builder. The terms were 5% down payment @ 8% fixed on a conventional 30 year loan and no closing costs. All closing costs were paid by JS&L as incentive to purchase their homes using their loans. What a deal!

The 1980's saw interest rates climb to 15.5% interest but you could still buy a VOJ home with only 5% down and no closing costs, still a pretty good deal overall, especially compared to other lenders at the time.

 - Thanks to Ms. Angelean Mobley for submitting the original brochure!
More VOJ trivia
  • In the beginning, all homes in the VOJ were on one central water meter. Everyone paid the same $7 monthly rate regardless of how much water they actually used. The C-1 water district later switched everyone over to individual water meters.
  • Plat 1 and 2 lots were developed with asphalt driveways. Starting with Plat 3, all driveways were poured concrete. Later plats saw low asphalt curbs lining their streets.
  • Homes in the Village appreciated at such a fast pace in the mid seventies, it was possible to buy a smaller home, sell it in the first year and leverage yourself into a larger home without any money out of pocket.
  • There was a very large and beautiful horse stable called Jefferson Stables located where the Windsor Branch Library sits today. Prospective VOJ buyers were told they could board and/or rent horses to ride one of the many trails planned throughout the Village common grounds. While residents later found horse rentals non-existent, occasionally they were surprised to find horses grazing in their yards!
  • VOJ was originally a planned community of approx. 960 homesites, however only 584 of those were ever developed. Two houses have been razed over the years, leaving 582 homes currently.
  • The very popular Village Easter Egg Hunt was the most well-attended, VOJ HOA sponsored annual event.
  • The Village donated the land to Windsor School District to build the current James A. Freer Elementary School. It was originally for grades K-5 but now accommodates K-3 due to the growth of VOJ and surrounding communities.
  • The shady grove area (down by the main ballfield) once offered picnic tables along with barbeque grills for resident's use until repeated vandalism made it too expensive to keep replacing them. This, even though the tables were eventually chained to the ground and the grills were set in solid concrete.
  • There were to be 3 pools as originally planned; One the shape of a "V" for general family use; one the shape of an "O" as a wading pool; and one the shape of a "J" for adult use only. Never fully completed, only the "V" and "O" were built.
  • Cluster homes found in Plats 1 and 2, were innovative "California-style" concepts at the time, sharing common walls and zero-lot lines. It was perceived by some to be the next big thing in 70's Midwest housing but wasn't well received by home buyers, instead preferring their own detached homes on individual lots.
  • There are only two "atrium-style" homes built in the Village. Although very unique in design, once they were sold no further examples built or offered. Also, a story and a half home was offered and is among the rarer home styles in the Village.
  • Before the property tax-supported Antonia Fire District, all VOJ residents had to buy an annual fire tag to prominently post in their front windows. The purchase supported the mostly-volunteer fire department at the time. Rumor was if the tag was not visible or you didn't purchase a tag, it was at the responding fire department's discretion whether to put out your house fire or just let it burn to the ground.  The rumor was never put to the test in the Village, however.
  • The Village was one of the area's first planned developments to feature all underground utilities. A concept to eliminate the clutter and safety issues with hanging, overhead power lines and utility poles. A very progressive idea for the time and one not available even in the more developed areas of St. Louis County and beyond.
  • Ever wonder why all the odd hills and valleys in the common grounds? It's because they were originally contour graded to promote efficient rainwater drainage into the storm sewers and not into resident's yards.
  • Although a maximum of 960 homes were originally planned with each home having one vote in the Homeowner's Association, Jefferson Savings and Loan gave themselves 1,200 votes at the very start so as to always have final say over the course and direction of the subdivision (at least until the last new home was sold or they pulled out of the development.) Their overwhelming shares were cast at each annual election for their own nominees to hold officer positions in the VOJ HOA, as well as in favor of special assessments for the sidewalk, etc. JS&L even cast their majority shares to extend this control past the original, recorded pullout date as a way to keep control as long as possible. Actions which angered many residents, who felt such tactics unfair and heavy handed. Eventually JS&L pulled out, turning all management of the subdivision over to the Board of Directors, comprised of VOJ residents as required in the Book of Indentures.
  • The Architectural Control Committee was formed to maintain the original look, feel and intent of the Village as set in the Thomas Jefferson era. Also the reason why our streets are named after notable people and places of that era. (Adams, Monticello, Fairfax, Dandridge, Burgess, Wayles among others all have reference to that period.) Having an Architectural Control Committee also helps maintain community integrity and more uniform property values.
  • The Village of Jefferson or VOJ for short, is one of the largest subdivisions in Jefferson County. It is located in an unincorporated area in Barnhart, comprised of 582 homes and encompasses 6 miles of private streets. Monticello Drive is the main street leading through the village linking it's eight plats into one large community. With 582 homes averaging over 1,400 residents, the self-funded VOJ is larger than many tax-based cities and towns!
  • Along the edge of the shady grove area runs a wonderful, small creek. If you get the chance, exploring it is a fun adventure. While you're at it, there's a makeshift path around the perimeter of the grove that's perfect for jogging or just wonderful nature walks. Treat yourself and family to one of the nicest and most relaxing areas in the Village.
  • Twin tennis courts were one of many amenities freely available to residents but over the years lack of interest, vandalism and continuing repairs made them unusable. The poles and fencing were removed and donated basketball stands were erected making use of the remaining paved area. Unfortunately for those who enjoyed a game of hoops, the basketball stands have since been vandalized and were removed.
  • The Village was a happening place in the 1970's. It represented a whole new opportunity for contemporary, yet affordable living offering many amenities not found in most other subdivisions. Based around a Thomas Jefferson-era themed village, it served many young families who chose to move here and raise their children. It still offers considerable value in housing and a relaxed lifestyle where people can safely walk most any time of day or night, enjoy acres of open common ground and receive benefit of services and amenities all provided by one of the lowest cost assessments around. The area outside the Village has literally grown up around us and continues doing so. While many things have changed since VOJ's early years, the foresight utilized in building a successful, planned community has stood the test of time. Young couples, once children now grown, reside comfortably alongside some of their neighbor's adult children, returning to start their families in the place they once called home.