The house was built in 1939



Simple Rewards is located in a delightfully quaint two-story brick house that was originally built by Cornelius “Colonel” and Ruby Moschenross in 1939 in Newton, Illinois located in south/central Illinois. The house has its original wood floors, beautiful windows, original interior doors with glass doorknobs, original woodwork and a unique
and very special shaped front door.


Cornelius “Colonel” and Ruby Moschenross circa 1939

Circa 1950

Circa 2008


 The land on which it was built was an original 40 acre parcel purchased from the United States government in 1831 by Louis W. Jourdan, for whom the street (the main street through Newton, Illinois) was named. And while the property may have changed hands many times through the years, the house itself is currently in the hands of only it’s fourth owners in its 70 year history. 


After the death of Cornelius Moschenross' wife Ruby, the Colonel married Clara Sappenfield Strole on August 19, 1951.




Cornelius Arthur "Colonel" Moschrenross 1953


Lowell Galloway & Alyne Strole Galloway on
wedding day April 3, 1953
Reception was held in the Moschenross house
(Cutting cake in the dining room)


The Galloway Bridal Party on the West side of the house
L. to R. Gene Strole, Lowell Galloway, Alyne Strole Galloway and Glendeth Hildebrand


Dave and Fern Newton called it home for 41 years after buying the property from Colonel Moschenross, and they raised their four children there. 

 Dave & Fern Newton


Dave & Fern Newton family with 3 of their 4 children
in the early 1950's
Photos courtesy of Duke Newton


Tom and Rita Gagliano, who purchased the home from Fern Newton in 2001, lived in the house for 5 years before putting it on the market. 

Present owners, Debra and Bruce Hill and Donna and Bob Keller, worked several months on the restoration and officially opened their new business with a grand opening
that was held on December 1, 2007. 
Thank you to everyone who has helped our business to grow.

Debbie and Donna are booking appointments for individuals or groups at 618-783-3SPA (3772).  Call or just stop by for a visit and a tour...we'd love to see you. 


One of many things to do while in Newton, Illinois and Jasper County.  Call the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce at 618-783-3399 for more information.