Missouri Life June/July 2017

B E E F S T E A K W H E N I ’ M H U N G RY, RY E W H I S K E Y W H E N I ’ M D RY !

C L I N K !

The Scoundrel, The Hero, and The Closer

Brews Blues &BBQ

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

24 Eclipse Events 5 First-Timer Float Trips The Wildest Farm

ML0617-Cover.indd 1

JUNE

June 2017 $4.99 US | $4.99

(Display until July 31)

06

0

74470 94452

2

www.missourilife.com

5/5/17 9:53 AM

www.visitmarshallmo.com

Show FarmFarm Toy Toy Show crookwj@sbcglobal.net crookwj@sbcglobal.net

BU RA UA RY F EFBER RY

Marshall Bowhunters Snow Shoot Marshall Bowhunters Snow Shoot www.marshallbowhunters.org www.marshallbowhunters.org Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.marshallphilharmonic.org www.marshallphilharmonic.org

MR AC RH CH MA

Women in Conference Ag Conference Women in Ag www.womeninag.net www.womeninag.net

Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.marshallphilharmonic.org www.marshallphilharmonic.org Marshall Cultural Council’s Annual Craft Marshall Cultural Council’s Annual Craft and and Art Festival Art Festival www.marshallculturalcouncil.org www.marshallculturalcouncil.org

A PARPIRLI L

Grand National Bluetick Breeders Marshall Bowhunters 3-D Shootof www.marshallbowhunters.org America/ Bluetick Breeders Coonhunting Reunion Steve McQueen Day www.bluetickbreedersofamerica www.cityofslater.com Marshall Bowhunters 3-D Shoot Murder Mystery Dinner www.marshallbowhunters.org www.marshallmochamber.com Steve McQueen Day Marshall Community Chorus www.cityofslater.com www.marshallcommunitychorus.org Marshall Community Chorus Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.marshallcommunitychorus.org www.marshallphilharmonic.org Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.marshallphilharmonic.org M AY- S E P T E M B E R Marshall Market on the Square MA Y- S E P T E M B E R www.marshallmochamber.com Marshall Market on the Square M AY www.marshallmochamber.com Jim the Wonder Dog Day MA Y www.jimthewonderdog.org Jim the Wonder Dog Day Shrine Parade www.jimthewonderdog.org www.marshallmochamber.com Shrine Parade Spring Fling www.marshallmochamber.com www.marshallmochamber.com Spring Fling Bob James Jazz Festival www.marshallmochamber.com www.bobjamesjazzfest.org

JUNE J UAcross N E Missouri Bicycle

J JUULLY Y

Photo courtesy of Marshall Democrat News

Tower Extended Stay Suites

Country State Patchwork Quilt Show Missouri Cornhusking • Free movie 420 North Miami Ave. www.countrypatchworkquilters.com National Cornhusking Championships • Fishing 660-631-9218 www.cornhusking.com OCTOBER • Barbecue contests www.towerextendedstaysuites.com Country Patchwork Quilt Show Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.countrypatchworkquilters.com • Much more www.marshallphilharmonic.org

OArrow C TRock OB E R Craft Fest Heritage

Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.arrowrock.org www.marshallphilharmonic.org N ORock V EHeritage M B ECraft R Fest Arrow Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra www.arrowrock.org www.marshallphilharmonic.org

NOVEMBER D E CPhilharmonic EMBER Marshall Orchestra Community Christmas www.marshallphilharmonic.org www.marshallmochamber.com

DECEMBER

Marshall Philharmonic Community Christmas Orchestra www.marshallphilharmonic.org www.marshallmochamber.com MarshallPhilharmonic Community Chorus Saline County BBQ Marshall Orchestra www.bigbamride.com www.marshallcommunitychorus.org www.visitmarshallmo.com www.marshallphilharmonic.org Saline County BBQ Community Chorus Christmas Homes Tour Nicholas Beazley Fly-in Drive-in Pancake Day Marshall www.visitmarshallmo.com www.marshallcommunitychorus.org www.jimthewonderdog.org www.nicholasbeazley.org Nicholas Beazley Fly-in Drive-in Pancake Day Christmas Homes Tour www.nicholasbeazley.org Marshall Bowhunters 3-D Shoot www.jimthewonderdog.org www.marshallbowhunters.org Marshall Bowhunters 3-D Shoot www.marshallbowhunters.org [2] MissouriLife

002 ML0617.indd 2

LODGING

Day in the Park Fair Saline County Comfort Inn – Marshall Station www.marshallmoparks.com www.visitmarshallmo.com 1356 West College St. Saline County Fair Marshall Bowhunters Annual Ozarks Self 660-886-8080 www.visitmarshallmo.com Bow Jamboree www.comfortinns.com Marshall Bowhunters Annual Ozarks Self www.marshallbowhunters.org Bow Jamboree MATPA Antique Tractor Pull www.marshallbowhunters.org Claudia’s B & B www.cityofslater.com 3000 West Arrow St. MATPA Antique Tractor Pull www.cityofslater.com 660-886-5285 AUGUST of Pennytown Reunion AFriends U G U S T www.pennytownchurch.com Courthouse Lofts Solar Eclipse Events www.visitmarshallmo.com Marshall Bowhunters 3-D Shoot 23 North Lafayette Ave. www.marshallbowhunters.org 207-841-9364 Friends of Pennytown Reunion www.pennytownchurch.com www.courthouselosts.com Remote Control Field of Dreams Fly-In & Swap Bowhunters Meet Marshall 3-D Shoot www.cityofslater.com www.marshallbowhunters.org Marshall Lodge Day in the Park1333 West Vest St. Remote Control Field of R Dreams Fly-In S E P T E M B E & Swap Meet Celebrate Parks and 660-886-2326 Recreation Month by attending Day in Santa Fe Trail Days www.cityofslater.com www.marshallculturalcouncil.org the Park July 21-22. www.marshall-lodge.com All events will take place at scenic Indian SSlater E PFall TE MBER Festival Foothills Park. There are activities and contests for all ages.

Santa Fe Trail Days www.cityofslater.com Super 8 Motel of Marshall Find out more by visiting www.marshallmoparks.com or calling www.marshallculturalcouncil.org 1355 West College St. Missouri Valley College Stampede Rodeo Slater Fall Festival 660-886-7128.

660-886-3359 www.moval.edu www.cityofslater.com • FreeRodeo admission www.super8.com to Marshall Aquatic Center MissouriValley State Cornhusking Missouri College Stampede www.visitmarshallmo.com • Teen dance www.moval.edu Photo courtesy of Chris Nelson

AU NA UR AY RY J AJN

Stay with us in Marshall

Photo courtesy of Marshall Democrat News

upcoming events events upcoming

Photo courtesy of Country Patchwork Quilt Guild

Photo courtesy of Poole Communications

Come. Sit. Stay...

Come. Sit. Stay...

www.visitmarshallmo.com www.visitmarshallmo.com

5/1/17 11:54 AM

Lodging

Stay With Us in Marshall!

Comfort Inn – Marshall Station 1356 West College St. 660-886-8080 www.ComfortInns.com

P e n n yto w n

Claudia’s B & B 3000 West Arrow St. 660-886-5285

ouri s s i ,M

Courthouse Lofts 23 North Lafayette Ave. 207-841-9364 www.courthouselofts.com

Photo courtesy of Marshall Democrat News

ll

Marshall Lodge 1333 West Vest St. 660-886-2326 www.marshall-lodge.com

6

Super 8 Motel of Marshall 1355 West College St. 660-886-3359 www.super8.com

7

Tower Extended Stay Suites 420 North Miami Ave. 660-631-9218 www.towerextendedstaysuites.com

Upcoming Events Be sure to visit the Marshall Welcome Center on the northwest corner of the Square!

June 3 – Saline County Barbeque Saline County Courthouse Lawn Lunch 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Dinner 4:30-8:00 pm ritashaw04@gmail.com or 660-815-7383

July 9-26 – Saline County Fair Saline County Fairgrounds Fair All Day 660-631-2862

June 4 – Fly-in Pancake Breakfast Nicholas Beazley Aviation Museum 7:00 am - 1:00 pm www.nicholasbeazley.org or 660-886-2630

July 11 – Saline County Fair Demolition Derby Saline County Fairgrounds 7:30 pm 660-631-2775

June 13-14 – Bicycle Across Missouri MO Valley College Campus www.marshallmochamber.com or 660-886-3324

July 20-22 – Marshall Bowhunters Annual Ozark Self Bow Jamboree. (MOJAM) Indian Foothills Park – All Day www.marshallbowhunters.org

unications

Scan this QR code to visit our website!

www.visitmarshallmo.com 003 ML0617.indd 3

[3] June 2017

5/5/17 10:33 AM

Pla n Y ou r Get a wa y!

So m uch to se e an d do in Le ba no n!

32nd Annual Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival June 29–July 01 Conway, MO

Run For Their Lives Green Ribbon Run June 3 Atchley Park

Midwest Derbyfest June 16–18, Cowan Civic Center I-44 Speedway Events JEGS Master of the Pros, June 3 Motorcycle Stunt Night, June 17 Emerson/Copeland Night, June 24

Lebanon is known by its motto, “Friendly people. Friendly place.”

These events are only part of the fun we have to offer.

[4] MissouriLife

004 ML0617.indd 4

5/4/17 2:02 PM

Contents J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 7

[66] HARTBEET FARM

in every issue >

This small farm near Eolia specializes in growing produce and harvesting wild plants.

[14] MO MIX

The Doobie Brothers donate musical equipment to a school in Van Buren, a botanical company buys poison ivy and other wild plants, and a new service connects diners and home cooks.

[19] SHOW-ME BOOKS Larry Campbell makes his own epic journey by auto along the Missouri River, plus six other books with a Missouri connection or author.

[22] MUSIC

features >

[26] ECLIPSE CITY EVENT GUIDE See what events these 24 towns in the path of totality are planning to celebrate

The Haygoods celebrate 25 years, a country singer films in Fulton, and the late Chuck Berry’s last album releases this month.

the rare solar eclipse that will occur August 21 across a big swath of Missouri.

[24] MISSOURI ARTIST

[30] UNCROWDED CANOEING

Twin passions for art and history inspire nationally acclaimed Carthage artist Andy Thomas.

What could be better than a clear Ozark stream on a sunny hot summer day?

Here are five rivers that still offer solitude along with the adventure.

[60] MUSINGS

[38] THE HMONG CHASE THE DREAM

Ron Marr writes about “nomophobia,” which stands for “no mobile phone phobia.”

Who are the Hmong and why have so many made a home here in Southwest Missouri? Writer Rose Hansen introduces us to their background and culture.

[62] NO PLACE LIKE HOME

[44] BOURBON, BREWS, BBQ & BLUES

Lorry Myers shares how a baseball game and a stalwart coach taught the team and the spectators about doing the right thing.

These four seem to go together like, well, barbecue and blues. Take our road trip across Missouri to find some of the best venues for each.

[52] MISSOURI’S FIRST GOVERNORS Our young growing country needed capable leaders for the huge new Missouri

MICHAEL PERA

Territory. They got a scoundrel, a hero, a suicide, and one with the right stuff.

[58] GRACIE THE COMFORT DOG One dog at a Springfield funeral home shows why the trend is growing. Her calm presence endears children and provides warmth and relief to others.

special section > [75] FOOD, BREWS, ’SHINE & WINE Sit on a patio and enjoy a plate loaded with barbecue and the fixin’s. Here are some ideas for you.

[5] June 2017

ML0617-TOC.indd 5

5/5/17 9:49 AM

Contents

CONTENT BY LOCATION

J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 7

27 27 27 48 27 27, 47 27 27 14, 48, 14, 70 27 27 49 16, 98 22, 2750 27 46 27, 16 27 27, 27 51 22 74 49 27 51 27 27 27 27 45 27, 16 24, 74 39 98 46, 58 27 74 46 41 14 22 41

departments > [10] MY MISSOURI LIFE

[64] HEALTHY LIFE

Editor Danita Allen Wood shares her

Summertime means ticks are out,

pleasure in taking a last-minute float

and that can mean diseases. Know the

trip on the Big Piney and Gasconade,

signs of tick-spread illness.

her lack of training for Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri), and meet

[72] RECIPES

Scott Eivins, the traveling man.

Try recipes from HartBeet Farm, including fresh berry scones, watermelon and

[81] ALL AROUND MISSOURI

[12] LETTERS

feta salad, beet carpaccio with goat

Discover plenty of summertime fun in

Our readers either love or hate Ron

cheese and basil, wild plum ketchup,

these 106 events all across the state.

Marr and his musings.

and butternut squash pancakes.

[16] MADE IN MISSOURI

Publisher Greg Wood describes his

Find wooden kitchen utensils, toys, and

[74] DINING WORTH THE DRIVE

other products in Warrensburg; natural

Try Cajun food at the Bayou Bar & Grill

Boots Court on Route 66.

soaps from Kansas City; and specialty

in Pocahontas or fine dining at Ray’s of

summer sausages and cured smoked

Kelso, and feed the sweet tooth at

meats from Perryville.

Nathaniel Reid Bakery in St. Louis.

[98] THE BACK STORY stay at the lovingly restored historic

– THIS ISSUE –

On the Web

Sign up for Missouri Lifelines, our free e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MissouriLife or on Twitter and Instagram @MissouriLife.

YOU CAN STILL RIDE BIG BAM

RECIPES

TODAY IN MISSOURI HISTORY

Our annual bike ride from Missouri’s western

You don't have to forage for more recipes

Do you know what happened in Missouri

border to the Mississippi River takes place

inspired by HartBeet Farm’s wild-harvested

history on today’s date? Find out by checking

June 10-16. Get a ticket at BigBamRide.com or

produce. We put another handful of tasty

our website or following us on Twitter and

just join us for the free concerts!

recipes on our website!

Facebook.

Get Dad What He Wants We’ve got beer pints, BBQ aprons, books, and more dad-approved finds in our online store. Visit MissouriLife.com/store.

on the cover> GOT THE SHOT On this cover, you can see the back of Advertising & Marketing Director Scott Eivins, as well as Graphic Designer Kath Teoli’s knee and her hand holding a cold drink. Harry Katz stayed behind the camera lens for this shot, taken at the Hotel Frederick’s bar.

[6] MissouriLife

ML0617-TOC.indd 6

5/5/17 11:47 AM

SHOULDN’T YOUR WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAM

WORK JUST AS HARD AS YOU?

THE FIDUCIARY STANDARD

Central Trust Company adheres to the “Fiduciary Standard,” therefore we always act in the best interest of our clients regardless of the type of account or relationship. Does your financial advisor do the same or are they merely meeting the “suitability standard?”

You can always rely on Central Trust Company for unbiased advice and customized investment solutions.

Call or visit us online today to learn how our free from conflict investment selection process and adherence to the “Fiduciary Standard” will make a positive impact on your financial future.

WEALTH & RETIREMENT PLANNING | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | TRUST & ESTATE SERVICES

WWW.CENTRALTRUST.NET ST. LOUIS | KANSAS CITY | SPRINGFIELD | COLUMBIA | JEFFERSON CITY | LAKE OZARK [7] June 2017

007 ML0617.indd 7

5/1/17 11:57 AM

THE SPIR IT OF DISCOV ERY 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233 660-882-9898 | Info@MissouriLife.com

Spectacular scenery awaits you.

Experience abundant natural resources and warm hospitality when you visit us for fishing, camping, hiking, floating, hunting, and much more!

EVENTS

• June 3: Fly-Fishing Clinic at Montauk State Park • June 3: Moonlight Madness Downtown Salem • June 10: Flag Day at Montauk State Park • June 17: Current River Car Show on the Courthouse Square • June 17: Stream Team Cleanup at Montauk State Park • June 30: Kayak Clinic at Current River State Park

Facebook.com/SalemAreaChamber Twitter.com/SalemChamber573

Publisher Greg Wood Editor in Chief Danita Allen Wood EDITORIAL & ART Creative Director Sarah Hackman Copy Editor Kathy Casteel Graphic Designer and Staff Photographer Harry Katz Calendar Editor Amy Stapleton Graphic Designer Kath Teoli Editorial Assistant Lori A. Addington Contributing Writers Danielle Breshears, Shannon Cothran, Rose Hansen, Dan Manning, Julie Brown Patton, Susan Atteberry Smith, Ron Soodalter, Carolyn Tomlin Columnists Ron W. Marr & Lorry Myers Contributing Photographers Matt Faupel, Rose Hansen, Notley Hawkins, Koral Martin, Mike McCarthy, Ron McGinnis, Michael Pera, Bruce Stidham MARKETING • 877-570-9898 Advertising & Marketing Director Scott Eivins, 660-882-9898, ext. 102 Marketing & Advertising Coordinator Seabrook Omura, 660-882-9898, ext. 116 Circulation Management: Russell Marth, Circulation Specialists, LLC DIGITAL MEDIA MissouriLife.com, Missouri eLife, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Editors Sarah Hackman, Harry Katz & Evan Wood Missouri Lifelines Kath Teoli FIND US ONLINE OR SOCIAL MEDIA Search for Missouri Life Magazine on Facebook to send us a message, or tweet us @MissouriLife. Share pictures with us on Instagram @MissouriLife.

HOW TO REACH US SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: MissouriLife.com missourilife@emailcustomerservice.com 1-800-492-2593 ALL OTHER INFORMATION: 1-877-570-9898

info@missourilife.com Missouri Life, 501 High St., Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233

MISSOURI LIFE, Vol. 44, No. 4, June/July 2017 (USPS#020181; ISSN#1525-0814) Published eight times a year in February, April, May, June, August, September, October, and December by Missouri Life, Inc., for $21.99. Periodicals Postage paid at Boonville, Missouri, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Missouri Life, 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233-1211. © 2017 Missouri Life. All rights reserved. Printed by The Ovid Bell Press Inc. in Fulton, Missouri.

[8] MissouriLife

ML0617-Masthead/CustomerCare.indd 8

5/5/17 9:37 AM

it’s FESTIVAL SEASON In Fulton’s BRICK DISTRICT and beyond!

The weekend of August 18 - 21, Fulton and Callaway County are planning a series of events leading up to the first total solar eclipse to sweep across the entire nation since 1918. Callaway County offers optimal viewing of this wonder of nature.

June 16 - 17 experience Summer in the Midwest at the Fulton Street Fair, a t wo-day event held each June in Fulton's Brick District. Attractions include a parade, car show, soon-to-be-famous mule races, brick skidding competition, go-kart derby, tug-o-war contest, kiddie corral and carnival, great food, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more.

While you are here, check out these local attractio ns: -National Churchill Museum -Berlin Wall Sculpture -Church of St. Mary, Aldermanbury -Art House Gallery -Auto World Car Museum -Craneʻs Country Store & Craneʻs Museum -Callaway County Historical Society -Serenity Valley Winery -Canterbury Hill Winery -Katy Trail State Park -Missouri Firefighters Memorial -Prairie Garden Trust

The weekend will be packed with "Light and Shadow" events, starting with a Friday evening art exhibit and reception; Saturday art class and farmers' market activities; Sunday afternoon program at the historic Church of St. Mary, Aldermanbury, about the designer, Sir Christopher Wren, who was an astronomer before he was an architect; and Sunday evening celebration at Serenity Valley Winery with live music and a hot air balloon glow.

Events culminate Monday, August 21, with an eclipse viewing party at Serenity Valley Winery and other viewing events throughout the county.

For more information, go to visitfulton.com/eclipse.html or call (573) 642-7692.

More de t ails at visitful ton .c om [9] June 2017

009 ML0617.indd 9

5/2/17 4:06 PM

y MISSOURI LIFE WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE BIG BAM (BICYCLE ACROSS MISSOURI): We’re on the countdown to this event, and I have not trained enough or been up enough big hills. Still, I’m excited to go. The scenery in north Missouri is outstanding, and the people in the towns along the way are friendly and welcoming. Our fellow bikers encourage and support each

DANITA ALLEN WOOD, EDITOR

other. Tasty food, pies, and ice cream along the way are a reward. There’s just something magical about BAM (visit BigBamRide.com). Even if you don’t bike, come on out to the free concerts at night and the festivals at many of the pass-through and overnight towns.—Danita

RIVER TALES the Gasconade. Greg and I paddled ahead of the others who were enjoying a slower pace.

We pulled over to a gravel bar where the Big Piney meets the Gasconade and stretched out until the others caught up. We took turns taking a kayak upstream on the wider Gasconade before floating downstream.

At the end of our relaxing and at the same time refreshing five miles on the river, I was almost disappointed when we turned a bend and saw our take-out point ahead! We pulled onto the sand bar and hopped out of our canoes.

Just across the river from the campground is its namesake: Boiling Springs, which is the fourteenth-largest spring in Missouri based on flowage rates. The “kids” all took off swimming across the strong current and over to the spring where the water temperature is a cold 54 degrees. Brrrr! That was too cold for me!

That evening, we ate burgers and brats around a campfire and told stories. The onenight impromptu adventure reminded me that you can do a simple and quick yet amazing getaway in Missouri so easily, especially with all the outfitters available in the Show-Me State.

Later, we listened to the river flow as the cicadas and tree frogs serenaded us to sleep.

Ahhhh! That’s what life’s all about—family, friends, a campfire, and the sweet sound of an Ozark river as it shimmers in the summer moonlight.

FROM OUR MISSOURI LIFE TEAM My Uncle Don once told me, “Scott, there are three things required to have the perfect job: you enjoy your coworkers, you like the pay, and you want to come to work each day.”

I can truthfully say I have all three. I’ve had the opportunity to travel this great state, from the Arch to Joplin, from Blythedale to Kennett, from the backcountry of Steelville to the depths of Theodosia. To quote ZZ Top, “Workin’ from one end to the other and all points inbetween.” There are so many cool things to see in this state. I look forward to work each day.

My coworkers are an awesome bunch to work with.

“Creative Problem Solvers” is our motto, and each one of us rolls up our sleeves to help make this magazine great.

The advertisers I work with across this state are also awesome. They work hard to get their message in front of you, and I am thankful for the opportunity to help develop strong relationships between them and you.

As to the pay … Well, who couldn’t use more money?

That said, Missouri Life has given me the opportunity to support myself and my boys.

Since Van Halen isn’t hiring a guitar player, I’d have to say this job is pretty close to perfect.—Scott Eivins

HARRY KATZ, SARAH HACKMAN

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER in Missouri like floating down one of our many rivers or streams. Each has its own character and natural beauty. When Evan, our son, was back visiting from California last summer, he and our daughter Marissa decided they really wanted to go floating and camping. When they invited us along, we jumped at the chance.

A small group of us grabbed our gear, piled into cars, and headed out. Greg suggested Boiling Springs Campground near Dixon on the Gasconade River, owned and operated by longtime Missouri float-trip outfitter Larry Helms.

As soon as we parked our vehicles at the campground, Larry swung by in his van and we loaded all our floating gear and headed off to the Big Piney River with plans to float back to Larry’s campground on the Gasconade.

Larry gave us a choice between rafts, kayaks, or canoes; Greg and I chose the latter. We got on historic Route 66 heading southeast out of St. Robert and put in just below Devils Elbow, a name on the Big Piney that reflects the trouble loggers used to have getting their product around that bend of the river.

Floating and camping has always been a great pleasure for me, since college days. I floated the Courtois and the Huzzah the most.

I have been on many Missouri rivers and streams at some point, but I had never been on this stretch where the Big Piney flows into

►

[10] MissouriLife

ML0617-MyMissouriLife.indd 10

5/4/17 4:13 PM

Mexico is a perfect combination of small-town charm and urban style. Artsy boutiques, jewelry, quilt shops, scrapbooking, antiques, and cultural offerings give Mexico a sophisticated air with a family-friendly attitude. Come visit us today!

Mexico Young Farmers Truck and Tractor Pull Audrain 4-H Fairgrounds 573-581-2765 | www.mexico-chamber.org Miss Missouri Pageant Missouri Military Academy 573-581-2765 | www.missmissouri.org Miss Missouri Outstanding Teen Missouri Military Academy 573-581-2765 | www.missmooutstandingteen.org

Brick City Bad Boys Car/Cruise Show Downtown Mexico 573-581-2765 | www.mexico-chamber.org

Brick City Bad Boys Car/Cruise Show Downtown Mexico 573-581-2765 | www.mexico-chamber.org

“Lion King Jr” Presser Performing Arts Center 573-581-5592 | www.presserpac.com

“Cinderella” Presser Performing Arts Center 573-581-5592 | www.presserpac.com

“Anne of Green Gables” Presser Performing Arts Center 573-581-5592 | www.presserpac.com

We work hard as a Chamber of Commerce to be the pulse of the community, assisting all to provide services that will nurture and encourage our businesses and strengthen our community.

COME VISIT US TODAY

Mexico-Chamber.org 573-581-2765

[11] June 2017

011 ML0617.indd 11

5/2/17 4:06 PM

JUNE

LETTERS from all over You write them. We print them.

MUSINGS ON RON MARR

that I always turn immediately to my favor-

I am new to Missouri Life and have only re-

ite article, by Ron Marr. He speaks the truth.

ceived three issues so far. I grew up in Mis-

I very much admire a man still willing to do

souri, so I recognize a lot of the little towns,

so.—Christy Cain, Kansas City

but didn’t know much about their history.

The articles are warm, inviting, and educa-

Always love Ron’s articles! We read them

tional. The photos are beautiful. Even the

first with each issue of our Missouri Life

ads are bright and fun. It is a wonderful

magazine.”—Jan Vinyard on Facebook

magazine.

I only have one issue. Why, in the middle

As I started to read Ron Marr’s column “This

of this beautiful magazine is there a page

Too Shall Pass” (Missouri Life, May 2017)

devoted to “musing” that is just Ron W. Marr

I kept thinking “Well said” about various

“ranting” about what he “hates” (his word)?

points he made. In particular, it was my re-

The articles are full of angry, offensive, in-

action to the statement that “ ‘I’m mad that

sulting comments, along with his distorted

my candidate didn’t win’ is an extraordi-

observations of life and people in general.

narily puerile reason to engage in revolt.”

They have nothing at all to do with what

However, he lost me in the next paragraph

your magazine is about! I can’t imagine the

when he wrote that he didn’t vote for any

owner (unless he is the owner) or your staff

presidential candidate in 2016 because

being okay with such negative prose among

“when faced with choice that requires pick-

such positive, beautiful articles and photos.

ing the lesser of evils, I tend to abstain.” Talk

It is like someone has taken a black magic

remember what you may have said about it in the

marker and drawn a line through the magazine

past; I know you are not a fan).

canceling every creative thing you have worked so

about puerile! At that rate, I wonder when Mr. Marr ever votes. He said himself that “I consider

Now, because I want to make sure you are aware

the machinations of politicians and governments

of a big fan (who is your age—possibly a little older

largely corrupt and self-serving.” Choosing the

I hope I won’t see it in the next issue. I would

but who also has a daughter who is a fan), I’m send-

lesser of evils may not be as satisfying as choos-

“hate” that.—Janice Bowman, Overland Park, Kansas

ing you a letter the old-fashioned way by the Post

ing good over evil, but leaving the office vacant

Office! I assume that the staff of Missouri Life in-

is not an option. Minimizing evil is still important,

Editor: Ron does not own the magazine, but we have

forms you when you get comments but just in case,

especially when one of the evils (I won’t say which,

always found him to be usually funny and thought-

I am telling you here also.

since that is not my point) is lesser by such a wide

hard to present to your readers.

margin.­­—Stephen Howie, by email

provoking. The editor’s mother likes him, too, so he

Your columns are the best part of the magazine

stays! Please turn the page to Lorry Myer’s sweet

and I keep them all. I have been meaning to send a

stories, which follow his.

letting complimenting you for a long time. Please

Ron says: I once swallowed my convictions and vot-

do not stop writing them!—Pam Lane, St. Louis

ed for the lesser of two weevils. The winner, despite

Dear Ron,

lofty promises, invaded my pantry and unlawfully

I posted how much I love your column on Facebook

Just a note for all. My April issue came today, yip-

occupied a bag of flour. Fool me once, shame on you.

but I rather doubt that you read postings (trying to

pee! Love the info it contains. Most important is

Fool me twice …

SEND US A LETTER & OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

Missouri Life, 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233-1252 Info@MissouriLife.com

Missouri Life Magazine

@MissouriLife

WE PRINT AS MANY AS WE CAN!

[12] MissouriLife

ML0617-Letters.indd 12

5/4/17 4:16 PM

e t a r b e l e C

in the

y t i C l a t i p a C 7 1 0 2 , 4 1 July

Featuring CONCERT INSIDE THE WALLS OF THE MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY LARGEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN CENTRAL MISSOURI MASSIVE PARADE • CARNIVAL RIDES • FREE EVENTS

Details at

www.VisitJeffersonCity.com [13] June 2017

013 ML0617.indd 13

5/2/17 4:07 PM

Mo MIX

They Buy Poison Ivy Eolia

A SUPPLIER to the world herbal industry since 1994, American Botanicals personnel grow and buy roots and herbs in their natural forms. These raw products are used by health food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, alCompany managers also lease properties on which to collect grasses and wild crops and work

► JUST BEFORE the end of the school year, Van Buren High School’s music department received a gift of nearly

with a network of growers who send fresh prod-

$22,000 that was forty-seven years in the making. Jeff Chapman is in his first year teaching music at Van Buren

ucts to the company’s facility. “Many of our herbs,

but before he started teaching, he was a musician. “I started out playing in the same room I’m teaching in,” he

roots, barks, fruit, flowers, and leaves are purchased

says. After graduating from Van Buren High School and briefly playing in his father’s bluegrass band, Jeff spent a

in whole forms directly from North American farm-

few decades on the road with touring bands.

ers and collectors,” says company President Donald

Booth Burrows, a fellow Van Buren High School alumnus, was in town for his father’s birthday when he and

Stock. “Hundreds of people and families make a sig-

Chapman got to talking. Booth—who works for Rock-It Cargo in San Francisco, a freight logistics company

nificant income from the plants we buy from them,

that specializes in concerts and other events—asked Jeff if he was interested in some retired equipment from

and we’re really proud of those partnerships. We

The Doobie Brothers that he’d recently come across. After learning that Jeff teaches at the high school, Booth

even buy poison ivy,” he says.

worked his connections with The Doobie Brothers’ management to donate the equipment, valued at $21,830.

The company offers proper reaping times and

Among the goodies the school received is an electric pedal with various settings still labeled on it. Jeff says

preparation tips to contributing collectors, promot-

that during a recent viewing of The Doobie Brothers Live at Wolf Trap DVD, he noticed the guitar pedal that

ing sustainable harvest practices Find out more at

Doobie Brothers lead singer Tom Johnston was using on stage was the same one the band do-

AmericanBotanicals.com or call the

nated to the school. He paused on the scene to show his students the matching labels on the

company directly at 573-485-2300.

pedal. “That’s when it all became real,” he says.—Evan Wood

—Julie Brown Patton

Calling All Cooks and Foodies Columbia

A MAN WHO grew up in Rolla is launching an Uber-style app for foodies this summer in Jefferson City and Columbia. A.J. Shrestha is one of the founders of KwikDish. A.J. was born in Nepal in 1980 to a Nepali father and a Tibetan mother. They moved to the United States in 1986 and Rolla in 1998, and A.J. and his three siblings grew up there. A.J. moved to San Francisco in 2015. “The idea was triggered when my mom came for a visit,” he says. “I realized her cooking provided the best meals I’d had since I moved to San Francisco.” The idea is, customers look at the website and select a fresh, home-cooked, and unique lunch or other foods, such as baked items. Cooks can set a limit on how many items they will offer, their price, and choose the window of time for pickup. They FROM LEFT: KWIK DISH FOUNDERS JOHN ACOSTA, VERONICA ORTIZ, AND A. J. SHRESTHA

receive advance notice of the number and names of those coming. Stay-at-home parents or retired people who love cooking can earn extra money. Visit KwikDish.com to learn about cooking or ordering.—Danita Allen Wood

HARRY KATZ, COURTESY THE DOOBIE BROTHERS AND AMERICAN BOTANICALS

Whoa-o-oh, Listen to the Music Van Buren

ternative medicine, flavoring, and spice companies.

[14] MissouriLife

ML0617-MoMix.indd 14

5/5/17 12:10 PM

[15] June 2017

015 ML0617.indd 15

5/1/17 11:57 AM

Made IN MISSOURI Crafted with a Purpose Warrensburg ► THREE TREES WORKSHOP has a treasure trove of well-crafted wooden items that beg to be used. The company produces handmade chessboards and other classic game boards, toys, cutting boards, serving trays, and custom projects.

“We wanted our products to be more than beautiful things that sat on a shelf,” says Cynthia Epp, who started the business with her husband, Nathan. “We decided to make things that would encourage people to interact face-to-face and with the world around them, not just people or games on screens.”

Three Trees Workshop is a dream come true for Nathan and Cynthia. Originally from Kansas City, the couple moved to Kenya to work and to volunteer. After 15 months and with their first child on the way, they decided it was time to move back to Missouri and settled in Warrensburg. The Epps recently built a larger workshop and are expanding their product line. “The conversations we have with people as we’re working on their orders give us a more personal connection to our customers, where our products end up,” Cynthia says.

Meat Me in Missouri Perryville

CALLED “THE CANDY STORE OF MEATS,” Stonie’s Sausage Shop Inc. sells exotic summer sausages, award-

To learn more or shop online, visit ThreeTreesWorkshop.com or follow the company on Facebook at ThreeTreesWorkshop.—Lori A. Addington

winning bacon, cured smoked meats, fresh meats, hams, pork, turkey, cheeses, and more than twenty-five flavors of fresh brats. Founded in 1959, this fourth-generation family operation is a popular destination for both Missourians and out-of-state travelers, as well as a sought-after supplier of deer processing.

Stonie’s serves a robust deli menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and signature sides daily at 1507 Edgemont and at the Summit Produce booth at the Kirkwood Farmers Market April through December. Find menus and retail hours at ShopStonies.com.—Julie Brown Patton

Oils & Suds Kansas City

EARTHY AROMAS and essential oils swirl together in a bar of soap. Holly and Larry DeForest, and their son, James, run the DeForest Soap Company. “We were founded on the idea that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it,” Holly says. The trio offers scents such as fresh oats, lemon green tea, cedar wood, and others. They get lard from Patchwork Family Farms in Columbia and from Local Pig in Kansas City, and they make an exclusive scent for Patchwork, lemongrass ginger. They also offer products made with olive oil and other natural vegetable oils. “We work hard to create some-

COURTESY THREE TREES WORKSHOP, STONIE'S SAUSAGE SHOP, AND DEFOREST SOAP

Boulevard. The shop’s products are also available online

thing organic and natural,” Holly says. Find their soaps at Made in KC shops and other Kansas City and Columbia outlets.

Visit DeForestSoap.com for a full list.—Lori A. Addington

[16] MissouriLife

ML0617-Made.indd 16

5/5/17 11:19 AM

[17] June 2017

017 ML0617.indd 17

5/1/17 12:21 PM

OPENS IN JUNE | LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

REAL MUMMIES. REAL SCIENCE. REAL PEOPLE.

Experience Real Mummies and Artifacts from Europe, South America & Ancient Egypt, some dating back more than 4,500 years!

UNIONSTATION.ORG/MUMMIES FEATURING • Strawberry Swing Pop-Up with local Craft Makers

Kansas City JUNE 24 & 25, 2017

7

• KCPT Kidszone with Maker activity stations, character appearances and more • Saturday Night ONLY 90.9 The Bridge Concert Headlining: Anderson East* INVENTORS • ARTISTS GARDENERS • FOODISTS CRAFTERS • HACKERS YOUNG MAKERS • ROBOT BUILDERS • SOFTWARE DESIGNERS • DIY-ERS

TICKETS

ON SALE

NOW *Separate ticket purchase

kansascity.makerfaire.com [18] MissouriLife

018 ML0617.indd 18

5/5/17 3:36 PM

SHOW-ME

Books

ROAD TRIP Branson author Larry Campbell chronicles his journey along and across the Missouri River.

COURTESY LARRY CAMPBELL AND ACCLAIM PRESS

BY DANITA ALLEN WOOD

LARRY CAMPBELL is an explorer.

In 2016, the seventy-year-old mathematician made the same epic journey along the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery—except he traveled solo, in reverse from Idaho to Missouri—and not exactly roughing it. He traveled by car and stayed mostly in hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, but there was one night he stayed in a ten-by-ten-foot “castle” with no electricity at Pony, Montana.

“What a great view of the Milky Way,” he says. “It almost made up for the 100-yard trek to the outhouse.”

A retired math professor from Missouri State University at Springfield, Larry lives in Branson. His inspiration for the trip came from reading Roadtrip with a Raindrop: 90 Days Along the Mississippi River, by Gayle Harper.

He was entranced by the idea of her journey, got to meet her, and resolved to do the same kind of journey along the Missouri River.

He started his adventure at the headwaters of the Missouri—the real headwaters at Hell Roaring Creek near Red Rock Pass, Idaho, not the official source, which is in Three Forks, Montana, just below the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. Lewis and Clark named these tributaries, and that has marked the official source ever since.

Campbell’s journey ended seven weeks later at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers just north of St. Louis.

Upon his return, like Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Larry compiled a journal of his stories and found a publisher. The book is divided into sections and contains maps of the entire river and places he stayed. The real stars of the book, though, are Larry’s photographs of the river and his stories of the people he met.

Rollin’ Down the River: Discovering People and Places Along the Mighty Missouri Larry N. Campbell, hardcover, 176 pages, nonfiction, Acclaim Press, $34.95 There are almost two hundred photographs in the book. “It was fascinating to watch how the river grew from that small creek near the Idaho and Montana border,” he says.

In short stories, the reader will meet some of the same people Larry met, from ferryboat operators to the only resident of Virgelle, Montana, who runs a store in one of only two buildings left in town and holds well-known antiques auctions there two times a year.

Larry didn’t intend for his trip to be Lewis and Clark in reverse, but he says “You can’t go ten feet along the river without running into them, and it was fascinating to be standing in places where they stood.”

The book’s charm lies in the adventures he had along the way and the sights he saw. One photo shows a bridge at Atchison, Kansas, lit so that at night, the reflection on the river looks like an American flag. The photographs and stories make an entertaining read for anyone.

DOWN THE RIVER

BY THE NUMBERS During his drive, the author and mathematician: •

Crossed 2 of 3 remaining free ferries on the Missouri River

•

Saw 4 state capitals along the river: Helena, Montana; Bismarck, North Dakota; Pierre, South Dakota; Jefferson City, Missouri

•

Visited 9 states: Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri

•

Went through 27 towns and stayed in 23

•

Traveled 51 days

•

Encountered 80 bridges over the river

•

Took 4,500+ pictures

•

Journeyed 6,271 miles door-to-door

This book comes out late June, and the author is offering readers of Missouri Life a 10 percent discount and an autographed copy on prepublication orders. Visit AfterMathEnterprises.com.

[19] June 2017

ML0617-Books.indd 19

5/5/17 10:58 AM

SHOW-ME

Books

MORE GOOD READS

BY LORI A. ADDINGTON

Show Me the Sinister Snowman

Images of America: The Steamer Admiral

Carolyn Mulford, 290 pages, fiction, Cave Hollow Press, $14.95 Missouri native Carolyn Mulford has readers intrigued with her latest murder mystery. The fifth book in the Show Me detective series takes place in snowy, northern Missouri. The thirty-four-chapter book follows the investigation of a congressman’s mysterious death. Former CIA agent Phoenix Smith is on the case with help from Achilles; her faithful canine companion. Show Me the Sinister Snowman takes readers on an adventure to discover the real truth behind the congressman’s death and the unusual circumstances around it.

Annie Amantea Blum, 128 pages, nonfiction, Arcadia Publishing, $21.99 The Admiral cruised the Mississippi River out of St. Louis for thirty-eight summers.

The Steamer Admiral is filled with historical photographs of each stage in building the Admiral as well as what each deck looked like. Each photograph shows details of the steamship and explains its history. Throughout this book’s 128 pages, readers will learn about various ships and steamers that once cruised the mighty Mississippi.

Ruth Law: The Queen of the Air

Discovering Public Parks in St. Louis, Missouri

Billie Holladay Skelley, 50 pages, nonfiction, Goldminds Publishing, $12.99 The second book in Billie Skelley’s series is geared toward young readers. Ruth Law: The Queen of the Air tells the true story of Ruth Law, who was an aviator in the early twentieth century. Ruth Law set several aviation records and became an inspiration to young girls across the country. At the end of the book, a vocabulary list assists young readers in understanding various words they may find difficult.

Nancy Ellen Carver, 146 pages, nonfiction, selfpublished $10 This resource guide is great for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy parks. The first part contains tables and charts that focus on the amenities of countless national, state, city, county, and neighborhood parks across the St. Louis area. The other three sections provide a detailed history of the park system, items of interest, and park statistics.

Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees

Missouri Total Eclipse Guide

Charlotte Adelman and Bernard L. Schwartz, 430 pages, nonfiction, Ohio University Press Native plants can be hardier and easier to maintain, making this illustrated guide a valuable resource for Missouri gardeners. In their companion volume to The Midwestern Native Garden, the authors provide a season-by-season selection of woody alternatives to nonnative trees and shrubs used for shade and ornamental purposes. Gardeners can find native shrubs and trees to fit all garden styles and provide a wide variety of blooming and fall colors.

Aaron Linsdau, 70 pages, nonfiction, Sastrugi Press, $9.95 Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are likely aware of the total solar eclipse happening on August 21. Missouri Life has been running a series on this momentous occasion, but you may want to get a copy of the Missouri Total Eclipse Guide as a resource and souvenir. This guide will give you everything you need to know about viewing and photographing the rare eclipse. Order a copy at Shop.MissouriLife.com/books. For more details on where and when you can view the great event, visit MissouriLife.com/life/missouri-solar-eclipse.

[20] MissouriLife

ML0617-Books.indd 20

5/5/17 10:28 AM

[21] June 2017

021 ML0617.indd 35374 2017 21 June Missouri Life Ad.indd 1

4/28/17 9:395/5/17 AM 9:39 AM

MISSOURI

Silver Streak Branson ► THEY SAY the family that plays together stays together. For the past quarter century, the Haygoods have been living that adage while delighting thousands in Branson.

Migrating to Missouri from Texas in 1993, the musical family found a home in Silver Dollar City. The eight Haygood siblings—Timothy, Patrick, Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Matthew, Catherine, and Aaron—grew up in the theme park, performing six shows a day, six days a week as The Haygood Family Fiddlers while balancing school work and instrument lessons. In six thousand shows over an eight-year run, the Haygoods became the most successful and highest-rated show in Silver Dollar City history. They moved their show to the 76 Strip in 2001.

They starred in an RFD-TV series there and released their first CD, Leaving It All Behind. Now ensconced in the Clay Cooper Theatre (minus brothers Aaron and Shawn), the Haygoods continue to set records for sold-out shows.

The Haygoods are celebrating their twenty-fifth year in Branson with a brand-new show this season. For details, visit them at TheHaygoods.com.

RIP, Chuck St. Louis

ROCK-AND-ROLL PIONEER Chuck Berry may be gone, but the native St. Louisan’s legacy will further cement his legendary status when Dualtone Records releases his final studio album this month. Simply titled Chuck, the album is Chuck Berry’s first since 1979. The ten-track collection of new compositions includes eight songs written by the hall of famer, with some tunes going back to work done in his home studio in the 1980s.

Recorded with his regular back-

Honky Tonk High Jinks Fulton

Chuck also features appearances

FULTON DANCE HALL 54 Country is getting some love on the country video channels

Gary Clark Jr., and his son Charles

with the recent release of James Robert Webb’s video for his new single “Six Strings and

Berry Jr.

by Tom Morello, Nathan Rateliff,

the Truth.” The video, off the Oklahoma singer-songwriter’s Honky Tonk Revival album,

Berry family love is on display in

was shot on the stage at 54 Country by Nashville’s Mankind Films. Webb wrote and co-

this final album, which Chuck dedi-

produced the song with Fulton native Daniel Kleindienst, who with his wife Camilla owns

cated to Themetta Berry, his wife

Banner Music in Nashville. James joined Banner as a business partner in 2014. The song

of sixty-eight years. The track “Wonderful Woman” features Thelmetta’s songwriting and

celebrates the down-home wisdom of those who stay true to their convictions, regard-

his children’s accompaniment; the ballad “Darlin’ ”is a love song for his daughter Ingrid.

less of what’s popular, James says. The filming choice was a natural for Daniel, whose

Chuck Berry died March 18 at his home near Wentzville. He was ninety years old. Over

nephew Kirt Kleindienst owns 54 Country. The video debuted on The

a career that spanned sixty-two years, he recorded such classic hits as “Maybelline,” “Roll

Boot and is now showing on CMT and social media channels. When he’s

Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Carol,” and “Johnny B. Goode.” He received a

not writing songs and singing, forty-three-year-old James is a practicing

lifetime achievement Grammy Award in 1985 and was one of the first inductees into the

physician in Tulsa, where he treats patients for pain management.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

COURTESY THE HAYGOODS, JAMES ROBERT WEBB, AND DUALTONE

ing band, The Blueberry Hill Band,

[22] MissouriLife

ML0617-Music.indd 22

5/3/17 3:27 PM

State parks, cute little shops, microbreweries, underground art galleries and award-winning dining, all within walking distance. Or at least a short bike ride away. Columbia offers everything you need for a quick getaway. And you don’t have to take out a small loan to get here. visitcolumbiamo.com

023 ML0617.indd 23

[23] June 2017

5/4/17 2:03 PM

MISSOURI

TELL ME A STORY Carthage artist Andy Thomas funnels his creativity into “painting realism.” BY DAN R. MANNING

Above: A band of bloodthirsty Civil War bushwhackers explodes out of the Missouri landscape in Guerrillas. Right: A small boy singing a patriotic song a capella commands silence and attention at Mapleton Picnic, 1942. Bottom left: Look closely at everyone’s faces in Draw Poker. You can almost tell what each is thinking. Bottom right: Andy has become nationally known for his Civil War paintings; these behind him in his studio in Carthage depict Tennessee action and battles.

It wasn’t long before the avocation became a vocation. Andy and his wife, Dina, agreed he would resign his steady job to allow time for painting. Dina became his business partner, managing the coordination of shows, auctions, and museum exhibitions. She also handles sales, and protects her artist husband from interruptions while he works.

The enterprise posed a struggle to create art before selling it at shows, Andy says. Nonetheless, his new career blossomed until 1996 when he injured both hands in an explosion at his studio. “I was using an old pressure cooker to make a pressurized casting of a small sculpture,” he recalls. “The lid blew off. Two or three broken bones, but both hands were in splints for about eight weeks.”

The crippling accident did little to deter his perseverance at the easel.

Because his right hand had suffered the worst damage, Andy completed several large works—including the richly detailed Custer at Little Big Horn—by applying paint with brushes held in his left hand.

Now fully recovered, Andy continues to build a reputation for fine art. His works have been lauded for their historical accuracy. Many of his large pieces have been commissioned for national parks, museums, and private collections. His new works always bring high prices at an-

COURTESY ANDY THOMAS

ANDY THOMAS has lived in modern-day Carthage nearly all his life, but the fifty-nine-year-old painter’s artwork resides in a different era. Fed by twin passions for art and history, his oil paintings and murals re-create a world of high drama and upheaval in a bygone time.

Andy likes his paintings to tell a story, and they do. The paintings are so lifelike, observers can get lost in the scene. They’ll almost feel the earth shake beneath cannon fire, hear pounding horse hoofs and caisson wheels, smell the spent gunpowder, see anxious cavalry soldiers advancing on horseback to join determined artillerymen leaping over split-rail fences to charge into the hand-to-hand struggle at the pitch of battle that ends with cries for help from the wounded. The campfire smoke drifting in the air in his paintings seems a futile attempt to hide the wretched loss of life and limb.

The story must be real. “I always remember why I do paintings or drawings when I see great work I admire and my stomach swirls,” he declares in his statement of purpose. “I suppose my desire to create is funneled into the area I most admire—painting realism.” Inspiration comes from American masters such as C.M. Russell, Richard Schmid, Frederic Remington, Norman Rockwell, Charles Dana Gibson, Bob Tommey, and Howard Pyle.

His dramatic depictions of Civil War battle scenes re-create the relatively undocumented Trans-Mississippi Theater of local lore. Andy’s 1993 mural of the Battle of Carthage—an event that took place on July 5, 1861—can be seen in a museum at the old fire station on his hometown’s square. Another historically accurate painting, commissioned by a private collector in 1999, portrays a shootout between James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok and Dave Tutt that took place in 1865 in Springfield.

Andy has been drawing since he was three years old, but art hasn’t always been his vocation. A babysitter, his parents, and high school art teacher Howard South encouraged his talents. At Missouri Southern State College, he took instruction in industrial art from well-known professor Darral Dishman, but his calling seemed to lean toward the business world. After graduating magna cum laude with a marketing management degree in 1981, Andy worked three months as an illustrator for Kansas sports artist Ted Watts. A job offer in the marketing services department at Leggett & Platt led to a sixteen-year stint at the Fortune 500 corporation. His talents pushed him up the corporate ladder to staff vice president. The demanding job left little time or energy for other pursuits, he says, but he could not ignore the need to create.

Andy began painting after work to relax.

[24] MissouriLife

ML0617-Artist.indd 24

5/3/17 3:16 PM

RON McGINNIS, COURTESY ANDY THOMAS

nual auctions such as the Russell Auction in Great Falls, Montana, and March in Montana, another Great Falls show and sale. In 2008, Andy’s painting Charlie Russell and His Characters brought $180,000, the highest sale price for work by a living artist in the C. M. Russell Auction.

While his paintings range widely in values, a couple of recent auction prices exceeded $200,000.

Andy feels compelled to paint. Conjuring images from his Western series, he jokes, “It’s like I’m on a bucking horse and can’t get off!”

View the artwork of Andy Thomas online at AndyThomas.com.

[25] June 2017

ML0617-Artist.indd 25

5/5/17 11:28 AM

THE MISSOURI

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, 2017

What to Expect During the Eclipse

BY LORI A. ADDINGTON

First Time in 148 Years For the first time in 148 years, Missouri will be in the path of a total solar eclipse, beginning between about 11:30 AM and noon, depending on location. Visit MissouriLife.com to see the wide path from which to view it.

Sep tem ber 23, 209 0

Ap

Se pte mb er

23, 207 1

rch Ma

8 07 ,2 11 y Ma052 ,2 30

ahead of time so as to not miss a minute of the event; the glasses will be in big demand.

The total eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience darkness in the daytime here in Missouri.

NOTLEY HAWKINS AND GREATAMRERICANECLIPSE.COM

Se p tem ber 14, 209 ust 21, 2 9 017 Aug ust 12, 2 045

Aug

ril 8, 20 24 M ay 1, 2 0 7 9

st 1

Au

1,

gu Au

23, 2044

y1 Ma

2033 30, rch Ma 97 20

,2 00 8

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSES OVER NORTH AMERICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY

st

is blocking the entire sun, will only last a few minutes. It will take more than an hour again for the moon to completely uncover the sun. It will get dark during the totality of the eclipse, as dark as a moonlit night. Birds and other animals will become quiet due to the darkness. It will also become cooler as the moon covers the sun.”

From Cape Girardeau to St. Joseph, Missourians have a wide path from which to view the eclipse. There are many cities and towns hosting viewing events and celebrations to mark the occasion. “Look at a map of the center line of the eclipse and plan to be at a location as close to the center line as possible.

Within ten miles would also give a very good view of the totality of the eclipse,” Kendal says.

Make sure you get a special pair of eclipseviewing glasses. Everyday sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes. Most events will be providing the special glasses, but check

gu

IN AUGUST, we have the opportunity to experience a rare total solar eclipse. Mark your calendars for Monday, August 21.

“A total solar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the moon falls on the surface of the earth and the moon, and as viewed from earth is large enough during the eclipse to cover the entire sun. This allows us to look directly at the eclipsed sun during the few minutes of the totality of the solar eclipse event,” says Kendal Clark, assistant professor of physics at Central Methodist University.

The eclipse will take place mid-morning and continue through the early afternoon.

Although the event itself will last for a few hours, any given location will experience anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes of total darkness. “It will take over an hour for the moon to slowly move directly in front of the sun and start the total eclipse event,” Kendal says. “Totality, where the moon

[26] MissouriLife

ML0617-Eclipse.indd 26

5/5/17 12:17 PM

Solar Eclipse City Event Guide The Great American Eclipse is just weeks away. In

August 18. There will be an art exhibit, live music, and

Missouri wine stroll and Pre-Eclipse Party, Saturday,

preparation for this historic event, many cities across

a hot air balloon glow. VisitFulton.com/event/light-

August 19. Moberly.com or MoberlyChamber.com

Missouri will be hosting weekend-long or single-day

shadow-2017-total-solar-eclipse-events

celebrations. Several cities are still planning events,

PERRYVILLE > Perryville Solarfest has four days of

so be sure to check with any towns you’re interested

HERCULANEUM > The Total Solar Eclipse Weekend

festivals and events starting on Friday, August 18.

in visiting for the eclipse.

begins on Saturday, April 19. The viewing party will

On Saturday, there will be a mobile planetarium and

occur at the High School Athletic Field on Monday,

a Solar Chalk Festival. Other events include vendors,

BOONVILLE > The Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport

August 21. There will be a parade, a 5K/1M Fun Run/

a carnival, concerts, Mudfest, SolarGlow 5K Run and

and Kemper Park are the official designated viewing

Walk, music, vendors, a movie in the park, children’s

Walk, and stargazing. Several viewing sites will be

areas. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a block

activities, and a time capsule and monument

ready. PerryvilleMo.com/SolarEclipse2017

party with music, food, and games on Sunday,

presentation. HerculaneumSolarEclipse2017.com

August 20, at the Depot District. Monday, August

ST. CHARLES COUNTY > Klondike, Broemmelsiek, and

21, there will be a golf tournament and barbecue.

HERMANN > Three days of activities start on Saturday,

Quail Ridge Parks will each be hosting a Total Eclipse

BoonvilleMoChamber.com

August 19. The 3rd Annual Hermann Wine & Jazz

in the Park event. Each park is limited to one thousand

Festival kicks off the weekend. VisitHermann.com/2017-

guests, and you may reserve tickets online. Those who

solar-eclipse

attend will receive a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses.

CALIFORNIA > A Great American Eclipse event takes place on Monday, August 21, at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds. CalMo.com

SCCMo.org/1759/Total-Eclipse-in-the-Park JEFFERSON CITY > The Capital City will host both free and ticketed events including a giant drum

ST. CLAIR > Get Your Eclipse on Route 66 is a four-day

CAPE GIRARDEAU > Total Solar Eclipse takes place

circle, a Pink Floyd tribute band, and a lecture by an

celebration starting Friday, August 18. There will be

on Monday, August 21. The free viewing takes

astronaut. There will be multiple viewing locations

a parade, Movies in the Park, Glow Light Scavenger

place at the Cape Sportsplex, which opens at 11

throughout Jefferson City. Events start on Saturday,

Hunt, and a Route 66 Car Show. Eclipse viewing areas

am. The first two hundred attendees will get a free

August 19. CapitalEclipse.org

will be set up across the city. StClairEclipse.com

KIRKSVILLE > Extend the Edge Weekend starts on

ST. JOSEPH > St. Joseph will host a weekend full of

commemorative T-shirt, and the first thousand will receive a pair of eclipse glasses. 573-335-1631

Friday, August 18. Some of the activities planned are

events beginning on Friday, August 18. There will be

COLUMBIA > Show Me Totality CoMo will be hosting

in conjunction with Truman State University’s Physics

six different viewing areas. St. Jo also has T-shirts,

events on Monday, August 21. Two official viewing

Department. Other events include a concert, car

posters, and special eclipse-viewing glasses for sale.

events will take place at Cosmo Park and Gans

show, and boat rides. VisitKirksville.com/extend-the-

StJoMoEclipse.com

Creek Recreation Area. Other events include a golf

edge-weekend-activities

tournament and Foodstock. CoMoEclipse.com

SULLIVAN > The city of Sullivan is planning a watch LATHROP > Lathrop will host a four-day celebration

party at the local fairgrounds on Monday, August 21.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS > This Solar Eclipse Festival will

beginning on Friday, August 18. Events include Mule

Sullivan.Mo.Us/Eclipse/index.php

be a four-day event with a barbecue festival on Friday,

Days, chuck wagon hoedown, horseshoe tournament,

August 18, at 4 pm. There will be airplane rides, live

and vendors. RV parking and campsites are available.

UNION > A public viewing event will take place at

music, kid-friendly activities, and a presentation by the

LathropEclipse.com

the Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, August 21.

vice president of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. VisitExcelsior.com/SolarFest

Ci.Union.Mo.Us LEXINGTON > The Day of the Dark event will take place on Monday, August 21. Before or after the

WARRENSBURG > There will be two different viewing

FAYETTE > The Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

eclipse, visitors can discover this historical town,

locations for the eclipse on August 21. Knob Noster

Departments at Central Methodist University will

which is home to several wineries, orchards, small

State Park in Knob Noster and Twister Sports on state

host an event on Monday, August 21, at the Morrison

shops, and eateries. DayOfTheDark.com

Route 13. VisitWarrensburg.com/total-eclipse-2017

MARSHALL > Moonstruck in Marshall will include

WASHINGTON > The city of Washington will hold

Shopping Under the Sun, Nite & Day 5K, and Cosmic

events starting Saturday, August 19. There will be

Concert. MarshallMoSolarEclipse.com

a mobile planetarium at the library, a movie, mini

Observatory, which will be open for tours and viewing of the eclipse. CentralMethodist.edu FESTUS > Presentations and an eclipse countdown will take place at West City Park. FestusEclipse.com FULTON > Light & Shadow will begin on Friday,

museum with educational areas, live music, and a MOBERLY > Moberly will host a Moberly Eclipse Party,

viewing of the eclipse at the fairgrounds. Admission

a full weekend of special events including a Taste of

is free. VisitWashMo.com/eclipse

[27] June 2017

ML0617-Eclipse.indd 27

5/4/17 7:16 PM

THE MISSOURI TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY

CAPITAL EOLIPSE 2 mins 29 secs of totality on the banks of the Missouri River

8.21.17

DAY

3

August 19 - 21 - Astronomy & Education Series - Live Entertainment - Eclipse Village & Skywatching

CELEBRATION W W W. C A P I TA L E C L I P S E . O R G

Enjoy Viewing in Leasburg and Bourbon Observe from Onondaga Cave State Park Gaze from Belmont Vineyards and Winery Behold from Blue Springs Ranch Go to VisitCubaMo.com for more information. cubavisitors@gmail.com (573) 885-2531

Reserve your spot today for the event of a lifetime.

[28] MissouriLife

028 ML0617.indd 28

5/3/17 2:03 PM

THE MISSOURI TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, 2017

Celebrate on the Center Line!

Ste. Genevieve is on the line of maximum totality.

Two-day Eclipse Festival Music Festival and Beer Garden in the heart of historic downtown Ste. Genevieve.

Sunday, August 20, noon-9PM

Eclipse Viewing Party at the Ste. Genevieve community center. Food trucks, science activities, art displays, and fun for all ages.

Monday, August 21, 10AM-3PM Ride the Solar Express parking shuttle Reserve your premiere viewing space and parking online.

Advanced registration required, spaces are limited.

www.VisitSteGen.com

Facebook.com/stegen2017eclipse | 800.373.7007

Total Eclipse of the Trail

Monday, August 21

Eclipse Horseback Trail Ride

begins at 10 am on the KATY Trail Trail’s End Landmark Eclipse

Activities

10 am to 1:30 pm • Cow Patty Bingo • Cow Chip Toss Championship • Guided Tours of the Landmark • Food & Beverages • Souvenirs

For more information, contact the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau

660-827-5295

Eclipse occurs at 1:11 pm

or visit www.visitSedaliaMO.com [29] June 2017

029 ML0617.indd 29

5/4/17 7:14 PM

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Escape the summer throngs when you dip your oars into these peaceful Ozark streams.

BY CAROLYN TOMLIN HE DAY DAWNED MILD AND SUNNY

on the Gasconade River in southwest Missouri. As veteran floaters of this waterway, we anticipated a quiet, peaceful trip. And that’s just what we got. Using a large four-seater Osage canoe made in Lebanon, our group put in at Austin Ford on Wright County’s Route E for this short trip, and took out at Buzzard’s Bluff. Handling our own transportation, we tied the canoe to the top of a farm truck. With two vehicles— one to leave at the pickup point and the other to transport the floaters and canoe—we set off for a day on the river.

Packing simple provisions of Spam, saltines, plastic bottles of frozen water, and a few other items, we feasted on a gravel bar with a repast that tasted more like a five-course luncheon than a meal from a can. The bottled water soon warmed—but it was still wet!

Life on the river carries its own unique lessons. Here, the senses are on overload in this peaceful environment. There were times when the only sound was of the paddles dipping and lifting in the current. Once, we froze in silence as an otter and her young cavorted among the tree roots on the nearby bank. Yet these playful little imps showed no fear of us. One of the wiser Missourians in our canoe surmised, “It was because nothing in the water had ever done them harm.”

Fat cicadas drowned out our voices with their rhythmic siren song.

Noisy crows called from tree to tree. An eagle circled overhead as if leading us to the next tributary. Along the banks, bubbling waterfalls poured from steep limestone bluffs. Maidenhair ferns flourished in moist crevices. Giant sycamores interlaced their branches joining opposite banks.

All the while, sunlight danced on the blue water like beams from a hidden light.

A canoe float on a peaceful, uncrowded Missouri river holds its own delights. Especially if you’ve never done one before, add a canoe and float trip to your bucket list of things to do this summer. There are dozens of rivers in the Show-Me State where canoes are the accepted mode of travel. Here are five Ozark waterways that not only serve as rites of passage for any aspiring canoer, but also promise a quiet respite from the weekday world of harried humanity.

COURTESY MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISIM

T

[30] MissouriLife

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 30

5/4/17 4:50 PM

Beat the Crowds!

Plan your float trip for a weekday and avoid the weekend hordes.

Part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Current River is known as one of the best float streams in the Midwest. Numerous springs are nearby.

Current River As part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Current River and its wild tributary, the Jacks Fork, have been protected by an act of Congress since 1964. The Current flows primarily through Shannon County, but extends into Carter, Dent, and Texas Counties as well; the nearest towns are Van Buren and Eminence. Promoted as one of the Midwest’s “best float streams,” the Current River is supported by some of the nation’s largest limestone springs.

Other than the clear water and spectacular landscape, the park includes many caves, including Round Spring Caverns, with a ranger-led tour. Don’t overlook the nearby historic sites, including Alley Spring, Round Spring, and Big Spring. Many water enthusiasts consider the Current River as one of the best canoe trips in the area.

[31] June 2017

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 31

5/4/17 4:50 PM

Plenty of stretches of the Big Piney River are flanked by limestone, providing ample opportunity for picturesque photos.

Big Piney River One of the largest tributaries of the Gasconade, the Big Piney is a top fishing stream as well as a canoeist’s dream. Picturesque limestone bluffs border the river in its upper and middle sections. Pine trees stand like centurion soldiers atop the cliffs.

Canoeing on the Big Piney, floaters pass by numerous mediumsized and beautiful springs. The river is floatable throughout the summer, as springs supply a constant source of water. Water levels change during especially dry years. As on all Missouri rivers, be alert for fallen trees and snags as high water levels often wash them from the bank. When this happens, pull the canoe to a gravel bar, carefully step out, remove any items and either drag the craft around the tree if possible, or lift the canoe over the tree. On the river, decisions must often be made quickly.

The last three miles of the lower river, below historic Route 66, is very ordinary—but worth the effort to continue on the Gasconade.

Near Lebanon in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, the Niangua River covers a ten-mile stretch most consider one of the most beautiful in the state. Canoeists on the Niangua River have an advantage of being near Bennett Spring State Park and one of the state Conservation Department’s trout hatcheries. You can add additional activities to your floating or fishing at the park’s headquarters. The best float sites are the upper sections of the Niangua and the section immediately below the park. Check on the water level before scheduling a trip. In periods of high water, Laclede County’s Route M would be good canoeing water.

North of Route 32, however, the river consists of gravel bars and low water, making it seldom floatable. Schedule your float trip during the workweek; the Niangua’s association with Bennett Spring State Park makes the area usually crowded on hot, summer weekends.

MATT FAUPEL

Niangua River

[32] MissouriLife

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 32

5/4/17 4:50 PM

The Niangua River is known for its put-inand-go type floats. Hot summer days often make this a popular float trip near Lebanon.

If three people are in the canoe, place the heaviest person in the center. Never sit on the cross bars.

If there is no crossseat, sit on the floor of the boat.

Whatever Floats Your Boat Follow these tips for a safe and pleasant experience in a rented canoe.

2 3 The back of the canoe is called the “stern.”

Steering takes place here.

Experienced paddlers take this position. For a two-person canoe, place the heaviest person (and ideally, more experienced) in the back.

COURTESY MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM

1 The front of the canoe is called the “bow.”

Place the lightest person (with less experience) in this position. The person in this position paddles straight ahead on whichever side is needed.

4 Paddle in tandem. The person in front starts paddling away from the bank and the one in back compensates for the steering. The key is good communication.

[33] June 2017

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 33

5/4/17 4:50 PM

“J” Stroke

2

Different Strokes for Different Folks Get where you’re going with these five basic strokes for paddling a canoe.

1

When paddling in tandem, the canoe may veer to the stern paddler’s off side.

To help change this situation, the “J” stroke corrects the problem and keeps the boat on a straight course.

Forward Stroke

This simple stroke moves the canoe forward. Using the torso, not the arms, hold the paddle vertical.

The grip hand (the hand at the top of the paddle) should be at eye level and over the water.

Gasconade River

NOTLEY HAWKINS

Measuring about 280 miles long, the Gasconade is the longest river completely within the boundary of Missouri. It’s also known as one of the world’s most crooked rivers. The Gasconade begins in the Ozarks near Hartville and winds through Wright, Laclede, Pulaski, Phelps, Maries, Osage, and Gasconade Counties in a north-northeasterly direction. Meandering through Mark Twain National Forest, it empties into the Missouri River west of Hermann.

The word Gasconade comes from the French word gascon, a term for the reportedly boastful people from the Gascony region of France. Early French settlers to the area applied this name to the American Indians of the region who were a boastful tribe. The waters of the Gasconade are often boisterous, too!

Limestone bluffs, natural springs, and caves surrounding the Gasconade make this one of the most beautiful Missouri rivers.

Unless you canoe on a weekend or holiday, expect to see few boaters.

[34] MissouriLife

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 34

5/4/17 4:50 PM

5 3 Stern Pry Stroke This action is the opposite of the forward stroke, used to turn the canoe or slow it down.

4 Draw Stroke The draw stroke moves the canoe sideways or changes direction. Do this by “reaching” outside the canoe and pulling the paddle toward the canoe.

Cross Draw Stroke The cross draw stroke is performed on the opposite side of the way you want to turn. To turn the canoe in the direction opposite of the side you’re paddling, use your torso and push the paddle away from the canoe.

To learn more about paddling a canoe, view YouTube videos. The videos demonstrate basic movements that you can quickly learn.

Find out more at Outdoors.org.

At 280 miles long, the Gasconade offers many places to put in or get out. The tranquil Ozark scenery makes this river a best-kept secret.

[35] June 2017

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 35

5/5/17 12:06 PM

MIKE McCARTHY

[36] MissouriLife

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 36

5/4/17 4:50 PM

North Fork River Southeast of Mountain Grove in Wright County, the North Fork River is 109 miles in length. Flowing southward, the river meanders through Douglas and Ozark Counties. If you float south to Tecumseh, the water flows into Norfork Lake, a reservoir created by Norfork Dam in Baxter County, Arkansas, and then joins the White River. As the main water run through Mark Twain National Forest, many streams flow into the North Fork. Dawt Mill, a renovated gristmill near the river, provides a natural setting for photography.

Before You Go

Before scheduling a canoe trip on a Missouri river, check the website MissouriCanoe.org for additional information. This site provides press releases, river maps, individual river information, outfitters, and YouTube videos.

Follow these rules on Missouri rivers: • Do not bring firewood into Missouri. Keep the emerald ash beetle from entering the state.

• Children are required to wear an approved lifejacket while in a boat. Adults must have a cushion floatation device for every person in the canoe.

• Do not litter. Take out what you bring in.

• No glass or Styrofoam containers.

• No firearms allowed on the rivers.

• Learn more at VisitMo.com/missouri-travel/ floating-tips-and-restrictions.

The North Fork River joins up with the White River in Arkansas and is fed by many tributaries.

[37] June 2017

ML0617-Canoeing.indd 37

5/4/17 4:50 PM

Drea CHASING THE

AMERICAN

ML0617-Hmong.indd 38

5/4/17 12:21 PM

ANY FARMERS’ MARKET

am

The Hmong of southwest Missouri walk a delicate balance, embracing modern success and cultural heritage. ////////////////////

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROSE HANSEN

ML0617-Hmong.indd 39

devotee knows to arrive early. Long before the opening bell, shoppers at the Webb City Farmers Market are clustered into tight lines for berries bright as gemstones and towering cartons of okra. The bounty always draws a diverse crowd in this southwest Missouri town: dreamy bohemians with sunflowers cradled in their arms, parents guiding children on leashes, married seniors walking hand-in-hand.

Nothing about the scene stands out— except that on most days, the market’s ethnic diversity represents more than a dozen countries. “I’ve heard people look around and say, ‘I could be anywhere in the world,’ ” says Market Manager Eileen Nichols. Webb City, population 10,000, seems an unlikely place for a Laotian to cross paths with a Mennonite.

And yet they do.

At the Webb City Farmers Market, roughly 40 percent of the produce vendors are Hmong. Their presence often raises eyebrows, followed by questions from curious shoppers: Who are all these Asians, and what are they doing in southwest Missouri?

While bagging bouquets of lettuce at the Neosho Farmers’ Market, Song Lee often answers questions that go something like, “Where are you from? No, where are you really from?” She finds it simplest to name a country of origin: Laos or Thailand. But that’s only the start of her story. Song is Hmong (pronounced mung), an ethnic Asian minority with a long record of persecution. Her people’s geographic history encompasses the shifting borders of China, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

Of those faraway places, Song knows little. She was born in a Thai refugee camp and arrived in the United States as a child. “I remember it like dreams,” she says. “Sometimes I taste things, and it reminds me of back when I was little.” Song grew up in Minnesota’s Twin Cities but, like many Hmong, her parents traded urban life for agricultural opportunities in 2005, migrating to southwest Missouri. They sought a better life with the move, investing emotionally as well as financially in the land. To the Hmong, owning a farm symbolizes a return to their roots.

“For the elders, this place here in the corner Mao Her shows rice she grew.

5/5/17 12:13 PM

of Missouri feels more like the country that was home,” says Wa Yang, founder of the Southwest Missouri Hmong Association.

“That’s why so many people, when they retired from factories, moved down here.” Today Wa and his wife, Angela, live on a 57-acre farm with ten chicken houses near Purdy. They were one of the first Hmong families to arrive in southwest Missouri in 2002. Fifteen years later, Wa estimates, there are roughly 150 families, totaling perhaps 800 Hmong, in the region. “They like the weather,” he says. “They can garden outside, raise chickens, some cattle or pigs, and they don’t feel too homesick.”

Wa and Angela came to the United States as teenagers in 1989. Like Song, they also lived in a Thai refugee camp. Their stories offer glimpses into the greater Hmong legacy. For thousands of years, Hmong farmers lived in isolated mountain villages in Southeast Asia.

As communism spread across the region, the Hmong saw it as a threat to their sovereignty.

During the Vietnam War, the CIA quietly recruited Hmong soldiers—estimates vary from

20,000 to 60,000—in a covert operation now known as the Secret War in Laos. In the dense and seemingly unnavigable jungles of the Laotian highlands, Hmong soldiers assisted American interests by engaging in intelligence gathering, guerilla warfare, and air strikes. The United States began withdrawing troops from Southeast Asia in 1973, and one year later, the Laotian government fell to communism. Hundreds of thousands of Hmong— now considered traitors to the new regime— fled to Thailand. After years in refugee camps, many finally gained asylum in the United States, where they started new lives in a place whose citizens had little to no knowledge of the Hmong contribution and sacrifice.

“I was a little confused when I went to high school and read history books and didn’t see nothing of Hmong culture,” says Tommy Her of Noel. “I’ve always heard stories from grandparents, uncles, cousins, telling about the war and their escape and the hardships they had to go through just to come to the United States.

But the majority doesn’t know about us and

From left: Fue Yang grows tomatoes using a suspended trellis system. Neng and Zoua Yang are among the Hmong who sell a wide variety of produce at the Webb City Farmers Market.

Xai Chang sells lemongrass, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and green beans at the Neosho Farmers Market.

how we got here.”

Most Hmong initially settled in urban areas of California, Minnesota, and North Carolina, where they quickly found manufacturing work. But first-generation immigrants, most of whom had been farmers in Laos, held tight to the dream of someday returning to agrarian life. When buzz spread about poultry opportunities in the early 2000s, the Hmong began moving to southwest Missouri.

Del Oney, owner of Oak Ridge Shavings in Lockwood, first became acquainted with the Hmong when he began supplying shavings to Hmong chicken houses. “They started coming into this area one by one and then, all of a sudden, within a year or so, they were knocking on people’s doors to buy chicken farms. Literally, you didn’t have to have a Realtor if you wanted to sell,” he says.

[40] MissouriLife

ML0617-Hmong.indd 40

5/4/17 12:22 PM

The purchases were not always wise ones.

Over the next few years, many Hmong poultry operations across the Ozarks failed. The overappraised, risky ventures, backed by loans from the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, brought little risk to lenders and allegations of fraud from critics.

But Addie Lesher, a now-retired real estate agent who worked with Hmong buyers in southwest Missouri, says she saw nothing sinister in that frenzied buying period. Addie, who has raised chickens and knows the challenges firsthand, notes that raising poultry is a hard life for most farmers, and not just the Hmong. “Did they know what they were doing? Yes and no,” she says. “But that’s just life.”

Many Hmong poultry farmers left the area after their operations collapsed. Those who remained either succeeded or found themselves supplementing poultry incomes by selling produce at nearby farmers’ markets.

“Because our chicken business was only enough to pay bills and not enough for recreation, the farmers’ market and my garden was

Hmong excelled in growing traditional Asian a way to save money for other things,” says produce such as bok choy and daikon radish, Mao Her of Noel. For more than a decade, they struggled with tomatoes and other vegMao grew and sold hundreds of pounds of toetables that might sell better. matoes, okra, squash, rice, flowers, and more “One farm we went to had 1,000 unstaked at half a dozen farmers’ markets. tomato plants, and they were watering them As the Hmong presence at these markets with lawn sprinklers. So grew, it became obvious they were losing 80 perthat they were skilled garThe Hmong were skilled cent of their crop right deners who could introgardeners who introduced duce diverse crops such diverse crops. They brought tons there on the ground,” Eileen says. Operating unas bitter melon and snake of what they liked to eat, but der the credo that when gourds. Hector Troyer of there wasn’t a market for that a farmer succeeds, the Stark City—also a seller yet. Sales suffered. market succeeds, Eileen at the Webb City Farmers secured a Project for Public Spaces grant from Market—says he appreciated learning about the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for the Webb Hmong crops.

City Farmers Market, earmarking a portion of But the exotic crops did not appeal to those the funds specifically for Hmong farmer eduwith less-adventurous palates, and Hmong cation, including the hiring of an interpreter. vendors suffered with low sales. “They The outreach worked. A year later, the Webb brought tons of what they like to eat, but there City Hmong vendors were reporting anywhere just wasn’t a market for that yet,” Hector says. from 200 to 800 percent increases in profits.

During routine site visits to farms for the “We continue to do training targeted at the Webb City Farmers Market, Eileen Nichols Hmong, but the programs are open to everynoticed a troubling pattern: Although the

[41] June 2017

ML0617-Hmong.indd 41

5/4/17 3:42 PM

cidental waste,” which meant that their marbody,” Eileen says. “We just always make sure ket sales suffered. Eileen asked Hector Troyer the Hmong know what is going on and provide to partner with Fue, and between his mentorfull translations. When one farmer becomes ship and added guidance from the Extension knowledgeable, they can help other farmers.

Service, things began to change for the better.

That’s how it works with any culture.”

Fue’s farm and the education center are loIn 2015, the Webb City Farmers Market cated outside of Rocky Comfort, amid southreceived a $60,000 grant to build a Winter west Missouri’s tumbling hills and rocky Production Education Center to host demcreeks. From the road, Fue’s white high tunonstrations in high tunnel construction, seed nels appear large yet unassuming. Inside, they starting, and more. The center is managed by house a portal to Eden. Neat rows of lettuce, Fue Yang, a horticulture student at Crowder kale, and spinach line the ground. A founCollege in Neosho and a second-generation tain of carrot tops stands alert nearby. There Hmong. The center is located on his family are beets and broccoli farm, where he lives with and cucumber. Plump eleven family members, Hmong culture is patriarchal, tomatoes hang from including his parents, which manifests in small ways, trellises arranged with Neng and Zoua, who such as banning haircuts for militant precision. Fue’s moved from Massachuyoung girls. Last year was the tomato crops always setts after retiring in first year women served on the failed until the intro2010. In their first garcommittee of their association. duction of a suspended den, Fue followed his trellis system, which enables better ventilation parent’s traditional but laborious methods, and light than a typical tomato cage. handpicking weeds instead of using mulch.

It has been a life-changing education for Fue “I wanted to know what it felt like to do and his family. “At first, my parents thought it things the way they did in Laos,” Fue says. was kind of weird,” he says. “They were like, “And it’s a lot of hard work.” It was also inef‘Just go plant stuff and grow it. What else ficient, and there was a lot of what he calls “ac-

do you need to learn about it?’ But there’s so much more that we don’t know about. I’m trying to do things more efficiently. I’m trying to bring modern to the farm.”

Despite modern agricultural practices, the Hmong preserve their culture. For most Hmong, clan structure, food, religious practices, and ceremonies surrounding births, weddings, and funerals are still very much alive. A popular event is Hmong New Year, typically celebrated at the end of a growing season to thank their ancestors for the harvest.

In southwest Missouri, the Hmong New Year celebration takes place in an auxiliary hall at the Crowder College campus in Cassville.

The event draws hundreds of Hmong dressed in the elaborately embroidered skirts, sashes, head coverings, and the silver jewelry of their ancestors. Celebration activities include dance performances, ceremonial games, and eating traditional dishes such as the meat salad laab and stir-fried vegetables. But modern western life creeps in. Everyone carries a smartphone and wears clothing made in factories rather than sewn by hand.

“We embrace change because it’s more comfortable,” says Shelly Yang, the youth leader of

[42] MissouriLife

ML0617-Hmong.indd 42

5/4/17 12:22 PM

From left: Teenagers perform at a Hmong New Year celebration after harvest. Traditional silver jewelry and clothing help Hmong women honor their heritage and preserve their culture, yet most Hmong want their children to assimilate. Smartphones are as pervasive here as anywhere.

the Southwest Missouri Hmong Association.

Last year was the first year women were permitted to serve on the committee of the Southwest Missouri Hmong Association, which means a lot to women like Shelly. Traditional Hmong culture is patriarchal. Sometimes it manifests in small ways—such as banning haircuts for young girls because the culture equates hair length with a family’s good fortune—and other times it’s more complicated.

“My mom says, ‘No matter what, the man is always right,’ but I don’t think like that,” says Song, although she isn’t sure her untraditional opinion means she has become Americanized.

“Does it sound like that?” she asks. “I just don’t know what American means anymore.”

Language helps define what it means to be an American. Song speaks both fluent English and fluent Hmong. “It traces you back to your ancestors, and you don’t ever want to lose that,” she says. “I never saw my grandpa because he stepped on a mine and died, but

it always makes me wonder what he looked like, or how my grandma looked, and what their moms and dads were like.” Though she’ll never know those answers, it comforts her to know she still shares a common language with long-gone family members.

Many Hmong share the desire to preserve their language. “I want our language to stay alive because I want people to know that we are Hmong. God created us this way, and I don’t want to lose that,” Mao says. She came to the United States in 1980, after losing her brother in the war. “I want us to keep speaking Hmong, but I don’t really care if we lose the culture. I want my kids to continue their education and speak English fluently. I want them and my grandkids to live here like any other American would. I gave my life working and giving all the energy I have to make sure that my kids can live life and the American dream: have good jobs, an education, and build a future.”

Language matters less to other families.

Nandy and Seng Yang of Granby live on a picturesque farm with cows in the pasture, chickens underfoot, an enormous garden, and a yellow farmhouse at the end of a tree-

lined lane. Seng is a first-generation Hmong who sells produce in Neosho and Springfield.

Nandy, who was born in Massachusetts, teaches fifth grade. Their six children are a chorus of fun-loving farm kids whose priorities and chores mirror any other family—fold laundry, finish homework, and so on. They’re learning to drive. They like fast food. And when Nandy and Seng speak to their children in Hmong, the kids understand the language, but choose to respond in English.

“Right now, my children cannot talk Hmong,” says Seng. “I speak to them in Hmong but they speak back in English. It matters a lot to other people, but not to me. I don’t care because they need to work at being American. The more they learn and have good grades, that’s the best.”

Over and over, first-generation Hmong parents emphasize the importance of education and economic mobility for their children. Assimilation is simply part of the package.

“Every family is different, but I want my kids to have a better life,” says Wa Yang. “They will have better than us, and I have had better than my parents. We are Hmong American, but my children will be American Hmong.”

[43] June 2017

ML0617-Hmong.indd 43

5/4/17 12:22 PM

Bourbon,

Brews,

BBQ & Blues Sate your cravings with a summer sojourn through these quintessential Show-Me State stops.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX

BY DANIELLE BRESHEARS

[44] MissouriLife

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 44

5/5/17 2:00 PM

A visit to Public House Brewing Company (also at left) gives you a chance to see the brewing process firsthand, plus tasting notes and pairing recommendations from the brewers themselves.

Summer in Missouri … time for a road trip!

The Show-Me State offers an abundance of local haunts—from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to loud, crowded festivals—where you can indulge your hankerings for exquisite bourbon, brews, barbecue, and blues. Call it the Four B’s Tour: a dozen of our favorite stops to treat your COURTESY PUBLIC HOUSE BREWING COMPANY

taste buds and your soul. Start the car …

ship location is just blocks from the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus in Rolla; a St. James location offers a taphouse/ tasting room and a hangout called The Garden.

From the outset, the two couples’ goal was simple. “Rolla needs fresh craft beer, and we’re the guys for the job,” Josh Goodridge urged his friend. It wasn’t a difficult sell job—Josh Stacy’s father, Steve, was an award-winning home brewer, and the son was passionate about keeping the talent in the family flowing strong.

The quiet local haunt uses new recipes and ingredients regularly and offers tours. The brewery won the Gold Medal in 2015 at the Best of Craft Beer Awards competition, only furthering its burgeoning reputation. Of course, one of the most important things to this brewery is vicinity; all the ingredients—and barrels—are locally sourced.

600 North Rolla Street • 573-426-2337 • PublicHouseBrewery.com

Sweet and Smooth …

A Friend, a Pint, a Session …

PUBLIC HOUSE BREWING COMPANY > Rolla When Josh and Beth Stacy decided with longtime friends Josh and Trish Goodridge to open a brewpub in 2010, they instantly made history for themselves and the city of Rolla. Serving as Rolla’s first brewpub, Public House Brewing Company in turn serves as one of the most popular spots to grab a drink downtown. The brewpub’s flag-

MISSOURI SPIRITS > Springfield The true essence of the Ozarks is captured on this leg of your Bourbon, Brews, BBQ & Blues journey. Missouri Spirits is the first and only spirit house in Springfield. Midwest-grown ingredients and Missouri-manufactured barrels keep the spirits regional, an important aspect to this young southern Missouri business. The owners of Missouri Spirits believe the turbulent, exciting history of gunfights, “whiskey payouts,” and Ozark independence should be remembered

[45] June 2017

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 45

5/5/17 2:00 PM

properly, something they strive to do at their distillery.

Try the Bourbon Whiskey for a true taste of the Ozarks, a smooth spirit with hints of vanilla, oak, caramel, and spices. The corn, rye, and malted barley are all Midwestern crops and the oak casks used for two years in the aging process come from Lebanon. Of course, if you really want essentially Ozark spirits you should try the Missouri Spirits Corn Whiskey. “Sweet and smooth” is in the tasting notes for this traditional drink better known as “moonshine.”

507 West Walnut Street • 417-501-4674 • MissouriSpirits.com

Southern Foods & BBQ …

RED HOT & BLUE > Joplin This Joplin barbecue hotspot is actually an East Coast and Midwest chain restaurant, but it is so intrinsically southern Missouri blues and barbecue we can’t leave it out.

“We not only do barbecue, but are the only Red Hot & Blue that has an extensive Southern foods menu,” says Mitch Allen, who has owned the eatery for the past twenty years.

Inside the Memphis-style blues-themed joint, you will find some of the finest blues memorabilia—what is left of it after the 2011 Joplin tornado—and some of the tastiest slow-smoked pork, chicken, and ribs.

The beef brisket is tender and the chicken wings are tangy and sweet, all served with the much-raved-about Red Hot & Blue signature sauce.

“Next to the barbecue, we are known for our catfish, red beans and rice, jambalaya, and sweet corn bread,” Mitch says. Try the smoked rib platter or the Jack & Coke pulled pork, or maybe go Southern traditional with “chicken-fried chicken.” Red Hot and Blue offers a take-out or catering option, allowing big group events or families the chance to sample it all. Once you visit this Joplin joint, you will understand why it was named one of the top barbecue chains by The Daily Meal website.

2601 Rangeline Road • 417-782-7427 • RedHotAndBlue.com/joplin

Crafting A Love of Beer …

GRAINS & TAPS > Lee’s Summit If you are a home brewer or a craft beer connoisseur and you happen to be in Lee’s Summit, you have to stop at Grains & Taps, a Kansas City-area staple with taproom and equipment store all in one.

COURTESY MISSOURI SPIRITS, RED HOT & BLUE BBQ, AND GRAINS & TAPS

Far Left: Missouri Spirits is known for its whiskeys, but the distillery also makes a smooth vodka.

Left: Red Hot and Blue serves up heaping plates of barbecue and Southern fare.

[46] MissouriLife

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 46

5/5/17 2:00 PM

Grains & Taps is a one-stop destination for any craft beer lover. It offers brewing supplies and keeps the taps pouring the best beers from around the state.

COURTESY WABASH BBQ

Grains & Taps opened in historic downtown Lee’s Summit in June 2013, and quickly became a beer hotspot. “We saw a market in this area that was unfilled,” says owner Brian Bixby. “There was an existing, thriving community of homebrewers and craft-beer enthusiasts, but no business focused on their needs.”

At Grains & Taps, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying draft and craft beer, as well as an extensive collection of brewing supplies for professionals and beginners alike. Brewers can find equipment kits, bottles, burners, kettles, stirrers, strainers, testers, and wort chillers, as well as everything needed for fermenting and cleaning.

Some of the more popular on-tap beers include the Weizenbock from Kansas City Bier Company, American Kolsch from Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, and Orange Gose (sour ale) from Crane Brewing Company in Raytown. Sour ales are always fun for the staff, Brian says. “Watching customers try any locally produced sour ale is pretty exciting.” The looks on their faces, he says, whether puckered or pleasant, are anything but boring.

The taproom hosts an annual Blarney Brew Off contest around St. Patrick’s Day, showcasing more than 100 different home-brewed beers.

10 Southwest Third Street • 816-866-5827 • GrainsAndTaps.com

Whistle-Stop BBQ & Blues …

WABASH BBQ > Excelsior Springs Authenticity is what you will find at Wabash BBQ, an Excelsior Springs gem that locals can’t get enough of. Located in the historic

Levi Garrison draws locals and travelers alike with eleven house-made beers and “burgers, fries, and shakes the way God intended,” or so says the motto of one supplier, J’s Burger Dive.

Wabash Railroad depot across from The Elms Hotel, this local barbecue joint boasts some of the area’s best smoked meats and award-winning ribs, offerings that have earned the owners the Entrepreneur All Star award from the Kauffman Foundation. Owners Cheri McCullough and Mitch Dickey have enjoyed a sixteen-year run with their delicious whistle-

[47] June 2017

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 47

5/5/17 2:00 PM

For those who believe that smoked meat and craft beer ought to be paired with live music, Wabash BBQ’s Blues Garden has live music during summer evenings and weekends.

Formerly Known as Ninja Moose …

LEVI GARRISON & SONS BREWING CO. > Hamilton This small-town microbrewery, previously called the Ninja Moose Brewery, is a taproom, brewery, and burger and barbecue joint all in one. Different name, same great place. The taproom offers eleven house-made beers, each holding a flavor profile you’ll have to try yourself to fully appreciate.

With capacity for up to thirty guests in the taproom, the proprietors bring in food from two local restaurants—Hank & Tanks BBQ and J’s Burger Dive. Hank & Tanks provides award-winning pulled pork, turkey, brisket, pork loin, and slabs of ribs in season, March through midNovember. J’s Burger Dive is best described with its own motto: “Burg-

ers, fries, and shakes the way God intended.”

Serving lunch and dinner, Levi Garrison & Sons is busy throughout the day, attracting loyal regulars as well as curious beer connoisseurs from across the state. Brews, burgers, and authentic Missouri barbecue—what could be better?

105 West Bird Street • 816-668-9421 • LGSBrewingCo.com

Getting Back to Your Roots …

ROOTS N BLUES N BBQ FESTIVAL > Columbia What started out as a birthday bash for a bank has mushroomed into a must-see music festival that American Blues Scene magazine calls “a blues force to be reckoned with.” Now in its tenth year, the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia’s Stephens Lake Park is a seriously coveted stop for roots, blues, gospel, country, folk, bluegrass, rock, and soul groups. This year’s lineup includes Emmylou Harris, John Prine, The Steeldrivers, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Booker T’s Stax Revue, Ryan Adams, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., The Mavericks, Old 97’s, Margo Price, Pokey LaFarge, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Suffers, and the Music Maker Blues Revue.

Not only is the lineup outstanding year after year, but so is the barbecue! Vendors line up along the sides of the park, and the taste alone is worth the trip to the festival. Vendors include Big Daddy’s BBQ, Smokin’ Chick’s, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. “We have over twenty-five awesome

COURTESY LEVI GARRISON & SONS BREWING COMPANY

stop, where diners daily dig in to an array of melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, sliced ham, smoked turkey, and juicy brisket.

Wabash BBQ patrons can treat their ears along with their taste buds in the Blues Garden, a spot to hear live blues bands during summer evenings and weekends, when the air is redolent with tempting aromas wafting among the sounds of music and clinking glasses.

The restaurant is so popular that Cheri and Mitch have opened a second location in Chillicothe.

646 South Kansas City Avenue • 816-630-7700 • WabashBBQ.com

[48] MissouriLife

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 48

5/5/17 2:00 PM

Above: DogMaster Distillery puts an emphasis on individuality. Right: Prison Brews is located a stone’s throw from the old Missouri State Penitentiary, at the location of a former blacksmith.

COURTESY DOGMASTER DISTILLERY AND PRISON BREWS

food vendors, including barbecue, but also some other local favorites like the Ozark Mountain Biscuit Truck, Broadway Brewery, and Grill-ABrothers!” says festival organizer Richard King.

Local breweries Logboat Brewing, Bur Oak Brewing Co., and Broadway Brewery keep the beer flowing at the festival.

This year’s RNBNBBQ runs Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1, with a kick-off event Thursday and a half mile marathon/10K Saturday. A gospel event is set for Sunday.

2001 East Broadway • 573-442-5862 • RootsNBluesNBBQ.com

A Taste of Missouri …

DOGMASTER DISTILLERY > Columbia A DogMaster is: 1. A person who does his own thing.

2. One who doesn’t settle for the status quo.

3. Someone who enjoys the finer things in life and won’t let others define “finer things” for him.

4. Someone who blazes his own path and proudly marches to the drumbeat he creates.

So says Van Hawxby, who earned the DogMaster moniker in college.

Three years of bartending and a lifetime of individuality led Van and his wife, Lisa, to open DogMaster Distillery in 2013, a small-batch distillery. Sporting a décor Van describes as “rat pack meets rockabilly,” the warehouse-centric bar space offers patrons a chance to enjoy fine spirits and see the masters at work in the distillery, all at the same time.

The high-quality new American spirits are smooth and savory, sparkling golden liquor with hints of the Missouri-made barrels soaked into the flavors. Van says his goal for DogMaster is to “build a business crafting something to build local clientele and then grow that local loyal base organically,” he says. All of the grains—corn, oats, and wheat—are from local farmers, and the barrels come from a Higbee cooperage. Even local food is important to Van; the distillery hosts a local Bourbon & BBQ food truck every second Friday of the month.

210 Saint James Street • 573-777-6768 • DogMasterDistillery.com

Break Out of the Ordinary …

PRISON BREWS > Jefferson City In the shadow of the old Missouri State Penitentiary, a diverse food menu, large selection of handcrafted ales, and recreation like no other brewhouse awaits those looking to escape beer boredom.

Prison Brews is a laid-back alehouse and microbrewery producing some of the finest small-batch brews in the city. The brewery’s historic building was home to a blacksmith, a wagon maker, and a dairy before

[49] June 2017

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 49

5/5/17 2:00 PM

Roots N Blues draws barbecue from vendors across the region, musicians from around the world, and crowds of more than 20,000 to Stephens Lake Park in Columbia.

Prison Brews opened in 2008.

Patrons enjoy cold, house-made ales on tap and bottled, as well as classic bar eats like beer bread and cheese or beer-battered onion rings.

Diners can also order more location-themed foods such as the Prison Reuben or Warden’s Favorite Wings.

Bocce courts near the patio get steady use. There are thirty-two teams in the Kiwanis-Prison Brews Bocce League; all proceeds from league events go to help fund activities for area children.

305 Ash Street • 573-635-0678 • PrisonBrews.com

WOOD HAT SPIRITS > New Florence Amid the wine country of eastern Missouri sits the only wood-fired still in America. Wood Hat Spirits is a true craft distiller, certified by the American Distilling Institute, with a reputation and following throughout Missouri and across the country.

Wood Hat’s bourbon, cordials, and corn whiskey source local grains and fruits for unique flavors. The cordials are quintessential Missouri, distilled with blackberries, persimmons, and even black walnuts.

Wood Hat’s Bourbon Rubenesque boasts a robust taste that comes from a combination of the wood and three years of air-drying. The distillery’s Montgomery County Bourbon is aged in white oak barrels from Missouri. A more unique bourbon is the Brew Barrel Bourbon, a stout flavor profile acquired by aging in barrels sent to local microbreweries, which return them after use. Before you leave the tasting room, you must try the Blue Corn Whiskey, an essential Montgomery County

Gary Hinegardner of Wood Hat Spirits uses the only wood-fired still in America to create his spirits. You can tour the facility from Monday through Saturday.

flavor experience.

The distillery ferments, distills, and ages all its spirits on-site. Tours are available Monday through Saturday.

489 Boonslick Road • 573-216-3572 • WoodHatSpirits.com

COURTESY ROOTS N BLUES N BBQ FESTIVAL AND WOOD HAT SPIRITS

A Wood-Fired Still, Only in Missouri …

[50] MissouriLife

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 50

5/5/17 2:01 PM

Above: Pinckney Bend is located along the Missouri River in a spot where Lewis and Clark supposedly drank whiskey. Right: Brown Jerry’s is known for good St. Louis-style ribs.

BOURBON CHERRY SMASH

COURTESY PINCKNEY BEND AND BROWN JERRY'S BLUES BREW BBQ

Small Batch Distinction …

PINCKNEY BEND > New Haven Welcome to New Haven, home of one of the most successful vodka and whiskey distilleries along the Missouri River and a national award winner five years running. Voted number four nationally in USA Today’s 2016 Top 10 Craft Vodka Distillers list, Pinckney Bend has also consistently placed in international competitions.

CEO Jerry Meyer and Master Distiller Tom Anderson work closely with their team to do something “more than just crafting great spirits.”

They call their work “Missouri River Valley innovation” at its finest.

Pinckney Bend’s Missouri River location is near the lost town of Pinckney, washed away in a flood in 1824. Legend has it that Lewis and Clark stopped near the spot on their way back from their Pacific exploration in 1806, enjoying a two-gallon jug of whiskey they purchased during their overnight stay. The distillery’s vodka starts out in a column still with local barley and rye, then is put through a pot still for an extremely pure flavor. Another offering is Pinckney Bend’s cask gin, enhanced by Spanish sherry bottles and tart flavors such as hibiscus. The tasting room also offers whiskey samples and the house classic tonic syrup.

1101 Miller Street • 573-237-5559 • PinckneyBend.com

St. Louis Style …

BROWN JERRY’S BLUES BREWS BBQ > Pacific A St. Louis quick classic for cornerstone smoked meats and ribs, Brown Jerry’s Blues Brews BBQ is the essential St. Louis stop. The Gateway City is known for ribs, and these slabs take the prize.

Technically located in downtown Pacific, Jerry Holloway’s joint has large helpings, tangy sauces, and smoky flavors—and ice-cold beer to wash it down. Everything here is home-cooked, delicious, and afford-

One of DogMaster Distillery’s popular drinks is the Bourbon Cherry Smash, a combination of bourbon, cherry preserves, orange juice, and club soda.

Try Van Hawxby’s creation yourself with a fine bottle of bourbon!

Ingredients >

1½ ounces DogMaster Bourbon 1 tablespoon cherry preserves Splash of orange juice

Splash of club soda Orange slice for garnish

Directions >

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with an orange slice, and enjoy!

PB IRISH COFFEE

A staple in New Haven is PB Irish Coffee, a warm treat from Pinckney Bend.

Ingredients >

2 ounces Pinckney Bend Rested Whiskey 1 tablespoon brown sugar

4 ounces strong coffee Whipped topping

Directions >

Put brown sugar in a mug, then add whiskey and coffee. Top with whipped topping.

able. The menu is no nonsense, featuring only the best of the best from Jerry. Try the crawfish cakes to start your meal, move on to a full rack of ribs, and top it all off with classic sides like coleslaw and Grandma’s baked beans. There are eight different beers on tap plus seven in bottles, giving guests plenty of options. Live music, primarily blues, is an evening staple. Holloway, a former tight end for the St. Louis football Cardinals, is a gospel singer and performs occasionally during Sunday brunch.

147 West St. Louis Street • 636-393-0553 • BJ-BBQ.com

[51] June 2017

ML0617-BrewsBluesBBQ.indd 51

5/5/17 2:01 PM

A Quest for the Best Man:

This 1905 watercolor by Charles M. Russell depicts Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on the expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory, Both men served as territorial governors of Missouri.

Missouri’s First Governors

BY RON SOODALTER

[52] MissouriLife

ML0617-TerritoryGov.indd 52

5/4/17 7:21 PM

IT ALL BEGAN

with the

bargain of the century. A savvy deal negotiated between France and the United States more than two hundred years ago would set the stage for the first major challenge of this young nation in the New World. Someone— actually four someones—would be called upon to oversee the administration of the vast expanse that would become Missouri Territory. Our story of heels and heroes begins with the

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

land sale known to history as the Louisiana Purchase.

Missouri existed as a territory for less than a decade (1812-1821) before admission to the Union as a slave state.

ART OF THE DEAL By the dawn of the nineteenth century, Napoleon Bonaparte was running out of money to fund his conquest of Europe. In 1803, he sold to President Thomas Jefferson—for about three cents an acre—the 828,000 square miles then known as Louisiana Territory. The purchase instantly doubled the size of the fledgling United States. Originally, Jefferson had sought only to purchase the port city of New Orleans, since its location at the mouth of the Mississippi River on the Gulf of Mexico rendered it ideal for commercial shipping. Not only did Napoleon agree to sell New Orleans for $10 million; for another $5 million, he

tossed in the rest of the Louisiana Territory— an area that stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. It was, as one chronicler put it, “the real-estate deal of the century.” Had Jefferson accomplished nothing else of value during his presidency, the nation would have been amply well served by this one act.

The newly purchased territory was divided into two sections the following year: the upper portion—everything north of the thirty-third parallel (the approximate modern-day border between Arkansas and Louisiana)—was

dubbed the District of Louisiana; the southern portion, which ran down to the Gulf, was called Orleans Territory. The district that included modern-day Missouri initially fell under the jurisdiction of Indiana Territory, whose capital was the slave-free city of Vincennes, Indiana. The slave-owning Missourians, however, wanted their own capital, closer to home. In 1805, Congress accommodated by redesignating the region as Louisiana Territory, and placed the seat of government at St. Louis. Only seven years later, it was renamed yet again: Missouri Territory. And so it would remain until statehood.

[53] June 2017

ML0617-TerritoryGov.indd 53

5/5/17 2:43 PM

The newly created position of territorial governor called for a man with a strategic mind, and a thorough sense of national purpose. Acquiring the land was relatively simple compared to the task of finding the right men to govern it. The challenge proved almost insurmountable.

A VILLAIN IN OFFICE The first man to fill the position was an unmitigated disaster. His name was James Wilkinson, an unscrupulous scoundrel and selfaggrandizing provocateur of the first order. A century later, Theodore Roosevelt would write of Wilkinson, “In all our history, there is no more despicable character.”

Born in Maryland to a wealthy planter, Wilkinson served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. By first ingratiating himself to Benedict Arnold, and then to General Horatio Gates, he charmed his way into a generalship and was assigned the position of secretary to the newly formed Board of War. However, after taking part in a notorious cabal that sought to replace George Washington with Horatio Gates as commander-inchief, he was forced to resign both his rank and his position on the Board of War. Wilkinson then wheedled an appointment from Congress as clothier-general of the army, only to resign again under widespread charges of corruption. He landed on his feet again, however, and briefly served in Pennsylvania’s legislature before seeking opportunity on the raw and roiling frontier known as the Kentucky District. After leading a group of Kentucky volunteers against hostile Indians,

Meriwether Lewis States and create their own western empire.

Perhaps realizing that he had gone too far this time, Wilkinson betrayed Burr and revealed the conspiracy to Jefferson, who ordered his vice president tried for treason.

Wilkinson was the star witness at Burr’s trial.

In the absence of firm evidence, Burr was acquitted, although his political career was in tatters. Congress investigated Wilkinson, too, but his Spanish connections remained hidden and he managed to escape indictment. His involvement with Burr and his heavy-handed, blatantly corrupt practices as territorial governor prompted Jefferson to remove him from office in 1807.

A HERO STEPS IN For his next candidate for the governor’s chair, Jefferson turned to an unblemished hero. Meriwether Lewis had been the official commander of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery, and alongside his co-captain, William Clark, he had opened and charted the West all the way to the Pacific Coast. Jefferson nominated Lewis for territorial governor in February 1807, and Congress immediately approved the appointment. Lewis had been back in civilization only a few months, and at age thirty-three, was one of the most celebrated Americans of his time. A fine officer and an exceptional explorer, Lewis seemed—at least on the surface—the perfect choice to govern the new territory.

PAINTINGS BY JOHN WESLEY JARVIS (WILKINSON) AND CHARLES WILLSON PEALE (LEWIS), RETRIEVED FROM WIKICOMMONS

James Wilkinson

and despite his efforts to separate Kentucky and Tennessee from the Union, Wilkinson received a lieutenant colonelcy in the army—a rank he soon parlayed back to that of brigadier general.

While serving under General Anthony Wayne, Wilkinson secretly established contact with the Spanish government, which employed him to help gain control of America’s western territories. Spain, which owned New Orleans at the time, also gave him a trade monopoly on all goods entering the city from the north.

By accepting the position of paid secret agent of a foreign government, Wilkinson was courting treason, but he yet again proved skillful at promoting himself to those in power. When General Wayne died in late 1796, Wilkinson became the senior ranking officer of the US army. By this time, Spain had paid him $32,000 (the equivalent of nearly $600,000 in today’s currency) for his services, which included providing reports on American plans and troop movements.

In 1803, Wilkinson informed Spain of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, advising the Spanish to send an armed party to stop it. Hundreds of Spanish cavalry set out to find the explorers but failed to do so. That same year, President Jefferson gave Wilkinson the honor, as senior army officer, of taking possession of the Louisiana Purchase on behalf of the United States.

Two years later, purportedly at the urging of Vice President Aaron Burr, Jefferson appointed Wilkinson the first governor of the newly formed Louisiana Territory. Not surprisingly, he immediately proved himself corrupt and a failure as an administrator. Among his other transgressions, Wilkinson distributed trading licenses by the score, to foreigners as well as Americans, and profited handsomely on each one. In his brief tenure, he drank to excess and managed to alienate all his fellow officials, as well as most of his constituents.

Wilkinson’s egregious performance in office was hardly the worst of it. That same year, he entered into a conspiracy with Burr to separate the Mississippi Valley region from the United

[54] MissouriLife

ML0617-TerritoryGov.indd 54

5/5/17 3:20 PM

PAINTING BY RALPH OTT, RETRIEVED FROM WIKICOMMONS

Since his return, however, Lewis had behaved erratically. Simply put, the Lewis that President Jefferson had bargained on was not the one who assumed the governor’s mantle.

For one thing, Lewis was inexcusably late in reporting to his new appointment. Jefferson needed him in St. Louis as soon as possible, to bring order to the fast-growing frontier city.

Lewis had promised the president he would set out in short order for his new assignment; yet he did not arrive in St. Louis until March 1808—a full year after his appointment. In the interim, he showed no interest in requesting reports from Jefferson’s chosen territorial secretary and acting governor, Frederick Bates.

Nor had he done any work on formalizing his expedition journals for publication, a project to which Jefferson was almost obsessively committed.

To those with whom Lewis was acquainted, he appeared to be growing increasingly morose and apathetic. Biographer Stephen Ambrose points to several possible reasons for Lewis’s apparent lethargy: malaria, alcoholism (he was drinking heavily at this point), a manicdepressive psychosis, and repeated failures in love. He adds that Lewis “had had more success than was good for him [and] missed the adulation that he had been accustomed to receiving.” Whatever the symptoms, it is clear that he suffered from what Ambrose refers to as a “disposition to melancholy.”

Nonetheless, once Lewis was finally ensconced in the governor’s position, he became proactive. Depressed though he clearly appeared to be, he mustered the energy to draft a position paper before traveling to St. Louis, and at more than 10,000 words, it was an impressive document. The two areas Lewis stressed as requiring immediate focus were improved conditions for the territory’s Indians and the growth of the American fur trade.

To accomplish these goals, which he saw as a swift route to enriching the territory, the nation, and himself, Lewis pointed out the need to drive the British fur trappers and traders from America’s rivers and streams. “Can we begin the work of exclusion too soon?” he

Benjamin Howard wrote, and sought the authority and resources to build fortified trading posts on the Missouri River and other western waterways, and to populate them with soldiers.

This policy excluded hunters and settlers from moving westward, at least for the immediate future. Encroaching civilization, as Lewis saw it, would only bring on war with the Indians and ruin the fur trade for America.

Aside from his request for a vast expenditure from the federal government, Lewis was proposing to hold back the tide of westward expansion. The country was burgeoning with Americans eager to move west, and as events would shortly prove, they would not be denied. Ambitious though it was, the governor’s plan was unrealistic and made Lewis many enemies.

Lewis had other, more personal, concerns as governor. In a very short time, he and territorial secretary Frederick Bates grew to loathe each other, and their mutual enmity occasionally expressed itself in public. Driven by jealousy, as well as possessing a wholly different approach to the job of governing the territory, Bates sought to undermine the governor at every opportunity, spreading calumnious stories and levying false accusations that Lewis was misusing public funds.

By all accounts, Lewis was an honest man, but admittedly, a poor keeper of accounts.

He had submitted reimbursement requests to Congress for extensive personal funds he had

laid out both during and after his expedition.

However, early in Lewis’s governorship, James Madison assumed the presidency, and he neither knew Lewis as Jefferson did nor approved of his bookkeeping practices. Ultimately, Congress refused to pay Lewis the monies owed, and when the new Secretary of War echoed Bates’s charges in a letter to Lewis, he indignantly responded, “I have been informed Representations have been made against me, all I wish is a full and fair Investigation … I have never received a penny of public Money.”

Lewis had gone into debt—largely through the purchase of land—and the government’s refusal to pay what was owed put him in desperate straits. As he saw it, the only solution to salvaging his reputation and recouping his finances lay in traveling to Washington and defending himself personally. “I shall take with me my papers,” he wrote, “which I trust when examined will prove my firm and steady attachment to my Country.”

Lewis lacked a politician’s thick skin, and his drinking and moodiness increased. On the way to Washington in late 1809, he wrote his last will and testament, and twice attempted suicide, but was saved by his companions. Finally, at a crude roadhouse along the Natchez Trace where he had stopped for the night, he shot himself and died.

Lewis had occupied the governor’s office for less than three years. Many were saddened at the news of his death, but few who knew him well—including William Clark and Thomas Jefferson—were surprised. Meanwhile, Congress posthumously approved payment of his expenses.

In the end, Meriwether Lewis had lacked the temperament, training, and ability for the post. As Stephen Ambrose puts it, “[I]f he was a near-perfect army officer, Lewis was a lousy politician. He was entirely unsuited to the job.

Jefferson’s appointment of Lewis to the governorship was a frightful misjudgment.”

THE WANNABE SOLDIER The third man to fill the governor’s chair— and technically, the first governor of the newly

[55] June 2017

ML0617-TerritoryGov.indd 55

5/5/17 2:43 PM

ANOTHER HERO When President James Monroe appointed the fourth territorial governor, he chose the man who had earlier shared command of the Corps of Discovery with Meriwether Lewis. As events would prove, William Clark was a solid choice.

Clark assumed the governorship in 1813,

William Clark while the United States was still embroiled in the war with Britain. Observing the influence the British were wielding among the Indians, he set out to establish friendly relations with the various Western tribes. It was a familiar role for him; upon the return of the Corps of Discovery, President Jefferson had promoted him to the rank of brigadier general and appointed him principal Indian agent for the Louisiana Territory. In this role, he supported the so-called “factory system,” in which government fur trading houses supplanted private concerns, stabilized prices, and promoted loyalty among the Indians.

Clark was also a realist. In addition to improving relations with the tribes of the Missouri and upper Mississippi rivers, he also worked to strengthen the territory’s defenses against hostile attack.

When British and American representatives signed the Treaty of Ghent in late 1814 to end the war, Clark was one of three presidentially appointed peace commissioners charged with informing the tribes and ensuring a cessation of hostilities through treaties.

While some tribes complied, others continued to resist Anglo-European encroachment onto their lands. Throughout the summer of 1815, Clark and his fellow commissioners met with representatives of the various tribes at Portage des Sioux, resulting in a series of treaties that avowed “perpetual peace and friendship” between them and the United States. Although some tribes refused to attend the meetings, the treaties represented a significant effort toward achieving peace in the region.

By 1818, Missourians had grown weary of

the area’s territorial status and petitioned for US statehood, setting off a two-year controversy over the balance of slave states and free states that would end in Henry Clay’s Missouri Compromise. On March 6, 1820, President James Monroe signed the Compromise Bill of 1820 into law, clearing the path for Missouri’s admission to the Union as a slave state. That August, a full year before Missouri officially achieved statehood, the first gubernatorial election took place. Clark ran for governor against Alexander McNair, a St. Louis politician and successful businessman.

Clark lost badly; McNair received 72 percent of the vote. Over the past few years, Missourians had become disenchanted with the famous explorer who governed them, During the years of the statehood battle, settlers had poured into the Missouri Territory, many of whom resented what they saw as Clark’s pampering of the Indians, especially when he used force to evict white squatters from Indian lands. When they got the chance to choose their next governor, the voters replaced him.

Ironically, two years after Clark left office, President Monroe appointed him Superintendent of Indian Affairs, in which capacity he helped facilitate the uprooting and wholesale removal of countless tribes and nations. Sympathetic though he was to the Indians’ plight, Clark was a man who followed orders, in the course of which he helped make available for settlement millions of acres of Indian land. In the words of one chronicler, “Clark embodied the contradictions of his time.”

MOVING FORWARD The region that would one day become the state of Missouri owed its national existence to the miraculous land grab that enabled it to become part of a new country. The daunting task of finding the right man to govern it was one that would plague three presidents, but with the appointment of William Clark to the position, they finally got it right. After the chicanery of James Wilkinson, the ineptitude of Meriwether Lewis, and the mediocre and brief term of Benjamin Howard, Clark’s tenure ensured that Missouri would join the Union solvent and solid.

PAINTING BY CHARLES WILSON PEALE, RETRIEVED FROM WIKICOMMONS

named Missouri Territory—was Kentuckian Benjamin Howard. Appointed by President Madison in 1809, Howard was a career politician who took on the governorship at a precarious time; another war with Great Britain was looming on the horizon.

When war broke out, the government’s policy was to maintain neutral relations with the Indians, whereas the British pursued an aggressive campaign of allying with friendly tribes.

With the British and their allies threatening the Missouri frontier, Governor Howard acted in accordance with federal policy and refused to accept Indian aid, although some one thousand Sac and Fox warriors had offered their support. According to Missouri historian Michael Dickey, “As an old Kentuckian, Howard distrusted all Indians whether friendly or not.”

Fortunately for the Missourians, most of the enemy’s attention was focused on the eastern states, and the territory was spared much of the fighting. Still, Howard’s constituents felt abandoned by the federal government, and although fairly positive about the governor’s brief administration thus far, they declared at a meeting in St. Charles, “We consider our lives, our property and our all neglected and measurably forgotten by the general government.”

In 1813, Howard resigned the governor’s position to assume the rank of brigadier general in the army. September found him leading a force of some 1,400 men up the Mississippi from St. Louis, with the dual intention of building a fort at Lake Peoria, Illinois, and engaging whatever hostile Indians he could find. He found very few, in fact, and after constructing a stockade and burning a few deserted Indian villages, he turned his men for home. Howard was taken ill along the way and died in St. Louis.

[56] MissouriLife

ML0617-TerritoryGov.indd 56

5/5/17 2:43 PM

EXPECTATION

Dive in.

VisitCape.com/FamilyFun

DESTINATION

’ve

Yoaurrived!

800·777·0068

VisitCape.com/FamilyFun

[57] June 2017

057 ML0617.indd 57

5/1/17 12:00 PM

Comfort & Joy Therapy pup offers silent solace to mourners at Springfield funeral home.

BRUCE STIDHAM

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

ML0617-ComfortDog.indd 58

5/3/17 3:06 PM

BRUCE STIDHAM

WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A BARK,

of the deceased, but Gracie—Gracie Faith, that is—somehow makes it seem easier, they say. there’s Gracie, wagging her tail in the doorway. Perhaps When someone leaves a meeting room to go to the restonly another canine’s ears could pick up the sound her room or make a phone call, “if they leave the door cracked, paws make on the carpet as she pads noiselessly into a sometimes she’ll just wander in,” Jason says. meeting room.

“It’s almost like she knew she was needed at that moA quiet nature is one of the endearing qualities that make ment,” Clay adds. this eight-month-old goldendoodle puppy a welcome comAs families return for viewings, visitations, and funerals, fort to the grieving at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in they build a relationship with Gracie, Jason says.

Springfield.

Clay has watched friendships with Gracie form more “If I hear her bark once a day, that’s a lot,” says Greenthan a few times since she came to Greenlawn last Decemlawn Vice President Jason Diemer. ber. In March, after meeting Gracie while making arrangeFor five generations, Greenlawn has been a familiar name ments for a grandmother, one family requested the puppy’s in the funeral home industry in the Ozarks. Jason’s greatpresence at her visitation, too, simply because the deceased great-great-grandfather, Benjamin, founded the company in woman’s grandchildren had the early twentieth century, enjoyed playing with her. planting hundreds of maple “It made a big differtrees as Greenlawn’s North ence,” Clay says.

National Avenue cemetery Even though Gracie is expanded. For Springfieldgentle, she’s still an enerians, viewing the leaves as getic puppy who loves to they turn to gold and russet chase a ball or find a stray is an autumn tradition. toy in the funeral home The sight of a dog at foyer—and she’s still in Greenlawn was sure to training, although with be less familiar. Yet after her puppy class complettalking with other funeral ed, she has been working home owners with comon citizenship training at fort dogs, Jason felt certain Howliday Inn Pet Resort in that adopting one would Rogersville. Soon, she’ll be be a good change to make on her way to becoming a at Greenlawn, even though the need for a hypoal- Sisters Kinsey, age six, and Kailyn Stewart, age eleven, feel better having Gracie certified therapy dog. the comfort dog at their side during a visit to Greenlawn Cemetery.

For now, funeral direclergenic pet with a gentle tors keep her on a leash at temperament narrowed the services, Clay says. Guests decide whether to interact with breeds to either a Portuguese water dog or goldendoodle— her. a cross between a golden retriever and poodle.

Yet for the dozen or so employees at Greenlawn North, “It was always once they did it, they just wished they had there’s no question about whether to interact with Gracie: done it sooner,” Jason says.

Everyone seems to be drawn to her, Clay says.

Now, he and Greenlawn General Manager Clay Adams “There’s a lot of stress in the funeral business, and it’s know what their colleagues meant. just more calming now with her there. Everybody wants to Stroking Gracie’s soft, wavy coat—and offering her treats take her outside to go for a walk,” he says, adding that the for good behavior—Clay says the funeral home’s thirtynearby cemetery, with its maple trees, is a favorite destinafive-pound animal companion makes everyone who visits tion. “She needs it, and they need it, too—they need to get the funeral home feel more comfortable. out of the funeral home.”

“People coming through the door, they see Gracie, and Gracie marks the start of a new tradition at the Springtheir whole demeanor changes,” Clay says. “They feel more field business, Jason says. at home. Just like going to a friend’s home—you walk in, a “I wish we had thought of that a long time ago.” he says. dog greets you at the door. That’s what Gracie does.”

“But she’s been a blessing to us every day.”

Making funeral arrangements can be difficult for families

[59] June 2017

ML0617-ComfortDog.indd 59

5/5/17 2:52 PM

Musings ON MISSOURI

MODERN PROBLEMS

BY RON MARR

flow based on current events, age, and psychological quirks. Misgivings and apprehension of any sort are acutely real to the individual who endures them, but that doesn’t mean our gloomy forebodings will actually come to pass.

As Thomas Jefferson once said, “How much pain have cost us the evils that never happened.”

For instance, I tramped the northern Rockies packing a rifle powerful enough to drop a bulldozer. I was suspicious of creatures that viewed humans as lunch, and envisioned few things more embarrassing than having my obituary read, “Ron went to be with Jesus after getting hisself et by a grizzly.” In my Ozark days, I was paranoid about copperheads and cottonmouths, which really wasn’t so paranoid since I stepped on one about every 12 hours. I usually wore a pair of knee-high snake boots.

I never became bear food and never had to shoot a bear. I never underwent a course of antivenom, though I did dispatch a passel of serpents.

I categorize these scenarios as tangible angst. Awareness and precautions were appropriate, because a bad outcome was within the realm of possibility. On the other hand, I’m prone to some terror-inducing neuroses that make not a lick of sense. I would rather face a grizzly or a pit of vipers than engage in public speaking. I wield a fairly wicked blues harmonica, but you won’t see me playing in public. The attempt would result in knocking knees, trembling hands, and a gushing spring of flop-sweat.

Am I cognitively aware that this is irrational, that addressing a group or blasting high-octane riffs would incur zero harmful consequences?

Of course I am, but the limbic part of my brain eschews logic and fathoms nary a speck of English.

Thus, I understand the findings of a 2015 study conducted by University of Missouri researchers in Columbia. According to Pew Research, more than 95 percent of Americans own a cell phone or smartphone (I’m in the 5 percent of Luddites who don’t). Most folks are so reliant on their devices that to be without them, no matter how briefly, can lead to panic. There’s even a name for this syndrome—“nomophobia,”—which stands for “no-mobile-phone-phobia.”

In an article on ScienceDaily.com, the Mizzou researchers described

what occurs when individuals are detached from their gizmos.

“Our findings suggest that iPhone separation can negatively impact performance on mental tasks,” the scientists wrote. “Additionally, the results from our study suggest that iPhones are capable of becoming an extension of ourselves, such that when separated, we experience a lessening of ‘self,’ and a negative physiological state.”

If that isn’t bad enough, a study from Iowa State University suggests that dependence on devices negatively affects transactive memory.

Translated, this means people are losing their ability and motivation to acquire and retain knowledge because Google (via phone or tablet) does it for them.

This begs the question: if a tree falls in a forest, and Siri isn’t there to hear it, did it make a sound?

I commiserate with the dread felt by the dispossessed shades that, stripped of electronic umbilical, wander a Wi-Fi-bereft version of Tartarus. It’s a bête noire not unlike that which I endure at the thought of honking out “Proud Mary” in front of anyone but my dogs.

If he were alive today, Thomas Jefferson might have changed his tune. By all accounts, he neither suffered from social anxiety nor played the blues harp.

RON MARR And I guarantee he never lost his phone.

HARRY KATZ

FEAR IS a very personal concept. Anxiety and trepidation ebb and

[60] MissouriLife

ML0617-Musings.indd 60

5/3/17 3:48 PM

Connect With Your People in Missouri

Save 10% at ChoiceHotels.com/Missouri10 or call 877.424.4777 and get our Best Available rate.

Arnold

Camdenton

Farmington

Harrisonville

Joplin

Liberty

Pacific

Saint Charles

St. Louis

Belton

Cameron

Festus

Hayti

Kansas City

Macon

Platte City

Saint Robert

Sullivan

Blue Springs

Charleston

Florissant

Hazelwood

Kearney

Maryville

Poplar Bluff

Sedalia

Warrensburg

Bolivar

Chesterfield

Foristell

Independence

Kirksville

Moberly

Ridgedale

Springfield

Willow Springs

Boonville

Chillicothe

Grain Valley

Jackson

Lake Ozark

O’Fallon

Rolla

St. Joseph

Branson

Columbia

Hannibal

Jefferson City

Lee’s Summit

Ozark

*Missouri10 rate offer only available online and cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.

Subject to availability at participating hotels throughout Missouri. ©2017 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved.

[61] June 2017

061 ML0617.indd 61

5/2/17 4:20 PM

NO PLACE LIKE

Home

GO TEAM! I’VE SPENT a lot of years sitting on a lot of bleachers rooting for my team. With three children in sports, I did my time at basketball shootouts and home run derbies and flag football scrimmages. I’ve cheered for Little League teams and travel teams, summer and camp and varsity teams—all from the discomfort of my bleacher.

Go team!

When school lets out, summer ball brings late nights under the bright lights. Most often, you win/you lose/ you go home, but sometimes you sit on the bleachers and witness something you talk about the next day: a triple play, a dugout revolt, a mad mother tackled in the infield.

I’ve watched home-plate miracles, gamewinning catches, and rude spectator ejections.

I thought I’d seen everything until one warm night at a softball field in a mid-Missouri small town where I sat on the bleachers.

My oldest daughter, Hilary, was a lean, mean first baseman on a team with girls she’d played with all her softball life. This young team was coached by parent volunteers who knew what they were doing and stuck with the team, year after year, teaching these girls more than how to play well with one another. As a result, my daughter and her teammates were hardworking and dedicated, and they listened to every word their coach said.

Play ball!

Our usual entourage pulled into the parking lot at a ballpark where we had never played. On the way to the field, our group had to walk through clusters of people in the parking lot huddled around open trunks and then through a picnic area where the tables were lined with coolers and Tupperware and home team supporters.

We were definitely the visitors.

The first pitch bounced off the catcher’s mitt and ricocheted off the umpire’s mask, causing him to stumble and mutter something I was certain I’d misunderstood. After that, our girls couldn’t catch a break at the plate. Balls were strikes and strikes were balls. After a couple of innings, the umpire called time out and said he would be right back.

When he returned, it was obvious that this umpire had started happy hour a bit early.

His words were slurred, and his stance had turned into a weave. Our coach, who had already voiced displeasure over several bad calls, asked for a time out and had a chat with the other team’s coach. The game resumed but the very next pitch hit our batter and then the umpire … again. The umpire immediately called her out, using colorful language that this time, everyone clearly heard.

That was it.

From the bleachers I watched as our coach marched out of the dugout, straight for home plate, his face forecasting the coming storm.

“You are out of here,” Coach shouted, pointing his index finger at the umpire, then jerking his thumb over his shoulder. “This game is over!”

And just like that, a coach ejected a home-plate umpire from a ballgame.

Now I knew I’d seen everything.

When Coach kicked the umpire out of the game, it caused a commotion in the bleachers that then rippled its way through the picnic tables and open trunks around the ball field. While the team threw their gear into duffle bags, Coach motioned to the small group of parents sitting stunned in the bleachers to huddle up with the team.

“Listen everyone,” instructed Coach, in a voice that said more than his words. “We are a team. We are going to stay cool and we are going to stay together. We are going to walk to our cars. We are not stopping for the bathroom or for a giant popcorn. No matter what, we keep going, we hold our heads up and keep our mouths shut because right now, our actions are speaking for us. Are you with me?”

We were with him all right.

Our team and bleacher parents walked single file through the hostile crowd. Our coach took the lead, steady and determined, showing his team and those in the parking lot and picnic area that he believed in what he’d done. The other team forfeited but that is not the reason we came home winners. That night, we witnessed more than a ballgame.

We came home with a life lesson about tolerance and self-respect and how sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing to do.

LORRY MYERS Go team!

KATH TEOLI

BY LORRY MYERS

[62] MissouriLife

ML0617-Home.indd 62

5/4/17 2:52 PM

visit

.org

1.888.667.3236

 Free Concerts by National Artists Country Music on July 3rd Rock ’N Roll Music on July 4th

FREE

ADMISSION & PARKING

 Fireworks on July 3rd and 4th

 Side Shows & Attractions

 Carnival Rides & Midway  Food & Drink Vendors  and more!

O’Fallon, MO L FA

CO

N V E N T IO

N

&

V

OR

O’

N

IT S BUREAU

www.heritageandfreedomfest.com

LO

IS

FOLLOW Visit O’Fallon ON

Ozzie Smith Sports Complex

[63] June 2017

063 ML0617.indd 63

5/5/17 11:25 AM

Healthy LIFE

TICKED OFF Tick-borne diseases are no walk in the park.

BY KATHY CASTEEL

symptoms—fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches,

TALLER THAN THE TREES.” —Henry David Thoreau

joint pain, and fatigue—begin five to ten days after a tick

A WALK IN THE MISSOURI WOODS this summer may not make you any taller, but you could emerge with some un-

An Ounce of Prevention

bite, followed by a spotted rash. Most patients require

THE BEST DEFENSE against tick-borne diseases is

hospitalization. If untreated, it can be fatal.

tick-bite prevention, says urban entomologist Rich-

3. STARI: Southern tick-associated rash illness is

ard Houseman. It only takes one tick bite to make you

sometimes confused with Lyme disease, because both

sick, so follow these common-sense tips when in the

Ticks are the bane of Missouri summers. They bite

conditions are marked by a bull’s-eye rash at the site of

woods or other tick habitats:

with abandon, leaving itch and irritation in their wake.

a tick bite, along with fatigue, fever, headache, muscle

• Wear light-colored clothing—long-sleeved tops

Worse, they carry a multitude of diseases.

aches, and joint pain. STARI, transmitted by the lone star

wanted hitchhikers that are out for blood.

Dubbed “the Swiss Army knife of disease vectors” at a 2010 workshop for the National Academy of Sciences In-

tick, does not cause the arthritic, neurological, or other chronic problems of Lyme disease.

and long pants, tucked into socks or taped closed.

• Use spray-on tick repellents to increase protection. DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is most

stitute of Medicine, ticks harbor a greater variety of disease

4. TULAREMIA: Also known as “rabbit fever,” tula-

agents than any other creepy-crawly with an exoskeleton.

remia has emerged as an alarming disease because it is

effective and is available in varying concentra-

“Our most common diseases in most years are ehrlichi-

highly infectious. The lone star tick, American dog tick,

• Treat clothing with spray-on insecticides such

osis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and STARI,” says Rich-

and wood tick carry the disease. Symptoms include fever

as permethrin to kill ticks that crawl onto your

ard Houseman, associate professor of urban entomology

and other flulike symptoms; an ulcer may develop at the

clothes. Clothing must be treated and allowed to

at the University of Missouri and author of the Extension

site of the tick bite. Tularemia is so infectious it is listed as

Service’s Guide to Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.

a potential bioterrorism agent.

tions. Follow package directions.

dry before wearing. Follow package directions.

• When disposing of dead animals, wear heavy gloves.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Ser-

State health officials and the US Centers for Disease

• Ticks can easily move from dogs or cats to humans.

vices has identified at least four tick-borne diseases that

Control and Prevention are also studying a phlebovirus

Protect family pets and yourself with approved tick

pose the greatest risk to Missourians.

dubbed Heartland Disease, a flulike illness that cropped

and flea treatments for cats and dogs.

1. EHRLICHIOSIS: Transmitted by the lone star tick,

up in Missouri in 2009 in people with recent tick bites.

After outdoor activities, check your bare body for

ehrlichiosis begins with a sudden fever, chills, and head-

Note that Lyme disease is not on this list. “We don’t

ache about five to ten days after a tick bite. Treatment is

have much Lyme disease in Missouri,” Richard says, “be-

ing it as close to the skin as possible and pulling

with tetracycline antibiotics, usually doxycycline.

cause the vectors that transmit Lyme—deer ticks— are

upward in a steady motion. Wash and dry all

not common here.”

removed clothing to kill any unseen

2. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER: The American dog tick is the bearer of this miserable malady. Flulike

Learn more by visiting Extension.missouri.edu.

ticks. Remove attached ticks with tweezers by grasp-

ticks, nymphs or larvae.

PEXELS AND ADOBE STOCK

“I TOOK A WALK IN THE WOODS AND CAME OUT

[64] MissouriLife

ML0617-Health.indd 64

5/5/17 10:37 AM

17_YMCA-Missouri Life.pdf

1

5/5/17

2:27 PM

GET MORE SUMMER.

Majestic Lake Views!

At YMCA Trout Lodge, we know summer doesn’t last forever, but we’re here to help create the memories that do—the campfires, boat rides and cannonballs.

It’s never too late for another family adventure or quiet getaway. Visit troutlodge.org to explore all the possibilities summer has to offer.

1-888-FUN-YMCA troutlodge.org

Resort Dock & Slip Rental Private Patio or Deck Lake or Limited Views Living and Dining Rooms Fully Equipped Kitchen

New guide from Missouri Life!

MISSOURI STATE PARKS SPECIAL 100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Call about our Platinum Entertainment Packages.

Missouri’s remarkable and diverse resources come alive in this guide that explores all there is to see and do in the state’s 92 state parks and state historic sites.

This book’s highlighted icons, trail listings, and fun facts will guide your adventures for years to come. Softcover, 100 pgs.

FIND IT AT YOUR FAVORITE NEWSSTAND OR AT MISSOURILIFE.COM/STORE OR CALL 877-570-9898 EXT. 101

Runaway Mountain Coaster and the Branson Jet Boats!

thousandhills.com

888-277-8750

[65] June 2017

065 ML0617.indd 65

5/5/17 2:29 PM

SHOW-ME

Flavor

EAT YOUR HART OUT HARTBEET FARM,

a seventy-acre swath of meadows and woods at the end of a mile-long, snow-white gravel road, is some of the prettiest country in northeast Missouri. The lane leading to the farm is lined with bright purple sweet William flowers and opens suddenly at the crest of a hill to reveal a wide cream-colored farmhouse beside a pond and a small, young orchard at the bottom of a sloping knoll.

Instead of a guard dog, visitors are met

by Murphy, a muddy, bumbling chocolate lab puppy whose tongue is never inside her

mouth. It’s either out to one side as she runs with joyful abandon or licking whatever human is closest to her. Murphy is quickly followed by Nicki, Beth, and Daryl Morgan and Katie Hochstedler—HartBeet’s family farmers—as they run from the fields yelling for her to “Stop! Jumping!” Inside their farmhouse is a comfortable great room leading into a warm yellow kitchen. Books such as Abundantly Wild: Collecting and Cooking Wild Edibles in the Upper Midwest and Eating on the Wild Side are scattered about, dog-eared and well-loved.

HartBeet Farm is a pesticide- and herbicide-

free operation; the farmers practice agroforestry, grow unique vegetables, and make jams in one-of-a-kind flavors. All this is deliciously commendable, but beyond that, the family is doing something unusual at HartBeet. They harvest wild edibles and sell them through their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and at their Lake St. Louis Farmers Market stand, meaning Missourians can taste these native fruits without having to forage.

Offerings usually include wild plums, ground cherries, blackberries, elderberries, persimmons, crab apples, and fragrant sumac.

COURTESY HARTBEET FARM

A farm near Eolia offers a bounty of wild edible summer fruits. BY SHANNON COTHRAN

[66] MissouriLife

ML0617-Flavor.indd 66

5/4/17 1:56 PM

MICHAEL PERA AND COURTESY HARTBEET FARM

The woods on the Morgans’ farm naturally contain many wild edibles, and over the years, they’ve added to those by purchasing and planting more native Missouri plants from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s plant sales. The MDC sometimes holds plant sales to encourage growing native wild plants, which help boost declining wildlife species such as native bees, pollinators we rely on to produce the food we eat.

The MDC staff wants to persuade all Missourians to cultivate native wild plants to make a difference.

The Morgans began making a difference after they opened HartBeet in 2015. When Daryl and Beth bought the parcel back in the early 2000s, they wanted to be responsible caretakers of the land. Yet, they never thought they’d become farmers. Beth was a nurse, and Daryl was retiring from Boeing. They moved there to get away from it all. “We never get a car driving by because the road ends at us,” Daryl says. “It’s nice.”

The family began farming only after their daughter Nicki discovered her love of agriculture in college. “I studied anthropology, specifically the collapse of civilizations in the past,” she says. “And a common theme among all those ruined societies was the mismanagement of resources— a lack of sustainable agriculture.”

After Nicki and Katie Hochstedler married, they apprenticed with a farmer to learn the trade, something Nicki highly recommends to new farmers. “Work with an established farmer,” she says. “Learn the basic

From left: These wild fragrant sumac berries are ready to be picked and eaten. Beth climbs trees to get the highest persimmons. Murphy bounds down a path on the farm.

parts of farming and ask questions all day long.” The couple loved farming but were disappointed to learn that agricultural land was too costly for them to buy.

Affordable land is often too far away from consumers. “With vegetable farming, you have to be in proximity to urban areas to get your product into the city,” Daryl says.

Nicki thought the seventy acres of land near St. Louis where she grew up could be a thriving farm. She, Katie, and her parents began discussing the possibility of living and working together. The four of them agreed to create a farm where they could grow vegetables while being environmental stewards.

Transitioning the wooded property into a working farm had its challenges, but the family just kept pressing forward as a team, building greenhouses and outbuildings, installing a watering system, relocating five hundred wild blackberry plants, and finding new wild edibles to harvest and add to their CSA each year. They have even—to Daryl’s chagrin—begun making their own compost. “Now there’s a learning curve,” he says dryly.

The farmers manage pests with “good bugs” and control weeds with

[67] June 2017

ML0617-Flavor.indd 67

5/4/17 1:56 PM

The farmhouse near Eolia nestles between woods and water. Nicki shows off sweet alyssum alongside collard greens, which they plant through plastic to suppress weeds and pests.

that looked potentially edible, they’d research, mark, and taste-test the items themselves. “We started to learn to know when stuff is going to be out there and know where we’ve harvested in the past,” Beth says. But they’re always finding new foods to forage, like a fresh crop of elderberries Katie happened upon and a new mulberry tree Beth just discovered.

Throughout the property’s clearings and woods are mushrooms, hickory, and hazelnuts. Edging the vegetable fields are trees and shrubs of wild plums, crab apples, redbuds, and persimmons. Around and among these are canes laden with gooseberries, elderberries, sumac berries, and wild black raspberries.

Beth is excited about the sumac, and when she’s excited, she talks fast. “Fragrant sumac’s red berries are so good when they’re ripe. The berry’s little hairs have acidity like citrus. Like … have you tried Sweetarts? They taste like that.” She loves what she calls “sumac-ade,” a tart drink made with ripe, red sumac berries that tastes like lemonade.

She fires off tips for getting the drink just right: “If you harvest them after a rain, you won’t get that tart sweetness. You can’t rinse them off before you make sumac-ade. If you rinse off the hairs, you’ll have rinsed off the tartness you’re looking for. Put them right into your water.”

Nicki gushes about her farm’s wild ground cherries, which grow in the blackberry brambles. “The ones from a garden have a lighter color and flavor,” Nicki says. “The wild ones taste almost tropical and are bright orange.” Last season, she collected the fruit, saved the seeds, and planted them in the greenhouse to cultivate since the taste is so unique.

The farm’s wild plums grow on small, bright green trees clustered together in tight thickets. They are astringent and better to cook with, Nicki says, although, she adds, there is not much on this earth that tastes as good as a perfectly ripe one. The problem is getting them when they’re perfect—before the birds, deer, and raccoons do.

MICHAEL PERA

cover crops in their sixty types of vegetables and twenty kinds of herbs.

Parasitic wasps and lacewings keep pests at bay, as does hand-picking bugs from two-and-a-half acres of crops. To encourage parasitic wasps and lacewings to stick around, the family plants sweet alyssum with their crops. “Since the larval stage [of good bugs] kills the pests but the adult stage eats nectar, this provides a native habitat to eat pests and take nectar from the flower,” Nicki explains. And she doesn’t worry about getting stung—most native wasps don’t sting, she says.

The cover crops manage weeds and return fertility to the soil. “Buckwheat grows fast and shades out weeds,” Nicki says. “Rye has an allelopathic effect that inhibits other seeds from germinating. It keeps weeds down really well.” They also use tricks like mixing mulch with mushroom spores near rhubarb, a combination that Katie says helps each plant flourish. They cultivated a habitat for native pollinators with seeds from Missourians for Monarchs: a large, leafy mountain mint, a cardinal flower, and wild quinine. There are two beehives near a patch of edible nasturtiums.

Katie says her dad, a conventional soybean and corn farmer from Iowa, rolls his eyes a bit at their farming philosophies. But she adds, he and other conventional farmers are gaining more of a sustainable inclination. They use cover crops and practice no-till planting, which reduces costs and erosion and is better for the soil, although it does require more herbicides. “He has respect for our farming methods,” she notes, “but is also, like, ‘that’s so inefficient.’ ” Inefficient or not, the family believe their farming ideology is better for humans, the soil, and Missouri’s wildlife. “Our philosophy is ‘use what nature gives you,’ ” Nicki says. This means caring for planted produce without chemicals and foraging for wild edibles as well.

The Morgans found their farm’s wild edibles during their favorite family activity: spring walks through the woods while mushroom hunting. “Before farming, we’d search for morels and chanterelles, and then we’d look at what else we could find,” Nicki says. When they saw things

[68] MissouriLife

ML0617-Flavor.indd 68

5/5/17 2:30 PM

MICHAEL PERA

From left: Daryl, Beth, and Nicki Morgan and Katie Hochstedler run HartBeet farm. The family grows produce and harvests wild plants for the Lake St. Louis Farmers Market.

“We had a big plum tree down by the pond near the house,” Daryl says. “We kept waiting for the fruit to ripen, and one day, we said they’ll be ready the coming weekend. Went out in the morning that weekend— it was stripped! The plums had obviously been ready, and they beat us to them.”

“The wildlife—we let them take what they want because there’s enough of it,” says Beth, as Nicki finishes her thought. “Sharing with the wildlife is the price we pay,” Nicki says. “The stuff we plant we try to keep them from, but the wild stuff is theirs, too.”

When planting a single row of vegetables, farmers can harvest the plants all at the same time. But with wild produce, farmers can’t guess when each tree will be ready to harvest, so the wildlife can easily get to the fruit before they do if they don’t check every tree daily. Other times, the trees just don’t produce for that season. “Wild-harvest farming is unpredictable,” says Nicki with a shrug. “Sometimes, we can’t add something to our CSA because that’s not what nature provided that year.”

When nature does provide wild edibles, the family sells them and takes that opportunity to educate customers on finding and enjoying their own native fruits. “People might have these growing in their yard or woods as well. We can teach them what they can and can’t eat, and also to not overharvest. Ramps (wild leeks), for example, are very hard

to find now because they’ve been overharvested,” Beth says.

Many of the wild edibles HartBeet offers are unfamiliar to their customers, so Katie, a chef, makes jams to introduce their flavors. The jams are combinations of commonly grown fruits and wild-harvested fruits and flowers. “People eat the jams, and they come right back for more,” Daryl says. Flavors include ginger melon, redbud, and apple with lavender, passionfruit, rhubarb or hibiscus.

HartBeet’s future doesn’t include expanding—the Morgans are happily married to their seventy acres. “Our future plan is less about growing in size and more about the things we’re doing,” Nicki says. “The goal is to be growing food during all four seasons,” Katie adds.

HartBeet has found its niche as a pesticide- and herbicide-free vegetable farm that grows unique produce and harvests wild edibles. “We try to keep it interesting to pull people in,” Nicki says. “Like purple carrots—and redbuds!” These tiny pink blossoms from redbud trees have a crisp tart leaf, and customers couldn’t get enough of them during their short, spring season. One customer planned to wow her Easter guests with redbud blooms sprinkled over deviled eggs. “We have regular customers who will ask what weird thing we have this week,” Nicki says.

The family didn’t set out to find this niche; they just wanted to be vegetable farmers. “The property made it happen. It would be a shame not to share it,” Nicki says softly, as if her land and its wild edibles are something sacred.

And maybe they are.

[69] June 2017

ML0617-Flavor.indd 69

5/5/17 2:31 PM

WILD EDIBLES Jan Phillips’ award-winning book, Wild Edibles of Missouri, was published in 1979 and is now out of print. The Missouri Department of Conservation has preserved it online as an indexed, searchable PDF. Here are a few excerpts with Jan’s comments concerning the wild edibles harvested at HartBeet Farm. Download the book at Nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/recipes/wild-edibles-missouri for more information, recipes, and other uses of Missouri’s wild edibles.

WHAT: Shrub, lacy white flower umbels WHEN: August–September WHERE: Open woods, thickets, streams, fence rows, roadsides, railroads HOW: Fritters, muffins, wine, pickle, pie, fruit, jelly, syrup, tea WHY: “The entire flowering umbel can be dipped in a batter and fried for a tasty fritter.”

WHEN: July–October WHERE: Railroads, fields, waste ground, sandy soils, gravel bars HOW: Preserves, jelly, pie, fresh WHY: “The paper Chinese lantern shell makes such a cute home for the cherry tomato inside!”

Fragrant Sumac Berries WHAT: Shrub with red, hairy berries (Note: poison sumac does not grow in Missouri) WHEN: Summer WHERE: Prairies, thickets, abandoned fields, borders of and openings in woods, roadsides, railroads HOW: Drink, jelly WHY: “Indian lemonade is made from the bright red berries of the sumac.”

Raspberries WHAT: Three coarsely toothed leaflets, bottom whitish; stems whitish (rubs off), purple canes, stickers WHEN: June–July WHERE: Edge of woods, fields, roadsides, thickets, except lower southeast HOW: Jam, jelly, berry, pie, syrup, tea WHY: “It is tough to find a better berry to enjoy fresh with cream and sugar or as a topping with your cereal.”

Gooseberry WHAT: Simple, palmate leaf, irregular toothed with a sour, tart berry WHEN: June– September WHERE: Rocky or open dry woods, thickets, except southeast HOW: Fruit, pie, cobbler, jelly, tea WHY: “Whatever the name—feverberry, current, or gooseberry—it’s not great, it’s FANTASTIC!!!!!”

Blackberries WHAT: Dark berries from star-shaped flowers on ridged stems erect from ground WHEN: July–August WHERE: Fence rows, roadsides, hillsides, thickets, meadows, pastures, prairies HOW: Pies, berry, cobbler, jelly, jam, drink, liqueur, tea WHY: “I believe it is impossible to serve blackberries in a way that I would not like.”

Ground Cherries WHAT: Fruit inside bell-shaped flower

Persimmons WHAT: Bark like alligator hide; cream flowers, bell shape WHEN: May–June WHERE: Rocky or dry open woods, borders of woods, prairies, fallow and abandoned fields, except far northern counties HOW: Fruit, breads, pies, candy, jelly, butter WHY: “With a taste unlike anything I can describe, it is a fruit fit for the gods!”

Crab Apples WHAT: Tree with leaves attached at a thornlike protrusion WHEN: August–December WHERE: Escaped into fence rows, stream banks, farm lots HOW: Jelly, applesauce, pickle WHY: “Would that all of my experiments were so fast, quick, and good!”

Redbuds WHAT: Tree with heart-shaped leaves, early blooming pink buds clustered around twig WHEN: March–May WHERE: Open woodland, border of woods, rocky streams and bluffs HOW: Salad, vegetable, pickle WHY: “The flowers are not only tasty but also very pretty when used in a tossed salad of violets, tulip petals, and young plantain and violet leaves.”

ADOBE STOCK AND COURTESY HARTBEET FARM

Elderberries

[70] MissouriLife

ML0617-Flavor.indd 70

5/5/17 10:39 AM

100 ISLE OF CAPRI BLVD. • BOONVILLE, MO 65233 855-716-7083 • WWW.ISLEOFCAPRIBOONVILLE.COM © 2016 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle of Capri is a registered trademark of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older.

Gambling problem? Call 1-888-BETS-OFF or e-mail freehelp@888betsoff.org.

[71] June 2017

071 ML0617.indd 71

5/2/17 4:23 PM

SHOW-ME

Flavor Visit MissouriLife.com for Sumac-ade, Persimmon Cake, and other HartBeet Farm recipes!

WATERMELON, MINT & FETA SALAD Courtesy HartBeet Farm

The sweetness of the melon and saltiness of the feta are a perfect match for a light summer salad. This recipe is best prepared just before consuming.

Ingredients >

6 to 8 cups watermelon (about 1 medium round melon), cut into bite-sized cubes

1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice vinegar 1 cup fresh mint, loosely packed ½ to 1 cup feta

Directions >

1. Place watermelon in a large bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice or vinegar. For bolder flavor, replace the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar.

2. Chop mint into very slender ribbons. Add mint and crumbled feta onto watermelon. Gently toss to distribute cheese evenly.

3. Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6 TIP: Save the watermelon juice and add to a glass of soda water over ice for a refreshing watermelon soda. Garnish with a couple of mint leaves.

Shared by HartBeet Farm from A Garden For the House by Kevin Lee Jacobs This is a great use for leftover roasted squash. You can substitute other winter squash for the butternut, such as pumpkin, candy roaster, or kabocha.

Ingredients >

2 eggs ¾ cup butternut squash, roasted and mashed 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 4 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1½ cups milk 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder Big pinch of kosher salt

Directions >

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, squash, maple syrup, butter, spices, and milk.

2. In a separate, medium-size bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and gently blend with a spoon or a spatula. The batter will be lumpy.

4. Heat a skillet or griddle, and then spray it with nonstick spray or butter.

5. Ladle the batter by the ¼ cupful (or more for larger cakes) onto the hot surface. When air bubbles appear on the batter, flip the cakes over and brown the other side. If you are not going to serve the cakes right away, keep them warm in a 200-degree oven.

6. Serve hot along with butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Makes about 1 dozen 3-inch pancakes

HARRY KATZ

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PANCAKES

[72] MissouriLife

ML0617-Recipes.indd 72

5/4/17 3:58 PM

BEET CARPACCIO WITH GOAT CHEESE & BASIL From Harry Katz at Missouri Life

Ingredients >

12 red, golden, purple, or any kind of beets (2 inches in diameter), trimmed, roasted, and peeled (you can do this a day early) 1 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese (about 5 ounces)

Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese (shaved) Freshly squeezed lemon juice Fresh basil

Directions >

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place beets on sheet (if using both light- and dark-colored beets, place them on separate sheets to prevent discoloration). Sprinkle beets lightly with water. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until beets are tender when pierced with fork, about 40 to 60 minutes. Cool on sheet. Peel beets. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead; store in resealable plastic bag and chill.)

2. Using a cheese slicer, mandolin, or knife, slice roasted beets very thinly. Slightly overlap slices on a serving dish. Squeeze lemon over the prepared beets. Top with fresh goat cheese, thinly sliced fresh basil, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Add black pepper to taste. Serves 4-6.

WILD PLUM KETCHUP

Shared by HartBeet Farm from Alan Bergo, Forager Chef Ingredients >

4 pounds wild plums, stoned ½ cup shallots or red onion, chopped 3 cups of the juice reserved from stoning plums 2 tablespoons grated, fresh ginger 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup dry white wine ½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon each, freshly ground: nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon cayenne 4 cups mild honey (clover or wildflower) 2 tablespoons flavorless oil for sautéing (grapeseed or canola)

Directions >

1. Stone the plums by squeezing them between your fingers, removing the pit over a bowl to catch the juice from the plums as you stone them. Strain the juice from the pits and reserve.

2. Sweat the shallots in the oil in a stockpot until translucent, then add the remaining ingredients.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the plums break down and are soft.

3. Working in batches, purée the mixture in a high-speed blender until smooth, then pass through a mesh strainer or chinois and cool.

Makes 1 gallon. Serve with Deep-Fried Shiitake Mushrooms (find recipe at MissouriLife.com).

BERRY SCONES

Adapted by HartBeet Farm from Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer Ingredients >

2¼ cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter 1 large egg ½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon zest 1 cup fresh elderberries, gooseberries, or blackberries 2 to 3 teaspoons cream or milk Cinnamon, for topping (optional) Cardamom, for topping (optional) Sugar, for topping (optional)

HARRY KATZ

Directions >

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Whisk thoroughly together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into pieces and drop into flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or two knives to toss the butter with the flour mixture, coating and cutting the butter until the mixture resembles coarse peas.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, cream, and zest.

4. Gently stir berries into flour mixture.

5. Using a rubber spatula, gently mix egg and cream mixture into flour mixture. Then gather the dough into a ball and knead gently in the bowl. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and pat the dough into an 8-inch round about ¾-inch thick. Cut into 8 to 12 wedges and place at least ½ inch apart on a large, ungreased baking sheet. Brush the tops with cream or milk and sprinkle with spices and sugar.

6. Bake until the tops are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a rack or serve warm.

Makes about 8 large or 12 small scones

[73] June 2017

ML0617-Recipes.indd 73

5/4/17 3:58 PM

SHOW-ME

Flavor

Dining worth the drive.

From the Bayou Pocahontas FEAST ON AUTHENTIC Louisiana and Cajun cuisine at the Bayou Bar & Grill while tapping to lively zydeco music. Favorites at this Cajun-themed restaurant include deep-fried crawfish tails and po’boy sandwiches.

Down-to-Earth Decadence Kirkwood

2005, fulfilling Bill’s lifelong dream. After living in Loui-

► COLORFUL MACAROONS in a neat row, stool seating along the storefront window to watch passersby, and the

siana, he developed a love for Cajun food and wanted

aroma of buttery pastries make Nathaniel Reid Bakery the spitting image of a Parisian pastry shop.

to bring some of its specialties to Missouri. Appetizers

Nestled in a Kirkwood shopping area, the shop serves pastries, baked goods, sandwiches, macaroons and coffee—a dream come to life for pastry chef Nathaniel Reid and wife Lee Lee. The two co-own the bakery, which produces gour-

include swampy fries, bayou wings, and gator tails. A sampler platter is available.

Located not far off Interstate 55 north of Jackson, the

Everything in the shop is made from scratch. From simple syrups to puff pastries, Nathaniel says he believes in being

Bayou opens daily at 11 a.m. Don't miss the “Bayou Spe-

part of every aspect of the baking process down to the simplest step or ingredient. A native Missourian, Nathaniel has

cial,” which features slow-cooked bologna, topped with

worked under award-winning chefs in the United States and abroad, and has won many awards for his own creations.

the grill’s own barbecue sauce and coleslaw, served on

But don’t be surprised if you find Nathaniel working behind the counter filling orders for patrons and

Texas toast. —Julie Brown Patton

running the cash register. That’s the down-home Missouri spirit at work.—Sarah Hackman

6611 County Road 532 • 573-833-9999

11243 Manchester Road • 314-858-1019 • ChefNathanielReid.com

TheBayouBarAndGrillPocahontas.com

All in the Family Kelso

A SECOND-GENERATION revival is the driving force behind a prime fine-dining choice in southeast Missouri.

What started in 1964 as Ray’s Drive-In has been reborn in Ray’s Of Kelso, as the second generation of the Ressel-Rich family works to rekindle their father’s intent. Reopened in 2006 in a restored 1920s bank building, Ray’s boasts a cozy, family-friendly ambience where guests dine under the original tin ceiling, above marble floors, and beside the bank vault and steel door. Live entertainment and alfresco dining is available on weekends from May through October.

Ray’s appetizers include crab cakes, lobster bisque, toasted ravioli, and stuffed portobello mushrooms. Diners choose among entrées such as chateaubriand and apple-cinnamon pork chops. One top choice is filet and chicken medallions, prepared Oscar-style with lump crab, asparagus, Italian cheeses and Béarnaise sauce. The mouth-watering dessert menu offers baked Alaska, bananas Foster, and “death by chocolate” cake.

The restaurant is open evenings only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.—Julie Brown Patton 151 South Messmer Street • 573-264-1115·• RaysOfKelso.com

SARAH HACKMAN AND COURTESY RAY'S OF KELSO AND BAYOU BAR & GRILL

met European-inspired pastries without a hefty price tag.

Bill and Linda Wooten opened the Bayou in October

[74] MissouriLife

ML0617-Restaurants.indd 74

5/4/17 1:59 PM

PROMOTION

Stone Hill Winery, Hermann

In the early days of summer, before the humid dog days set in, there’s no experience quite so rewarding as passing the hours on a patio or porch with a plate of BBQ and a beverage.

Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of access to good food and good drinks in Missouri. Our state boasts over 200 wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries.

Summer also means festivals, brewing contests, and BBQ competitions. Or if you’re more of a homebody, it’s the perfect time to fire up some charcoal and have your friends over for a cookout!

Whether you’re looking for something that’s close to home or you’re in the mood for a meandering road trip, let us point you in the right direction where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Golden Eagle Distributing Co.

Endless Summer Winery Endless Summer Winery is a truly unique winery featuring fruit and non-standard wines.

5 Grosse Lane, Hermann 573-252-2000 EndlessSummerWinery.com

Stone Hill Winery

Sun’s out, lemons out. Always smooth, always refreshing— this crisp lemon recipe was designed for summer.

Just like the season, you won’t want it to end.

Our natural flavored Blackberry grape wine will make your taste buds bust out some tasteful moves and have them screaming for encores.

Shop.StoneHillWinery.com

Hitting shelves this summer!

[75] MissouriLife

FoodBrewShineWine SECTION.indd 75

5/5/17 12:48 PM

[76] MissouriLife

FoodBrewShineWine SECTION.indd 76

5/4/17 5:51 PM

PROMOTION

A Smoky

Railyard Steakhouse

FINISH TO

Nothing says summer like a steak on the grill!

606 E Broadway, Brunswick 660-548-3300 RailyardSteakhouse.com

SUMMER

Rockwood Charcoal Rockwood Lump Charcoal is made from 100% Missouri hardwoods so it burns hotter, longer, and leaves less ash than other charcoals.

38th AMERICAN ROYAL

World Series of Barbecue

314-BBQ-1FUN RockwoodCharcoal.com

®

WORLD’S LARGEST BBQ!

Kansas City BBQ, Beer & Spirits

American Royal

Local Live Music Festival Kids Carnival

LABOR DAY WEEKEND KANSAS SPEEDWAY KANSAS CITY MORE INFO AT

AmericanRoyal.com Don’t miss the world’s largest BBQ, Labor Day weekend at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City!

IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS | EDUCATION | COMPETITION

Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, KS 816-221-9800 | AmericanRoyal.com [77] June 2017

FoodBrewShineWine SECTION.indd 77

5/5/17 10:41 AM

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

[78] MissouriLife

FoodBrewShineWine SECTION.indd 78

5/4/17 5:51 PM

Relax and enjoy our small towns and beautiful scenery.

Distributing Co.

Proud Supporter

June 10-16, 201 7

[79] June 2017

FoodBrewShineWine SECTION.indd 79

5/4/17 6:26 PM

57 Years of Professional Theatre in the heart of Missouri

JUNE 7 - 18

AUGUST 5 - 13

SEPTEMBER 2 - 10

JUNE 28 - JULY 8

2017 season

SEPTEMBER 16 - 24

JULY 19 - 30

AUGUST 19 - 26

DECEMBER 13 - 23

660-837-3311 • www.lyceumtheatre.org 2017 SEASON SPONSORS [80] MissouriLife

080 ML0617.indd 80

5/1/17 12:18 PM

ALL AROUND

Missouri J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 7

ZUCCHINI RACES

Cole Camp knows how to have fun with zucchini. This event is free and takes place downtown on July 15 from 5 to 7 pm.

There will be prizes for best decorated and biggest zucchini.

And then the race is on. Call 660-221-3278 or visit ColeCampMo.com for more information.

KANSAS CITY

COURTESY TIM KREISEL

SUMMERTIME BLUESFEST June 2-3, Gladstone > Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy great food and beverages, and listen to blues music featuring Amanda Fish, Nick Schnebelen Band, Albert Castiglia, Brody Buster, Andy T Band with Alabama Mike, Fiona Boyes, and Zac Harmon.

Oak Grove Park Amphitheater. 5-11 pm Fri.; 3-11 pm Sat. $10. 816-436-4523, GladstoneChamber.com

DOWNTOWN DAYS FESTIVAL June 3, Lee’s Summit > This is a family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, arts, crafts, a

carnival, food vendors, and a kid’s area. Downtown.

Noon-10 pm Fri.; 10 am-10 pm Sat.; 11 am-4 pm Sun. Free. 816-246-6598, DowntownLS.org

concerts. Downtown Historic Square. 6-10 pm Wed.Thurs.; 2-10 pm Fri.; 8 am-10 pm Sat. Free. 417-6675300, BWDays.com

HIKE ON!

WINE AND BREW WALK

June 3, Weston > Join park staff for a scavenger hunt for all ages, hiking information for beginners, and information on the plants and animals that can be seen along the Paved Bicycle Trail. Weston Bend State Park. 9-11 am. Free. 816-640-5443, MoState Parks.com/park/weston-bend-state-park

June 9, Independence > Sip wine and craft beers while you stroll around the square. Proceeds benefit the preservation of this historic district. Historic Independence Square. 6-9 pm. $20-$35. 816-4610065, TheIndependenceSquare.com

BUSHWHACKER DAYS June 7-10, Nevada > This event has something for everyone including a street carnival, a baby contest, a toddler swimsuit show, a parade, a royalty pageant, a quilt show, a car and truck show, and

SAENGERFEST June 10, Cole Camp > Enjoy this German singing festival featuring choirs from St. Louis, Tulsa, and Cole Camp. Jaycee Gardens. 2-8 pm. Free. 660668-3157, ColeCampMo.com These listings are chosen by our editors and are not paid for by sponsors.

[81] June 2017

ML0617-Calendar.indd 81

5/3/17 7:12 PM

WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

PORCHES AND PEACHES

June 17, Kansas City > This iconic and awardwinning singer-songwriter will entertain audiences with selections from his six-decade career and 200-plus albums. Starlight Theatre. 6:30 pm. $40.45-$180.45. 816-363-7827, KCStarlight.com

July 3, Kearney > Celebrate with music and a fireworks show. Kearney Amphitheater. 5-11 pm. Free.

816-628-4229, KearneyAmphitheater.com

July 22, Lexington > Visit six historic homes where there will be a musical performance on the porches. You will learn the history of each home as told by a guide in period attire. There will also be fresh peaches for sale. Throughout town. 10 am-4 pm.

Free. 660-259-4711, VisitLexingtonMo.com

WILDFLOWER HIKE June 22, Butler > Join a park naturalist for a stroll around the 0.6-mile Courage Trail while learning about wildflowers that are in bloom and how to identify them. Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site. 6 pm. Free. 417-843-6711, MoStateParks.com/ park/battle-island-mound-state-historic-site

OLDE GLORY DAYS June 29-July 2, Clinton > One of the biggest Fourth of July festivals in the area features weiner dog races, a carnival, live entertainment, gospel music, vendors, and a huge fireworks show.

Downtown Square. 10 am-11 pm Thurs.-Sat.; 8 am9 pm Sun. Free. 660-885-8166, OldeGloryDays.com

DAM EXPERIENCE FIREWORKS July 1, Warsaw > KDKD-FM 95.3 radio will broadcast patriotic music simultaneously with this spectacular fireworks show that is shot off the dam.

Harry S. Truman Dam. Dusk. Free. 660-438-5922, WarsawChamberOfCommerce.com

FAMILY FUN AND FIREWORKS July 4, Higginsville > There will be entertainment by the Bucket Band, youth games, concessions, and fireworks at this Independence Day festival. Fairgrounds Park. 6-10:30 pm. Free. 660-584-3030, HigginsvilleChamber.org

CENTRAL

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC DAY

THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE

July 10, Kansas City > Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and get your teddy bears dressed in their best attire. There will be singing, teddy bear crafts, lawn games, face painting, and goody bags. Kansas City Museum lawn. 11 am-1 pm. $5 per child; adults are free. 816-513-7500, KCParks.org

June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, Jefferson City > This outdoor concert series is a street party with a new theme each week showcasing three bands each night. Enjoy a variety of diverse cuisine and tempting drink specials. Younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Historic Downtown. 6-9 pm.

Free. 573-680-5468, VisitJeffersonCity.com

BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT THE BATTLEFIELD

ANCHOR FESTIVAL

July 14, Lexington > Two bands will replace the soldiers of the North and South for dominance of the battlefield. The cheers of the crowd will determine the winner. Bring your lawn chair and make your cheers count. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. 5-9 pm. Free. 660-259-4654, MoStateParks .com/park/battle-lexington-state-historic-site

June 2-4, Centralia > Celebrate at the summer festival that has a carnival, entertainment, crafts, concessions, a 3-on-3 basketball contest, a 5K Fun Run, anchor driving, a car and tractor show, and street dances. City Square. 3-11:30 pm Fri.; 9 am11:30 pm Sat.; 11 am-5 pm Sun. Free (except carnival).

573-682-2272, CentraliaMoChamber.com

[82] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 82

5/3/17 7:12 PM

Summer Fun with the at CarShield Field!

Teacher Appreciation

Wednesday, June 7, 6:35pm presented by Homes for Heroes

Grand Slam Beerfest

Saturday, June 10, 6:35pm

Tickets starting at

More than 30 beer selections presented by Krey Distributing

Mega Candy Drop

$5

Sunday, June 11, 6:35pm

More than 20,000 pieces of candy will fall from the sky

Bark in the Park

Sunday, June 25, 6:35pm

All dogs are welcome and have the chance to win prizes

CarShield Field 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon • www.RiverCityRascals.com • (636) 240-2287 [83] June 2017 083 ML0617.indd 83

5/2/17 4:23 PM

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM June 3, Arrow Rock > Interpreters will portray Lewis and Clark, a War of 1812 soldier and his wife, the men who traveled the Santa Fe Trail, and the Union and Confederate soldiers at this fun-forall-ages event. Arrow Rock State Historic Site.

6-8 PM. Free. 660-837-3330, MoStateParks.com/ park/arrow-rock-state-historic-site

KATY BRIDGE WINE WALK June 3, Boonville > The event will feature ten wineries, breweries, and distilleries along with music, poetry, and food. All proceeds benefit the Katy Bridge Coalition. Katy Depot. 4-8 PM. $20. 660882-0333, SaveTheKatyBridge.org

June 3, Danville > See demonstrations, watch the International Standard Accuracy Contest, and learn the use of the atlatl, a tool with a notch on one end to hold spears or darts for hunting. Graham Cave State Park. 10 AM-3 PM. Free. 573-564-3476, MoStateParks.com/park/graham-cave-state-park

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the Liberty Jazz Band as it plays favorites from the past. This concert takes place on July 7 in Wabash Park in Montgomery City from 7 to 9 PM and is free. Call 573-564-3945 or visit MoCoArtsCouncil.com for more information.

KIDSFEST June 3, Jefferson City > This event is for children of all ages and will have games, demonstrations, and activities. Downtown. 10 AM-2 PM. Free. 573-6346487, VisitJeffersonCity.com

COURTESY UNGER PHOTOGRAPHY

WORLD ATLATL DAY

DISCOVER WESTON This 1837 historic town is a popular overnight destination and a favorite day trip.

Discover Weston’s 1840s Main Street, home to specialty shops,

museums, galleries, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary

Be pampered in peaceful comforts. Stay in an Antebellum or Victorian B&B, an Irish Inn, a refurbished barn B&B, a coal house cabin or a restored 1847 hotel.

Weston...visit once and you’ll return.

Upcoming Events

Second Saturday Shops Open Late June 13 Polish Pottery Festival and Bike Across Missouri (BAM) August 21 Total Eclipse Watch Party

Carrying a complete line of Civil War Living History needs for Ladies, Gentlemen, Civilian, Military – featuring patterns, weapons, accessories, research. Our specialty: the Border Wars.

Custom orders at no additional cost!

Our clothing is American made 111 N. Main, Liberty, MO • 816-781-9473 www.jamescountry.com • jamescntry@aol.com

Visit www.westonmo.com or call 816-640-2909 Weston is just 25 minutes north of Kansas City.

[84] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 84

5/3/17 7:13 PM

[85] June 2017

085 ML0617.indd 85

5/2/17 4:24 PM

ICE CREAM SOCIAL July 4, Tipton > Take a tour of an 1858 home with 17 rooms of original furnishings, enjoy homemade ice cream and lunch, visit the Country Store, and listen to musical entertainment. Maclay Home.

11:30 AM-2:30 PM. $5-$10 for tours. 660-433-2068, TiptonMo.com

NATURAL PHENOMENA ART SHOW July 10-Aug. 18, Ashland > This show celebrates the eclipse and has works in all mediums. Mid-Missouri Arts Alliance Art Center and Gallery. Noon-7 PM Fri.; 10 AM-3 PM Sat. Artist reception July 14 6-8 PM. Free. 573-657-0411, MidMissouriArtAlliance.com

TELLING STORIES OF THE STARS

Step back in time in Hermann on June 3 and 4, as you are greeted by gardeners in period attire. You will sample from a historic herb garden, learn about nineteenth-century gardening techniques, enjoy pink lemonade and springerle cookies, and see historic farm and garden tools. This tour is at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and costs $3 to $5. Call 573-486-2200 or visit HermannDeutschheimVerein.org for more information.

ART IN THE PARK June 3-4, Columbia > This outdoor art festival features fine arts and crafts, food vendors, music, art activities for children, and a juggling stilt walker.

Stephens Lake Park. 10 AM-5 PM Sat.; 10 AM-4 PM Sun. Free. 573-443-8838, ColumbiaArtLeague.org

ANIMALS OF THE GREAT WAR June 7, Jefferson City > This program will explore the animal heroes of World War I and the impact they had on combat and soldier morale. Missouri State Museum. 7 PM. Free. 573-522-6949, MoStateParks.com/park/missouri-state-museum

SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL June 8-11, 15-18, and 22-24, Jefferson City > Get your toes tapping at this hilarious musical where disco diva Deloris Van Cartier hides out from a murderous gang at a convent and brings new life to the choir. Shickles Auditorium. Showtimes vary. $38 for dinner theatre and $23 for dessert only. 573-6819612, CapitalCityProductions.org

ANNUAL HOMECOMING June 11, Miami > This get-together for family, friends, and fellowship will feature gospel singing, spiritual messages, and refreshments. Second Baptist Church. 2 PM. Donations to the Friends of Miami accepted. 660-852-3305, SullivansFarms.net

GOLF TOURNAMENT June 14, California > Gather a team of three for this Chamber of Commerce hosted tournament

where you can win awards and enter for door prizes. Country Club. Tee off at 11 AM. $150 per team ($50 per person). 573-796-3040, CalMo.com

HERITAGE DAYS June 21-25, Boonville > Events at this festival include a parade, a carnival, food, music, arts and crafts vendors, a Mutt Strut, beer and wine gardens, 5K fun run/walk, and an old timers’ baseball game. Throughout town. Times and cost vary. 660882-2721, BoonvilleMoChamber.com

GARDEN TOUR June 25, Jefferson City > The garden tour, hosted by the Bittersweet Garden Club, is a self-guided tour of six of the best-dressed gardens in the community. You will be supplied a map with your ticket.

Throughout the west end of town. 12:30-5 PM. $10.

573-295-6435, VisitJeffersonCity.com

A CAPITOL CELEBRATION July 1-4, Jefferson City > Salute to America features one of the largest fireworks displays in the area and has carnival rides, a parade, concerts, beer gardens, and car shows. Downtown. Times vary.

Free. 573-680-5468, VisitJeffersonCity.com

BELL RINGING AND 4TH OF JULY July 4, Centralia > There will be the ringing of the bells for freedom at 10 AM as proclaimed by John F. Kennedy in 1963 followed by family events, music, and a fireworks show. City Square and City Park. 8 AM-10:30 PM. Free. 573-682-5063, CentraliaMo.org

BOONE COUNTY FAIR July 18-22, Sturgeon > Come out to this county fair and see a demolition derby, a draft horse show, enjoy a ham breakfast, cheer on the mouse racing, and watch a mule show. There will be a parade, a pedal tractor pull, vendors, and livestock shows too. Fairgrounds. Times and costs vary. 573-4749435, BooneCountyFair.com

ST. LOUIS WEBSTER ARTS FAIR June 2-4, Webster Groves > This art fair features 105 fine artists and craftspeople from 28 states and Canada, musical performances, art demonstrations, and family activities. Eden Theological Seminary grounds. 5-10 PM Fri.; 11 AM-9 PM Sat.; 11 AM5 PM Sun. Free. 317-918-2671, Webster-Arts.org

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT June 2-July 2, Kirkwood > This fun-filled musical is an inspirational rags-to-riches tale with Joseph, his eleven brothers, and the miraculous coat, and is as old as time itself. The Robert G. Reim Theatre. 8 PM Tues.-Sat.; 2 PM Wed.; 4 PM Sat.; 2 and 7:30 PM Sun. $25-$60. 314-821-2407, StagesStLouis.org

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Tuesdays, June 6-July 25, Chesterfield > Every week there will be a different band, food trucks, and food vendors at this family-friendly concert series. Faust County Park. 7-9 PM. Free. 636-5323399, ChesterfieldMoChamber.com

COURTESY DEUTSCHHEIM STATE HISTORIC SITE

GARDEN TOUR

July 16-20, Columbia > At this 4-H camp you will become versed in the scientific foundations of a total eclipse, along with storytelling techniques.

You will have a chance to tell your story at the May 2018 St. Louis Storytelling Festival. Campus of the University of Missouri. 8 AM-5 PM. $320-$550. 573884-0554, 4h.Missouri.edu/summersmizzou

[86] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 86

5/3/17 7:13 PM

Father’s Day is June 18

Give Dad

Missouri Flavor this Father’s Day

Missouri Life magazine is the Father’s Day present that lasts all year long. Missouri Life delivers restaurant recommendations, delicious recipes, day trips, fascinating features, and our shared Missouri heritage to your loved one’s door. Eight issues for just $19.99 (includes tax and s/h). $19.99 ription c s b u es uri Lif

Misso

Find More Great

Artisan knives handcrafted by the Richardson family

for Dad in the Missouri Life online store

This year, give Dad a gift that will be treasured for generations to come.

Ken Richardson knives are handcrafted with care and precision that comes from over 40 years of experience.

Missouri Gifts

State Parks Book $49.99

$2

7

Missouri Playin g Cards $7

Home Beer Glasses (set of four) $24

M i ss o uri

pr BB Q A

on

Whether your father is a hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, or collector, you’re bound to find him the perfect knife online or in our store. Each blade is made of 1085 Blue Tempered steel and the scabbards are handcrafted from American cowhide leather. The handles are made from shed Missouri deer antlers and are graced by handdrawn designs, ranging from mountain scenery to wildlife. Ask us about custom orders today!

Visit our store: 68 Eaton Cemetery Rd, Cherryville, MO

(573) 743-6135

Visit MissouriLife.com or call 877-570-9898 ext. 101 to order

KenRichardsonKnives.com

[87] June 2017

087 ML0617.indd 87

5/4/17 5:20 PM

OLDEN DAYS OF SUMMER

NEW MELLE FESTIVAL

VINTAGE BLISS MARKET

June 9 and 23 and July 14, Chesterfield > Bring your kids (ages 2-12) out for activities including blacksmith demonstrations, rope making, candle dipping, face painting, butter churning, hayrides, and rides on the historic carousel. Faust Village.

9 am-noon. $10-$15 per child (adults are free with paid child ticket). 314-615-8328, StLouisCo.com

June 15-17, New Melle > This festival will feature a Wild, Wild West-themed parade, performances by local bands, a wide variety of vendors, children’s games and activities, and a magic show. New Melle Sports and Recreation grounds. 6-10 pm Thurs.; 6 pm-12:30 am Fri.; 1 pm-12:30 am Sat. $2 on Thurs.: $5 Fri.-Sat. 636-734-4156, Everysport.net.newmelle

June 24-25, Maryland Heights > You can shop for vintage, antique, handmade, and repurposed goods at this one-of-a-kind market. Westport Plaza. 10 am-6 pm Sat.; 10 am-3 pm Sun. Free. 314576-7100, WestportStl.com

BACONFEST

PRIDE ST. CHARLES

June 10, Washington > If you love bacon, you will love this event. There will be samples of bacon dishes, contests, prizes, and various vendors. Pork Pavilion at the fairgrounds. 5-9 pm. Free. 636-2396439, BaconFestWashington.com

June 17, St. Charles > Come out and support equality and enjoy art, craft, educational, and food vendors and music and dancing. Frontier Park. 11 am7 pm. Free. 800-366-2427, PrideStCharles.com

HONOR AWARDS ART EXHIBIT

MERAMEC SOCK HOP July 1, Sullivan > The park is hosting its first sock hop with a DJ playing music of the 1950s and ’60s and a big bonfire. Meramec State Park. 7:309:30 pm. Free. 573-468-6072, MoStateParks.com/ park/meramec-state-park

RIVERFEST

June 10-11. St. Louis > This premier tour includes the childhood home of poet T. S. Elliot as well as many private homes. Central West End. 10 am-4 pm. $20-$25. 314-884-1440, The CWE.org

June 17-July 20, St. Louis > The annual curated exhibit features works by ten award-winning artists selected from 2016 juried exhibitions. Art Saint Louis. 7 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri.; 8:30 am-4 pm Sat. Free.

314-241-4810, ArtStLouis.org

July 1-4, St. Charles > There will be a parade, carnival rides, live music, vendors, a fireworks show, and food and beverages at this festival on the banks of the river. Riverfront Park. 5-10:30 pm Sun.; noon10:30 pm Mon.; 10 am-10:30 pm Tues. Free. 636-9467776, HistoricStCharles.com

SEUSSICAL

CAR SHOW

COMEDY CAMP FOR KIDS

June 14-July 2, Maryland Heights > This musical extravaganza brings to life your favorite Dr. Suess characters including Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and Gertrude McFuzz. Playhouse at Westport Plaza. 11 am Wed.-Sun.; 1:30 pm Sat. $18$24. 314-821-2407, StagesStLouis.org

June 24, Pacific > There are 36 show classes of classic and hotrod cards and trucks with awards in each class. There will be food and drink vendors and a fireworks show. Historic Downtown. 8:30 am9:30 pm. Free ($10-$20 to register a vehicle). 314662-6718, Pacific-Partnership.org

July 10-14, St. Louis > Kids ages 6 to 12 will master the secrets of stand-up, sketch, and improvisational comedy and will take home a gag, such as a rubber chicken, squirt rings, and gag glasses, each day. Affton Community Center. 9 am-3 pm. $170.

314-961-6912, AbraKid.com

HOME AND GARDEN TOUR

Events Route 66 Summerfest

June 2 & 3

5th Annual Superhero 5K

June 10

Footloose

June 22 - July 2

Presented by Ozark Actors Theatre

On Golden Pond

July 13 - 23

I Do! I Do!

Aug 3 - 13

Presented by Ozark Actors Theatre Presented by Ozark Actors Theatre

For more information on these and other events visit

www.VisitRolla.com

Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce • 1311 Kingshighway Rolla, MO 65401 • 573-364-3577 or 888-809-3817

[88] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 88

5/3/17 7:13 PM

Thousand Hills State Park Jamesport

Explore

La Plata

St. Joseph Hamilton Weston

Arrow Rock

Kansas City

Missouri

Missouri Life Motor Coach Tour

7 Days • 13 Meals Oct 8-14 (sold out!) | Oct 15-21 Double $1,547/Single $1,895 price per person Depart/Return: Kansas City, MO Free airport shuttle and parking available

Find the Spirit of Discovery in the Show-Me State From the Missouri River in the west to the Mississippi River in the east, you’ll find so much excitement in this new discovery tour across northern Missouri, crafted in partnership between the tour experts at Country Travel Discoveries and Missouri Life magazine. Experience such scenic highlights as Thousand Hills State Park, historic river towns including Weston, St. Joseph, and of course Hannibal, the boyhood home of Mark Twain. Visit Jamesport, the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi; see stops commemorating native sons Walter Cronkite and Walt Disney; tour a productive vineyard, an orchard and a Clydesdale ranch, and much more.

Reserve your spot now Call toll-free 855-744-8747 or visit www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/MOL

Hannibal

Marceline Warm Springs Ranch

Boonville

Mexico Fulton

EMISSOURI xplore Missouri with us!

Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to the “Show-Me-State” Day 2: Harley-Davidson factory tour, Weston, Stained Glass Studio, Historic St. Joseph Day 3: Quilting in Hamilton, Amish community in Jamesport, Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown, Marceline Day 4: La Plata train depot, start-up winery, Thousand Hills State Park, historic church in Adair Day 5: Mark Twain’s boyhood home, Mississippi River cruise, Stark Brothers nursery Day 6: Tour Zenith Aircraft, Winston Churchill Museum, Budweiser Clydesdales ranch, and Missouri Life magazine office Day 7: Arrow Rock State Park or Independence Quality Accommodations Night 1: Courtyard by Marriott, Kansas City Night 2: Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph Night 3: Depot Inn & Suites, La Plata Night 4: Best Western on the River, Hannibal Night 5: Best Western Teal Lake Inn, Mexico Night 6: Holiday Inn Express Boonville (Oct 20) Triple-room pricing and pre-/post-tour hotel nights are available. Please call.

[89] June 2017

089 ML0617.indd 89

5/2/17 4:25 PM

ST. CHARLES COUNTY FAIR July 25-29, Wentzville > There will be carnival rides, art, craft, and product vendors, food, livestock shows, exhibits, pageants, children’s activities, and live entertainment at this county fair. Rotary Park. Times vary. $5-$40. 636-3276949, StCharlesCoFair.org

BERRIES AND BBQ WINE TRAIL July 29-30, Hermann > Follow the map to celebrate the flavors of summer with luscious berries and BBQ dishes paired with Missouri wines. Seven area wineries. 10 AM-5 PM Sat.; 11 AM-5 PM Sun. $30.

Advanced tickets only. 800-932-8687, Hermann WineTrail.com

SOUTHWEST

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Come out to Fair Grove on July 15 to enjoy a summer evening with ice cream, homemade desserts, drinks, pulled pork sandwiches, and hotdogs. There will be gospel, bluegrass, and country music as well. The social takes place at the Wommack Mill grounds, open from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, and is free to attend. Call 417-833-3467 or visit FGSHP.org for more information.

June 3 and July 8, Mindenmines > Bring your camera, binoculars, bug spray, water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen on this guided two-mile hike over uneven terrain to see bison and their calves.

Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable hiking clothes.

Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at Prairie State Park. 10 AM-noon. Free. 417-843-6711, MoStateParks.com/park/prairie-state-park

COURTESY TERRY SMITH

BISON HIKE

PROMOTION

Artisans Saleigh Mountain A small, family-owned business in Hermann that specializes in quality handcrafted leatherworks and shoe repair. Now selling American-made Filson products and Thorogood boots.

Open Tues.-Sat. 9 AM to 5 PM 124 E. Fourth St. Hermann, MO 65041 573-486-2992

www.SaleighMountain.com

Crow Steals Fire Personalized and artisan jewelry handmade in Missouri. Give unique jewelry with special meaning and a story to tell.

JUST RIGHT FOR YOUR COFFEE BREAK!

www.CrowStealsFire.com

Bookmark features original, hand-etched scrimshaw on a recycled vintage piano key with genuine leather and handmade paper accents. $22, plus $5 shipping/handling Check/Money Order/Visa/MasterCard 31 High Trail, Eureka, MO 63025 • www.stonehollowstudio.com

[90] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 90

5/3/17 7:14 PM

You should never need out your bill.

Or a magnifying glass.* *At least that’s what we think.

That’s why when you get a bill from us for phone and/or Internet service, it’ll be exactly what we told you it would be. Seriously.

k y lin an y r p tu m Co /Cen e l b &T AT Ca You can buy home phone and high-speed Internet.

There is another option.

And it’s a better one.

Your taxes and fees are included in the monthly rate.

You’ll get unlimited Internet with no data caps on all packages.

We respect our users’ privacy and data.

You’ll always talk to someone here in Missouri.

1-800-SOCKET-3

091 ML0617.indd 91

www.socket.net [91] June2703 2017 Clark Lane Columbia, MO 65202

5/3/17 2:01 PM

June 17, Springfield > This event showcases fine art, live entertainment, and unique food vendors.

Lafayette Park. 10 AM-7 PM. Free. 417-773-5124, MoonCityCreativeDistrict.com

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION July 4, Hollister > This fireworks show can be seen from all around Lake Taneycomo. Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park. Starts at dusk. Free. 417-334-3262, HollisterChamber.net

LACLEDE COUNTY FAIR July 10-15, Lebanon > Enjoy all the classic fair fun including vendors, a carnival, and livestock exhibits. Laclede County Fairgrounds. Times and ticket prices vary. 417-532-4642, LebanonMissouri.org

QUILT SHOW

At the Civic Center in West Plains on June 2 and 3, you can see a variety of quilts and bed turnings. The Southern Bell Grandmother Clubs, a nonprofit that raises funds to help cure children’s cancer, hosts the show. The show is open from 3 to 8 PM Friday and 10 AM to 7 PM Saturday and is free.

Call 417-257-1067 or visit OldTimeMusic.org for more information.

FIBER U July 15-16, Lebanon > Learn all about fiber arts at this educational event. There will be classes, vendors, and demonstrations. Cowan Civic Center.

8 AM-6 PM Sat.; 8 AM-3 PM Sun. Free (fee to take classes). 417-533-5280, Fiber-U.com

JAMMIN’ AT JOLLY MILL PARK July 22, Pierce City > Enjoy a concert in the country with the Mark Chapman Band and special guest Whitney Dahl with a fireworks show at

dark. Jolly Mill Park. 7 PM. $10 per car. 417-354-1772, MarkChapmanBand.com

GOSPEL SPECTACULAR July 28-31, Lebanon > Enjoy Southern Gospel music groups and a special Sunday morning speaker at this fiftieth-anniversary celebration event. Cowan Civic Center. 6 PM. Donations accepted. 417-5883256, LebanonMissouri.com

SOUTH CENTRAL SUMMERFEST June 2-3, Rolla > This festival includes a Route 66 cruise, a Miss Route 66 pageant, a drummer competition, a street dance, a movie under the stars, and a burnout competition. Downtown.

4-10 PM Fri.; 9 AM-10 PM Sat. Free. 573-364-1221, Route66SummerFest.com

PULASKI COUNTY FAIR June 14-17, St. Robert > This old-fashioned county fair will have carnival rides, livestock shows, main stage concerts, bull riding, the Farmhand Challenge, and a pie contest. City Park. 4-11 PM Wed.Fri.; noon-11:30 PM Sat. Free (except special events).

816-261-6051, PulaskiCountyRegionalFair.com

COURTESY WEST PLAINS DAILY QUILL

SUMMER SOLSTICE ART FAIR

Great Yellowstone Thaw Journey to Yellowstone, where wolves, grizzlies, beavers and many other creatures survive great seasonal changes.

8 p.m. Wednesdays

Starts June 21 Consult your local provider for channel information

KMOS

kmos.org

engage educate entertain

A service of the University of Central Missouri

[92] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 92

5/3/17 7:14 PM

EXTREMICON

PULLING COMPETITION

June 17-18, St. Robert > The event has comicon, vendors, comic books for sale, a karate tournament, a cosplay contest, and a Magic the Gathering tournament. The Retroplex. 9 AM-6 PM. $6. 573528-6649, PulaskiCountyUSA.com

July 1, Richland > There will be ATVs and UTVs competing at this exciting event. Pulling Track at Shady Dell Park. 4 PM-midnight. $5-$10. 573-7653532, RichlandMo.info

ON GOLDEN POND

COURTESY BILL NAEGER

CAVE STATE CRUISERS June 24-25, Waynesville > This classic car show features 26 classes with awards in each class. City Park. 8 AM-4 PM Sat.; 8 AM-1 PM Sun. Free. 573-5120176, PulaskiCountyUSA.com

July 13-23, Rolla > This play is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home for the forty-eighth year. Ozark Actors Theatre. Show times vary. $14-$22. 573-3649523, OzarkActorsTheatre.org

TRI-COUNTY FAIR

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

June 27-July 1, Richland > Enjoy family entertainment, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, a Little Miss contest, a Fair Queen contest, a truck and tractor pull, and gospel singing at this county fair. Shady Dell Park. 9 AM-11 PM. Free (except special events).

573-855-4794, PulaskiCountyUSA.com

July 29, Eminence > Celebrate the first anniversary of the park with cake, games at the Lost Mine Shelter, and a concert by The Baker Family at the amphitheater. Echo Bluff State Park. 5-9 PM. Free.

573-751-1224, MoStateParks.com/park/echo-bluffstate-park

KAYAK CLINICS

OLD SETTLERS DAY

June 30 and July 7, 14, 21, and 28, Salem > Learn how to use a kayak at this clinic hosted by the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks. All equipment will be provided. Space is limited so sign up early. Current River State Park.

10 AM-4 PM. Free. 573-751-1224, MoStateParks .com/park/current-river-state-park

July 29-30, Waynesville > This heritage festival features Civil War battle reenactments, sutlers, and vendors, a period dance, plus Wayne Issleb as General Ulysses S. Grant and George Buss as President Abraham Lincoln. City Park. 8 AM-5 PM (7-9 PM dance) Sat.; 8 AM-3:30 PM Sun. Free. 573-855-3644, Route66Courthouse.com

FRENCH HERITAGE FESTIVAL

This festival celebrates 300 years of French culture and will include music, dance, storytelling, French cuisine, and a street dance.

Held in Ste. Genevieve’s historic downtown June 10 from 11 AM to 11 PM, this festival is free. Call 800-373-7007 or visit VisitSteGen .com for more information.

raphael-mo-life-0417_raphael-mo-life-0417 2/15/17 12:05 PM Page 1

Experience the best of Kansas City Shopping & Entertainment @ Iconic Country Club Plaza Amenities & Service @ Historic Landmark Hotel Great Steaks, Seafood & Jazz @ Romantic KC Restaurant

Historic Hotels of America

325 Ward Parkway I Country Club Plaza I 816.756.3800

raphaelkc.com [93] June 2017

ML0617-Calendar.indd 93

5/5/17 12:53 PM

June 10-16, 201 7

week/ DAY PASSES STILL AVAILABLE

bigbamride.com

Luxury living

at a price you can afford with the service you deserve.

Call us today. We’d love to tell you about the latest from:

(573) 814-2244

1805 Westfall Drive, Columbia

[94] MissouriLife

094 ML0617.indd 94

5/5/17 3:12 PM

SOUTHEAST PADDLE AT THE POND June 2, Cape Girardeau > The kids fishing pond is a great place for beginning canoers to try their skills.

There will be instructions and safety techniques taught before you head out to the pond. Conservation Nature Center. 4-7 PM. Free. 573-290-5218, VisitCape.com

TUNES AT TWILIGHT June 2, 9, and 16, Cape Girardeau > Enjoy a different performance each week at this outdoor concert series. Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo lawn. 7-8 PM. Free. 573-334-8085, VisitCape.com

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Fridays, June 2-July 28, Ste. Genevieve > Each week this music series brings in a new act featuring a variety of musical styles. The Orris Theatre. 7 PM. $12.50-$20. 573-883-3686, SteGenChamber.org

HISTORIC GAMES June 3, Burfordville > Step back in time and enjoy a morning of historic play with old-fashioned games like checkers, cornhole, and graces. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. 9-11 AM. Free. 573-2434591, MoStateParks.com/park/bollinger-mill-statehistoric-site

CAR SHOW June 3, Oran > This classic car show will have competitions in 52 classes. George Tilles, Jr. Memorial Park. 8 AM-4 PM. Free for spectators. 573-275-3310, Sikeston.net/events/details/32nd-annual-orancar-show

MISSOURI MINES ROCK SWAP June 9-11, Park Hills > Rock hobbyists set up to sell or swap rock and mineral specimens, fossils, rock jewelry, and other rock-related items and you can take a tour of the museum. Missouri Mines State Historic Site. 9 AM-6 PM Fri.-Sat.; 9 AM-4 PM Sun. Free. 573-431-6226, MoStateParks.com/park/ missouri-mines-state-historic-site

ART WALK

COURTESY BRIAN RICE

June 23 and July 28, Ste. Genevieve > Start your tour at the Welcome Center where you can see two unique art collections, then stroll among the galleries filled with local and regional artists’ exhibits and meet the artists. Downtown. 6-9 PM. Free.

800-373-7007, VisitSteGen.com

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS July 4, Ellington > Come out for this amazing fireworks display which is one of the largest in the area. City softball field. Starts at dusk. Free. 573663-7997, EllingtonMo.com

CELTIC STREET FAIRE

All things Irish will be at this event, including rock bands, traditional music, vendors, and a wine, beer, and whiskey tasting room. The highlight will be the performance of Rattle and Hum, the premier U2 tribute band. Held on Felix Street Square in St. Joseph from 5 to 10 PM Friday and 1 to 10 PM Saturday, this event is free. Call 816-232-0600 or visit StJoeDowntown.com for more information.

THE ART OF LYNN LANCASTER July 4-Aug. 29, Sikeston > An exhibit of works in oil and watercolor by this rural American impressionist. Sikeston Depot Museum. 10 AM4 PM Tues.-Sat. Donations accepted. 573-481-9967, SikestonDepotMuseum.com

COUNTY FAIR July 14-16, Ste. Genevieve > The fair includes a parade, livestock shows, a demolition derby, a horse show, truck and tractor pulls, a queen contest, food, vendors, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and live music. County Fairgrounds. Times vary. Free. 800373-7007, VisitSteGen.com

NORTHWEST

10 AM-2 PM Tues.-Fri.; 10 AM-2 PM Sat. Free. 660620-8828, CulturalCornerArtGuild.org

FISHING WITH LEWIS AND CLARK June 10, Rushville > Bring the family out for fishing fun. Find stations set up for casting practice as well as information on aquatic life and fishing in Missouri. Lewis and Clark State Park. 10 AMnoon. Free. 816-579-5564, MoStateParks.com/ park/lewis-and-clark-state-park

SPIDER SNIFF PROGRAM June 24, Trenton > Meet the park staff at the amphitheater for a program about spiders. Then go on a short hike to find spiders that live in the park.

Crowder State Park. 9-10 PM. Free. 660-359-6473, MoStateParks.com/park/crowder-state-park

NORTHSIDE FESTIVAL

RHYTHM AND ROOTS FESTIVAL

June 2-4, St. Joseph > Come out for a festival with live music, a themed parade, craft and food vendors, fine arts, a fireworks show, children’s activities, Duck Races, the Bikers for Babies drive-by, and dance school performances. Krug Park. 5-10 PM Fri.; 10 AM10:30 PM Sat.; 11 AM-5 PM Sun. Free. 816-279-1764, StJoMo.com

July 1, Albany > This music festival features performances by The Braun Brothers, Micky and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, and Muzzy and the Boys.

Downtown. Call for times. $35-$250 (table of eight) 660-726-3213, AlbanyMoChamber.com

HANDS ACROSS MISSOURI June 6-July 7, Chillicothe > The Best of Missouri Hands artists exhibit their multimedia works at this exhibit. Cultural Corner Art Guild and Gallery.

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4, Maryville > This fireworks display will shoot out over the lake. There will be inflatables, kids games, food vendors and a Human Foosball tournament. Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. 4-10 PM. Free.

660-562-8001, MozingoLake.com

[95] June 2017

ML0617-Calendar.indd 95

5/4/17 11:33 AM

FOOTLOOSE July 7-9, St. Joseph > With an Oscar- and Tonynominated score, this musical celebrates the wisdom of guiding the young with an open mind. Missouri Theatre. 7:30 PM Fri.-Sat.; 2 PM Sun. $10-$30.

816-232-1778, RRTStJoe.org

WATERCOLORS EXHIBIT July 11-Aug. 6, Chillicothe > This exhibit features Brenda Fisher, a regionally renowned watercolor artist. Cultural Corner Art Guild and Gallery.

10 AM-2 PM Tues.-Fri.; 10 AM-2 PM Sat. Free. 660620-8828, CulturalCornerArtGuild.org

BIRDS PROGRAM

NORTHEAST

NATIONAL TOM SAWYER DAYS

A Hannibal tradition for more than 60 years, this festival includes the fence-painting competition, the frogjump contest, and the Tom and Becky contest. There will be crafts, a mud volleyball tournament, a horseshoe tournament, a carnival, live music, and a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. Open from 5 to 10 PM June 28 to July 4, this festival is free. Call 573-221-2477 or visit HannibalJaycees.org for more information.

HANDS OF FRIENDSHIP QUILTS June 2-3, Kirksville > More than 100 quilts will be on display plus vendors with a variety of quilting supplies, demonstrations, raffles, and door prizes.

COURTESY HANNIBAL JAYCEES

July 22, Trenton > Come out to the amphitheater and meet the park staff to learn all about the birds seen at the park. Crowder State Park.

9-10 PM. Free. 663-359-6473, MoStateParks.com/ park/crowder-state-park

Courtesy of ITV Studios and NoHo Film & Television for ITV and MASTERPIECE

Prime Suspect Tennison on Masterpiece

Stefanie Martini stars as a young Jane Tennison - a probationary officer facing sexism on and off the force.

9 p.m. Sundays Starts June 25

Consult your local provider for channel information

KMOS

kmos.org

engage educate entertain

A service of the University of Central Missouri

[96] MissouriLife

ML0617-Calendar.indd 96

5/3/17 7:15 PM

William Matthew Middle School. 2-8 pm Fri.; 9 am4 pm Sat. $5. 660-665-3766, HOFQuiltGuild.net

RANDOLPH COUNTY RODEO June 2-3, Moberly > Bring the family for two nights of rodeo fun including cowgirl’s barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, a roping contest, mutton bustin’, 40 and over calf roping, bareback bronc riding, a beer garden, and a concert. Rothwell Park Rodeo Arena. 7 pm. $5-$12.

660-263-6070, MoberlyChamber.com

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY MADE EASY June 10, Kirksville > Amateur photographers, bring your camera and the manual for tips on how to take great photos of nature. Then head outside to practice. Thousand Hills State Park. 1-2:30 pm.

Free. 660-665-6995, MoStateParks.com/park/ thousand-hills-state-park

FIDDLE CAMP

June 8, Hannibal > Enjoy a concert under the stars in front of Mark Twain’s Boyhood home.

Historic Hill Street. 7-9 pm. Free. 573-221-9010, MarkTwainMuseum.org

June 11-17, Bethel > Fiddle camp is an opportunity for youth ages 7 to 17 to study one-on-one with master fiddlers from across the nation. June 15 to 17 is open to adults age 18 and older to study with master musicians in the same historic location. Various locations in town. 8 am-9:30 pm. $350.

660-651-2718, FiddleCamp.MissouriFiddling.com

FIVE EXHIBITS IN ONE

RAILROAD DAYS

June 9-July 8, Hannibal > The exhibit features the Best of Show Winners, Comic Relief Invitational Exhibit, Hannibal Art Club’s Fresh Art, The Garfield Collection, and The Photography Channel. Hannibal Arts Council. 9 am-5 pm. Mon., Wed.-Fri.; 11 am2 pm Sat. Free. 573-795-2247, HannibalArts.com

June 14-17, Moberly > There will be a carnival, live entertainment, a baby show, Saturday breakfast, food vendors, and a beer garden at this festival that celebrates the town’s rich railroad history.

Downtown. 5-11 pm Wed.-Fri.; 9 am-11 pm Sat. Free.

660-263-6070, MoberlyChamber.com

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

SUBMIT AN EVENT & MORE LISTINGS

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL June 28-July 2, Queen City > Come join the Vincent family for bluegrass music, food, camping, and jam sessions. Sally Mountain Park. Times vary. $20$60. 660-949-2345, SallyMountainShow.com

RED, WHITE, BLUE FESTIVAL June 30-July 4, Kirksville > Celebrate the holiday with concerts, movies in the park, a car show, a pancake breakfast, a splash bash, cemetery theater, and fireworks. Throughout town. Times and costs vary. 660-675-3766, VisitKirksville.com

COUNTY FAIR July 14-22, Moberly > Come out for a traditional county fair and watch the livestock, participate in the livestock auction, enjoy a tractor pull and see lots of entertainment. Rothwell Park. Times and costs vary. 660-263-6070, MoberlyChamber.com

NEMO FAIR July 17-22, Kirksville > This county fair features music, carnival rides, livestock shows, food, and 4-H exhibits. NEMO Fairgrounds. Times vary. $20.

660-665-8800, NemoFair.net

All events go on our web calendar at MissouriLife.com. Submit events well in advance and include a contact phone number.

Visit MissouriLife.com to fill out a form, email info@MissouriLife.com, or send to Missouri Life, 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233. ■ PLEASE NOTE: Call or visit website before traveling as event plans sometimes change.

Directory of our Advertisers 1000 Hills, p. 65 Bent Tree, p. 90 Big BAM, p. 94 Bluff City Theatre, p. 94 Boonville Tourism, p. 71 Callaway County Tourism, p. 9 Cape Girardeau CVB, p. 57 Central Trust Company, p. 7 Columbia Appliance, p. 94 Columbia, MO CVB, p. 23 Country Travel, p. 89 Crow Steals Fire, p. 90 Hermann Wurst Haus, p. 100 Isle of Capri Casino, p. 71 James Country Mercantile, p. 84 Jefferson City CVB, p. 13 KCPT, p. 85 Ken Richardson’s Knives, p. 87 KMOS, pgs. 92 and 96 Lebanon, MO CVB, p. 4 Lincoln, NE CVB, p. 57 Lyceum Theatre, p. 80 Marshall Saline Development

Corporation, pgs. 2 and 3 Maryland Heights CVB, p. 63 Mexico, MO Tourism, p. 11 Missouri Choice Marketing Co-op, p. 61 Missouri Life Gifts, p. 87 Missouri State Parks 100th Anniversary Guide, p. 65 Missouri Life Travel, p. 99 Missouri State Fair, p. 21 Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 17 O’Fallon, City of, p. 63 Ozark Gateway Tourism Council, p. 82 Platte County, p. 84 Railyard Steakhouse, pgs. 77 and 93 Raphael Hotel, p. 93 River City Rascals, p. 83 Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 88 Saleigh Mountain, p. 90 Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, p.8 Sikeston CVB, p. 88 Socket, p. 91 Stone Hollow Studio, p. 90 Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce, p. 15 Union Station Kansas City, p. 18

Washington, MO Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 8 Warrensburg, p. 61 YMCA Trout Lodge, p. 65 The Eclipse Section Cuba, MO Tourism, p. 28 Jefferson City, MO CVB, p. 28 Missouri Western State University, p. 28 Sedalia CVB, p. 29 Ste. Genevieve, p. 29 St. Joseph CVB, p. 29 Food, Brews, ’Shine & Wine Section American Royal, p. 77 Endless Summer Winery, p. 75 Golden Eagle Distributing, pgs. 75 and 79 Goose Island Beer Company. p. 78 Holladay Distillery, p. 76 LogBoat Brewing, p. 79 Rockwood Charcoal, p. 77 Stone Hill Winery, pgs. 75 and 76 Connect with us online!

MissouriLife.com | Facebook.com/MissouriLife

[97] June 2017

ML0617-Calendar.indd 97

5/5/17 3:35 PM

T he Back Story A Night at the Crossroads of America

BY GREG WOOD, PUBLISHER

Canadian border and the bayous of southern Louisiana, and Gram Parsons and Emmylou Route 66, the US highway that Harris for some reason on my ran from Chicago to Los Angeway to Carthage a few weeks les. US 71, which runs all the ago while enjoying the beautiful way along Missouri’s western rural scenery on the back roads fringe, was part of the original of southwest Missouri. One of Jefferson Highway that opened my favorite lookouts is on state in 1910 and ran from New OrRoute 82 where a roadside park leans to Canada, nicknamed overlooks the confluence of the the Palm to Pine Highway. It Sac and Osage Rivers. predates Route 66 by sixteen Somehow, the Southwestyears. The intersection where influenced sounds and beautiBoots Court sits was known as ful harmonies of Emmylou and “the Crossroads of America.” the late-great Parsons made fitWhat could be a better place ting music for the drive. That for a “motor-hotel”? Boots musical groove changed draArthur Boots designed the “motor-hotel” himself, following the Art Deco Court opened in 1939. (The matically as I entered my room Streamline Moderne style. Even the replica neon signs are true to the originals. word “motel” was coined in at the Boots Court motor inn on 1925 but didn’t enter dictionarhistoric Route 66 in Carthage. ies until after World War II.) Over the years, Boots Court went through The rooms are all equipped with radios from the 1940s era as their sign many owners and many transformations, not always in a good way. proudly proclaims “Radio in Every Room.” And they are tuned to “FabuIn 2006, two sisters—Priscilla Bledsaw from Illinois and Deborah Harlous 1490” KDMO-AM, a local Carthage station that plays only music vey from Georgia—took a road trip on Route 66. “We saw the Boots and from the golden age of radio: the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, which was also the had to stop and take pictures and casually said to each other, ‘Wouldn’t it golden era of Route 66. There are no TVs at Boots Court—just the radio be fun to own a motel on Route 66.’ ” Deborah is a professional historic for entertainment. I found it relaxing as I listened while unpacking and preservationist and works all over the country on historic projects. “It was then stretching out on the full bed with the charming, colorful chenille about 2011 when we saw that the Boots was up for sale. My sister said, bedspread. There’s a different style and color on every bed at the Boots.

‘Let’s buy it!’ I said ‘How are we going to do that? You live in Illinois and I Before receiving my room key, I got a good history lesson on the Boots live in Georgia.’ But we did anyway.” by the manager Debbie deReal. She gave me the grand tour and showed By then the Boots was in sad disrepair and even had a gabled roof over me several rooms, including two where actor Clark Gable had stayed. He it that had to be removed. “We wanted to restore it to the original 1940s,” apparently preferred driving cross-country to trains and planes.

Deborah says. And they have done that, one room at a time. Deborah ac“Arthur Boots first built a gas station,” Debbie explains. “That’s where tually moved to Carthage in 2014 to help oversee the renovation work. “I we are standing,” referring to what is now the office. “He began building just love it here,” she says. “So much history all around us.” the rooms after he saw that there was a demand. Back in that day, you She says most of their guests are driving Route 66 and they get many could get a room at other less-reputable places for as little as 50 cents. Mr. international visitors. The Boots enjoys a reputation as one of the truly Boots charged $2.50. That was to keep out the riffraff.” original motels on the Mother Road.

And that pricing policy probably made the accommodations more apWhat better way to slip into a nostalgic mood than to spend a night pealing to people like Clark Gable. at the Boots where you’ll find a radio in every room playing tunes from a Arthur Boots moved his family to Carthage from Kansas City and began not-too-distant past. And thanks to two sisters on a road trip who fell in construction in 1938 after deeming the best location would be at the inlove with the place, we can now all enjoy and admire their efforts. tersection of US 71, which ran north and south between Minnesota at the

KORAL MARTIN

I WAS LISTENING to

[98] MissouriLife

ML0617-BackStory.indd 98

5/3/17 3:14 PM

Bike Adventure through the heart of Europe September 25 - October 6, 2017

Ride with the e d and publisher itor o Missouri Life! f

Join Greg and Danita and our group of more than 20 fellow Missourians on the adventure of a lifetime! Sign up ends July 1.

Bicycle from Vienna to Prague along the Danube River.

We’ll meander through medieval Europe and quaint villages on easy rides along dedicated paved bike paths between 12 and 29 miles per day on this fun, romantic, super-inclusive trip through Europe’s most stunning cities and landscapes!

12 Days • 22 Meals • Double: $3,977; Single: $4,462 Round-trip air from Kansas City or other cities, bikes and gear, fees, English-speaking guides...Included!

Days 1 & 2: Wilkommen in Wien Day 3: Schönbrunn Palace & Bratislava Day 4: Iron Curtain Bike Tour (20 km) Day 5: Birds of Danube Biking (45 km) Day 6: Devin Castle & Danube River Cruise (40 km) Day 7: Mikulov & Lednice (37 km) Day 8: Ottenthal, Galgenberg & Novy Prerov (32 km) Day 9: Dolní Dunajovice, Dobré Pole & Brezí (37 km) Day 10 & 11: Prague Day 12: Home

missourilife.com/bikeeurope [99] June 2017

099 ML0617.indd 99

5/2/17 4:25 PM

Ea gif se D t f ad rom ’s g He rowl rm in an g st n o Wu ma rst ch Ha with us a .

ENTER TO WIN A $25 HERMANN WURST HAUS GIFT CERTIFICATE! To register, text: "BESTWURST" TO 67076

The Best of the

Wurst

Give Dad gourmet German fare this Father’s Day from Hermann Wurst Haus.

Send him a gift box filled with awardwinning sausages, cheeses, spreads, and more. Or, get him the Brat of the Month or Bacon of the Month package to have mouth-watering selections sent directly to his door. Let Dad pick out his own favorites with a gift card he can use online or in our store. Call today for custom orders or visit HermannWurstHaus.com/gifts

Photo courtesy Paulette Omura

100 ML0617.indd 100

234 East First Street, Hermann www.hermannwursthaus.com/gifts 573-486-2266

d jokes We hope these da for you . aren’t too cheesy

Giv gift e Dad he’s the ever wurs gott t en .

ay er’s D h t a F dad’s r u o y s.

Meat pectation ex gift

[100] MissouriLife

5/4/17 2:07 PM