Missouri Life April/May 2011

[ M I S S O U R I B E E R F E S T I VA L

77 OTHER EVENTS]

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

150 YEARS Our Amazing Civil War Heritage PLUS

REMOVING THE N-WORD THE TWAIN CONTROVERSY WILD MUSHROOM PIE AND OTHER RECIPES APRIL 2011 | $4.50

(Display until May 31)

OSCAR-NOMINATED WINTER’S BONE The Ozark Actors’ Stories ML0411_Cover_F_AB.indd 1

www.missourilife.com

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7+( 32:(59$&

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[4]TMissouriLife HE GRASSHOPPER COMPANY © 2010

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Contents APRIL 2011

departments>

150 Years

[12] MISSOURI MEMO

[50] CIVIL WAR COVERED

The tallest chicken in the world and invitations

The Civil War sesquicentennial brings history to life with lively

[14] LETTERS

reenactments, historical films, a new museum, and more.

Searching for slipcases, digital editions, and more

[18] ZEST FOR LIFE Civil War clothes, a veterinary museum, a cat lover who helps, plus new Missouri books

[82] DINING DELIGHTS A retro diner in St. Louis, barbecue in Harrisburg, Mexican in a St. Joseph mansion, fresh ingredients in West Plains, and the biggest breakfast in Branson

[84] MISSOURI WINE AND BEER

on the web> check out our new daily postings

What’s in a title, and an authentic German brewery in Hermann (page 90)

featured>

[96] MUSINGS

[23] REMOVING THE N-WORD

[101] ALL AROUND MISSOURI

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been edited, and Hannibal doesn’t like it.

Our listing of 77 events and festivals

[28] WINTER’S BONE

[114] MISSOURIANA

Ron Marr, pondering materialism and the simple life

Civil War trivia

Meet the Missouri natives who star in this Oscar-nominated film, set in the scenic Ozark landscape.

ML

[34] MADE IN MISSOURI

Content by Location

Find products made right here in Missouri: handmade leather items in Aurora, Greenies dog treats in Kansas

COVER: ROBERT SZABO; ROBIN COVENTRY

City, beautiful gourd lampshades in Odessa, bullets in Sedalia, and wooden toys in Columbia.

82

[42] GREAT UNEXPECTATIONS A tipped cow, a baseball legend, and tango lessons: Follow the King of the Road to Mt. Vernon and beyond.

[76] GOING FUNGAL: MUSHROOMS Start hunting and cooking! Missouri mushrooms are a rewarding and tasty treat. Simply sauté, or try in our great recipes, including mushroom pie, mushroom meatloaf, and goat-cheese filled mushroom caps.

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23 82 76 76 34 64 90 34 34,92 94 42

42 34,42

[92] SHOW-ME SHOWCASES

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28 28,82 82

The MU Vet School does cutting-edge research, and a New Haven artist builds ukuleles.

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into cash Win one of tWo Chevrolet Cruzes ®

April 17 Deposit entry slips starting at 8:00am. One Chevrolet Cruze will be given away at 2:00pm and one at 8:00pm. ®

Stick around between the car drawings — one lucky winner will walk away with $500 cash every half hour!

Enter daily March 28 – April 17.

100 Isle of Capri Blvd. • Boonville, MO 65233 • 1-800-THE-ISLE © 2011 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21. Chevrolet is a registered trademark of General Motors, LLC. Subject to change/cancellation without notice. Bet with your head, not over it. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-BETS-OFF or e-mail gamblingcounselor@lifecrisis.org.

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THE SPIR IT OF DISCOV ERY 515 East Morgan Street, Boonville, MO 65233 660-882-9898 â&#x20AC;˘ Info@MissouriLife.com

Publisher Greg Wood Editor in Chief Danita Allen Wood Executive Office Manager Amy Stapleton EDITORIAL & ART Creative Director Andrew Barton Graphic Designer & Assistant Editor Sarah Herrera Graphic Designer Thomas Sullivan Calendar Editor Amy Stapleton Assistant Editors Sarah Alban, Lauren Hughes, Melissa Williams Editorial Assistant Leigh Bishop Columnists Tom Bradley, Doug Frost, Nina Furstenau, Ron W. Marr, John Robinson Contributing Writers and Editors Kathy Gangwisch, John Gifford, Nic Halverson, Susan Mankin Katzman, Joe McCune, W. Arthur Mehrhoff, Barbara Gibbs Ostmann, Bryan T. Rankins, Sr. Contributing Photographers Robin Coventry, Rodney Dierking, Nic Halverson, Notley Hawkins, Wyatt Shipman, Robert Szabo MARKETING Senior Account Manager Josh Snoddy, 800-492-2593, ext. 112 or Josh.Snoddy@MissouriLife.com

Over 1500 Varieties

Senior Marketing Representatives Central: Sherry Broyles, 660-473-6448 or Sherry.Broyles@MissouriLife.com Southwest: Todd Hege, 417-576-5247 or Todd.Hege@MissouriLife.com St. Louis: David Barnett, 314-910-2889 or David.Barnett@MissouriLife.com

Join us for a fantastic

DIGITAL MEDIA MissouriLife.com, Missouri Lifelines & Missouri eLife Editor Sarah Herrera

Annuals & Tropicals

selection of

Perennials

here on the

Antique & Shrub Roses Vegetables Hanging Baskets Pottery Open Daily 9-5 Display Gardens

plants grown

farm just for you. Plant a little paradise in your world

TO SUBSCRIBE OR GIVE A GIFT AND MORE Use your credit card and visit MissouriLife.com or call 877-570-9898, or mail a check for $19.99 (special offer for 6 issues) to: Missouri Life, 515 East Morgan Street, Boonville, MO 65233-1252.

Change address: Visit mol.magserv.com/scc.php and enter e-mail address or your label information to access your account, or send both old and new addresses to us.

OTHER INFORMATION Custom Publishing: For your special publications, call 800-492-2593, ext. 106 or email Greg.Wood@MissouriLife.com.

Back Issues: Order from web site, call, or send check for $7.50.

today!

Gift Certificates MC/Visa/Discover

excePTiOnAl PlAnTS fOR HOme And gARden

located six miles nW of the Boonville Bridge on Hwy 87 free Brochure www.vintagehill.com [10] MissouriLife

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Upcoming Events APRIL 14-17 Emmanuel Has Come PRESSER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.presserpac.com | 573-581-5592 APRIL 30-MAY 1 The Promise Ballet PRESSER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.presserpac.com | 573-581-5592 MAY 7 Bluegrass Jam PRESSER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.mexicomissouri.net | 573-581-2100 JUNE 8-11 Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY www.missmissouri.org | 573-581-2765

WELCOME TO MEXICO, MISSOURI

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, but with a family-friendly attitude. Come visit us today!

JUNE 8-9 Miss Outstanding Teen PRESSER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.missmooutstandingteen.org | 573-581-2765 JUNE 13-18 Prairie Pine Quilt Guild Annual Quilt Show ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUTHERAN CHURCH 573-581-2047

Visit These Local Sites

PRESSER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Our mission is to inspire, entertain, and educate people in the arts by providing the finest venue, productions, and programs. We also serve as a resource and gathering place for this and surrounding communities. www.presserpac.com | 573-581-5592

MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY is one of the premier all-boy private military boarding schools in the country. MMA has an impressive record of college admission and thousands of accomplished alumni who have assumed positions of authority in business, finance, education, the arts and the military. Its structured program creates a learning environment that promotes academic excellence and character development. We stress the time-honored values of honor, integrity, perseverance and duty. We prepare young men for college and life by creating a venue that challenges cadets to unlock their inner potential. www.missourimilitaryacademy.org | 888-564-6662

MEXICO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 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. www.mexico-chamber.org | 573-581-2765 Tour the AUDRAIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Tues.-Sat. 10 AM-4 PM and Sun. 1 PM-4 PM www.audrain.org | 573-581-3910

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Memo

MISSOURI

NOW THAT’S A BIG CHICKEN

YOU’RE INVITED

I THOUGHT HE WAS JOKING when I heard him

TO SEVERAL THINGS: > Join us at the Missouri Beer Festival. See page 87, featuring exclu-

say, “world’s tallest chicken.” Then I remembered that first, this was Conrad Arellano, a master architect and builder of many sively Missouri breweries. Missouri Life is pleased to be a presentlarge and unusual things, and second, this was Branson we were ing sponsor. (Come and join us. It’s the day before Greg’s birthday, talking about.

We can sing to him.) We also have a new columnist, Tom Bradley, By the time you read this, the World’s who will be visiting breweries around the state and also at the Chicken will have festival. Go with him to the Tin Mill Brewery on page 90. been installed on the “strip” in Branson, known as U.S. 76, across the street from the Branson Ducks. The > Civil War. 150 years. chicken, which is actually a rooster, stands Of course, the Civil War really began right at 45 feet and welcomes patrons into along our border with Kansas long Branson’s newest culinary emporium, The before the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter. Truly, the Civil War began American Steak & Chicken House, here. See our theme section, which built to look like a barn and silo. starts on page 50.

Like people, every chicken has a story, and this one is no exception. And, you But perhaps the story that speaks to me > GREG WOOD, DANITA ALLEN WOOD, PUBLISHER EDITOR don’t get the title as the World’s Tallest the most is the one about the editing of Chicken by Mark Twain, to remove the N-word, on You have to be page 45. It’s a pretty darned determined if you want those honors. issue with no easy answers. As is typiConrad explains it this way: “I got the call in January that a chickcal, I can see both sides. I invite you to share your opinion. en of some measure needed to be built. We got to looking into it and > I also wanted to share I’ve been reading Innocents Abroad, and it’s found out that we very possibly could get the record chicken. So we an edition that has footnotes showing how Twain edited his own were determined to build one around initial dispatches to a California newspaper. I am enthralled by tall. Then we found these footnotes. It strikes me how often he eliminated the use out that France was building one 39 feet tall! We couldn’t have that, there’s no way. We had to go for the record and of the word “rusty” as an adjective for peothat’s what we did.” ple. For example, at Nazareth, his original But how, I wondered do you build a 45described, “...two or three rusty vagabonds foot tall I had to see it for myself. mending their nets …” but he took “rusty” When I entered the shop where it was being out for the book. He took it out in a lot of built, there it was, sprawled out in a skeleton other places, too. I most often prefer his of steel and plywood. Over there was the head, original, especially since he also frequently over here was the tail, down there were the changed what might be considered his rural legs. And then I met the builders, the pioneers, Missouri vernacular. brought out of necessity and uniting > You’re invited to accompany Mark Twain their powers of engineering wisdom and com- Conrad Arellano, creator and designer of the World's Tall(actor Richard Garey) to some of mon sense to create a chicken that would rival est Chicken in Branson, proudly shows off a small model Twain’s destinations on our first-ever Misfor the 45-foot structure soon to be installed. chickens from around the world! souri Life “Innocents Abroad” tour. We’ve This, I said to myself, is exciting stuff! designed a leisurely tour to northern Italy, There were no computers involved in this feat, no sir, just good old and Mark Twain will appear daily to impart his humor. See page Missouri Ozark determination and skilled craftsmanship. Conrad 22 for details. was the architect and chief engineer, Basil Plantz, the chief builder, > Finally, by the time you receive this, we expect to be adding new conand Bobby Baudro, the welder. But nothing in the entire project imtent daily on our improved We’ve divided the week into: pressed me more than when Basil told me that in order to connect Made in Missouri Mondays, Travel Tip Tuesdays, Waiting for Weekthe head, he would have to crawl up and through the chicken’s end Wednesdays, Tasty Thursdays and Friday Life. You’re invited to enjoy free access to yet more great stories from all over Missouri.

Now that’s what I call dedication and perseverance! Long may this All-American Chicken of the Ozarks stand and wave! > Email me: Danita@missourilife.com

Tallest

Remember.

Great

accident.

fascinating

35 feet

chicken?

together

Himself

website.

end.

rear

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APRIL 2011

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

GOT ANY SLIPCASES? I’ve been trying to find some nice slipcases to store my Missouri Life magazines in. My husband got some nice-looking cardboard ones that were personalized with Wild West for his magazines.

I’ve found some generic ones but was just wondering what was the likelihood that you might sell Missouri Life personalized ones? Thank you, —Sharon Crocker, via email Slip cases embossed with Missouri Life sell for $25 for one, and $20 each for any additional, plus shipping. Call 1-800-492-2593 to order. —Editor

SAVE THE SENATE The very small town of Elsberry in Lincoln County suffered a devastating fire in the historic Senate Theatre on January 5, 2011. We are trying

also wanted to let you know how valuable your

to generate awareness about this 100-year-old

calendar of events and places/things to do in

theatre and the struggle to bring it back from

Missouri has become to me. A single publication

Yes, all subscribers have free access to Missouri

the ashes (again). The single-screen moving

that highlights venues that are fun, entertain-

eLife, if you shared your email with us. (We will

picture theatre would have been 100 years old

ing, reasonably priced, and close to home make

never share or sell your email.) You will automati-

in 2011. This is the third fire in its history (1930,

my “staycation” dollars go further. Thank you,

cally get a notice with a link to the digital edition

1937, and now 2011) and the town has brought it

too, for the fantastic recipes. These are fun to

(which often contains bonus features such as vid-

back each time. It’s a hub for our community and

try and, more importantly, delicious.

eos) when it is ready, a few weeks before the issue

really is a labor of love.

—Cathy Rupard, Columbia —Sarah Hunt, Elsberry

format now? Thanks for any help.

—Judy Harrison, via email

arrives in your mailbox. Searching by location or subject is easy, and all pages with your search words

Visit www.savethesenatetheatre.org to donate or for

SEARCHING FOR MISSOURI ELIFE

are listed, whether stories or advertising. Also, you

more information. —Editor

I would like to receive your digital editions in

can use your email or the information on your mail

addition to print copies. I am most interested

label to check your expiration date at any time. Just

CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE

in the search capability, as I am looking for an

click on customer care at www.missourilife.com or

I am sending the Border Star newsletter of the

index to all my past Missouri Life magazines. I

call 877-570-9898 to share your email to get the

Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri. We

can’t tell when my subscription expires, but it

free Missouri eLife. — Editor

very much appreciate the attention you have

is current. Am I eligible to receive the digital

CORRECTION

always given to Civil War history in Missouri Life.

—Beverly Shaw, Independence

SEND US A LETTER

Thank you, and we thought our readers might enjoy your fascinating newsletter. The newsletter alone is

It is pretty shoddy for your publication to say that Jackson is the county seat of Jackson County. Jackson is the County Seat of Cape

com/mo/cwrt or send check to CWRTWM, PO Box

Email:

state. Independence is the County Seat of Jack-

3019, Independence, MO 64055. —Editor

Fax:

son County, on the western side of the state and

Address:

home to Kansas City. I am a Missouri native with

THE NEW LOOK

relatives back to Missouri statehood and expect

I absolutely loved your new cover. The colors

much better of your magazine!

just jumped out and said, “Pick me up and read

—Bill Winter, Colorado Springs, CO

this magazine.” What a beautiful redesign. I

Our faces are red, and Mr. Winter is correct. —Editor

GREG WOOD

Girardeau County on the eastern side of the

$10, or you can join for $15. Visit www.orgsites.

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SILVER DOLLAR

CITY GAZETTE

VOL. I NO. I

BRANSON, MISSOURI

ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE AT WORLD-FEST! America’s LARGEST

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL! _____ Loaded with NEW performances from all around the globe, never before seen at the City! _____

April 7 to May 8 MAYOROV RUSSIAN STATE CIRCUS IN TOWN! Acrobatic feats!

BARBELL JUGGLING.

The famed German Wheel. Comedy. More!

Internationally awarded Canadian Powerhouse step dancers!

RHYTHMS OF RAJASTHAN! INDIAN music and dances.

“IRISH EYES ARE SMILING”

EXTRA! Taste the World! at WORLD-FEST 2011 AN INTERNATIONAL MELTING POT!

With heaping dishes from…

BAVARIA, THE ORIENT, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, IRELAND, ITALY, NORWAY, OLD MEXICO, and ECUADOR. Try the mouthwatering “Chaulafan de Pollo Skillet” (Ecuadorean Chicken Fried Rice). Tuck into dessert, too!

Ireland’s premier HARPIST Dearbhail Finnegan stars. Irish tenor Michael Londra accompanies.

June 11 - July 24

30 RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS! Plus international Silver Clown Award winners!

Chris Perondi’s STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE! Back By Demand. Riveting tales at the Storytelling Stage. MEET CARTOON CHARACTERS! SPONGEBOB & PATRICK, DORA & DIEGO, and more!

NEW: Half Dollar Holler for half pints.

ATTENTION!

Join us for KIDSFEST June 11 - July 24: The ULTIMATE Family Vacation.

You will be delighted by the legendary Fabulous Flying Wallendas, a Guinness World-Record holding High Wire act who recently won the coveted international Silver Clown Award. Acts like this come around once in a lifetime!

Three bands for huge Dance Party May 6-8 only!

Plus returning favorites throughout World-Fest: Russian Academic Band, Trinidad’s Footprints, Diego Martin & Ecuador Manta.

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NATIONAL KIDSFEST!

FLYING WALLENDAS are coming to KIDSFEST!

SLOVENIAN POLKA PARTY!

GENERAL INFORMATION: 1-800-831-4FUN (4386)

Calling all Kids!

WWW.SILVERDOLLARCITY.COM

Tickets, turnstiles and Main Street open 1 hour prior to the City.

3/5/11 1:51:24 PM

READ ALL ABOUT IT! The Branson Belle

NEW SHOWS! NEW SETS! NEW PERFORMERS! NEW MENU! NEW LOOK! Sail through the night on the Showboat Branson Belle, a 700-seat paddlewheeler, and enjoy three brand-new world-class acts!

ENCORE! features the high flying theatrics of JANICE MARTIN, heralded by the New York Times and the Miami Herald as a stunning talent. ENCORE! also introduces the electrifying music from the days of Gershwin through the Beatles, all the way up to the Black Eyed Peas, by the new six-member male vocal group The ShowMen. These six talented

vocalists and dancers from across America blend contemporary harmonies with standout solos. Beginning in May, Funny Fiddle is a hilarious musical comedy featuring Chris Pendleton, as showcased on Lifetime, Fox network and A&E. The Showboat’s BIGGEST CHANGES IN 15 YEARS! Cruises at Table Rock Lake in Branson now through December 31.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS BLUEGRASS & BBQ (May 12 – 30) BEST mix in the nation! BIG-NAME, award-winning performers: RHONDA VINCENT & the RAGE, the GRASCALS and IIIrd TYME OUT. Plus the National Single Mic Championship (May 21 & 22) and Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest (May 28 & 29)

Open Soon! ALOHA RIVER at HULA HULA BAY: White Water’s longest, wettest river adventure! Slide into lush Polynesian jungles enveloping a river longer than two football fields. Beware Twists and Turns, fountains, and geysers! Relax in Riverside Cabanas. Or enjoy White Water’s 12+ acres of tropical adventures, mild to wild, including seven-story, six-slide Kalani Towers. Opens May 21 – September 5 at Branson’s Beach Within Reach.

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New ___ Citizen!

MASTER POTTER

JeffWalker MAKES SILVER DOLLAR CITY HIS NEW HOME!

Regular face at the National Harvest Festival For 14 YEARS, Jeff Walker is now the City’s official MASTER POTTER. Come welcome him to the City.

As Resident Master Potter, Jeff Walker is bringing his unmatched, secretively mixed batches of red-glaze for pottery to town, and he’s going to put on LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS of spinning pottery, start to finish.

He’s sticking around, so the eye-catching red pottery will be available ALL. YEAR. ROUND. “Red is one of the MOST DIFFICULT GLAZE COLORS to make in pottery,” he says. “The secret is in the firing of the pot.”

In fact, he fires his pots three times, if he’s making glazed pots. The second firing for glazed pots reaches a HOT HOT HOT 2400 degrees, and it takes three days in his kiln for the last firing.

WALKER opened his first studio only five years out of college in the northern metropolis, Kansas City, and he’s been making pots ever since. He’s happy to show you the whole process, which can take about three weeks from throwing the clay to firing the pot.

Take advantage of his functional as well as beautiful creations, but whatever you do: COME SEE THESE POTS!

3/5/11 1:54:54 PM

Zest FOR LIFE

Liberty

Still in Fashion

WHEN JEAN WARREN’S friend moved to Connecticut, she left one dress behind. “This dress needs to stay in Missouri,” she told Jean. In the 1850s, a woman on the Kansas-Missouri border wore that dress daily. The friend, Constance, had found the dress in a Weston antique shop on the border. Jean, who can sew any pattern into a dress, cannot turn a dress into a pattern. She found a pattern drafter, Heidi Marsh, who drafted the “Constance Dress” pattern, and the two women began working together. For hours, they sat in front of old clothes in museums and took notes, researching old cuts and fabrics. Now, both women sell period-clothing pattern lines at James Country Mercantile, an outlet Jean and her husband, Del, started in 1986 in Liberty. James Country Mercantile, one of about 125 companies that makes period clothes and equipment in the country, was Del’s idea. Del grew up hunting and muzzle-loading and wanted a historical guns business.

Del drove to reenactments and served as an on-site gun repairman. Today, he and Jean run the shop largely themselves, apart from two part-time employees. Jean says their outlet, specializing in equipment from about 1750 to 1900, which spans at least seven U.S. wars, is doing remarkably well. Jean says she’s amazed at customers’ loyalty to their products. “Nothing that we sell is a necessity,” she says. “You don’t have to reenact. You have to eat.” —Sarah Alban www.jamescountry.com • 816-781-9473

Jefferson City

No Treatment Advised IN 1891, Missouri State Veterinarian Paul Paguin wrote this: “Saw 21 head of pure bred short-horned cattle of which 14 had chronic diarrhea all winter and several show signs of tumors on the throat. None of the herd has been thrifty for over a year. No treatment advised.”

Paguin’s journal sits on display in Jefferson City at the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s museum, the first U.S. museum dedicated

California

to veterinary medicine. Vets from around the state donated artifacts: preserved Siamese

HERE KITTY, KITTY, KITTY

piglets (joined at the abdomen), a four-foot piece

FALLON MUIR believes everyone—and every-

1850 fleam (a set of instruments used to bleed

thing—deserves a second chance. Since 2005, Fallon and her husband, Nicholas, have operated Missouri Foster Cats from their home, with one room devoted just to cats: the “Cat Room” can house six adult cats or 12 kittens. As a licensed animal-rescue program through the State Agriculture Department, Missouri Foster Cats follows strict rules and regulations at all times. Each cat receives a complete physical exam before it is accepted into the program. Plus, they don’t euthanize animals, often taking cats from shelters that do. They also accept cats from individuals, though the Muirs charge a “surrendering fee” to help with the cost of maintaining the animal. The Muirs hope to raise funds for a separate shelter to help more animals. Volunteers, visits, and donations welcome. —Melissa Williams

animals). The display gets weirder: a one-inch

www.missourifostercats.webs.com • 573-796-4190

www.movma.org • 573-636-8612

of whale baleen (its tooth equivalent), x-rays

thick, six-inch wide stone removed from a horse’s bladder more than 90 years ago and three iron bull dehorners, used at the turn of the 19th century. The oldest item on display is a 1500s German Horse Treaty Book.

The veterinary medicine museum, located at 2500 Country Club Dr., is open 9 AM to 4 PM, Mondays to Fridays. Guided tours are available.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

—Kathy Gangwisch

COURTESY JEAN WARREN; FALLON MUIR; KATHY GANGWISCH

of a puppy that swallowed a fishing rod, and an

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Zest FOR LIFE

APRIL SHOWERS BRING …

Find these reads at bookstores or amazon.com unless otherwise noted.

BY MELISSA WILLIAMS

A Tour Guide to Missouri’s Civil War: Friend and Foe Alike

ANDREW BARTON

By Gregory Wolk, Monogram Publishing, 262 pages, $29.95, softcover, nonfiction Gregory Wolk tells the story of the Civil War in Missouri by taking the reader on a visual road trip, whether by car or by couch. He begins with a detailed account of the events and conditions leading up to the first battles in Missouri and moves on to the four stages of the war. Then, five different tour loops take you to a combined total of more than 230 stops. The book gives both driving directions and history lessons that connect each of the numbered sites, which include battlefields, churches, cemeteries, historic homes, museums, markers, and other locations. Each section also includes profiles of famous Civil War characters, battle details, and lesser known stories from Missourians, as well as photographs, maps, and illustrations.

Out On The Ice, a pictoral review

Three Gallant Girls of the Boonslick

By Ross McClain, self-published, 42 pages, $19.95, softcover, nonfiction photo essay, available at mcclaindesignllc.com Ross McClain shares photos from his daily walks with his dog Bogey through the Meramec Greenway after being inspired by the realization that the landscape changes too quickly to leave anything unnoticed. His images of plants and animals, arranged by season, tell the story of a passage of a year in this beautiful region.

By Jane Lee Weiland, self-published, 50 pages, $7.95, softcover booklet, historical young-adult fiction, available at the Central Methodist University bookstore and Boone County Historical Center or 660-248-3739 The author tells the stories of three brave girls who were part of central Missouri history, including the legendary Millie Cooper, who made a daring ride that rescued a fort; Kit Carson’s daughter, Adeline (Prairie Flower); and Glasgow’s budding artist, Cornelia Kuemmel.

Full Plate, No Fork

Beauties

By Darla Arni, self-published, 108 pages, $15, softcover, nonfiction, available at darlaarni.com or 660-529-2969 Darla Arni, of Slater, is a nationwide speaker, author, and artist who shares stories, advice, and life skills to audiences. This pocket-size book is a collection of inspirational ideas, including little things that mean a lot and strategies to cope with a bad day. Darla combines humor and attitude with her personal mission of encouraging a more fulfilling life.

By Mary Troy, BkMk Press (UMKC), 370 pages, $16.95, soft cover, fiction The author, who teaches at the University of Missouri at St Louis, has written three books of short stories, including The Alibi Café, on which this novel is based. The story, set in a southern St. Louis neighborhood, follows one-legged Bev and gorgeous Shelly, cousins who own a diner together. As they search for acceptance, they learn the meaning of hard work, family, and even beauty.

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PROMOADVERTISEMENT

AwAken to Fulton’s rich history with exciting sights and sounds all wrapped up in the warmth of small-town charm, with brick streets, elegant architecture, and 67 buildings on the historic register.

Unwind at two of Missouri’s top 10 Inns, the historic Loganberry Inn where Margaret Thatcher stayed or Romancing the Past B&B in the historic Jameson home.

ConneCt to our history at the newly renovated National Churchill Museum.

This four-million-dollar museum inside a priceless piece of architecture will give you a look back at living history. immerse yourself in the arts and music at Kemper Center for the Arts or Westminster gallery. mArvel at the impressive collection of 84 historic automobiles displayed in Hollywood-style sets for their era at the new Backer Auto World Museum. sAmple some distinctive Missouri wines and a creative bistro menu at Summit Lake Winery. sAvor scrumptious dining at one of our great restaurants, like Beks, for a unique blend of old and new where Internet and espresso meet 1902 architecture.

CAptUre a sense of local history at the Historical Society Museum, or pay your respects at the Missouri Firefighters Memorial.

The National Churchill Museum features interactive displays that engage and educate visitors of all ages.

smile at the offbeat collection at Crane’s Museum in Williamsburg, and before you head out, stop by Marlene’s Restaurant. A pulled-pork sandwich and warm slice of pie will leave you grinning.

For knock your socks off beautiful watercolors, check out the National exhibition in April and May.

revisit the 1930s by sharing a shake made with locally made premium ice cream at Sault’s authentic soda fountain.

Backer Auto World Museum displays an impressive collection of 84 historic automobiles in Hollywood-style sets.

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Wonderful breakfasts and romantic accommodations await you at Loganberry Inn B&B.

Calendar of Events Hazel Kinder’s Lighthouse Theater Shows every Saturday April to December Full schedule online www.lighthousetheater.com hazelkinder@yahoo.com 573-474-4040

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William Woods University Campus Fulton For schedule of exhibits visit www.williamwoods.edu 573-592-4245

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April 1 to May 30 Loganberry Inn B&B, Fulton Two nights stay, 2 breakfasts & spa services $199/person www.loganberryinn.com 573-642-9229 Beks, in historic downtown, features local seasonal fare for lunch or dinner and an extensive beer selection and hand-selected wine list.

For your next getaway or family vacation, visit Fulton and Callaway County.

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Savor a Brown Cow at Sault’s authentic soda fountain.

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Innocents Abroad

Travel with Mark Twain Himself & Missouri Life’s Editor and Publisher “What a funny old city this Queen of the Adriatic is!”

- Twain wrote of Venice

“…all Italy lay spread out before us!”

– Twain wrote of his view from the top of the Cathedral of Milan

In 1866 Mark Twain took an excursion many months long to Europe and the Holy Land. He traveled with a group that he affectionately dubbed “The Innocents Abroad.”

Now you can travel some of the same route and experience the same sights along with the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain Himself – Hannibal’s premier actor Richard Garey.

Come and join us for a “Small Group” tour of northern Italy.

Let us handle the details.

Each day on this 12 day luxury excursion, Mark Twain will make an appearance and enlighten us as only he can. Richard Garey has performed Mark Twain all over the world and has traveled Italy many times. You will believe you’re traveling with Twain.

Our itinerary begins in Nice, France, and takes us through Monaco before we get to Milan, our base for five days and from which we explore northern Italy, including St. Moritz, Lake Como, and Bellegio. We also explore Venice, the Tuscan countryside, and Florence, with a side trip through olive-clad slopes past luxuriant gardens to Fiesole.

October 14-26 SPECIAL TREASURES FOR THE INNOCENTS ABROAD: • DaVinci’s The Last Supper • The Duomo, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world • Cruise on Lake Como • Cruise on the Grand Canal in Venice • The Bernina Express, one of the most beautiful rail routes in the world • St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica San Marco • Saint Mark’s Cathedral, an impressive Byzantine monument • Water taxi from Venice to Murano, home of the Murano Glass Factory • The famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the Florence and lined with jewelry shops • Michelangelo’s monumental David • The Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world with artwork of the masters assembled by the Medici family

Call 507-456-6611 or visit www.missourilife.com.

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ONE

Six-Letter WORD

Replacing the N-word, and what that means to Hannibal

BY JOE MCCUNE

IN MARK TWAIN’S HANNIBAL, the past is everpresent, from the Mississippi River that slides past the town’s eastern boundary to Main Street’s cobblestones to Twain’s mid-1800s boyhood home—and to Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, where one word is the prism through which much of American history can be viewed.

One word, six letters long, hanging around the United States’ neck like an albatross in 19th-century clothing. One word, six letters long, that Twain used 219 times in Huckleberry Finn. One word, six letters long, and a world of controversy on its heels—especially when you remove it.

WIKICOMMONS

THE CHANGE Named for a Carthaginian general, Hannibal preserves and protects Mark Twain, his works, and his legacy from all literary enemies, foreign and domestic. So when news broke in early January that Twain scholar and Auburn Professor Alan Gribben, with NewSouth Books, was replacing the N-word, which describes the character Jim, with “slave,” Hannibal and its Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum sprang to Twain’s defense.

Museum Executive Director Dr. Cindy Lovell, a Twainiac since the fourth grade, says she was flabbergasted at a change she calls unnecessary, meant to make the book a more comfortable read. “But making the book comfortable detracts from its power. You can’t have it both ways.”

Gribben, however, argues the N-word, which he won’t say while giving a lecture or at a reading, too often keeps Twain’s book out of students’ hands. Changing it to “slave” isn’t something he decided to do overnight, but rather after years of struggling with the word and talking to teachers also frustrated about the word’s impact on their students.

“Even when I was a [Ph.D.] student at the University of Cal-Berkeley, when I would talk to student groups about Twain’s novel,” Gribben says, “I found myself automatically shifting that word to slave.”

In the most simplistic terms, the novel follows the story of Huckleberry Finn traveling with escaped slave Jim down the Mississippi River on

a raft, heading toward freedom. For Jim, it’s literal freedom from a slave’s life. For Huck, it’s freedom from the constraints of proper society. And although Huck sometimes refers to Jim using the racial slur, he comes to see Jim as more than a slave; he sees Jim as an equal—and a friend.

The N-word issue came to a head last year for Gribben when he held talks in small and large Alabama towns about Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, in which the N-word is used fewer than 10 times. “The teachers would come up to me and say, ‘We can’t use these.

We can’t teach Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,’ ” Gribben says. “On my long drive home, I would think, ‘What an unfortunate set of circumstances this is turning out to be.’ ” He pitched an idea to NewSouth Books, and on February 1 this year, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn: The NewSouth Edition came out.

For Gribben, it represented a triumph; for Twain purists, anything but.

THE ORIGINAL Lovell traded tenure at her Florida alma mater to move to Hannibal. “All my vacations are centered around Mark Twain,” she says.“I’ve got it bad.”

She and 33-year Twain Museum Curator Henry Sweets are true believers Twain’s novels should be read and taught as written and that the museum’s job is to protect and promote that view. With about 50,000 paying museum customers and four times that many making a Twain pilgrimage to Hannibal every year, they have a vested interest in protecting the novel.

Think about it: When you visit the Louvre, you expect to see the original Mona Lisa, not some knockoff that replaces the subject’s enigmatic

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NOT A FIRST

the University of Missouri’s Ellis Library, however, welcomes Gribben’s edition. In Poplar Bluff where she grew up in the 1970s, her father did not allow the N-word under his roof, but Waggoner and her sister had to read Huckleberry Finn while in grade school.

“That word was never used in my house, to this day,” says Waggoner.

“So I do appreciate—you know, because I know it’s a classic—so I do appreciate the efforts they’re trying to do to make it a better read for people like myself.”

But she does believe a teacher with the right training and measured approach can teach the original Huckleberry Finn in college or high school. Elementary school is too early, she says, and Quirk agrees.

“This is a problematic book, and not just because of the N-word,” he says. “At what age do children develop the capacity for understanding irony? Well, whatever that magical age might be, it should not be taught to students before that age.”

Gribben’s is the latest in a long line of changes to Huckleberry Finn. “It’s not a saWINNERS AND LOSERS? cred text,” says Thomas Quirk, a University Gribben didn’t expect to please everyone, of Missouri professor and Twain scholar. “It but he sounds wounded and defensive has been amended, changed, bowdlerized, about the arrows hitting him. almost from the beginning.”

“I’m disappointed that TV entertainers The Concord Free Public Library in and pundits picked it up and ran with it as if Massachusetts banned the book when it I’m purely trying to censor Mark Twain,” he was released in 1885, not because of says. “Cartoonists went with it, showthe N-word, but because of its coarse ing me trying to muzzle Mark Twain.” language, Quirk says: Its liberal use But not all reactions were negaof “ain’t.” Its deliberate use of the Mistive: “I’m elated that I was contacted souri vernacular, especially in the way by teachers and school districts and Huck and Jim talk. Its liberties taken readers who were glad that they had an with the Queen’s English. option,” Gribben says.

Huckleberry Finn long ago passed into Quirk compares the uproar surthe public domain, meaning anyone can rounding Gribben’s Twain edition to the publish an edition and edit it at will. In stir Ted Turner provoked by colorizing the 1950s, Twain scholar and autobiclassic movies. ographer Charles Neider published an “It’s apparently important to a lot of edition without the final few chapters, people, but in ways that seem out of in which Tom Sawyer reappears. Those proportion to its significance,” he says.

Auburn Professor Alan Gribben and Cindy Lovell, Executive Director of Hannibal’s chapters are widely known to have given Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, agree on the power of the N-word.

Ultimately, that’s Sweets’s view, too, Twain the most trouble in the nine or so but for slightly different reasons. years it took him to pen the novel. NeiSweets says each Huckleberry Finn der simply thought the book was better without them, so out they went. change garners enormous publicity but fails to make a lasting impact.

Through the years Huckleberry Finn has endured a racist label. Often, Huckleberry Finn will endure, he says, as have the contentious problems that’s all it takes to be struck from a curriculum. But Hannibal public Mark Twain tackled 125 years ago: schools teach it in the 11th grade.

“That the book is still contentious today demonstrated to me that “We have no intentions of removing the original work of Mark Twain many of the problems Mark Twain was addressing have not gone away in from our curriculum. We have not looked into buying the NewSouth the 125 years since the book was published,” Sweets says. “We still have version,” Hannibal Public Schools Superintendent Jill Janes says. racism today, we still have racial issues. This is what Mark Twain was adSheena Waggoner, an African-American human resources assistant at dressing, and he continues to address it today. That’s a powerful book.”

NEWSOUTH BOOKS; COURTESY OF ALAN GRIBBEN AND CINDY LOVELL

expression with a smile. To that end, the museum holds three teacher workshops a year, giving mostly middle- and high-school teachers strategies to use when teaching Huckleberry Finn in its original form.

“The teachers are very eager to talk about this,” Lovell says, “and they want to teach Huck, and they recognize the power of Huck. But how do you say the word ‘nigger’ in a class with one black child? That is a tall order, and Gribben’s right: Many of the people screaming and complaining about this wouldn’t get up in front of a class and say that word to save their lives.

“But that’s the point. Twain uses that word 219 times for a reason. He is poking us with a sharp stick. He is making us uncomfortable, making us squirm. And to take that power from him, to change that horrible, horrible word and soften it a little bit … this just reduces the power of the book.”

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Historic Hannibal

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Historic Hannibal

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T he Marrow of

WINTER’S BONE Meet the Ozark actors in the movie BY NIC HALVERSON

FILMED ENTIRELY in the gritty Ozark hill country of southern Missouri, low-budget indie film Winter’s Bone snowballed into a critical darling at last year’s Sundance Film Festival and avalanched its way through this season’s Academy Awards with four nominations, including Best Picture.

Much of the film’s success lies in the accuracy of local custom, dialect, and wardrobe, down to every last grease-stained Carhartt jacket frayed at the sleeves. In the commentary on Winter’s Bone, Director Debra Granik says, “There’s no way that this story could be detached from its home turf.” To authenticate the stark portrait of a region corroded by methamphetamines and ramshackled by rural poverty, the film crew not only consulted locals, they cast them.

Cast in supporting roles with no formal acting experience, three Taney County residents delivered performances of frustration, loyalty, and vulnerability that could only come from one place: home.

BILLY WHITE’S silver-screen debut is a scorcher. His opening scene as Blond Milton is like watching a thunderstorm rum-

ble in from a prairie. Black-bearded and gaunt, he saunters across a trampled yard, knife in hand, glaring pure venom as he stares down the sheriff. His glowering eyes are enough to bore black holes straight through the souls of your ancestors.

“People at work call that my heater wire face,” said the 32-yearold aspiring actor. “I don’t hide my emotions.”

Billy was at his wire-cutting job at American Syscomptel Inc. in Forsyth when he got the call about being cast as Blond Milton. “My heart just dropped, man. There was a little tear in my eye. I had to go in the back room. I was like, ‘Son of a bitch—I did it.’ ” And did it he has. Ever since he was eight years old playing pirate with a plastic parrot on his shoulder, Billy has clutched a lifelong dream to be in a movie. Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, he snatched any chance he got to act, winning multiple awards in National Forensic League competitions and school plays.

When he moved to Forsyth his junior year, there was no drama program at the high school, so Billy marched into the counselor’s office and told the school to figure something out because he needed

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COURTESY OF WINTER'S BONE

Jennifer Lawrence flees Billy White from Forsyth in one scene. Below left: Ron “Stray Dog” Hall films a scene at a cattle auction in Springfield.

Isaiah Stone shows Ashlee Thompson a trick.

to act. Challenged to find 13 people to start a drama class the following semester, Billy petitioned around a school where he knew no one and came back with 15 signatures.

“Of course they were all the crazy kids,” Billy laughs. “But we went to a couple National Forensics League tournaments and put on a play our senior year.”

For years, his acting resume was mired in the plateau of his highschool exploits, until the day luck strolled through a hotel lobby. Billy’s older brother Clay, who makes a cameo in the movie, was working at the hotel where the film crew was staying. On his lunch break, he noticed a woman framing his face with her fingers. It was Director Debra Granik, and she asked him to audition for Blond Milton.

“I told her I couldn’t do it because my little brother’s the actor of the family,” Clay says. “If I got a part, and he didn’t, he’d never talk to me again. So I gave her his name, and she called him.”

Unaware his foot was in the door, Billy waited in line four hours with the rest of Forsyth at the public audition. After a series of callbacks and script auditions, within a couple weeks, Billy was on set having just lassoed his lifelong dream.

Before long, the professionals sought his guidance. Preparing for his Oscar-nominated role as Teardrop, actor John Hawkes sought Billy’s advice on how to play a man throttled by methamphetamines.

“Main thing I told him about tweakers was, ‘It’s the eyes,’ ” Billy says. “You can tell a lot by someone’s eyes. The more you’ve been on dope, the more you lose your soul. And that disappears in your eyes.”

Billy’s been clean now for four years, and confronting his past has been part of his recovery. So when the film crew asked about his experience with meth, he brought a lot to the table.

“Oh yeah, I lost three years. I lost everything on it,” he says. “You almost forget who you are and who you were. And I was losing who I was.”

In the grip of his habit, Billy found himself one night after having a vivid dream.

“I call it my epiphany,” he says. “I had a dream that I spit out all my teeth. Told myself, ‘I can’t be in a movie with no teeth.’ I woke up and I was done. I quit.”

These days Billy is more of a homebody, reuniting with his son, seeking solace in the outdoors, and scouting for talent agents as he plans to pursue more acting. He tries not to blush when strangers gush to him in public about his life-altering performance in Winter’s Bone, but he can’t help it.

“I never thought, living here, it would find me, like it was meant to be. It’s something not only I can be proud of, but something my parents can be proud of, too—and that means more to me than anything.”

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Billy’s right: It’s all in the eyes. He might have once gazed through the vacancy of meth addiction, just like that dead-bolt glare of his opening scene. Today, there’s gravity in his eyes, and they’re anything but hollow. They’re of a man who will stare down his demons and chase his dreams for as long as it takes.

‘STRAY DOG’ Ron Hall and the

dog rooting through garbage; others tried to shoo it away. When he woke the next day, a “Stray Dog” patch had been sewn on his vest.

“I’m not a religious man, not even a little bit,” says Ron, taking a drag off his Parliament 100. “I’m a very spiritual man. A religious man believes in hell. A spiritual man has been there.”

Beginning when he was 18, Ron did two tours of hell in Vietnam. When he returned to the town where he had picked cotton as a kid, he no longer recognized that world.

“I came back here, and I’m like, ‘What the hell happened?’ ” Ron recalls. “It was like the world ain’t the world no more. I’d been shot three times. I’d go in my neighbor’s house or my own house and they’re sittin’ in there watchin’ something silly on TV while the news about Vietnam was on. It was like nobody even cared. I couldn’t talk to nobody. The only people I could talk to were soldiers and bikers.”

He immersed himself in the brotherhood of motorcycle clubs, riding with high-profile outlaws in California before ducking out in the mid-70s when things got criminal.

“By then it wasn’t so much what you could do for your brother; it was what your brother’s got that you could take. And the drugs and the money just destroyed the brotherhood. I walked away from it.”

Since then, he’s focused his efforts on riding with more purposedriven motorcycle organizations, like the Patriot Guard Riders, who

“A religious man believes in hell. A spiritual man has been there.”

regalia on his leather motorcycle vest mesmerized Debra when she scouted a service at The Biker Church in Branson, seeking to cast menacing patriarch Thump Milton. She needed someone whose presence demanded authority, and she asked him to audition.

“Girl, I ain’t no actor and I really don’t like authority,” Ron told her.

“I don’t like it on me, and I damn sure don’t like it on nobody else.”

More bashful than stubborn, his objection was short-lived and Debra soon convinced the burly, photogenic 64-year-old to stop by for a screen test. Ron delivered a few lines in his thick Bootheel drawl and quickly got the part.

Thump Milton could strike weak-kneed dread in anyone just by walking into a room. Although he’s no stranger to bare knuckles and combat, Ron is more Buddha than Outlaw Biker. Even his nickname—Stray Dog—suggests empathy for the suffering. Once, camping on a road trip with other bikers, Ron stuck up for a stray

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COURTESY OF WINTER'S BONE; NIC HALVERSON

routinely shield mourning families and friends from the likes of Westboro Baptists protesting at the funerals of fallen soldiers.

“When they start shoutin’, ‘Thank God for dead soldiers,’ we start our motorcycles so no one can here ’em,” Ron says.

Nothing is more emblematic of Ron’s essence than his Harley: an 1800 cc monster (his “baby”) custom-painted with a stars-andstripes gas tank. He likes dodging the Missouri winters on it, road tripping south of the border through the gulf coast towns of Mexico.

“Everybody tells me the Federales’ll kill me and take my motorcycle, but I ain’t never had no trouble with ’em,” Ron says.

Last April, he exchanged vows at the biker church with Alicia, a Mexican he met in Tampico, Mexico. They live at the “At Ease” RV Park he owns in Branson. A former equipment operator, Ron says he doesn’t need much; he lives off an army pension and a little money he makes renting RV sites. Between honing his Spanish skills and eyeing a small piece of land near San Patricio, Mexico, Ron’s gearing up for this spring’s Run For the Wall, an annual trip by bikers across the country to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. One thing’s sure: Stray Dog’s still roaming the road of freedom, riding low in the saddle.

Not one to take compliments well, Ron brushes off any accolades lauded on him from his role in Winter’s Bone.

“There ain’t nothin’ special about me,” he says. “I think being a common man is as good as it gets. If it was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.”

ISAIAH STONE may need a long time to make peace with his heritage, years to accept his roots, and even more to be proud of them. At an age when identity’s blueprint is still on the drawing board, 15-year-old Isaiah has a couple of drafts in the works.

Cast as the demur, soulful adolescent Sonny Dolly, the Forsyth freshman presents himself as a laconic downtown skateboarder who would spend his days kick-flipping in the park were it not illegal to skateboard in his hometown. The blueprint suits Isaiah. Hidden under a sock cap, his moppish, dishwater-blond locks and aquamarine eyes give him the laid-back mien of a teen idol. That he’s had his board confiscated numerous times by the cops only adds to his quiet rebel-without-a-cause demeanor.

However, underneath this is another draft, one he’s inherited that shares much of the same architecture with his character. Like Sonny’s, Isaiah’s life has been fraught with tribulation. At 15, he’s

From top: Billy White, Isaiah Stone, and Ron “Stray Dog” Hall. Below left: Jennifer Lawrence gives her movie brother and sister a lesson in squirrel hunting for one scene in the film.

endured the deaths of eight close family members or friends, including his father, to illness and freak accidents. His mother has been chronically sick since filming, rocked by a heart attack, triple bypass surgery, and Lyme disease that deteriorated her jawbone and left her unable to navigate the hillside steps of their cabin.

Like Sonny, Isaiah grew up sometimes eating what the woods offered: fried squirrel or rabbit.

He and his mother have floated just above the poverty line, subsisting on social security and friends’ and family’s goodwill; they’ve bounced around, persevering through it all. As with Sonny, these hardships have chiseled a raw maturity into Isaiah and laid the bedrock for the strong man he’s likely to become.

“I don’t let it get me down,” Isaiah says. “Really, I just try to go past it. It's hard, but I always make it through. I’ve known the kind of life Sonny lived in the movie. I just don’t live in the country.”

“This is country, Isaiah,” his mother interjects. “This town, believe it or not, is country.”

“Well, I don’t consider it country,” Isaiah says.

His urban, skater blueprint will soon get its chance at fruition.

Debra is flying him to New York City for spring break and told him to bring his skateboard. On Isaiah’s nightstand is a novel Debra sent him, one she’s considering for her next adapted screenplay, hinting that bigger things are being drafted for Isaiah.

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Relive Civil War History in Springfield, MO

Take a step back in time Aug. 12-14 with

the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek just outside Springfield. Events include a full-scale Civil War battle reenactment, period civilian activities, crafts, educational activities, historical information booths and much more.

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek on Aug. 10, 1861, was the second major battle of the Civil War. After the fivehour battle, more than 2,500 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or missing.

Visitors to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, operated by the National Park Service, can understand the impact of the war through educational exhibits and artifacts in the free Civil War Museum and Visitors Center. A five-mile self-guided tour road along with walking trails allow visitors to explore and learn at their own pace.

The Civil War history lessons don’t stop there.

The Battle of Springfield took place in 1863 in and around Park Central Square downtown. A driving tour includes 12 markers showcasing points of interest within the battle site.

While in downtown Springfield, be sure to check out this thriving entertainment district filled with locally-owned restaurants, nightclubs, galleries and boutiques. Check out the Discovery Center and take in a Springfield Cardinals AA baseball game at Hammons Field.

A visit to Springfield wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the state’s No. 1 tourist attraction, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The largest and first Bass Pro in the country features a 300,000square-foot showroom filled with a huge selection of outdoor gear, an art gallery, firing range, boats, waterfalls, aquariums, apparel and more! There’s even a restaurant - Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe - and a Starbucks inside the store.

Another must-see is Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America large enough to ride through. In a Jeep-drawn tram, visitors experience the underground wonders of the cave that was discovered during the Civil War but remained a secret until after the war was over. Along with providing information about the cave’s history, tour guides explain how the massive formations developed and the role caves play within the natural environment.

To learn more or order a free visitors information packet, go to www.VacationSpringfield.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767. A free mobile application also is available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry in your app store or at www.VisitSpringfield.mobi.

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Made

IN MISSOURI

Aurora

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL A YOUNG JOE HENDERSON paid off college loans by working at an Aurora railroad on night shifts. After getting home, rather than sleeping, Joe worked pieces of leather into belts and wallets. People started buying his pieces, so Joe revved up production. After having kids, he pushed the accelerator a bit harder.

He was soon making enough to raise a family without the railroad.

More than 40 years later, Joe’s leather-working studio, Willow Brook Leather, produces intricately designed, European-trend handbags, wallets, belts, briefcases, journals, and much more. Joe has traveled to Italy 10 times to purchase tanned leather, tools, and fashion magazines.

“After visiting Italy, I realized I could really, really do an incredible job,” Joe says about his first visit in the 1980s. “Italians taught me the devil is in the detail.”

When he tires of making the same old items, Joe explores creative designs. He puts strips of lizard and ostrich leather in his handbags. He builds everything to last.

“Women are more rough on their things than you would think,” he says about handbags. “And I don’t want to ever see those things again; I want them to last. You get three repairs guaranteed in a lifetime, but I don’t want to see those purses back in here.”

Joe sells his items through his website and at trade shows around the country. —Sarah Alban www.willowbrookleather.com • 800-346-8261

Kansas City

Green and Clean had a problem: bad breath. And Joe

calorie version,

Roetheli’s wife asked him to cure it. He created Greenies, now

JointCare treats,

a nationally known brand of the Nutro company. Owned by

and Pill Pockets for giving medicine. There are also smaller,

Mars Inc., the factory in Kansas City is the only production

softer Greenies for cats. Greenies was one of the first products

site in North America, although headquarters are in Tennes-

to earn the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s Seal of Accep-

see. The factory has the capacity to produce a million and a

tance as a treat that passed clinical tests for reducing tarter

half treats each day. There are several different product lines,

and plaque build-up in animals, giving pets a healthier mouth

including the original dental chews in various sizes, a low

and sweeter smelling breath. —Melissa Williams www.greenies.com •866-GREENIES

COURTESY OF GREENIES; COURTESY OF WILLOW BROOK LEATHER

IVAN THE DOG

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Odessa

Gorgeous Gourds Each Lamp shade made by Joanna Helphrey is

burning, engraving, and

unique. She has been drying and decorating gourds since

stained glass. Recently, she

2007. She began by making small vases and bowls, but after

has begun carving details

seeing larger gourds at a show, she had the idea of making

into her creations. She is a

lamp shades. Joanna designs using a miniature jigsaw, wood

member of Best of Missouri Hands and a featured crafter at the Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival. —Melissa Williams

stains and dyes, and other artistic additions such as wood

Sedalia

Better Bullets Sierra bullets started in California in 1946 but has called Sedalia home since 1990.

The company produces 171 different retail bullets, courtesy of sierra bullets; courtesy of timberworks; courtesy of lamps by joanna

including championship competition bullets. The company also supplies bullets for the military.

Producing millions of bullets each week, the manufacturing facility is one of the industry’s most advanced and includes a 300-meter underground shooting test range, which the company believes is the longest privately owned underground range in the country. The facility is open for tours Mondays through Fridays during business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. —Melissa Williams www.sierrabullets.com • 800-223-8799

Provel cheese was invented in st. Louis

bestofmissourihands.org/lampsbyjoanna.htm • 816-633-5175

Columbia

Timber!

When cabinet maker Chris Heston’s wife suggested he make some toys for their son in 2009, he really took the idea to heart. Two years later, Timberworks Toys are sold in several retail locations in Columbia and through the company website. Chris describes his wooden toys, made from hard maple, as “Lincoln logs on steroids.”

The traditional toys are handcrafted, educational interlocking blocks, making them ideal for older children because the blocks are able to connect and form larger, three-dimensional structures. With names inspired from well-known pastries such as donuts and long johns, his blocks use a patented locking device and other oneof-a-kind connectors, creating endless possibilities. There are building kits that include movable parts and wheels to make vehicles, as well as other kits that include larger pieces for building bridges and even two-story post-and-beam structures.

Chris also has simpler blocks without all the interlocking pieces for younger children. —Melissa Williams www.timberworkstoys.com • 877-LOG TOYS

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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OUTDOOR FUN IN COLUMBIA You know fine food and wine pairings — Columbia offers destination and dining pairings

By Lauren Hughes

COURTESTY OF LES BOURGEOIS VINEYARDS

Ride the Trail and Sip Some Wine

Live music at the Les Bourgeois A-Frame

ColumbiaCVB_0411.indd 37

Spend a warm, spring day exploring the MKT Trail.

This nine-mile trail starts in Flat Branch Park and winds through the heart of Columbia, through wetlands and woodlands. Tall trees and cool rock walls cover parts of the trail, with open sunny expanses and green fields surrounding the rest.

Don’t have a bike? Flat Branch Bike Rental is located right next to the trailhead and has hourly rentals and discounts for half- and full-day rentals, perfect for riding all the way to the Katy Trail. The MKT meets the Katy trail near McBaine at marker 169. From McBaine to Rocheport is a relaxing eight miles of flat, scenic trail.

Stop off for lunch at mile marker 177.5 to visit Les Bourgeois’ A-Frame or Bistro. The Bistro boasts beautiful views from its upper and lower patio and serves fresh, seasonal food daily. Try the Gorgonzola cheesecake or antipasto platter—Les Bourgeois smokes all its meats in house. Finish with the chocolate nemesis, a decadent flourless chocolate cake.

If you’re looking for a more casual setting, grab a picnic table at the A-Frame. Perched on the bluff tops, you’ll enjoy spectacular river views, sample Les Bourgeois’ wines and listen to live music Flat Branch some weekend afternoons.

Bike Rental When you get back to 573-823-3909 Columbia, finish your day on the outdoor patio at Flat Branch Les Bourgeois Pub & Brewing, right beside 573-698-2300 the trail head. Flat Branch has a wide variety of hand-crafted Flat Branch Pub beers. The Green Chili Beer is & Brewing unique and tasty, and the Honey 573-499-0400 Wheat is a summer favorite.

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OUTDOOR FUN IN COLUMBIA

The District 573-442-6816 Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream 573-443-7400 Boone Tavern & Restaurant 573-442-5123 The Blue Note 573-874-1944

MKT Trail

Shop Outside and Eat a Cone

Why shop inside when you can stroll outside? The District offers a variety of stores, from women’s apparel at Elly’s Couture to men’s clothing at Bingham’s. Vintage stores such as Blackberry Exchange and Maude Vintage Clothing are great places for those one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

Searching for the perfect gift? Get Lost! Bookstore is the ideal store for the bookworms in your life, or step into Poppy for an artsy, eclectic shop full of unique jewelry, art, and home items. For the prankster at heart, Gotcha features pranks, jokes, and silly fun for everyone.

Take a break at Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, where you can sit outside and enjoy your cone. With both classic and inventive flavors, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try its signature Lavender Honey or Green Tea ice cream, or be daring with Nutella Snickers or Rice Crispy Treat.

Located on Ninth Street, you won’t miss the bright green storefront or Sparky the bulldog, and ice cream is always free for your canine friend!

Happy Hour Drinks and a Summer Concert

Start your summer evening at Boone Tavern & Restaurant. With a large outdoor patio, it’s just the right spot for an after-work drink and snack. From 3:30 to 6:30 , Monday through Friday, enjoy half-off appetizers, such as Buffalo wings or bacon and cheddar skins, plus specials on pints and pitchers of beer and margaritas.

And, several times throughout the summer you can walk over one block to Ninth Street, right outside The Blue Note, to a Summerfest concert for a live outdoor performance. Past concerts include stars such as Wilco, The Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson, and more!

Picnic in the Park

Pack a picnic and head to Shelter Gardens, a spectacular oasis tucked behind the intersection of Broadway and Stadium. Try your hand at nature photography—with more than 15,000 flowers and 300 varieties of trees and shrubs, you’re sure to find the perfect subject.

The gardens also feature a waterfall, rock garden,

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COURTESY OF THE DISRTICT; COLUMBIA PARKS AND RECREATION; MARTIN SPILKER; LAUREN HUGHES

Flat Branch Patio

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

COURTESY OF THE DISRTICT; COLUMBIA PARKS AND RECREATION; MARTIN SPILKER; LAUREN HUGHES

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream

19th century replica one-room schoolhouse, and more. In June and July, enjoy live music with Shelter Gardens “Concerts in the Gardens,” a 573-214-4595 concert series at the garden’s gazebo, where local bands play classical, pop, and more.

For fantastic picnic fare, stop by World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods for a large selection of cheeses and olives from around the world, and then buy a baguette from Uprise Bakery. For delicious, already prepared meals, try Hoss’s Market & Rotisserie. Its dinner menu changes weekly, so call ahead.

Dare the Devil’s Icebox Boardwalk

Take a break from the routine of everyday life. Just south of Columbia is Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, an ideal retreat into nature. Explore the renowned Rock Bridge on the half-mile Devil’s Icebox Boardwalk, and then venture into Connor’s Cave, where an underground stream, sinkhole, and cool temperatures await.

Left: Hoss’s Market & Rotisserie Top: World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods Above: Uprise Bakery [39] April 2011

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OUTDOOR FUN IN COLUMBIA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Wilco concert at Summerfest Spend an afternoon exploring and hiking the 25 miles of trails through forests, streams, and restored grasslands.

The state park also has many picnic sites and several playgrounds, making it a great spot for the whole family.

After you’ve spent an active day outside, make your way to nearby La Terraza for authentic Mexican dishes and a vibrant outdoor seating area.

Rock Bridge 573-449-7402 Art in the Park 573-443-8838

An Artsy Way to Spend the Day

COURTESY OF THE BLUE NOTE; COLUMBIA ART LEAGUE

As the oldest and largest fine arts festival in central Missouri, Art in the Park is an excellent way to support your local artists. More than 100 artists, from sculptors to painters, and photographers to jewelers, visit for this two-day festival, held June 4 and 5 at Stephen’s Lake Park.

With something for everyone, Art in the Park is a great reason to spend the day outside. Open from 10  to 7  Saturday, and 10  to 4  Sunday, stroll through the artists’ booths, grab a snack at one of the many food vendors, and enjoy the day.

Drive across town to finish the day on Sophia’s patio, where you can enjoy its extensive wine list. Inspired by the dishes of Southern Europe, Sophia’s serves tapas, pastas, seafood, and more. Try the Tomato Basil Scallops or the Brandy Cream Filet, and then delight in tiramisu.

Art in the Park

Stop hy the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau for visitor guides, maps, festival information, and more 573-875-1231 | visit www.visitcolumbiamo.com 300 South Providence Road

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KING OF THE

Road

GREAT UnEXPECTATIONS

Surprises around Grays Point, Miller, Republic, Billings, Aurora, Verona, and Mount Vernon IT WAS an unexpected sight.

Along the edges of old Route 66, I expected to see relics. I expected to see faithful stone structures that refuse to break down entirely, old roadhouses that once fed the great auto migration west, and decaying tourist cabins that offered sleep to restless travelers. I expected to see those remnants that served our lore and the Joads and the Clampetts.

Around this hallowed highway, I expected to see an old, empty concrete tarmac with nothing on it except a stubby concrete island where an old Crown Gasoline pump once stood. I expected to see the wooden skeletons of old billboards and maybe a preserved succession of classic BurmaShave signs.

I did. I saw most of those things.

But I didn’t expect to see this: Just off the Mother Road, near the very small town of Grays Summit, an LP-gas tank is painted like a calico cow, black and white, with its bulbous tank top cover painted pink. In effect, this calico cow has been tipped, its pink udder pointing to the heavens. Just down the road a big, plastic life-sized bull stands on the crown of a house, waiting for an opportunity, I suppose, to romance the calico gas tank.

Ah, the unexpected—it’s what makes my car and its curious occupant go the next mile.

The next several miles took me east along the old Carthage Road, now called Route 96, but indelibly etched in history as Historic Route 66. I barely broke speed through Phelps. “The Village of Phelps has not gotten along very far in its endeavor to make a noise in the world,” according to a 1917 book, The Ozark Region,

Its History and Its People, A History of Lawrence County. There are many reasons for the rise and fall of towns. For Phelps, a devastating 1870s fire didn’t help. But in 1926, when Route 66 came through town, business flourished, until widening the highway razed several businesses. Since the Interstate carved a new path that bypassed the town, things are quiet. I don’t think the residents mind.

Like a single red blood cell in the capillaries on my map, my car meandered through Albatross, and Heatonville and Nickelville.

I passed Route 66 Tavern in Miller. Population 754—that’s the town’s population, not the tavern’s, though the tavern’s population gets close on karaoke night. That’s what I hear, anyway. In 1995, Miller was the unlikely setting for a movie entitled A Place to Grow, starring Wilford Brimley and Boxcar Willie. In the movie, a big recording star returns to his roots to sell the family farm after his brother dies. He finds out that the death may not have been an accident. Turmoil. But as I pass the tavern and town, Miller seems quiet, and the movie, by all appearances, is in the rearview mirror.

It was twilight as I passed the Friday night lights of the old Mickey Owen Baseball Camp. I couldn’t see the ball field, just the glow from the lights.

Mickey broke into baseball in the 1930s with the St. Louis Cardinals, and he’s still a local hero (not a goat, despite this label having been affixed to his name because of a dropped third strike in the From left: Mickey Owen, middle, ran a baseball camp at Miller for aspiring ball players, including Michael Jordan. Owen died in 2005, and the camp closed last year. The courthouse in Mt. Vernon was built of native limestone in a Romanesque Revival style.

JEFF FARABEE; HISTORIC ARCHIVE IMAGE

BY JOHN ROBINSON

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Nobody knows Missouri like John Robinson.

the next one.

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KING OF THE

Road

1941 World Series, when Mickey was a catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers). His error gets the blame for letting the crosstown Yankees win the series. Leaving Bronx cheers behind, Mickey came back home to Missouri, and for four decades he taught baseball to thousands of kids, including a young phenom named Michael Jordan, who went on to be pretty good at another sport. Mickey was so revered in these parts of Missouri, he was elected Greene County sheriff for 16 years. He died a few years ago, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of his students.

I reached Turnback Creek, but kept going, past Paris Springs, which some folks used to call Chalybeate because of the iron-rich (chalybeate) springs that fed the town’s brisk health resort business.

I drove south and intersected I-44, where I stumbled onto one of the biggest auto junkyards I’ve ever seen. Acres of rusted automobiles can only be accessed through one entrance gate made of two junked cars. This field of broken dreams, so close to the Mother Road, is an exclamatory reminder that nothing lasts forever. The car gate is framed by trees still pointing down after a thick ice storm a few years back changed the trees’ trajectories and sent residents running for cover.

Zipping down Highway 60 into Republic, I resisted driving 360 miles an hour, as suggested by a car dealership TV ad that claims the trip from Springfield to Republic would take just one minute at that speed. Call Carl Edwards. Or Jamie McMurray. Anyway, too many stoplights along Route 60 impede such speed. Good thing: Prudent

JEFF FARABEE

Abandoned barns dot the countryside along stretches of Route 60. At right, Aurora’s first bank converted into a restaurant. Now, when you hand money over, you get food back.

The Princess Theatre, despite being closed, is still eye-catching while it awaits a new fate.

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driving allowed me to slow down and soak in the charming character of Billings.

Billings has two claims to greatness. It’s the home town of Leon Rauch. Leon left Billings to become famous. From each direction on Highway 60, highway signs proclaim that Leon hails from here. For years, Leon sang with Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. So in a sense, Billings gave us the voice of western swing. Just off the highway, Billings’ main street extends for two blocks, looking kind of western and swingy, like the songs Leon sang.

That quaint two-block district puts Billings in my list of top 10 Missouri small towns with tourist potential.

Just down from Marionville, I rolled into Aurora, past the legendary Sunset Drive-In Theatre, a landmark since 1951 and one of the dwindling number of survivors of the drive-in movie era. Over the years, fire and lightning tried to wipe out the Sunset, but each time its owners built it back better. For the upcoming season, admission might cost a buck more than last year.

But as the owner says, “You can see two first run movies for other’s price of seeing one, only less!” Oh, and the Sunset just added wi-fi, so you can surf the net from your car while waiting for the feature.

The more things stay the same, the more they change.

Aurora is a town of deep contrasts. It’s the summit city of the

Ozark Highlands, at 1,434 feet. Like many westward towns, Aurora grew up around its railroad. But it really struck pay dirt when some well diggers discovered galena, a rich ore loaded with lead and zinc. Almost overnight, the digging exploded. Mines popped up—or down, as it were—before the advent of mining permits, and soon shallow tunnels ran beneath the ground in almost every direction. Over time, much of the land above the mines became contaminated with lead tailings and lead dust. A generation ago, a Superfund helped the town identify and fill in the old mining holes and clean up the leftover mess.

I approached the town square, which showed signs of the stress that comes with the sad faces of too many empty storefronts. But peeking around town, deeper into its fabric, I found a rebirth. Within yards of each other sit two of the most entertaining restaurants in this corner of the solar system.

You can’t miss the award-winning Richard’s Hawgwild BBQ, with a museum’s worth of memorabilia on its walls. But make no mistake, the main attraction is its barbecue. I entered the restaurant and took a seat at a little paper place mat with an animated pig-ina-bib. My pulled pork came courtesy of Richard’s smoker out back, nicknamed Smoggy Bottom Hog Farm.

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Richard and Donna Helgerson don’t hold back. “We are the finest barbecue this side of Memphis,” they said. They don’t hold back about their love for the King, either. Ten dozen Elvis eyes watched me eat. Vestiges of the King plastered the walls. As I bade goodbye, bits of pulled pork plastered my shirt.

I walked around the corner and bumped into another wonder: Bootlegger’s Restaurant & Brewery used to be a bank. Indeed, in its new incarnation, somebody invested a mint—and a lot of creativity—into the sumptuous décor, right down to the bank teller’s cage turned cashier’s stand and a bank vault turned beer brewing vault. The menu makes for mouthwatering. I spied a dish called “The Heart Attack,” a half-pound burger with bacon, barbecued ham, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and barbecue sauce.

Holy hamburger, somebody press the bank alarm!

Looping through Verona, which sits at the headwaters of Spring River, I passed La Tienda Michoacana #2, a grocery store where you order in Spanish, pay in American, and eat in ecstasy. I veered north on Route 39, also called Highway 265 but affectionately dubbed the Ozark Mountain Parkway. The surrounding scenery inspires, as it must have done for young Harold Bell Wright when he got off the

Left to right: The Not So Shakespearean in the Park Players perform at the Not So Square Art Festival in September. The Meet in the Middle Tango Festival, held at the same time, takes place in Murray’s Vintage Venue, an elegant site for the dramatic dancing.

train at Marionville and wandered the surrounding hills and hollers, breathing the clean Ozark highland air to heal his tubercular lungs.

Situated along the parkway, Mount Vernon, named for the beloved homestead of George Washington, boasts one of the prettiest courthouses in the Midwest. From earliest memory, I’ve associated Mount Vernon with the state tuberculosis sanatorium, now called the Missouri State Rehabilitation Hospital. As it turns out, there are three tuberculosis sanatoriums in Mount Vernon. One here, another in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and a third in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Talk about contagious!

Sometimes you catch something really good.

And, in Mount Vernon, I got a triple treat. Just west of town, the Williams Cemetery is the final resting place of James Marion Woods (1838-1910), whose headstone indicates he was a soldier. But it says nothing about his more enduring legacy as the original shepherd of Mutton Hollow, which inspired Wright’s The Shepherd of the Hills.

Back in town, the courthouse grounds feel the fun of many local events. But, on this day I discovered the coolest, campiest combination of events ever in the western part of the northeast sector of the

STEVE SNYDER; KAREN WHITESELL

Sometimes you catch something really good. In Mount Vernon, I got a triple treat.

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PLACES TO VISIT ALONG THE KING’S ROUTE! An LP-Gas tank (No, really, you should see this!)

•

•

Bootlegger’s Restaurant & Brewery

•

Richard’s Hawgwild BBQ

•

Ozark Mountain Parkway Scenic Byway

southwest corner of the state. The Not So Square Art Festival features outside-the-box performers like the Not So Shakespeare in the Park Players, a Celtic jazz band, genuine Samoan hip-hop, dueling pianos, Native-American storytelling, and a tango demonstration.

What a melting pot of hoot!

A tango demonstration? Just off the square, a hundred or so of the world’s top tango dancers have assembled for the past few years at the annual Meet in the Middle Tango Festival. I’ll never sit willingly through an episode of Dancing with the Stars, but this event is nothing short of a movie scene on a movie set—the deep elegance of a hardwood dance floor gleaming in the soft light of chandeliers hanging from the gilded grandeur of an original tin ceiling, plus the grace of the Argentine tango … the dance and the music. Inspiration pours out of this place, called Murray’s Vintage Venue, a classic ballroom lovingly restored to its 1893 grandeur, inside and out. Tango upstairs, stained-glass studio downstairs.

All that tango called for a taco. I stopped at Mount Vernon’s Taco Palace, a local eatery based in neighboring Monett that’s franchised nationwide. Inside, I consumed the crisp goodness of the restaurant’s namesake and reflected over my fistful of scribbled notes.

Billings’ favorite son. Aurora’s barbecue, Bootleggers, and big screen. Tiny Miller’s big-time movie and its precious American baseball heritage. Mount Vernon’s breath of fresh air.

Come to think of it, the calico cow is only a small sliver of the unexpected.

• Sunset Drive-In Theatre

• • Courthouse Square, Not So Square Art Festival, and Meet in the Middle Tango Festival

Murray’s Vintage Venue

Taco Palace •

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! e l l i v s k r i K VWihseiretyouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Mark

Civil War Recreated

Calen Your dar!

A Battle of Kirksville Re-enactment

April 15-17, 2011,

near Milan, Mo. (30 miles from Kirksville) www.battleofkirksville.com and

Anniversary Commemoration

of the Battle of Kirksville August 5-7, 2011,

in downtown Kirksville, Mo.

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Kirksville, Missouri’s North Star, offers abundant opportunities for visitors to enjoy history, culture and recreation. Kirksville and the northeast Missouri region are home to some of the most beautiful scenery the Midwest has to offer. At Thousand Hills State Park, just a few miles west of Kirksville, you will find water sports, hiking and camping, as well as ancient, native American petroglyphs. From May to October, the Farmer’s Market on the downtown square is a great place to soak in the local flavors as well as pick up fresh produce and baked goods. All summer long there are free “Summer on the Square” concerts each Friday evening. In addition, the Kirksville area has a number of annual festivals including the Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, the Kirksville Air Festival, Round Barn Blues Festival, SPBGMA Bluegrass Festivals and the Novinger Coal Miners Days.

Kirksville has several Museums and historic sites including the Ruth Towne Museum, the Adair county Historical Museum, the A.T. Still University Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, the Exhibition of Amtrak History, and the Coal Miner’s Museum.

Cottage Grove Bed and Breakfast, Brashear House Bed and Breakfast and several hotels, antique stores, a variety of restaurants from sushi to barbeque in addition to unique shops and boutiques make Kirksville a great place for a weekend getaway.

In 1862 the Civil War Battle of Kirksville on August 6th cemented northern Missouri for the Union. The mass grave of executed Confederate soldiers is marked in the Forest Llewellyn Cemetery a few blocks west of Kirksville. Kirksville hosts a Civil War commemoration annually on August 5th-6th with historic dancers, musical performances and historic dramas.

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d e h is in F y l l a e R r e The Past Is Nev

THE

CIVIL WAR

IN MISSOURI

ROBERT SZABO

150 years ago, our country descended into a bloody civil war. As a commemoration of the sesquicentennial, we offer several diverse stories.

Remember.

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What exactly do we mean by “The Past”?

BY W. Arthur Mehrhoff

fascinating Videos on the National Park Service’s “Freedom’s Frontier Heritage Area” website made me rethink how Missourians remember the Civil War. On the site, interviews of Kansas City residents living along State Line Road on the Missouri-Kansas border reveal the extent of popular knowledge of terms such as “border war,” “bushwhackers,” and “jayhawkers.” Most people, if they had a clue, associated the terms with the athletic rivalry between Missouri and Kansas.

But clear evidence of the Civil War surrounds us, if only we are willing to see geography as history. Race relations, political sovereignty, the federal government’s role, and tradition versus progress all burned so hotly 150 years ago, embers still linger on our landscape today. We are still dealing with the consequences, and we need to pay attention to those consequences.

Missouri was the state that projected slavery north into the Louisiana Territory. Although the infamous 1820 Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to have slavery while limiting slavery elsewhere north of the state’s southern border, it did not douse what Jefferson anxiously called “a firebell in the night.”

Soon after Missouri gained statehood, the Santa Fe Trail opened expansion westward from Arrow Rock and Franklin. Entrepreneurs like Moses and Stephen Austin of Potosi helped form the Republic of Texas, which led to the Mexican War after the United States claimed Texas as U.S. territory. War with Mexico lured Missourians west, undermining the Missouri Compromise’s latitudinal distinction of North and South by opening a vast area of new territories for the expansion of both pro- and anti-slavery settlers.

In 1857, the Dred Scott case boiled over in the Old Courthouse at St. Louis. The U.S. Supreme Court faced the question whether a person held in slavery, such as Scott, could become a U.S. citizen? The case reignited questions about states’ rights to regulate slavery—what Southerners called “our peculiar institution.”

During the “Bleeding Kansas” border violence of the 1850s, pro-slavery Missourians, inspired by Sen. David Atchison, violently fought abolitionists such as John Brown, along the border over the same question the Supreme Court was facing. Both sides used torches, guns, and deadly broadswords, burning their way into the Missouri landscape like the famous cannonball that lodged in the Lexington courthouse.

Jefferson City’s Capitol displays as evidence of the bloodshed two large 1920s murals by Newell C. Wyeth, father

of artist Andrew Wyeth, depicting the battles of Wilson’s Creek and Westport. Even then, Missourians’ loyalties remained so divided Newell had to paint both a Confederate and Union victory to avoid controversy.

George Caleb Bingham’s famous General Order No. 11, hanging in Columbia’s State Historical Society, immortalizes the forced removal of Missourians from four western counties during the Civil War. Bingham retaliated to the order from Union Gen. Thomas Ewing, who was retaliating against pro-slavery guerilla leader William Quantrill’s burning of Lawrence, Kansas. Upon seeing Bingham’s painting in the late 1860s, legendary bushwhacker Frank James commented, “This is a picture that speaks.”

It apparently told Frank, who must have told his brother Jesse, to keep the fires burning long after the last battle.

Paintings such as General Order No. 11 speak volumes.

So much so that our key question becomes: What do these paintings, battlefields, reenactments, and special commemorative events, many in Missouri, say to us about the Civil War? Southern historian C. Vann Woodward worried that America’s boastfulness about victories in war and as a world power, combined with a belief in our innocence and virtue, did not square with the Southern heritage of slavery and defeat. In his 1960 book, The Burden of Southern History, Woodward warned that the public should look at the war’s tragic past as a sobering lesson.

“History has begun to catch up with Americans,” Woodward writes. “Our fabled immunity from frustration and defeat has faltered its magic on several fronts, foreign as well as domestic.” Woodward makes a powerful case that the Union victory over slavery, which he celebrates, also undermined traditional Southern values, such as personal honor, loyalty to place, historical awareness, and resistance to mechanization, which he mourns.

We can treat the sesquicentennial of the Civil War in Missouri as an opportunity to be entertained by nostalgic reenactments, movies, and even magazine articles; or, instead, we can use these same opportunities as a flashlight on the past and a beacon guiding us into the future.

We cannot tell you what to think about the Civil War in Missouri, but we hope this sesquicentennial year will help you think carefully about how we remember.

W. Arthur Mehrhoff, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in American Studies from Saint Louis University and is the Academic Coordinator for the Museum of Art & Archaeology at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

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In the Moments

BEFORE BATTLE

BY SAR AH ALBAN

A LITTLE BOY is sitting on a battlefield in Arcadia Valley, which holds 2,500 souls and the town of Pilot Knob, 90 miles south of St. Louis. In a few minutes, a Civil War battle reenactment is going to rattle him. Literally, four cannons and hundreds of rifles blasting each other are going to shake the hairs on his head. The boy, who is probably seven years old, sneaked onto the field and is now sitting inconspicuously among a group of professional photographers;

keep spectators off. In a few minutes, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to have a closer view of the field than any of the other From top: Various pictures from the battle, including one of the boy who witnessed the carnage pile up while standing closer to the field than any other spectator at the battle.

20,000 spectators. When the bodies start to fall, he is going to be only yards away. And he has no clue.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s munching on rock candy.

SARAH ALBAN, ROBIN COVENTRY, RODNEY DIERKING

he is sitting on a plot of grass fenced with flags to

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Women

Hours before the boy slid in with the photographers, a group of female reenactors were initiating me into their weekend pastime.

I was holding up my hair in a historically accurate bun, while a half-dozen of the women, wearing vivid handmade petticoats, surrounded me and tried to make me seem more convincing as a reenactor. I was trying.

I’d abandoned my blue jeans, car keys, and cell phone—all taboo items in a reenactors’ camp—in favor of an under-petticoat, corset, slip, drawers, chemise, and over-petticoat one reenactor had lent me. These women have been hand-making their Civil War-era outfits for years and sometimes decades.

The women were mostly members of the Ladies’ Union Aid Society, a 19th century group of women that would canvass towns to raise money for their men at war. The LUAS even visited their men in camp in times of calm, and they brought their children, too. Many of these reenacting LUAS brought their children to the camp this weekend because most of them, like their predecessors, have relatives who will fight in the battle later on.

One woman, trying to keep my bonnet in place, realizes she will have to pull my bonnet ribbon especially wide to mask a big black tattoo on the back of my neck.

“A bonnet covers a multitude of sins,” she says, tugging my

head without asking whether that hurts.

From left: Civilians cook dinner and play I deserve that. I am a modern impostor before battle. It was not in this world of authentic reenacting, and unusual for women and children to visit their the tattoo is my mark of espionage—my men in camp. Sweaty ball and chain to the outside world from after firing and reloading his rifle while marching which these woman are desperately trying during the fight, a Union to pull me. infantryman rests silently in the soldiers’ camp.

As potatoes blacken over a fire pit in the He smokes and tries to ground, a milk-and-butter cream thickens pass off his hardtack. A in a cast-iron skillet. The fire pops and Confederate infantryman follows protocol, saluting sizzles. A group of spectators wearing while standing in rank jeans and toting digital cameras meanders and file before the battle. into the camp. They peek between canvas tents, avoid the fires, and ask questions of the reenactors. One father watches his son eye a group of kids rolling in hay bales; the kids are getting straw stuck in their suspenders and hair. The father tells a LUAS woman, Amanda Cone, that his son can’t wait to reenact. The father means his son can’t wait to be a soldier.

But Amanda points to the kids in the hay, looks to the son and then the father, and says “He’s old enough now.” Nearby, a reenacting baby drops something from a wooden highchair, which looks like it could splinter a stuffed animal.

The father smiles and walks away.

SARAH ALBAN, RODNEY DIERKING

BEFORE THE BATTLE: The

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BEFORE THE BATTLE: The

Men

The night before the battle, a handful of reenactors were camping in front of the courthouse with a dented roof in Pilot Knob. Their campsite, which consisted of grass, no tents, and perhaps a blanket, sat two miles away from the battlefield and Fort Davidson.

The night before battle, most other reenactors slept in tents right beside the fort. Some of them brought trailer-campers to avoid the dewy grass. They didn’t go as authentic as the courthouse men, who call themselves “progressives.” Most people who aren’t progressives call them “hardcores.”

The night before battle, the progressives slept in the dirt. A lot of them didn’t cook dinner, although they could use a meal, as many hardcores diet year-round so they stay as skinny as the real, often starving soldiers.

The night before the battle, Pilot Knob’s temperature dropped, and I could see my breath. The progressives passed the night in the frigid air, woke before sunrise, and marched the two miles to the battlefield.

There, they met the other reenactors, the ones who had slept well and had food in their bellies. They began a few hours of military drills. The reenactors hoisted long rifles against their shoulders, the bayonet tips gleaming silver under the warming sun.

Charlie Hoskins hoists a gun with them. Charlie is serving as a

lanky, progressive Union infantryman. When his drills end, with most of the morning gone, Charlie walks to the LUAS camp.

He stands against a tent pole beneath a canvas roof the women set up. His eyes crinkle constantly; he’s giddy. Having shivered away the night on cold, dewy grass, he is now melting the ladies’ hearts with his smile.

Charlie is a lawyer from Washington, Missouri. As such, he could have taken an expensive vacation somewhere posh where waiters hand him cocktails underneath his umbrella. But Charlie is not in Hawaii or Mexico or Vanuatu or any other oasis. He is 80 miles south of his home, in Pilot Knob, because he prefers sleeping on the ground, eating blackened potatoes straight from a fire, and taking bullets.

“It’s more fun than golf,” he says.

A few yards away from Charlie, an hour before battle, another Union infantryman, Bill Baehr, is speaking with the LUAS women.

Bill has just returned from his second war tour in Iraq. This weekend he spent about $500 on a train ticket from his new station in the state of Washington to Pilot Knob to reenact in the battle in which he has reenacted since he was a child.

Bill is discussing with two women the historical inaccuracies of Civil War movies. The conversation slips to period books like Pride and Prejudice and their movie adaptations. Nearly every movie

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mentioned has at least one imperfection, a rule bent by Hollywood. Pride and Prejudice, though, is faring pretty well in the talk.

Bill has removed one of his stiff darkbrown brogans (a type of boot) and revealed the bottom of a red, white, and blue wool sock. The bottom is patched with a Confederate flag Bill added.

“I sewed that on because I like stepping on the enemy,” he says, patting the flag like a pet.

Soon he and Charlie leave the tent to return to their campsite. The battle is about to start, and officers are calling in their soldiers. One by one, the men pick their rifles out of the tall pyramids of bayonets that have been lying idly in the campsites all afternoon.

The Battle (1864)

to pieces. The carnage at Pilot Knob is infamous for its proportion to the number of soldiers who fought.

The Battle (2010)

The boy doesn’t touch his rock candy once the battle begins.

He’s a little shorter than me kneeling, capturing photos of the battle unfolding. A few yards away from us, a Confederate reenactor becomes the first to catch a bullet (really a blank) in his gut. With a jump, roll, and tumble, he becomes the first corpse.

Hundreds of rifles send sound waves crashing against the crowd. Four Union cannons sporadically blast white smoke-clouds onto the field, and the smoke snakes between the spectators.

Confederate soldiers fall faster than Union ones. Who dies is not choreographed in advance, but everyone knows how the story will end. Confederate soldiers know textbooks cite high death numbers on their side, so they comply.

This is part of battle magic.

When the battle is called, 90 percent of the corpses on the field belong to the South: a Union victory, as it was 147 years ago.

The first casualty has barely moved since his jump, roll, and tumble. He did twitch and breathe a couple times in role lapses. Now, though, he is rising from the field.

Battle magic.

The boy has not noticed the corpses disappearing one-by-one.

He’s clapping, shouting, bursting.

“Good job, good guys,” he says to the victors, standing like stiff posts at the fort. “You’re the best!”

Before the battle, I asked him to pick a winner. He picked the Confederates.

“Because, look!” he said, pointing to Confederate lines outnumbering Union infantry ten-to-one. “Look how many guys they got!”

The boy eventually realizes the field has emptied. I think he notices his rock candy is bleeding blue on the grass, too. Just before the battle, one reenactor said this: “History is shaped by how we can relate to it.”

The boy might not remember why one side won and the other lost, or why appearances don’t necessarily reflect heart. But he’ll likely remember the thunderous clap of cannon, the acrid smoke stinging his eyes, and the unanticipated victory against all odds.

He’ll probably forget that he dropped his rock candy.

For upcoming events in Missouri, visit the Missouri Civil War Reenactors’ Association website at www.mcwra.org/events.html.

Who dies is not choreographed in advance, but everyone knows how the story will end.

Battle magic helped the Union win in September 1864. Confederate Gen. Sterling Price was leading an army of 11,000 to 15,000 infantrymen north from Arkansas into Missouri. He wanted St. Louis, a Union stronghold, but Pilot Knob sat in his way.

Surrounded by big hills in Arcadia Valley, about 110 Union soldiers protected iron-ore mines in the St. Francois mountain range.

Price didn’t want the iron. He wanted to wipe off the only Union blip on the map between him and St. Louis.

The Union learned of Price’s plan days before the assault.

Officers dispatched Gen. Thomas Ewing from St. Louis and an emergency infantry from Iowa to Fort Davidson to bolster the numbers from 110 to about 1,000. Ewing and the men stepped off the train in Pilot Knob the same day Price reached town from the south.

Ewing ordered two patrol groups to walk the town’s main road south that day. The patrol groups got nearly two miles without any trouble. Then, they ran into Price’s army face-to-face.

That’s when the courthouse got its dent.

Ewing’s and Price’s men exchanged fire, Confederates launch but Price was holding back, waiting for more their first assault on Fort of his men to join him. Ewing’s men returned Davidson. Hardtack, a to the fort and notified Ewing: Price was comtough cracker made of flour-and-water dough, ing to town tomorrow. sits untouched at a Union Price came, but pathetically. His comcamp. Before dinner on the day of the battle, a manding officers rallied the soldiers before Ladies’ Union Aid Society each assault because they had to attack woman opens a jar of her homemade, sweet-andstraight up steep earthworks into witherspicy pickles. A Union ing musket fire from the entrenched Union commander writes in his journal; his secondsoldiers. During the final, third assault, in-command built his the Confederates finally reached within historically accurate chair feet of the fort, but grenades blasted them out of leather and wood.

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WIDE AWAKE “WE CAN MOVE THE CAR, but there’s a fence and a building down there, too. We’re not going to move those.” An assistant cameraman on the set of a Wide Awake Films production in Kansas City tells the director the problems he sees with a shot they are setting up.

Though filmed in Missouri and by a Missouri film crew, the project is actually for the Virginia Historical Society, which is sponsoring a series of three projects for a traveling exhibit to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. This short film about why the Civil War happened will present the social, historical, and political events that led up to the first battle.

Shane Seley and Ed Leydecker founded Wide Awake Films in 2001.

Headquartered in the City Market district of Kansas City, they specialize in historical films, and they have a passion for both accuracy and creativity. They are also successful in other film pursuits, producing commercials and corporate videos. But, no matter the project or the client, Shane and Ed hold firmly to the idea that it’s the story, not the storyteller, that matters most, although their award-winning film credits make it clear that how the story is told makes a difference, too.

The scale of today’s shoot is smaller than the crew sometimes tackles. While they have worked with crews of more than 300 and filmed entire Civil War reenactments, only about 10 people are gathered at the Alexander Majors Historic House in Kansas City. Alexander Majors founded the Pony Express in 1860, making his home on the Missouri-Kansas border a perfect backdrop for a film about the beginning of the Civil War—except for that car, and the fence, and the building seen through the window.

This scene involves an actress gazing out a window. Shane and the crew adjust the camera angle to avoid capturing a parking lot and storage building in the background, one small example of the challenge of making period films in a modern world.

But it’s the authentic feel from on-site shooting that led these channels to use Wide Awake’s historical stock footage: PBS, the History Channel, the National Geographic Channel, A&E, Discovery Channel, TLC, BBC, and the Travel Channel. Wide Awake has produced interpretive films for museums such as Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield outside of Republic, the Jesse James Farm in Kearney, and

BY MELISSA W ILLIAMS

ROBERT SZABO

A Kansas City firm builds a national reputation for making authentically styled Civil War movies

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Dave Grant, left, and T.J. Bruegger, reenactors from the Kansas City area, pose for a wetplate photograph that was used on Wide Awakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DVD cover of Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War. Opposite: Shane Seley, left, and Ed Leydecker work on a project for the National Geographic Channel.

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WIDE AWAKE FILMS, ROBERT SZABO

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Perryville State Historic Site in Kansas. The crew has received numerous honors. Their film, Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War, won two 2007 Emmy Awards, a 2008 Telly Award, and was named the Best History Program, by the National Educational Telecommunications Association, which distributes PBS programming nationwide.

“Sorry, someone without a muffler drove by.”

During scenes with audio, being quiet on the set is critical. But even when all 10 people in the room manage to hold in their coughs and avoid creaking the old wooden floors, there is nothing anyone can do to silence the busy highway only 100 yards or so from the front door of the house.

Shane says the hardest part about shooting historical films is that “you can have everything perfect and set up, but then a plane flies over. You just have to work around it.” But it isn’t just man-made elements that give them trouble; nature can also take its toll. Wearing wool clothing on a hot battlefield in July, as most Civil War soldiers actually did, is certainly not pleasant, so Shane dresses in costume while directing in such conditions, to be sure that he isn’t working the actors too hard.

Ed remembers another challenge the night before one shoot in Virginia when 90- to 100-mile-an-hour winds knocked down the entire set—tents, camps, portable toilets—and wreaked havoc upon thousands of reenactors. They stayed up all night rebuilding, and the shoot went on the next day as planned.

“Well, that’s the movie business!”

Shot at a historic home, filming meets unexpected issues. In the middle of one segment, a previous owner of the home stops by to see what is happening; she is concerned about items she had donated to the house. While Shane hollers, albeit nicely, for quiet, Production Coordinator Amanda Curtis is in the other room, quickly explaining that the crew has permission from the owners to film inside. Still, the shots taken in those hectic, confused few minutes are filled with background noise and have to be repeated. No one gets frustrated, though. They just smile, shake their heads knowingly, and laugh.

The atmosphere that allows for such success is far from the high pressure, tension-filled sets you might expect. The crew is relaxed and in a good mood the entire afternoon, making jokes and laughing. Shane says, “The key to this business is having a good time.” He explains that if they have “that kind of vibe, we always get good stuff.” That calmness may be part attitude, but At left from top: Shane films at Wilson’s Creek it’s also part passion, as a love of history drives National Battlefield. the entire process. Shane first began participatGregg Higginbotham ing in reenactments as a young boy with his fixes a bayonet on a reenactor’s musket. The father, and the love grew from there. He also portable edit suite goes lived in Illinois for a time and first became inin the field. Shane films in the rain. Actors in Virginia terested in Abraham Lincoln, an Illinois native, get ready to film. Right: while there, and that interest grew to include Shane films for a 3D Civil War battle exhibit. the Civil War.

“Are these vintage cobwebs?”

The crew spends a lot of time staging shots to make sure they have everything arranged just right. At one point, they turn an antique crib a quarter of a turn so it will fit better in a vertical shot, exposing some cobwebs that may have added to the home’s vintage charm, but would have taken away from the reality of the scene portrayed in the film. This joke is light-hearted, but also evidence of how well the crew has been trained to notice all aspects of a shot, even the faintest details of a barely visible spider web.

Ed and Shane say history is an ever-important yet often overlooked part of life. “When the economy gets tough, people tend to forget history” and focus on everything that’s happening now. Wide Awake is able to visually bring an audience to a feeling that immerses them in a previous era so they can realize how difficult life was for soldiers and civilians at that time. Ed stresses this is so important because “we can never forget that where we are today is because so many people gave their lives.”

“Higg, we need you!”

Gregg “Higg” Higginbotham, one of Wide Awake’s historical consultants, spends the afternoon setting up props and dressing the actors, or in his own words, “dandifying” them. Gregg also frequently portrays Frank James, brother and accomplice of Jesse, in reenactments. He also scours the house for the best rooms to set up shots and any historical artifacts that can be used as props. For a scene on the stairs, he looks to see if there is anything useful “stashed somewhere” that an actor can carry. He sees a tray, historically accurate of course, and some drinking glasses, but decides they would be too “squirrely” to carry down stairs. Instead, he selects a sturdier serving dish to set on the tray so as not to endanger any of the antiques. He also helps with costuming and has enough sets of clothing on hand to accommodate Shane’s decision to switch an actor from a rugged and dirty outdoor laborer to a spiffed-up household servant.

That love and respect for history is shared by the entire crew but especially by its regular team. Ed points out that Wide Awake gets exceptional support from the talented and passionate people that often collaborate with him. The team—Jay Stevens of Parkville, Dan Hadley of Lee’s Summit, and Higg of Independence, are historical consultants, working to make sure costumes are accurate and finding the clothing, even down to a specific color. David Bears, also of Lee’s Summit, is a historical consultant but sometimes acts as assistant director of shoots where large numbers of actors are needed. Robbie Maupin from Lexington, along with his team of Midwest Performance Riders, helps out with horses.

“Here, I think you need more flour.”

For the shot of a slave girl working in the kitchen, Higg dusts flour on the table and the actress by taking small handfuls of store-bought flour from a Ziploc bag and throwing it all over the set and getting it on her apron, face, and hands. Amanda then pours about half of a water bottle into a

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large wooden bowl for the actress to begin mixing and kneading together with the flour. Higg gets a little carried away though, because Shane, after studying the monitor, asks the actress to brush off some of the heaviest flour from her dress and arms.

Ed and Shane’s love of history is especially significant here in Missouri.

Missouri has been slower than eastern states to draw attention to its role in the Civil War, they say. Ed sees a growing demand for a more accurate history of this part of the country. Plus, he sees an opportunity for growth: “We haven’t embraced our history at such a high level. It’s not that our battles aren’t as exciting or interesting. We have the same amount of history; we just haven’t understood the value of historical tourism.”

directs the shot, he asks for various changes to the accent and inflection of the lines. One actor easily switches his voice from that of a yelling southern plantation owner to an angry British whisper, after which Shane decides they should go with a unique and challenging blend of both.

Shane’s passion for his work keeps the energy level high on the set. He gets excited when watching shots come together, and those around him share in the enthusiasm. Amanda, who helps cast actors, explains how thrilled she gets when she finds someone new to include. She watches for actors that she’s seen in local plays and, for a film that portrayed Lincoln, she remembers calling a man someone had told her about and saying, “Hi, I heard you look like Lincoln.”

“Roll camera! Speed! Clear frame please! …

I can still see you.”

“Hey, you want to be in a shot?”

“How is that movement going to affect your graphics?”

Keith Johnson, who is in charge of graphics for this project, looks on as Shane checks to make sure the shot he is getting will work well for Keith to manipulate in the animation process. For this project, some of the shots will begin as still animation and then be transformed to “come to life,” with the actors’ movements and voices.

For some shots, the actors are filmed in front of a green screen, a green backdrop placed behind the actors that allows a replacement background to be added digitally in the editing process. To use the green screen, the crew sets up the portable screen behind the carefully constructed desk set, making sure the actor’s head doesn’t stand higher than the screen.

Then, they consider the actor’s every movement and position.

“Can you do British?” “Of course.”

Not all the actors Wide Awake uses have experience with historical projects, but the ones from this shoot know what they are doing. As Shane

Today, the crew for the shoot is especially small, and the last shot requires several men to pose as extras. Almost the entire crew is recruited to kneel down and raise their right hands in front of the green screen as if voting. Even Shane, who is usually behind the camera, and the photographer for this story, are drafted to vote. And, since only one cameraman is left out of the shot, this writer also gets recruited to hold the monitor so he can see the shot as he records it.

Even though this shoot is relatively small, no one sees it as unimportant. Every detail is carefully considered. Shane says it’s an honor to bring the “Midwest work ethic” to this job in Virginia. And even though historical films may require a different set of considerations, Shane says they spend the same amount of time and energy on their corporate projects.

Wide Awake’s commercial work has allowed them to work with major companies in the Kansas City area and beyond.

“It’s something we like to call ‘blending geekdoms.’ ”

Shane’s description of the crew’s balance between technology and history sums up the crew’s dedication. As much as they get excited talking about how different our lives are now from back then, discussing everything from indoor heating and outhouses to the amazingly small waist of a vintage wedding dress on display in the house, the crew also gushes about modern conveniences. They listen to a personalized Pandora Internet radio station at work and have been known to complete a difficult shot by Left: Actors film in front of a green screen. setting up their beloved Viper Filmstream, a Right: Shane checks the high-definition, digital film camera, on top monitor in a scene filmed of a Chevy suburban. If you ask any of them, at the Alexander Majors Historic House in Kansas they’d tell you they have the best job in the City. He checks to make world because they get to combine their passure no reflections will be seen for a shot with actor sions into one goal.

Sanford Kelley. Actress The result is their award-winning, hi-tech Dionne Jeroue kneads dough for a scene. version of history.

WIDE AWAKE FILMS, WYATT SHIPMAN

A shot of an actor’s reflection in a mirror provides a few extra difficulties because everyone in the room has to make sure his or her reflection can’t also be seen in the shot. It takes several extra minutes for everyone to realize they were standing at the wrong angle, and even then, some move the wrong way at first— putting them in the shot even more directly.

It isn’t just history that Shane is passionate about. Technology is also important to the Wide Awake crew, which is evident in the commitment to producing footage with topof-the-line equipment. The monitor, a screen that displays what the camera is filming, is crucial to every shot, and all eyes in the room are fixed on the screen throughout the filming process. It’s more important to check what the camera is “seeing” rather than what bystanders see with naked eyes. Angle, lighting, and framing are all essential to ensuring the quality of the product.

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THE

The First Land Battle of the War Saved Missouri for the Union

BY RO N S O O DA LT E R

©THINKSTOCK.COM

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AFTER FORTHE AT LEAST FIRING on 10Fort YEARS Sumter before in April the 1861, Missouri’s newly elected firstGov. shots Claiborne had been F. Jackson fired attried ForttoSumter, push Missouri into the Confederacy.

South A former Carolina, senator bands andofstate self-appointed bank commissioner, he had run— and won—an vigilantes, anti-secession carrying theirgubernatorial rigid views campaign. on But no sooner was he slavery elected and than states’ he took rights hisinplace theiratscabbards the head of Missouri’s secessionists. At and a state saddle convention holsters, ranged in March back 1861, anddelegates forth had voted decisively against across secession. the Missouri-Kansas Jackson ignored border, this mandate, wreak- despite his outward protestations ing havoc of and “armed leaving neutrality.” death and devastaPresident tion in their Lincoln, wake. preparing They went for by wara and variety in no mood for political machinations, of names—bushwhackers, ordered Jackson toborder musterruffi ans, volunteers for the Union. The partisan rangers,responded, guerrillas—and they im- s demand for troops bombastic governor labeling Lincoln’ “illegal, unconstitutional, inhuman, and diabolical,” and refused to conscript a single man. Instead, he assembled and drilled the local Missouri State Guard unit outside St. Louis, with his eye on the well-stocked St. Louis Arsenal.

However, an aggressive Federal captain named Nathaniel Lyon had recently been put in charge of the arsenal. On April 26, he armed a local pro-Union paramilitary group known as the Wide-Awakes with muskets from the arsenal’s stores and secretly moved thousands more

to Illinois, into the security of Union hands.

At the time, Lyon was an aide to Brig. Gen. William S. Harney, commanding the Union forces in Missouri. A Connecticut Yankee, the 42-year-old Lyon was a career soldier. He had served in Florida’s Seminole War and was cited and promoted for gallantry in the Mexican War. The red-bearded, slightly built captain was not a man given to half measures. Less than a month after taking control of the arsenal, his troops surrounded and captured the St. Louis unit of the pro-Southern Missouri State Guard and paraded them through the streets of the city. Lyon was in direct violation of a truce his superior, General Harney, had made with Gen. Sterling Price, commander of the State Guard. His actions sparked a riot among secessionist locals, during which Lyon ordered his soldiers to open fire, killing several citizens. Shortly after, he replaced Harney as commander of the Army of the West.

Meanwhile, a furious Governor Jackson issued a proclamation calling the State Militia into active service “for the purpose of repelling [the] invasion.” As reported in the June 12, 1861, Boonville Observer Extra, “A series of unprovoked and unparalleled outrages have been inflicted upon the peace and dignity of this Commonwealth … by wicked and

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unprincipled men. … Unoffending and defenseless men, women, and children have been ruthlessly shot down and murdered.” A dissembling Jackson continued, “It has been my earnest endeavor … to maintain the peace of the state, and to avert, if possible, from our borders the desolating effect of civil war.”

It was inevitable that General Lyon and Governor Jackson would clash. Once Lyon learned that Jackson’s State Guard had been activated under the command of General Price, Lyon set out to seize Jefferson City, the state capital. He transported his force of nearly 2,000 men, an artillery battery, two volunteer regiments, and a company of regulars, on steamboats, heading northwest up the Missouri River.

Meanwhile, Jackson and Price, who had withdrawn to Jefferson City on June 12, determined that the capital could not be successfully defended and the next day fled to Boonville. At this point, Price was in command of a force of local Lexington and Boonville State Guard volunteers, who were poorly trained and disciplined, worse armed and supplied, and thoroughly ill-equipped to face an aggressive enemy.

General Price knew this and opposed making a stand in Boonville against the approaching Federals. But Price fell ill and traveled to his Chariton County farm to recover, leaving Governor Jackson in charge.

Jackson could not have been more ill-suited for military command. Col. John S. Marmaduke, Jackson’s nephew and a recent West Point graduate, did his best to rally and organize the State Guard, but one unit under Brig.

Gen. Mosby M. Parsons had been dispatched to Tipton some 20 miles away. Parsons took with him the Rebel artillery.

When he received word that Lyon was advancing on Boonville, Governor Jackson elected to remain and fight. It was the wrong decision.

When Lyon arrived in Jefferson City and found the Rebels gone, he left a small force to hold the capital and steamed for Boonville with some 1700 men. At around 7 am on the misty, rainy morning of June 17, they disembarked eight miles below the city and marched upriver along the bottom road. There is no accurate record of the number of State Guardsmen in and around Boonville, but Lyon had been led to expect three or four thousand Rebels. Only Marmaduke’s command of 500 men would pose an actual threat. Parsons’ troops and six-pounders were still somewhere between Tipton and Boonville, and Governor Jackson, for reasons only he knew, held an entire infantry company back from the fight.

Lyon’s skirmishers made short work of the guards posted on the bluffs and soon came upon the Rebel line of defense. Marmaduke had positioned sharpshooters in a house, but Lyon’s cannon neutralized them.

Marmaduke ordered his line to withdraw and re-form as the Union advance pressed on. His soldiers were eager to fight, but they had no artillery to contest the Federal cannon. Lyon opened up on the defenders with Union Capt. James Totten’s battery, as well as a siege howitzer positioned on one of the steamboats. As one veteran recalled many years later in the June 13, 1924 issue of the Boonville Weekly Advertiser: “Before taking our position we were fired on by the federal troops. In an incredulously short space of time, Captain Totten’s federal artillery came down.

Our forces, having no protection in that wheat field, were ordered to fall back over the brow of the hill to escape the missiles, the attacking forces being out of reach of our shot guns and rifles. Colonel Marmaduke, riding along our line, gave the command to advance to the former position. The troops failed to obey the order, only three men responding.”

More than 60 years after the battle, another State Guard veteran still

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THE OTHER BATTLES OF BOONVILLE

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Coming years brought three more battles to Boonville: On September 13, 1861, within three months of Boonville’s first battle,

saw the day clearly, as recounted in the June 21, 1929 Kansas City Times: “We formed in a wheat field and waited quietly. When we heard the clank of the cannon on the road below us, we were told to be ready. ‘When I raise my hand—fire!’ the captain said. As the enemy went by us on the road below us, we saw the signal and fired. The Federal column paid little attention and didn’t even break ranks. We fired a second volley, when someone yelled retreat. I don’t know whether it was the captain, but we retreated. I started for the camp at the old fairgrounds where we had left our knapsacks. I found our things taken by the enemy, and I ran and hid under the river bank. Finally two other Howard County men and I found our way into Boonville and went to Mrs. Beck’s shop on Main Street to get some ginger cake and cider.”

In less than half an hour, the Rebels were put to flight; some made for home, while others ran as far as Southwest Missouri, along with fleeing Gov. Claiborne Jackson. As the federal cannon kept up their barrage, what began as an orderly Rebel retreat quickly deteriorated into a panicked rout, inspiring newspapermen to dub the battle, “The Boonville Races.” Lyon occupied the city before noon, seizing a few hundred ancient muskets and a few tents, shoes, and rations.

The news machines on both sides made much of the little encounter.

The South exaggerated the heroic resistance of the State Guard, while Northern papers announced a major triumph in what was touted as the first land battle of the war. There was even a play, The Battle of Boonville, with a limited run on Broadway. The July 13 Harper’s Weekly trumpeted: “Several dead bodies of the rebels were found in the wheat field near the lane … In fact, at the first volley from the right wing, several saddles were emptied of their riders, and two horses galloped over to our lines. … The number of dead brought into Boonville or taken to friends in the country cannot fall much short of fifty, and the wounded … are as many more. On the side of the Union troop, there were three killed, ten wounded, and one missing.”

In reality, the casualties were surprisingly few. There are no accurate figures, but the number of Rebel dead was almost certainly lower. Described by veterans and historians alike as a “skirmish,” it was a relatively bloodless engagement, but one with far-reaching consequences.

Lyon cleared the secessionist forces from central Missouri, secured the vital counties along the Missouri River, and established Federal control of the state. When Lyon was killed at Wilson’s Creek two months later, the Union mourned him as the man who had saved Missouri.

A reenactment on the original site occurs June 17-19 in Boonville. Call 660-537-4000 or visit goboonville.com for more information.

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about 800 Confederate State Guardsmen attacked 140 Union Guardsmen stationed at an earthen fort. The morning was dismal: rain. The Rebels wrapped their flag in black cloth to keep it dry. Unfortunately, the other side interpreted this as a symbol of “no quarter.” Surprised at their breakfast, hopelessly outnumbered and fearing no quarter, the Union troops desperately responded. Confederate commanders, brothers named Brown, suffered mortal wounds, and some of their men died.

They withdrew, and the Union defense lost only two men. A marker to the battle stands at Thespian Hall, on Boonville’s Main Street.

“Shelby’s Raid,” Boonville’s third battle, occurred two years later in October 1863. Confederate Gen. Joseph O. Shelby’s cavalry raided several Missouri towns, demoralizing Union sympathizers and provisioning his men. On October 9, he burned, literally, through Otterville. Learning they were next, some Boonville citizens fled. Those remaining sent a delegation to meet Shelby and surrender the town. They couldn’t find the general, though, and returned home frustrated. They needn’t have bothered. Shelby led 1,200 mounted soldiers into Boonville on the 11th and took provisions peacefully, harming no citizens, destroying no property.

According to one chronicler, they “were very polite and gentlemanly.”

Meanwhile, 250 Union soldiers arrived on the opposite side of the river and began crossing, but Rebel artillery persuaded them to return to their own bank. On the 12th, Shelby rode out of Boonville. Gen. E.B. Brown pursued him with thousands. Both sides left dead and wounded en route to Marshall. Shelby returned safely behind Confederate lines with most of the horses, arms, and supplies his men had taken. The author of the 1876 A History of Cooper County writes, “Boonville, then, was once more clear of troops, and the citizens had time to gather provisions to feed the next lot of hungry soldiers, whether they were Federals or Confederates.”

Almost a year to the day after Shelby’s visit, General Price raided Boonville, wanting to reclaim Missouri for the South and embarrass Lincoln enough to cost him reelection. Price swept through Missouri with 12,000 men, largely Union deserters and unarmed soldiers. He called his men the Army of Missouri, which arrived in Boonville October 10 and spent two days looting. On the 11th, William T. “Bloody Bill” Anderson and his bushwhackers arrived with Union scalps from a Centralia massacre two weeks earlier. Mortified, General Price ordered Bloody Bill to remove the scalps. On the 12th, General Price left Boonville for battles elsewhere.

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NEW HOME FOR CIVIL WAR HISTORY Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis will host the museum, to open in June

The museum expects to open its doors in June, during this year that marks the 150th anniversary and skirmishes on record—more than any other of the beginning of the Civil War. state except Virginia and Tennessee. And here are The 1905 Post Exchange and Gymnasium some other distinctions for our state: Building at the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site ✴ The first general to die in combat during the in St. Louis houses the museum. Gary Stevens, Civil War was Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, who marketing and public relations director for the died at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. museum, said this building was chosen, in part, ✴ Wilson’s Creek near Republic was the first major because it presented an opportunity to save the battle west of the Mississippi River. historic structure from demolition. ✴The first battle African-American soldiers fought “The Post Exchange and Gymnasium Buildwas at Island Mound, along the Missouri and ing housed a basketball court, an elevated runKansas border.

From top: The museum is in the Post Exchange ning track, two-lane bowling alley, and an indoor ✴ The first battle fought by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, and Gymnasium Building at the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site. The state seal,which the pistol range,” he said. “The U.S. Army used this who later became president, was at Belmont.

Confederate-supporting governor took out of The Missouri Civil War Museum in St. Louis the state, is part of a new stained-glass window. building until the end of World War II and then abandoned it in 1946. It had been in a state of is dedicated to showcasing Missouri’s remarkdisrepair until the museum acquired it in 2002.” able role in America’s bloodiest war, and it highlights the fact that Working from copies of the structure’s original blueprints, the Missouri was as prominent as many states better known for Civil renovators have focused on preserving its historic integrity by War history.

MISSOURI CIVIL WAR MUSEUM

MISSOURI HAS MORE than 1,100 battles

BY JOHN GIFFOR D

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MISSOURI CIVIL WAR MUSEUM

training base, and hospital during the Civil War. Tousing authentic designs and materials and by retrofitting From left: The museum gether with the city of St. Louis, which benefited from improvements around the building’s original details. has already amassed a the presence of the base and support of its German Along with repairs to the roof, new crown molding and treasured collection, including several 1852 first population, the area remained a Union stronghold in a entry columns, painstakingly crafted to replicate the editions of Uncle Tom’s state with both Union and Confederate sympathizers. originals, have been added, along with elegant stainedCabin, an original 35-star “St. Louis was the big hotbed of Union support in glass windows at the center of the grand staircase. flag, velvet parlor chairs owned by Mary Todd the state of Missouri,” Gary says. “One reason was the But the preservation aspect of the project wasn’t the Lincoln, and a sword presence of all of the German immigrants in St. Louis only reason officials chose to locate the museum at the made by Horstmann and Sons of Philadelphia. who were very anti-slavery.”

Jefferson Barracks. The site was already appealing for its Missouri was largely under Federal control after military history.

1862, and guerrilla bands concentrated their efforts on harassing Founded in 1826 as the U.S. Army’s “Infantry School of Practice” Union troops and raiding communities of Northern supporters unand named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, who died that til the end of the war. These guerrilla outfits represent one of the same year, Jefferson Barracks became the Army’s first permanent hallmarks of the Civil War in Missouri. Missouri and its neighbor base west of the Mississippi River. By the 1840s, it had become Kansas had more than other states because there had been guerrilla the largest military establishment in the United States and today warfare going on since the days of Bleeding Kansas in 1854. is the nation’s oldest active military installation west of the MissisThe Missouri Civil War Museum will have a special exhibit desippi. Some 220 Civil War generals—among them, Ulysses S. Grant, voted to guerrillas, along with artifacts such as a pair of Civil War William T. Sherman, George B. McClellan, and John Sedgwick for Medals of Honor, swords, flags, uniforms, cannonballs, bullets, the Union; plus Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, J.E.B. Stuart, and Civil War stamps, currency, musical instruments, and what may be George Pickett for the Confederate States of America—served here the Midwest’s largest collection of Civil War medical instruments. at some point during their pre-war careers.

The museum will have exhibits dedicated to both the pre- and Three future U.S. Presidents, including Grant, Zachary Taylor, post-war periods, as well as exhibits for each year of the war. Adand Dwight D. Eisenhower, saw duty at Jefferson Barracks. Additional galleries will focus on the Jefferson Barracks and its history ditionally, future Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Sauk and a special Civil War in Popular Culture exhibit, noting the war’s Chief Black Hawk spent time at the base in the 1830s. influence in film and literature. Gary says this gallery will display, “Chief Black Hawk was jailed here by Jefferson Davis,” Gary says. among other relics, costumes from films like Gone with the Wind “Legend has it that the two became friends.” and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

Standing on the third floor of the old Post Exchange, looking The addition of the Missouri Civil War Studies Center, a out over the grassy parade grounds that separate the museum 6,000-square-foot research library, which will be located next door from the Mississippi River and, beyond, the state of Illinois, hazy to the museum in the 1918 Post Exchange Building, is planned for and hilly in the distance, one feels awe at the number of legendary late 2012 or early 2013. This library will house thousands of books, and influential Americans who have walked these grounds. documents, records, photographs, and other items relating to Mis“Soldiers from Jefferson Barracks have participated in virtusouri Civil War soldiers and their units. Already, about 4,000 volally every major U.S. conflict, from the Black Hawk War in 1832 umes have been amassed, awaiting the Center’s debut, and Gary to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Gary says. “That’s says this number is growing. “Our goal is to be the largest Civil quite a legacy.”

War library in the state,” he says.

With its strategic location along railroad lines and the Mississippi River, Jefferson Barracks functioned as a Union supply depot, www.mcwm.org • 314-845-1861

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Civil War Guide

IL

CIV W O H UST J See Just E E S ’T. N S A IT W

Some things you just can’t learn from a history book. Like what really happened when the North met South.

With 15 distinctive museums and over 17 nationally-registered historic districts, it’s easy to see why St. Joseph was ranked the #1 Western Town in America. Commemorate the 150th of the Civil War at one of our many unique Civil War related sites.

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First Battle oF Boonville Civil War re-enaCtment on June 17-19 2011 Boonville, mo

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War and the First Battle of Boonville fought June 17, 1861. Learn more at www. goboonville.com or call Site Commander John Holtzclaw at 660-537-4000 for more information.

SponSored by the Boonville Civil War Commemorative Commission and Boonville tourism Commission

HISTORY. BRING THE TROOPS.

Pulaski County offers many exceptional museums and historic places to explore.

Frisco Railroad Museum-Crocker

Representing the history of the railroad

Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center 137 St Robert Blvd., Ste.A St. Robert, MO 65584

Pulaski County Courthouse Museum- Waynesville

Built in 1903,features original courtroom Old Stagecoach Stop- Waynesville Listed in National Register of Historic Places

Order your FREE Visitor Guide!

877 858.8687 573 336.6355 www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org

Mahaffey Museum Complex- Ft. Leonard Wood Military museums- 3 in one complex [73] April 2011

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Civil War Guide

Walk Back in Time SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2011

111 N. Main, Liberty, MO • 816-781-9473 www.jamescountry.com • jamescntry@aol.com

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.

The best in Historical Accuracy • Documentation Value Service

Books and chalkboards have their place in understanding our proud nation’s history, but nothing can surpass taking a Walk Back in Time at the Audrain County Historical Society’s living-history chronology, always held the last weekend in September. Visitors travel will begin with George Washington’s personal wishes for a successful journey as our dramatic national history unfolds right before them. This is a family friendly event. No American or visitor from distant lands should miss this most informative & entertaining adventure.

AUDRAIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 501 S. MULDROW, MEXICO, MO WWW.AUDRAIN.ORG 800-581-2765

A Great Gift Idea!

The State Historical Society of Missouri Read online coverage of the Civil War Daily Missouri Republican 1861-1865 http://www.statehistoricalsocietyofmissouri.org

Written for novices and Civil War buffs alike,

The Civil War’s First Blood: Missouri,1854-1861 takes you by the hand and walks you down back roads, with thorough reports on ALL the action here during the war, with 143 photos and illustrations of every major player.

This 144-page, softcover, illustrated publication will be a great addition to any bookshelf.

$24.99

(plus tax, shipping and handling)

Columbia • Kansas City • Rolla • St. Louis

Phone (800) 747-6366

E-mail: shsofmo@umsystem.edu

800-492-2593, ext. 102 MissouriLife.com

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A Tour Guide to Missouri’s Civil War: Friend and Foe Alike by Gregory Wolk

$29.95

CAPE GIRARDEAU

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Missouri is a treasure trove of Civil War history, far from the track beaten by most cultural tourists, yet Missouri witnessed more battles or engagements than any other state with the exception of Virginia and Tennessee. Travelers from the Midwest seeking adventure can spend days exploring the battles, the military campaigns and the personalities that all together make up Missouri’s Civil War. Buffs and historians alike will enjoy reading and traveling the pages of the informative and attractive new book.

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Memories to Create. Stories to Share.

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From left: The edible chanterelle has a fruity smell and peppery taste.

Morel-hunter Nancy Rapp can go days without spotting the prized fungi, only to stumble onto a cache of them.

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Fungal!

Grow Them, Hunt Them, Eat Them BY NINA FURSTENAU TO THE ANCIENT Egyptians,

life,” Denise says. “We felt so fortunate, so special.”

“It was an elm tree that had died five or six years earlier,” Michael says. But the mushrooms were fickle and never returned in such abundance there again.

Cottonwood is also good for morels, Michael says. He contends the starches and sugar in decaying cottonwood disperse more quickly than in oak, which may take four or five years to create ideal conditions for mushrooms. The Missouri River bottomland is a good place to hunt, and the fungi come earlier there than in bluff areas.

There are more hunters now than when Denise and Michael went hunting as children. “Obviously, they’re delicious,” Michael says. Prices are amazingly high for some species in groceries; several types of oyster mushrooms cost about $20 per pound.

But the real appeal, he says, is the thrill of the hunt.

“It’s like Easter-egg hunting for adults.

I’ll go out and can’t find a mushroom to save my soul; then I’ll bend over and find three.”

Mushroom hunting is also aesthetic.

Gatherers tread through astonishingly beautiful places. A lush meadow or woody copse waits not only luminescent but with bounty. The uncertainty of it all makes the endeavor more tantalizing.

mushrooms were the spawn of gods.

They came to earth on thunderbolts and turned up after rainstorms. Greeks and Aztecs believed they were engendered by lightning and sent down as food. To gnomes, fairies, and elves, they made great perches. They give indigenous people’s shamans and religious leaders power in rituals. For Missourians, they are simply good eatin’.

Because mushrooms work best in the dark, wild-mushroom hunters in Missouri have become adept at waiting until right after just a few good, rainy days between late March and early November to go in search. Once mushrooms get the cover of shade (or a ride on a lightning bolt, as the Greeks would have it) and the right amount of moisture, they fruit and fruit again.

Michael and Denise Gebhardt, of Glasgow, are wild-mushroom hunters at heart. For Michael, who manages timber when not hunting for fungi, being in the woods is an appeal. Plus, his memories of doing this kind of hunt every spring since he was five years old, following his father with a paper bag, are strong. For Denise, too, mushrooming has been a part of spring since childhood.

Once, Michael and Denise came across an unexpected single cache of more than 16 gallons of morels. “I’d never seen so many mushrooms in my

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From left: The common oyster mushroom is edible. The red top of the poisonous Gyromitra brunnea, or “false morel,” distinguishes it from the sought-after morel.

©THINKSTOCK.COM, JON RAPP

STEALTH RECYCLING

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HUNTING AND COOKING HELP

“There’s a certain look and certain smell to the woods when it’s time,” Michael says.

“A little rain, a little sun,” and conditions are ripe. Generally, in the Glasgow area, the right time seems to be near April 9, the Gebhardts say. “Ground temperature has everything to do with it. We get them about one week after Boonville,” Michael says.

Michael douses the morels he finds in salt and pepper, then dips the pieces in flour and fries them in olive oil. He has friends that salt and bread them and proceed to freeze them in single layers on wax paper so they have some for later. The Gebhardts typically get 20 to 30 pounds of morels each spring, but their large extended families snap them up; none get frozen.

The Gebhardts have also cultivated shiitake mushrooms north of Glasgow. They plugged 100 oak logs with mushroom spores and by the second year had 50,000 mushrooms. “Shiitakes grew very well there,” Michael says. But despite loving the smoky flavor of their crop, they did not find a ready market so stopped cultivation.

Fred Fry, of Bugtussel, found a way to make shiitakes pay. The Mushroom Farm produces 500 pounds of shiitakes and 50 to 100 pounds of oyster mushrooms a year.

Fred, who operates an excavation business, uses his wine cellar and about one half-acre of his 40-acre farm for mushrooms. His in-

door logs produce mushrooms year-round.

When harvested, Fred says, they’ll bring about $8 a pound, based on last year’s local sales. He offers tours and workshops for those who call ahead and sometimes gives demonstrations during an annual music festival he hosts, this year on August 26 to 27. Mushrooms are a lot of manual work, he says, which he does for the love of fungi.

“You don’t have to have a reason to eat mushrooms,” Fred says. “What are you having for dinner? Meatloaf? Add a half cup of minced mushrooms.”

Fred puts oyster mushrooms in creamy soups. In potato soup and chowder, the oysters add delicate flavors. Fred cautions that when shiitakes dry, their flavor intensifies, and recipes should be adjusted so the dish is not overpowered. Besides taste, the chemicals of fungi intrigue Fred. They have long been used for medicinal properties.

“I have gout and haven’t had a symptom for five or six years,” he says.

He warns new growers, though, to “forget everything you ever learned about gardening. Mushrooms live in a different world. Fungi can even break granite.”

In Missouri, most growers use mushrooms for supplemental income or personal consumption. They use forested land without damaging trees. This form of agroforestry, a buzzword in sustainable agriculture,

is compatible with Missouri woodlands.

Ozark Forest Mushrooms in the town of Timber manages its forested land with mushrooms in mind. The commercial, 18,000-log mushroom farm, owned by Nicola McPherson and Dan Hellmuth, was established in 1990 in the Big Springs region. They produce 15,000 pounds of mushrooms annually and market them to chefs, catering companies, and organic food stores. The five-acre mushroom side of the farm works in tandem with its 2,500 acres of forests. Twenty-acre sections of the land are rotationally thinned on a 30-year cycle, never clear-cut. Some of the thinned wood is used for shiitake logs, and afterward, the logs are used to heat a greenhouse that houses mushrooms through the winter.

Retailers know the power of the mushroom. According to the Mushroom Council, fresh mushrooms are ranked third (46%) in overall consumer popularity of produce, after only tomatoes (56%) and broccoli (47%). What’s more, they have a huge impact on the success of a produce department. According to the council’s January 2009 study, “Best Practices for Retailers,” a consumer whose basket contained fresh mushrooms spent an average of $58.

A consumer with a basket lacking mushrooms spent about $29.

People pay more for food from the gods.

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SUBSTITUTION INFORMATION

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us recipes for a variety of We’ve picked these delicio , ’t specify which mushroom tastes. Some recipes don te. l to discover your favori so experiment with severa one ute stit sub to cified, feel free Even when a type is spe s oom shr n to mix several mu kind for another, and eve w. for just one kind. Visit ww in a recipe that may call oom ld Mushroom Stew, Mushr missourilife.com for Wi s. ipe and more rec Penne, Mushroom Curry,

Morel Pie

From “The Edible Mushroom Book” Ingredients >

SAUCE: 5 tablespoons butter 2 ½ tablespoons flour 2 cups vegetable stock salt and freshly ground black pepper PIE: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 shallots or 1 onion, finely chopped 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

1 leek, cut into rounds 3 carrots, cut into small chunks parsley (to taste) 1 pound morels ½ cup Madeira (or other white wine) 8 ounces prepared puff pastry 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon milk

Directions >

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. For the sauce, melt half of the butter in a medium saucepan. Add flour and mix briskly to make a smooth paste.

Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until paste turns light golden brown in color. Take the pan off heat and whisk in half the vegetable stock—this should prevent any lumps. Season with salt and pepper.

Return the pan to the heat and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

2. In a large frying pan, add the oil and remaining butter. Use this to sauté the garlic, shallots or onion, celery, leek, carrots, and parsley for 5 minutes. Then add the morels and sauté another 2 minutes. Stir in the Madeira and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and pour into four individual pie dishes. Let cool to room temperature.

3. Top each with a disc of chilled puff pastry. Mix the beaten egg and the milk, and brush the pastry with the egg and milk mixture to glaze. Bake for 45 minutes or until the pastry is golden. Serves 4

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—MissouriLife —

—MissouriLife —

Mushroom Pâté

Goat Cheese-Filled Mushroom Caps

From “Stop and Smell the Rosemary” Ingredients >

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, at room temperature 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, minced 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced ¼ cup green onions, white part only, minced 1/3 cup chicken stock 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Directions >

2 tablespoons green onions, green part only, minced 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced 1 teaspoon salt freshly ground pepper chopped fresh parsley, red bell pepper, or green onions to garnish

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet.

Add mushrooms and sauté 2 to 3 minutes.

Add garlic and ¼ cup green onions, the white part only. Sauté 1 minute. Add chicken stock and cook over high heat until all liquid is absorbed. Cool to room temperature.

2. Blend cream cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium bowl. Add mushroom mixture, the green part of the green onions, Worcestershire, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings. Pour into a 1-cup mold lined with plastic wrap and chill.

3. When ready to serve, unmold onto a serving plate and sprinkle with parsley, red bell pepper, or green onions. Serve with toast points or crackers. Yields 1 cup

From the collection of Nina Furstenau Ingredients >

24 large fresh mushrooms, caps reserved, stems minced 1/3 cup unsalted butter 2 teaspoons onion, minced ¾ cup bread crumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 3 ounces (3/4 cup) goat cheese, crumbled 2 ounces (1/2 cup) blue cheese, crumbled unsalted butter, melted

—MissouriLife —

Directions >

1. Place mushroom caps, hollow side up, in a 9x13inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 450° F. 2. Melt butter in a medium skillet. Add minced stems and onion, and sauté over medium heat until soft. Remove from heat and add bread crumbs, parsley, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well; cool to room temperature.

3. Stir in cheeses until combined. Spoon cheese mixture into mushroom caps. Brush with melted butter. Bake 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned. Yields 24 mushroom caps

—MissouriLife —

Mushroom Wine Sauce

From Ozark Forest Mushrooms, Timber, Mo., ozarkforest.com Ingredients >

1 ounce dried organic shiitake mushrooms 1 ½ cups vegetable, chicken, or beef stock 1 small onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, crushed 3 tablespoons butter 2 ½ tablespoons flour 2/3 cup red wine salt and pepper extra butter

andrew barton

Directions >

1. Soak the dried mushrooms in the stock for 20 minutes. Drain mushrooms; save the stock.

Slice mushrooms thinly.

2. Sauté the onions and garlic in butter for 5 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms to onion mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with flour and slowly stir until a roux (thick sauce) is formed.

3. Slowly stir in reserved stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Add wine and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste. Remove from heat and serve with meat or vegetarian dish of your choice.

Visit www.missourilife.com for more mushroom recipes.

Mushroom Meat Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze From the collection of Nina Furstenau

Ingredients >

Glaze: ½ cup ketchup 4 tablespoons brown sugar 4 teaspoons vinegar (any type)

2 teaspoons brown spicy mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon hot sauce Meat Loaf: 2/3 cup (about 16) 1 large onion, chopped crushed saltine 2 cloves garlic, minced crackers, or 4 2 teaspoons vegetable slices of bread oil crumbs 1 pound ground chuck 1/3 cup fresh parsley, 1 pound pork sausage minced or spicy pork ½ cup mushrooms 2 large eggs (shiitake, oyster, ½ teaspoon ground or cremini), black pepper minced ½ teaspoon dried ½ cup carrots, finely thyme minced (optional)

Directions >

1. Mix the ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl and set aside. Preheat oven to 350° F. Sauté onion and garlic in oil in a medium skillet until the onion softens, about 5 minutes, and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, mix the ground chuck and sausage, set aside. In a small bowl, mix the eggs with the pepper, thyme, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, and hot sauce. Add this mixture to the meat. Also add the crackers or bread crumbs, parsley, mushrooms, carrots, and cooked onion and garlic. Continue to mix until the ingredients are evenly blended and do not stick to the bowl. If the mixture sticks, add a little milk.

3. With wet hands, pat mixture into two 9x5inch loaf pans. Brush with half the glaze and bake about 1 hour. Cool 20 minutes and serve with remaining glaze. Serves 8-10

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SHOW-ME

Flavor

Harrisburg

Lonnie Ray’s Cafe & BBQ IN A SMALL, unassuming place next to a service station sits Lonnie Ray’s Cafe & BBQ. Succulent dishes include brisket topped with sautéed peppers, onions, and melted pepper jack cheese on a toasted hoagie bun; ribs with crispy burnt edges and smoky, melt-in-your-mouth insides; juicy pulled pork; and “Smokin’ Spuds,” which are huge, fluffy baked potatoes with your choice of toppings. Savory sauces range from slightly sweet to spicy and are the perfect addition to any of the smoked meats.

The cafe is open 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.

—Amy Stapleton

DISCOVER DINING WORTH THE DRIVE

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81 E. Sexton • 573-874-0020

Branson

Billy Gail’s Cafe BREAKFAST might become your favorite Branson stop once you discover Billy Gail’s Cafe.

The humble, weathered exterior of this hillbillystyle cabin hides a warm welcome and great food.

“Everything is cooked from scratch,” owner Gail Blong says. Billy Blong (above, with waitress Ginger Cantrell) advises trying the crepe-like pancakes that hang over your plate with blueberries, pecans, or peanut butter, or try the stuffed French toast: sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiched between Texas toast. Open from 7 AM to 2 PM daily, Billy Gail’s Cafe seats 85, plus 25 on a screened-in porch when weather permits. While you’re waiting, browse through the flea market/craft shop for unique items. —Barbara Gibbs Ostmann 5291 State Highway 265 • 417-338-8883

West Plains

À LA CARTE CAFÉ scratch—that’s what you’ll find at À La Carte Café. With a mission to dish up healthy, tasty food, Susan Lumsden cooks outside the comfort zone of southern fried foods and gravy. Everyday, Susan makes homemade salsa, guacamole, and slow-built soups with wood-fired chicken for quesadillas and tilapia for fish tacos. Local, grass-fed lamb is used for gyros, which are topped with a fresh tzatziki sauce. À La Carte Café uses local ingredients whenever it can, so its menu changes frequently. Some things stay the same: on Tuesday, Susan serves handmade tamales, and on Thursday it’s sushi with house-made miso soup. With humble beginnings as a summer food-stand outside a used-car lot, the cafe has transformed into a beautiful, permanent storefront with peppers and herbs growing outside its windows and Susan’s prize-winning quilts hanging on the wall. Grab a sidewalk table and enjoy lunch. Go at dinnertime on Friday, when live acoustic music accompanies dinner. The cafe also hosts harvest dinners, featuring tasting menus of locally harvested and produced foods. You can also join a flavor

journey, when Susan explores the food and culture of different areas around the world with a special menu. Open from 11 AM to 2 PM, Mondays through Fridays, and Fridays for dinner from 5 to 8 PM, À La Carte Café brings big-city flavor to a small town.

—Lauren Hughes www.alacartecafe-wp.com•417.505.0302

LAUREN HUGHES; GREG WOOD; BRUCE CARR

FRESH, LOCAL ingredients and dishes cooked from

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St. Louis

top 15 diner Goody Goody Diner opened as a root-beer stand in 1931, evolved into a diner in 1948, and remained there happily ever after. First adored by neighborhood kids who cried “goody goody” at the prospects of eating at the stand, the diner today attracts not only St. Louis politicians, city folk, and savvy suburbanites, but also tourists lured by media accolades. MSN.com calls Goody Goody one of the Top 15 Diners in America, and Jane and Michael Stern, authors of Roadfood books, put it on their list of America’s Top 10 Diners. Much has changed since the Connelly family took over the diner in 1954. Particularly, the neighborhood has declined to a dismal state. But iffy as the surrounding area is, the neighborhood doesn’t discourage the crowds lining up to fill the 112 seats for breakfast and lunch six days a week. The extensive menu features favorite breakfast specialties, including pancakes, cereals, and bacon and eggs cooked every which way.

There’s also country fare (biscuits and sausage gravy, plus countryfried steak), touches of soul food (chicken ’n’ waffles or rice and gravy), and items for the health-minded (egg-white omelets and turkey sausage). For lunch, diners have a choice of burgers, sandwiches (the fried catfish sandwich couldn’t be better), soups, simple salads, and homey entrees, such as pork chops and meatloaf.

Don’t expect creative or pretentious food, as there is nothing fancy about Goody Goody’s offerings. This diner’s longevity comes from its reasonably priced, well-prepared, old-fashioned food served by a proficient and agreeable staff in a pleasant, bright setting. The diner offers counter and table service as well as take-out. Goody Goody Diner opens at 6 am on weekdays and 7 am on Saturdays; it stays open until 2 pm each day. —By Susan Manlin Katzman www.goodygoodydiner.com • 314-383-3333

St. Joseph

courtesy of goody goody; melissa williams

Barbosa’s Castillo

In the historic J.B. Moss mansion built in 1891,

sugar and served with ice

Barbosa’s Castillo has been serving classic Mexican dishes

cream. A full bar serves

from family recipes since the Barbosa family purchased the

mixed drinks, wine, the

home in 1974. Diners enter from the back of the house and

restaurant’s famous margaritas, and after-dinner Mexican

instantly meet old-world charm and a mix of the mansion’s

coffee. The enclosed rooftop garden offers a scenic view

original Romanesque Gothic architecture and Mexican

over historic St. Joseph. Barbosa’s is open Tuesdays through

décor. Known for its handmade tortilla chips, the restaurant

Thursdays 11 am to 8:30 pm and Fridays and Saturdays 11 am

serves these crunchy creations before a meal with salsa

to 9 pm. —Melissa Williams

and cheese or other dips or as dessert, covered in cinnamon

www.barbosasrestaurant.com • 816-233-4970

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SHOW-ME

Flavor

THE THIRD DEGREE

DID YOU KNOW ... ?

St. James Winery was awarded the Gold Medal Trophy for most gold medals in the 2010 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging? NOW YOU DO!

S T . J AMES , M ISSOURI 1.800.280.9463 www.stjameswinery.com

ABOUT FOUR times a year for time on the restaurant floor. And the greatest sommelier in the world couldn’t pass the nearly two decades, I have been asked the MW exam unless he or she studied essay same question by curious reporters, conwriting and has expertise in the wine-retail sumers, and people in the wine industry: or wholesale arena.

What’s the difference between a Master But here’s the interesting part: the MS Sommelier and a Master of Wine? Then program has been far more successful in the the follow-up, whether spoken or implied, United States than the MW program. Alcomes: Which is harder? though there are fewer than 30 MWs, there The answer? It depends. (You knew that are more than 100 MSs. Because the MS is was coming, didn’t you?) based on skills required in the restaurant First, a sommelier is the person in a resbusiness and the United States is rich in extaurant responsible for the selection and cellent restaurants, a lot of MS candidates serving of wines. So if you have restaurant can pass the MS exam. But skilled essay expertise, you’ll find the Master Sommelier writers are in short supply, especially in the (MS) exam and certification to your liking. retail and wholesale sector.

If you are a wine retailer, wholeStill, as I noted earlier, that will saler, or importer and liked essay change. Sharp, practiced sommequestions in school or, at least, liers in St. Louis and Kansas City can write brief, lucid essays, you’ll have not yet but will soon earn MS feel at home attacking the Master certification, I’m confident. And of Wine (MW) exam. some equally smart folks are also As one of three people who is DOUG FROST working on their MWs. It’s a matboth an MS and MW, I refuse to ter of time before there are plenty say which exam is more difficult. more of each, and I’ll soon have to Why? Because, like I said, it dechange my designation as “one of pends. A wine professional, no only three in the world” to “one of matter how brilliant, couldn’t pass very few.” I welcome that change. the MS exam without extensive

© THINKSOTCK

What makes a wine expert? BY DOUG FROST

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State & NatIONaL CHaMPION SMOked MeatS & SauSageS

©

SINCE 1969

Processing • Catering• Retail Sales • Mail Order • Wholesale • Private Labeling

800-793-SWISS • 573-486-2086 2056 Hwy. 19 S. • Hermann, MO 65041

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Vintage Vi V int ntag age ch c charm har arm m

ttimeless ti ime meleesss bbeauty eaut ea aut u y

THE Perfect

Wine Country Getaway Tour of Hermann | April 9-10 Antique Show | April 16-17 Shelbyfest | April 29-30 Norton Wine Trail | May 7-8 Maifest | May 20-22 Taste for the Arts Festival | June 4-5 Garden Tours | June 4-5 Cajun Concert | July 8-10

Wscener scenery Missouri, eryy in M er isso is sour so u i, the Hermann ur

inding indi in ding di ng through some of the prettiest

Wine Trail meanders meaand ndeers for 20 miles iles es along the Missouri Mis issouri

COMING EVENTS Norton Wine Trail ... May 7-8

River.r. Nestled along aloong the

Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail ... July 30-31

trail, seven seven charming charm ming family-owned lyy-owned wineries win ner e ies are open for for or tasting tas asti ting ti ngg and andd tours. tou ours rs.

Holiday Fare Wine Trail ... Nov. 19-20 Say Cheese Wine Trail .... Dec. 10-11 Purchase tickets online at VisitHermann.com or call the Welcome Center, 800-932-8687.

Adam Puchta • Bias • Dierberg Star Lane Hermannhof • OakGlenn • Röbller • Stone Hill

800-932-8687 • VisitHermann.com

ON THE MISSOURI RIVER JUST AN HOUR WEST OF ST. LOUIS

800-932-8687 • HermannWineTrail.com

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y 7, 1-5 pm Saturday, Ma ek Inn, Columbia, M at Stoney CreBrew Pubs, national bran O

ds s an d Micro Brewerie s n e o z f o b D o . o s t r h e s e s b a and local craft od Pairings, Live Music, D mpling o oor Prize F d n B e er a s. dvanced tickets, a r o F .

5 2 $ n o Admissi souriBeerFestival.com visit www.Mis Presented by

i Life Hosted by Missour io ad Columnist and R Host Tom Bradley

Good for one Free Admission Limited Quantity Available. Online pre-registration required at www. missouribeerfestival.com. You must pre-register online AND you must present this coupon for admission.. No Copies of This Coupon Will Be Accepted. ORIGINAL ONLY. Valid Coupon REQUIRES Pre-registration.

April 2011 The [87] Official Hotel of Mizzou Athletics

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For Stoney Creek Inn reservations, call 800-659-2220 or visit www.stoneycreekinn.com Stoney Creek is offering “Beer Fest” rate for guests, $80 for Friday and Saturday nights.

3/5/11 4:58:00 PM

Sponsors

Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO Brewery Tours Available Wednesday thru Sunday.

Visit Boulevard.com for details.

Festival Feature: Selected varieties from Boulevard’s current lineup

Mid-America Harley Davidson Freedom Drive, I-70 Exit #133 in Columbia, MO www.MidAmericaHD.com Festival Feature: Register to win a Genuine Harley-Davidson Leather Riding Jacket and a full weekend rental on a 2011 Mid-America Harley Davidson!

Broadway Brewery “More Than Just Good Beer” In The Heart of Downtown Columbia, MO www.BroadwayBrewery.com Open 7 Days a Week, including Sunday Morning Service!

Broadway Brewery Porter & Rye Pale Ale Grilled Spinach Artichoke Flatbread

Prison Brews Jefferson City, MO www.PrisonBrews.com Open 7 days a week for beer, lunch & dinner.

Festival Feature: Go To Jail Ale, Big House IPA, Deathrow Oatmeal Stout Warden’s Favorite Warm Buffalo Chicken Dip

D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar Columbia’s Regular Place Columbia, MO www.DRowesRestaurant.com Festival Feature: A Special Selection of Ales & Lagers with David’s Famous Dusted & Seasoned Smoked Wings

Public House Brewing Co. 600 N. Rolla Street, Rolla, MO www.publichousebrewery.com 4-11 pm Mon.-Fri.; 11 am-11 pm Sat. Festival Feature: Bird and Baby Mild and Revelations Stout

Michelob www.Michelob.com Everywhere!

Festival Feature: AmberBock, Shock Top, Michelob Lager, Hop Hound (Seasonal)

Tallgrass Brewing Co. Manhattan, KS www.TallgrassBeer.com Festival Feature: Tallgrass Ale, Buffalo Sweat, IPA, Oasis [88] MissouriLife

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Sponsors

1839 Taphouse Nifong & Green Meadows, Columbia, MO www.1839Taphouse.com Open 7 Days a week, 4 pm-1:30 am Festival Feature: 1839 Pilsner, Taphouse Ale & made-from-scratch Beer-Dough Pizza!

Tin Mill Brewery The only true Lager Microbrewery in the State of Missouri.

Hermann, MO www.TinMillBrewery.com Festival Feature: Skyscraper (Pilsner), Red Caboose (Maibock), First Street Wheat (Hefe-Weizen) & Midnight Whistle (Doppelbock)

Truman’s Bar & Grill Hot Waitresses, Cold Beer, Great Food!

West Broadway in Columbia, MO www.TrumansBar.com Open 7 Days a Week for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Fesstival Feature: Sam Adams Varieties and Berry Hot Wings

Whiskey Wild Saloon “What are these guys gonna do next?”

Paris Road, Columbia, MO www.WhiskeyWildCoMo.com Festival Feature: Blue Moon Seasonal Summer Beer, Whiskey Wild Salooon Vegas Bombs & Chubby Bones BBQ

TOUR SAYERSBROOK BISON RANCH Business Retreats • ultimate meeting environment • sportsman’s paradise • groups of 7 to 20 • five-star chef

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$50.00 Gift Certificate to use in our store when your group mentions this ad. Good through Dec. 31, 2010 (one coupon per group)

To order the healthiest of all food, visit www.americangourmet.net.

For more information visit www.sayersbrook.com or call 888-854-4449 or 573-438-4449.

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SHOW-ME

Flavor

TOM BRADLEY

The brewery’s century-old, 35-foot long bar is a solid piece of wood that once served as the pay counter at a general store in Bay, Missouri.

TOURING TIN MILL HERMANN. That charming, historic German town perched on the banks of the Missouri River is known for its Rhine Valley heritage and wine. Not all Hermann barrels, though, are filled with a vintner’s awardwinning nectar. Another German craft has also reclaimed its place in the hearts and palates of Missourians.

The Tin Mill Brewery opened in 2005 in the heart of downtown Hermann. Don Gosen and business partner Ellen Dierberg noticed the lack of a German brewery in a town settled by Rhineland descendants.

While there were once several breweries in the region in the 1800s, they were lost during Prohibition in 1920. With Ellen’s knowledge and appreciation of German culture and Don’s expertise in beer brewing, they set out to change that.

Of course, one of the finest ways to enjoy craft beers is to visit the spot where they’re brewed. A drive along the wide Missouri to

Hermann led me to an afternoon of talking, touring, and drinking beer.

“Authentic” and “German” were the words most used during the tour of Tin Mill Brewery. “If you’re going to make German beer, you’ve got to have German ingredients,” Natasha Phillips, the general manager and tour guide, stated. True enough. Tin Mill follows the German Purity Law, using only barley grown and malted in Germany and hops from the Hallertau region north of Munich. The big, bright copper brewing kettles are imported from Germany as well.

Tin Mill’s home is a 100-year-old building still featuring some of the original grainprocessing equipment. Large windows line the corridor between the tasting room and the gift shop allowing everyone to see the brewing process, with or without a tour.

All of Tin Mill’s beers are lagers, or beers fermented and aged at cold temperatures, and are finished using the old-world meth-

od of krausening, which means adding newly fermented beer to recharge the fermentation and add natural carbonation.

Tin Mill offers a beer sampler showcasing five beers: Skyscraper (Pilsner), 1st Street Wheat (Hefeweizen), Red Caboose (Maibock and my wife’s favorite), Midnight Whistle (Doppelbock, which I preferred), and the simply named Pilsner. While all are different, they were German through and through, with a pure and clean lager finish.

I couldn’t resist getting a full pint of the Midnight Whistle, or leaving without taking home a case. The beer is available at many stores and restaurants throughout Missouri. Plus, you can look forward to sampling Tin Mill Brewery’s beers at the 2011 Missouri Beer Festival (see page 87).

Then again, nothing beats drinking beer straight from the tap and only 30 feet from where it was born. www.tinmillbrewery.com

©PAUL BUSSMAN 2010

A German brewery brings craft beer to wine country BY TOM BRADLEY

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The

Bent Tree Gallery

HISTORIC CLARKSVILLE MISSOURI

Rustic Furniture and Accents One-of-a-Kind Leather Handbags Baskets & Fiber Art Mon.–Sat. 10–4:30 • Sun. 12–4:30 • Call for our workshop schedule.

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Just right for your coffee break! bookmark features original, hand-etched scrimshaw on a recycled antique ivory piano key with genuine leather and handmade paper accents. $22, plus $2 shipping/handling check/Money order/Visa/Mastercard 31 High Trail, Eureka, MO 63025 • www.stonehollowstudio.com

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SHOW-ME

Showcase MIZZOU’S VET COLLEGE The national leader does unique research BY KATHY GANGWISCH

PROFESSOR ROSS COWART, DVM, began his swine lecture by asking who said this: “Well-being and happiness never appeared to me as an absolute aim. I am even inclined to compare such moral aims to the ambitions of a pig.”

Answer: Albert Einstein.

Dr. Cowart is one of 126 faculty members at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, the only such school in the state and one of just 28 in the nation.

The unique Mizzou school draws students from more than 20 states, some as far away as Alaska.

Students say the main attraction is two years of clinical study at Clydesdale Hall, the school’s massive teaching hospital, whereas most veterinary colleges offer just one year of clinic.

Another notable feature of the school is The National Swine Research and Resource Center, a joint project with the university’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. New genetic models of pigs are being used to study human diseases. Dr. Neil Olson, Dean of the Veteri-

Juniors and seniors at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia get full-time, hands-on experience in clinics; most vet colleges offer just one year of clinic.

nary College, says, “Pigs have a lot of physiology similar to us; our goal is to make it possible for pig organs to be transplanted into humans.”

The College of Veterinary Medicine is also the only site in the nation with a National Rat Research and Resource Center where genetically altered rats are being studied for human conditions. Some diseases in rats mimic those in humans and their genes are being studied in hope of identifying treatments and cures for people. Mizzou is also one of three sites in the nation where mice are being studied for the same purpose.

Occasionally, there are really big critters at the Veterinary Hospital.

There is no exotics service at the hospital, yet students under the tutelage of teaching doctors have periodically examined and treated lions, tigers, giraffes, and gorillas. Sometimes, professors and students travel to treat animals, especially large herds. On a trip with Mizzou vets and students to an alpaca farm near Mexico, Missouri, the quizzical crea-

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Veterinary education began at the University of Missouri in 1884 as tures gathered around to see what was being done to their pals. A coua single course in animal science. The Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine ple of the alpacas became annoyed with the exams and kicked and spit. was first offered in 1946. Since that time, course work and facilities No one on the team seemed to care; they grinned and kept working. have grown tremendously, and today a relatively Of the large animals seen at the hospital, horses are the most common. A recent noteworthy invention, called the new program called One Health, One Medicine Lameness Locator, uses wireless motion detecis in place. OHOM entails researchers at the veterinary college and medical schools pooling their tors to measure and analyze movement. expertise to develop cures for diseases that occur Dogs and cats, however, are the mainstay of similarly in animals and humans. the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. SpeOne example is the collaboration between cialty services for pets are vast and include carMizzou and the Broad Institute at MIT/Harvard, diology, dentistry, dermatology, neurology, onwhich found that a genetic mutation responcology, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and sible for canine degenerative myelopathy is ophthalmology, among others. similar to some forms of the human condition Gary Storch of Williamsburg is one of thousands known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS of pet owners who have brought their companions or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Scientists can now use to the veterinary hospital. His seven-year-old black this information to begin identifying cures. lab Shooter was in a life-or-death situation.

Other Mizzou divisions partnered with the “We were out running when Shooter slowed, veterinary college to develop a drug that treats stopped, and it looked to me as though he was bone-cancer pain in dogs and people. The Nabloated,” Gary says. “I called my vet. He asked tional Cancer Institute has funded research a few questions, then told me to get the dog to where veterinarians and medical school oncoloMizzou immediately,” he says. gists are cooperatively studying cancer in dogs “What happened is that Shooter’s stomach and humans. had twisted on itself. The blood supply to the The list of research and successes at Mizzou bestomach was cut off, and he was deteriorating tween animal and human medicine is long and very rapidly,” Gary says. “My vet figured it out varied. Our pets—and we—are benefiting. on the phone and called ahead to alert hospital One example is Dudley, a Labrador with a staff. The minute we got there, about 10 doctors painful developmental bone disorder in his and students were in the ICU caring for Shooter. shoulder. Associate Professor and orthopedic He had surgery very quickly, and I’m so grateful. surgeon Derek Fox, small-animal surgery resiMy dog came through it just fine, thank God.” During 2010, 15,579 small and 1,779 large dent Dr. Mirae Wood, and several students doThe hospital’s emergency and critical-care patients visited the veterinary teaching ing surgery rotations surrounded an operatingunit is open day and night all year. As with dochospital. Many more animals are seen and room table to remove a bone flap. tors staffing emergency rooms for human patreated off site.

The sterile environment for animal surgery tients, veterinarians on call react fast. looks the same as that for humans. Everyone Mason, a super-friendly golden retriever and Large Animal wore scrubs, face masks, and shoe covers. All leader-dog for the blind, didn’t require more eyes were on the TV monitor as first Dr. Wood than a little friendly petting. He trotted in with a and then Dr. Fox maneuvered an arthroscope blind woman, Maud Campbell of Jefferson City, fitted with a camera in a delicate procedure to who brought Mason to the veterinary hospital remove the piece of bone without it fragmentthat day for a free eyesight test performed by Dr. ing. A senior student administered the dog’s anElizabeth Giuliano, a renowned ophthalmoloesthesia once a professor approved doing so to gist. Maud, blind since birth, relies on Mason keep Dudley under. to get around and was happy to learn her guide Within minutes the surgery was wrapped up, dog could see perfectly. The testing is just one Small Animal and Dudley was going to be fine. of the community services provided by Mizzou.

Another day, another dog, another healing.

Professors also make themselves available to other veterinarians nationwide who call the hossmall animals: 573-882-7821 • food anipital for advice. “There’s no charge for this,” says mals: 573-882-6857 • horses: 573-882-3513 Dr. Giuliano. “We’re glad to be of service.” after hours emergencies: 573-882-4589

KATHY GANGWISCH

SEEN AT THE VET HOSPITAL

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UKULELE BUILDER New Haven man builds his own unique boat-paddle design

BY SARAH ALBAN & BRYAN T. RANKINS, SR.

JERRY HOFFMAN was fed up with ukuleles.

Not the instrument itself. He loved the instrument. He heard Joe Brown’s rendition of “I’ll See You in My Dreams” at a concert in 2002, and that did it for him. He went out and bought a cheap ukulele right away, but it didn’t sound as good as Joe Brown’s old Martin.

He became frustrated with the quality of foreign commercial ukes that cost between $50 and $200 and looked good but didn’t sound good. He decided to build his own.

Then he became frustrated with the one he built. He wanted a great uke, so he kept building them.

First thing he did was scrap the traditional mini-guitar look. He replaced the shape with an original design looking more like a boat paddle, a functional shape he had constructed and tweaked digitally with drawing software before making it by hand in his workshop. He heated thin side stock wood to 300 hundred degrees Fahrenheit, bent them to shape before assembling and finished with ten coats of polished lacquer.

His ukulele was special, and musicians around New Haven, where his workshop

is based, were noticing. After a few years of prototyping when the design was pinned just right, Jerry walked into small, local instrument shops and showed people what he had created. The savvy musicians understood: This was a revolutionary design.

He uses hand-carved bracing inspired by classical guitars to give more tonal range and clarity. Foreign manufacturers use little or no bracing.

And the ukes are becoming well-known.

Jerry has given interviews to several ukulele-enthusiast websites about his growing business, Boat Paddle Ukuleles. Chat boards have sprung up with Boat Paddle customers describing the high quality and unmatched affordability of Jerry’s design.

Most Boat Paddle ukes sell for about $500 to $1,500, about 20 percent less than ukuleles of comparable quality can cost.

Musicians can also custom-design their orders, based on wood and trim choices.

Will it be an AA or AAA walnut body?

Would you like custom or standard fret markers? Would you like to upgrade from a soft gig bag to a hard case? How about an ornamental border with that?

The standard turn-around time for a hand-

built order is one to four months, which includes Jerry personally checking over each detail of the instrument before it goes out to a customer. He guarantees his product.

Jerry is developing a habit for redesigning existing products into better ones for personal use. This isn’t the first time he’s opted for making rather than buying goods.

For instance, when his wife, Janelle, bought a horse years ago, the horse needed horseshoes, of course. Jerry figured that was something he could do. He became a blacksmith, made the shoes, and afterward, whipped out a monthly how-to publication called Blacksmith Journal that still exists today, nearly 20 years later, covering a range of projects beyond horseshoes.

Whatever Jerry will design next will likely benefit Boat Paddle Ukuleles. He’s currently developing a guitar-shaped model, and a few years ago, he designed an M-style ukulele, so-named because it is shaped like a mandolin. It has now become one of his primary products.

If Janelle takes up a new hobby, she better hope she doesn’t need special equipment; Jerry says he is sticking to building ukuleles. boatpaddleukuleles.com • 573-237-5889

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COURTESY OF JERRY HOFFMAN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;His ukulele was spec ial, and musicians around New Haven, where his workshop is based, were noticing."

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Musings ON MISSOURI

AN IMMATERIAL PROPOSITION MATERIALISM,

or rather the lack thereof, is a phrase of subjective definition and interpretation. It is typically and mistakenly used, at least in present times, to provide a lofty description of one’s own level of enlightenment, to proclaim a highly evolved spirituality surpassing those who purchase and accumulate anything but the barest of bare necessities.

Unless you are old-order Amish or happen to live in a Buddhist temple in the furthest reaches of Nepal, the utterance is a bit laughable. Some who claim to eschew materialism may actually believe their own blarney.

Whenever I hear people articulate phrases such as “We have decided that material things are not important and have learned to live simply,” I am forced to refrain from stifling a laugh. This is because pronouncements of hard-won bodhi obtained via the sacrifice of not purchasing a third Mercedes or a fifth flat screen are absurd. It is impolitic not to contain one’s amusement when encountering absurdity, and the trend toward boasting of an ascetic and Spartan lifestyle is about as absurd as they come.

But I’ve been hearing these comments more frequently.

Do not misunderstand; I have absolutely zero problems with materialism. It sometimes makes people happy. It’s sometimes a reward to one’s self. It’s even good for the economy.

I’ve known a few people who lived a relatively and comparatively simple life, but I’m betting most of us would be more materialistic than we are if we had the time or the funds. Heck, I’d love a custom-made Pogreba guitar, or a full set of Delta Frost harmonicas. I wouldn’t mind a car that was less than a decade old.

Nope. I could never claim to live a life free of materialism when I’ve got a satellite dish and high speed Internet. Oh … and let’s not forget the massage chair. Monks, true hermits and navel-gazing anchorites just don’t have that sort of stuff. I don’t think they even have microwaves. I’ll bet they don’t blow all their excess cash on rawhide chew bones for their dogs.

Excess materialism is a bit obnoxious but it’s not really a thorn in my side. I figure some folks are like the little lizard who boasted of having brontosaurus ancestry on his mother’s side. If such illusions

give a body pleasure, make them feel better for a minute or two, it’s no skin off my back.

When I become a trifle nauseated is when a person of caviar tastes and lifestyle takes on the affectation of being homespun and introspective, plain as an old dishrag while sleeping on 1,400 thread-count sheets. It’s even more grating when they employ this rationale to avoid doing something good, something right, like supporting an elderly parent in need, when they make harebrained excuses because they can’t be bothered to turn a tap.

Which is the whole point of this ramble.

It’s been a crazy couple of years; the times we live in are taking weirdness to an entirely new plateau. Whenever I’ve flipped on the tube, listened to the radio or fallen into the abyss of the internet, I hear and see all sorts of people talking about how we should all make sacrifices, how we should do good, how we should be kind, considerate, understanding, and less concerned with material aspirations.

This is not bad advice, but the message might have a bit more impact if these folks didn’t finish their little morality talks by jumping into limos, hopping on private jets, or sending a paid lackey off to Whole Foods to pick up some chemical-free milk, eggs from holistic chickens, and a $700 truffle.

Honestly … is the world becoming more narcissistic, or am I just becoming more surly?

Spring is pretty much here. I’ve got redbuds on the bloom and happy dogs, and the snakes aren’t out yet. As is true with every Ozark spring, the new season brings a glimmer of hope that maybe the word will get a trifle less addled. I see good things and nice folks, an easy task when you’ve got neighbors like I do and live in the far boonies. I see people who walk the walk, who go out of their way for others in manners both big and small.

When I step out the door into my woods, the crisp air suggests a smidgen of possibility that maybe, just maybe, things will get better.

I may be simple-minded to think that. If so, RON MARR simplicity might not be such a bad thing.

©GETTY IMAGES

BY RON W. MARR

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Rolla

Fun Business

Engineered for Everyone Education Life Shopping Health

THE OFFICIAL SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE BOOK Rolla_cover.indd 1

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Dillon Log Cabin now located on 2nd St.

R���� T��� � N�� Celebration of a Sesquicentennial THE FIRST EARLY SETTLERS came to Rolla, Missouri, in 1818, building along the river banks, and doing a little farming. Thomas James bought a tract of land from the Federal Government at Maramec Spring in St. James, about 12 miles southeast of Rolla, and built the first Iron Works in the area. Pioneer John Webber, built the first house within the present city limits of Rolla in 1844.

In 1845, Lt. James Abert started the first railroad reconnaissance survey. He later became the first professor of Civil Engineering at the Missouri School of Mines (founded in 1870), now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology. Edmund Ward Bishop, who is called the founder of Rolla, was originally a railroad contractor in New York. He came to this part of the country in 1853 with the job of building the Frisco Branch of the Southwest Railroad. In 1857, because of an urgent demand, Phelps County was created by legislative action on Nov. 13, 1857, from a portion of Pulaski, Maries and Crawford counties.

A special commission was appointed to select the site for a county seat, with instructions to locate the site on the mail line of the railroad as near the center of the county as possible. Mr. Bishop then offered a tract of 50 acres for the “westerners” wanting the name Rolla, and the “easterners” wanting the name Dillon,

so the General Assembly did not declare Rolla to be the official county seat until January 25, 1861.

In 1858, Rolla was officially surveyed and laid out, and was officially named. Mr. Bishop wanted to call it Phelps Center, as his house was located in the center of the county. John Webber preferred the name Hardscrabble. George Coppedge, another original settler, and formerly of North Carolina, favored “Raleigh” after his home town. The others agreed with Coppedge on the condition that it need not have “that silly spelling,” but should be spelled “ROLLA”.

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Left: Corner of 7th St. and Pine St. Below: the old Phelps County Courthouse located on 2nd St.

S�������, J��� 4, 2011 Downtown Rolla Program

10 a.m. Sesquicentennial Parade (Pine St.) 11:30 a.m. Official Program (Bandshell) 2 p.m. Historic Reenactments, Living History, crafters, and tours of Old Phelps County Courthouse and Museums 4 p.m. Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Phelps County Courthouse

The railroad through Rolla

A “Walk Through History” will be held throughout the day at Rolla City Hall and downtown Rolla with oral and written histories, and guided tours of the Historic Walking Tour of Rolla.

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A Renaissance spirit, inspirational scenery in the rugged Ozarks, Route 66 heritage, and cuttingedge innovation

Above: In the center of the monument, the U.S. Geological Survey has placed a marker bearing the inscription â&#x20AC;&#x153;Missouri S&T-Stonehenge,â&#x20AC;? thus identifying the spot as an official triangulation point in a national network used for mapping and control purposes.

Right: The city welcomes visitors with 33 separate parks ranging from small, neighborhood parks to large parks with several attractions. This Frisco rail car sits near City Hall.

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S�. P������ I� S������ When the spirit of Patrick, the patron saint of engineers, watched the first surveyor map this rugged terrain for a railroad in 1858, the town was nameless. By the time the Irish laborers laid down the track, the name Hardscrabble seemed a fitting description for the town’s frontier ruggedness. But the name didn’t stick. By the time the first train rolled down the tracks into these beautiful forested hills in December 1860, townsfolk were settling on a name: Rolla.

Almost immediately, war broke out between the states, and within a few months Union military engineers had built a fort at this strategic rail terminus. Thousands of Union troops rolled into Rolla. Not long after the war, Rolla welcomed the birth of one of America’s top engineering schools. And that first rail surveyor, James Albert, became the school’s first professor of civil engineering.

St. Patrick was just warming up.

Generations later, engineers found a way to build Route 66 through its toughest test: the tumbling topography between Rolla and Lebanon. Rolla continues to be the focal point for an impressive list of engineering feats, including a tourist favorite along 66: a faithful replica of Stonehenge, the granite shoulders of which were cut not by hand, but with high-pressure water jets. It’s that kind of cutting-edge engineering that keeps Rolla a step ahead.

A R���������� M�� ��� C��� Even the name was engineered.

Performing good works for the world, St. Patrick and Sir Walter Raleigh never met, since they lived a millennium apart. Even so, their spirits combine to influence this dynamic destination in Missouri’s Ozark Highlands. Patrick supplies his blessing, and Raleigh lends more than his name.

Historians agree that Rolla is a phonetic shortcut for Raleigh. Whether the town is named for Raleigh, North Carolina, or Raleigh, Illinois, home of Rolla’s first settler, the name’s spirit comes from the same

source: Sir Walter Raleigh. He mastered many occupations—explorer and soldier, privateer and politician, writer and poet— a true Renaissance personality, always on the cutting edge of life.

Like Sir Walter Raleigh, Rolla stays on the cutting edge of art and innovation.

It’s natural for Rolla to nurture the Renaissance spirit. Students come from all over the world to study engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Artists gravitate toward Rolla’s friendly ambience and the Ozarks’ inspirational scenery.

Businesses capitalize on Rolla’s central location. Travelers use Rolla as a base to fish, float, hike, and hunt the rugged Ozarks.

In true Renaissance fashion, the city celebrates its diversity during its sesquicentennial in 2011. Rolla’s shining combination of traits are a rare find: big-city amenities with a small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking business, education, the arts, shopping, fitness, or fun, Rolla is engineered for everyone.

R��� �� R���� 66 For eons, animals used one path to move from northern Missouri southwest through the Ozarks. Native Americans followed the same path, later called the “interior ridge route” by geographers, who realized that this path should be “America’s Highway.”

You know it as Route 66: The Mother Road.

Great sections of the original pavement still wind through Rolla, so you can touch the Mother Road and see dozens of roadside icons along the route through town.

Like brightly painted bookends, two historic signs stand as sentinels on Route 66, guarding either edge of Rolla. Beneath those signs—one a giant totem pole, the other a towering mule with an accompanying hillbilly—two unique local trading posts transport visitors in time, back to a world that predates convenience stores.

It was a time when Route 66 travelers could buy gas and groceries, moccasins and white-oak baskets, and postcards and picnic supplies; they could immerse them-

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selves in the local hill culture. They still can.

Route 66 is a medley of attitudes: Freedom. Adventure. Kicks. Its slogans have become anthems. As the most famous road in America, the Mother Road will likely live in eternity, immortalized into our culture by its chapter and verse. But building the Mother Road wasn’t easy. Because of the rough terrain, the stretch of road just west of Rolla was the last to be paved. With the completion of America’s Highway, the curtain rose on Rolla.

In 1933, the circus came to town— and stayed. For a dozen years, the Russell Brothers Circus made its winter home in Rolla. Each spring, the major three-ring extravaganza rehearsed in the fields around the old Civil War Fort Wyman. The circus performers entertained townsfolk as they gathered just north of Lions Club Park. Then, as cheers echoed through the park, the circus loaded its tents and elephants and performers into 40 brightly painted trucks and headed out on the road.

Today, the Russell Brothers Circus is a memory. Not to worry: fun is still one of Rolla’s most consistent byproducts. The Lions Club Park serves up a spectacular four-day carnival every July 4, as it has for decades. Major musical performers regularly visit the city; they perform in a park setting from the delightful downtown band shell or at venues on the university campus.

Reminders of Route 66 dot Rolla roads. With tough terrain, the portion of Route 66 passing through these parts was one of the last segments of the Mother Road to be completed.

A L�������� S�. P��’� P����� During the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, Rolla becomes the setting for one of the most legendary St. Pat’s celebrations this side of Beantown. Before the annual parade, university students and alumni use mops to spread kellygreen paint on the downtown stretch of old Route 66. It’s a long-standing tradition.

Tradition is important to Rolla. The

people preserve its history. An old wooden bridge crosses the railroad tracks into Old Town, an area that features three generations of historic Phelps County courthouses. Two of the structures survived the Civil War; both contain museums.

A� A�����’� ����� Artists flock to Rolla’s beautiful surroundings and supportive atmosphere. Just blocks from downtown, in the blossoming entertainment district, the Ozark Actors Theatre’s troupe—one of only two professional theatre troupes in rural Missouri— takes the stage at the theatre’s Cedar Street Center for the Arts. Across the street, the Orval Reeves Gallery displays Orval’s vibrant and impressionistic Ozark landscape portraits, world-class bronze sculptures by Louie Smart, stunning ceramics by Julie Balogh, and works by more local artists.

But the entertainment district’s newest centerpiece is what really demonstrates the community’s dedication to the arts. At this new place, the former Thomas Hart Benton grade school, three stories of bricks and 100 years of history had been sitting, neglected, for a generation. No longer. Loving hands have restored the school, being careful to preserve its authentic aura, to make a home for fine dining and eclectic shops.

On the university campus, the Leach Theatre thrives inside the Castleman Hall Performing Arts Center, and the quaint Lyric Theatre sits just minutes west down Route 66 in historic Newburg.

F����� F�� ��� R��������� Family fun is around every corner, from an outdoor skateboard park to indoor roller

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skating at The Zone, to mini golf and gokarts at Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center.

And, within minutes of Rolla’s historic Phelps County courthouse, you’ll find fly-fishing heaven—the historic Maramec Springs trout hatchery—tucked into the hills outside nearby St. James, among vineyards and wineries. Phelps County boasts more trout streams than any other county in the state.

Rolla is draped in parks—33 to be exact, covering 235 acres—offering everything from family events and picnics to organized sports and individual fitness parks. There’s even a park featuring an old Frisco steam locomotive and passenger car. For hiking and biking, 11 miles of all-weather trails await; the trails interconnect nine parks.

That’s just the beginning.

A B�������� N����� R������ Near the University Golf Course sits headquarters for the Mark Twain National Forest, a great spot to learn about this vast forest and its interpretive areas. These areas include five distinct ecosystems of the Tanager Trails Ozark Nature Reserve on the north edge of town and Lane Springs, featuring hiking trails, pavilions, picnicking, and swimming along the Little Piney River just south of town.

Looking for a challenging fitness workout? You’ll find a multitude of exercise regimens under one roof at The Centre, Rolla’s state-of-the-art 63,000-square-foot facility for aquatic, aerobic, track, team, and recreational sports. Warm-weather fun is next door at Splashzone, offering a pool with a beach, a lazy river, and the world’s largest water vortex.

When you take inventory of all the baseball fields and sports venues provided by the municipality and university, Rolla easily slips into its reputation as an emerging center for amateur sporting events, such as youth soccer games and Amateur Softball Association of America tournaments.

In any community, it’s vital to have one capable medical resource at hand. Rolla

The Centre’s 63,000-square-foot facility features this super slide and aerobics, track, and other sports. More than 235 acres of park land offer different kinds of fun for everyone.

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The Havener Center on the Missouri S&T campus is a student, community, and conference center and primary gathering place. The historic downtown shopping district offers fun for families.

ities. The Rolla Police Department’s innovative Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program has inspired other safety-minded communities throughout the United States to replicate the program in their towns. has two. Phelps County Regional Medical Center employs more than 1,300 people, who serve patients from six counties. The center has undergone extensive expansion and renovation in the past. Nearby, the St. John’s medical group, despite being relatively new to town, is hardly new to medicine. The 108,000-square-foot St. John’s Clinic provides state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient services to the same six counties’ worth of patients.

Of course, quality of life extends beyond access to fitness trails and health-care facil-

A C��������� H��-S��� Because Rolla is the center of culture and commerce for a vast area of southern Missouri, business flourishes on several layers.

The city caters to tourists exploring Route 66 and the Ozark Mountain streams, offering travelers dozens of restaurants, both unique and familiar, plus more than 650 hotel rooms. Several bed and breakfasts await visitors nearby, with intriguing names, such as “A Miner Indulgence” and “The Painted Lady.”

Geography has a lot to do with Rolla’s unique position. As headquarters for the 1.5 million-acre Mark Twain National Forest, Rolla’s influence extends deep into the region, producing innovative results.

Recently, skilled artisans from a Rolla construction company designed a unique partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to preserve a historic mill and house on the Black River. Sixteen teams of skilled artisans and builders volunteered to rehab the property at no cost to the government, in exchange for short vacation privileges on the property.

That’s innovative.

Innovation comes easy in Rolla. So does economic development. Rolla’s strategic geographic location makes a perfect distribution center for retail giant Walmart.

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Likewise, Hypoint Industrial Park is strategically located for business, with easy highway, rail, and air access. Missouri S&T Innovation Park is a research park with a business incubator for entrepreneurs and is recognized as a cutting-edge center for science and technology, engineering and energy, and even ground-breaking cancer research. Rolla’s scientific community includes the international leaders Brewer Science, MO-Sci, and Kurion.

S����� H������ S������� S������� The university cranks out graduates who have gone on to earn the second-highest starting salaries in the Midwest (out of all Midwestern universities) and third in the nation among all public universities, according to a recent survey by PayScale. com. Forbes magazine ranks Missouri S&T first in the Midwest—and 12th in the nation—among public colleges skilled in training graduates in “getting rich.” That’s good for business, locally and worldwide.

There’s a reason why American employers want these graduates. They’re smart, they’re dedicated, and their marathon study habits are legendary. Standing vigil, facing the university library, the statue of St. Patrick blesses students as they pass.

But hitting the books extends beyond campus. The quest for knowledge is evident downtown, with four bookstores along a single short stretch of Pine Street. In pleasant weather, you’ll find bookshelves on the sidewalk for shoppers and diners to browse. These books, unique restaurants, and eclectic stores nearby form a sumptuous shopping stew served up by the Rolla Downtown Business Association.

Throughout the community, businesses big and small gain a boost from the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce. A visit to the chamber’s Visitor Center reveals unexpected surprises. The center resides in quarters built by the WPA to house the National Forest Service; these stately, oldstone buildings have stood proudly for decades in the wooded hillsides along Route 66. In-

Fun things are happening yearround in Rolla. Check out these annual events in the area:

March

St. Patrick’s Celebration

May

Downtown Days

June

Rt. 66 Summerfest

July

Lions Club Carnival (4th of July week) Phelps County Fair

September Top to bottom: Schuman Park’s restored Frisco steam engine, coal car, and passenger car are covered and lit for safe viewing.

Reservations fill fast for pavilions at the Lion’s Club Park and Den. Visitors explore the shops in the historic downtown area.

side the Visitor Center, you’ll discover one of the world’s biggest cameras on a 12-foot track; the camera, originally used to copy maps from the U.S. Geological Survey, is wider than you can stretch your arms.

Situated smack dab in the middle of the mineral-rich Ozarks, with hundreds of vigorous springs and streams, Rolla is a major

Grape & Fall Festival (St. James)

October

Old Iron Works Days (St. James) S&T Homecoming Downtown Arts & Crafts Festival S&T Haunted Mine

November

City-wide Christmas Open House

December

Christmas Parade Christmas in the Park Light Display

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headquarters for the U.S. Geological Survey, the nation’s largest earth-science agency. If you look at an online topographical map, chances are it was generated right here in Rolla at the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center. The agency’s Missouri Water Science Center keeps close watch on the nation’s water resources, monitoring streams, springs, lakes, and aquifer systems at 207 stream–gaging stations.

C��� �� �� E���������� H��� In Rolla, there’s a lot to learn!

Although eight different universities and colleges offer classes in Rolla, most of the attention focuses on one: Missouri S&T. Missouri S&T was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological schools west of the Mississippi. Its name changed over the years, from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy to the University of Missouri-Rolla, to its current name. But one thing has remained constant: Missouri S&T maintains a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Academic Analytics puts the school among the nation’s top 20 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research universities.

U.S. News & World Report calls Missouri S&T the sixth best bargain among public universities in its “Great Schools, Great Prices” survey. The same magazine reports America’s high-school counselors rank Missouri S&T in the top 50 best public colleges. An experimental mine at the school lets students detonate concert pyrotechnics and rock-quarry mines. Popular Science magazine awarded Missouri S&T its number one “Awesome College Lab.” Additionally, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education accredited the Rolla School District with “Distinction of Performance,” its highest rating, and Rolla High School is designated as an A+ School. As students move to the next level of education, the award-winning curriculum and instruction of Rolla Technical Institute and Rolla Technical Center help prepare them as workforce members

The Rolla School District was accredited with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s highest rating, “Distinction of Performance.” This is part of the quality of life in Rolla—one that is engineered with an expectation of success for everyone.

with the skills to move the nation forward.

There’s another reason Rolla public schools are top-notch: For generations, local university presidents have actively partnered with the public schools, working together for mutual benefit. The schools benefit from the proximity of a world-class university, and the university is able to lure and keep worldclass professors by being able to offer their children top-notch public education.

Or they can pick a top-notch private one.

The Immanuel Lutheran School offers faithbased education for students from kindergarten through 7th grade. Alternatively, St.

Patrick Catholic School accepts children from preschool through 8th grade.

E��������� ��� G����� No doubt about it: as Rolla faces its next 150 years, the community within has been engineered to expect success. Vacationers, too, can seek the treasures tucked into the Ozark Highlands. International students can discover the tools to forge a better world.

And residents, old and young, can revel in a quality of life engineered for everyone.

St. Patrick is smiling, watching over the spirit of this city of perfect engineering.

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special advertising section

R���� A��� C������ �� C������� � V������ C����� N����� 500 M������ S�����

The Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce’s (RACC) mission is to enhance the economic environment and quality of life for Rolla. With a strong vision, the RACC strives to be an information agency of the community, maintaining facts, data and maps, and answering inquiries of all types. The RACC aids those who are seeking information by answering questions, pointing people in the right direction and by directing prospects to the right people, business or agency.

The RACC offers networking events such as the First Friday Coffee and monthly luncheons, a local shopping trip, and various educational seminars that are organized to keep the local business community connected and informed. Other efforts include their weekly email campaign of news and events, all of which are linked on their website, www.rollachamber.org, and on their Facebook page.

The RACC’s Visitor Center is the front door of the community, the place where visitors and newcomers get their first impression of our area. Located on the historic Mark Twain National Forest Headquarters, they assist more than 15,000 visitors each year.

When you walk into this beautiful facility, you are immediately greeted by the friendly staff and will find all the information you

Front Row: Left to right. Aimee Campbell, Tourism Director, Carolyn Peplow, Membership Director, and Stevie Kearse, Executive Director.

Back Row: Robin Southern, Administrative Assistant and Brooke Nordlof, Visitor Center Administrative Assistant.

will need on the local community and areas throughout the state of Missouri. For travelers that need to access their computers, the facility provides free Wi-Fi access for every visitor. Complete community information can be found on their tourism website.

www.visitRolla.com ● 1311 Kingshighway ●

www.rollachamber.org ● 888-809-3817 ●

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special advertising section

M������� U��������� �� S������ ��� T��������� Founded in 1870 and still going strong today Missouri S&T is one of the nation’s top technological research universities – a campus where discovery, innovation and creativity are the norm. The S&T experience blends technological and scientific theory with hands-on learning, research, leadership development and group projects that foster a passion and energy few universities can match.

Missouri S&T produced the engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs that helped drive the Industrial Revolution and launch the Space Age.

Today, the university and its graduates are among the nation’s leaders in creating new ideas, products, and services for society.

History Missouri S&T was founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (MSM). MSM was one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi and one of the first in the nation. The campus was renamed the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1964 and on Jan. 1, 2008, UMR became Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Missouri S&T. The new name more accurately reflects the university’s mission as one of the nation’s leading technological research universities.

In 1964, the campus became one of the four campuses of the reorganized University of Missouri. Today, Missouri S&T continues its focus on educating leaders in engineering and science and ranks among the top 25 in the nation in the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in engineering.

Missouri S&T offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 30 fields of engineering, science, humanities, business and social sciences.

Master of Science degrees are offered in 27 disciplines, the doctor of philosophy in 20 and the doctor of engineering in eight.

From specialized research come amazing discoveries.

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special advertising section

• S&T is one of America’s best technological research universities, ranked No. 12 among public universities by the nation’s top 800 high school counselors, according to U.S. News & World Report.

• S&T graduates get great jobs at great salaries. PayScale Inc. ranks Missouri S&T grads’ starting salaries third among all U.S. public universities.

• S&T students know how to address real-world problems. Students learn beyond the classroom with handson design projects, team projects, undergraduate research and service learning.

• S&T has the nation’s most awesome lab. S&T’s Experimental Mine was name the No. 1 “Awesome College Labs” by Popular Science magazine.

• S&T is one of America’s “30 safest campuses,” according to Reader’s Digest.

Curiosity is contagious Missouri S&T has 15 accredited engineering programs. That’s more than MIT, Purdue, Illinois, or Michigan each offer. The average number of undergraduate engineering programs at other universities is 4.9. Most technological research universities average nine.

Being an undergraduate engineering student at Missouri S&T means more than classroom learning. It also means hands-on research. Each year more than 100 undergraduates participate in the Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience (OURE) program, which provides funding for student research projects.

Participants study everything from the ways glass can strengthen bone and tissue to building “smart bridges” from light-weight composite materials.

Research at Missouri S&T focuses on four main areas – energy,

Putting education to work in modern labs and classrooms.

the environment, materials, and infrastructure – but within those categories, the projects are diverse and varied. Farming algae to yield biofuels, combating indoor air pollution, treating liver cancer with tiny irradiated glass beads and building bridges that can tell you how – and where – they’re damaged are just a few of the innovative research initiatives under way at Missouri S&T. There’s no “I” in “team,” but there is in “design”. The innovators of tomorrow are studying at Missouri S&T today. Students go beyond books and lectures to put their education to work in modern labs and classrooms, on design teams and in the livinglearning communities of S&T’s residential colleges.

Through Missouri S&T’s 11 design teams, students learn “on the job.” Whether they’re building a solar house or car, designing a Formula SAE race car or installing fresh-water treatment facilities

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Students at Missouri S&T celebrate their patron saint of engineering, St. Patrick.

in South America, students gain technical expertise and critical business skills.

Every year Missouri S&T students travel to compete against teams from other universities. Several S&T teams, including the Solar Car Team and the Human-Powered Vehicle Team, have brought home world championships.

Keep up with Missouri S&T’s design teams at http://experiencethis.mst.edu.

Art at S&T rocks At a technological research university like Missouri S&T, even the art showcases scientific research. Tour the campus and find landmarks like the Millennium Arch (cover photo), designed by artist Edwina Sandys, and a working half-scale replica of Stonehenge.

Both were created with S&T’s high-pressure waterjet technology – the same technology used to disable land mines. As the Millennium Arch sculpture shows, it can also turn Missouri granite into amazing artwork.

‘Best Ever’ tradition In 1908, a group of students declared St. Patrick the patron saint of engineers and created a campus holiday to celebrate. Missouri S&T has been celebrating “St. Pat’s” ever since. And every year, the celebration is the Best Ever.

Students grow beards, bash artificial snakes with big sticks called shillelaghs, paint Pine Street green, elect a Queen of Love and Beauty, and have a huge parade. Every year a student is chosen to portray St. Pat and preside over the celebration.

Read more about Missouri S&T’s St. Pat’s tradition at http:// bestever.mst.edu.

Celebrate diversity In the fall, the campus joins the community for a Celebration of Nations to honor the vibrant cultural diversity that makes Rolla

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unique to the Ozarks. The event begins with a parade featuring colorful flags from 66 countries, marching bands, camels, African dancers, Chinese dragons and an Indian Palki, a traditional transport for brides on their wedding day. It continues with music, food and craft displays that highlight the variety of cultures represented at Missouri S&T. Visit http://calendar.mst.edu for a list of upcoming public events at Missouri S&T. From lectures to theater performances, there is always something happening.

Get in the game Competition and engagement are at the heart of the S&T experience. Missouri S&T has a competitive NCAA Division II athletic program featuring seven men’s and six women’s varsity teams. Miner and Lady Miner student-athletes consistently win athletic and academic awards as members of teams competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Missouri S&T offers 19 intramural sports and nine club sports for students not looking for the varsity experience.

Come to a game or keep up with sports at Missouri S&T and view upcoming team schedules at http://sports.mst.edu.

Joe Miner, Missouri S&T mascot. At the Celebration of Nations, students honor the cultural diversity within the school.

573-341-4111 1-800-522-0938 ● www.mst.edu ● 1870 Miner Circle ● ●

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KMST R���� 88.5 from Rolla, 96.3 from Lebanon PUBLIC RADIO KMST (formerly KUMR) celebrates its 38th year during Rolla’s Sesquicentennial celebration. Located on the campus of Missouri S&T, KMST has grown along-side Rolla and the entire mid-Missouri area. According to Station Manager Wayne Bledsoe, KMST listeners enjoy the best in local and national radio programs available. Pointing to a 2008 Arbitron rating, Bledsoe says, “KMST offers the number two and number three most popular radio programs

Left to right: Joel Goodridge, Marketing Manager; Katie Lacewell, Secretary; Jim Graham, Underwriting Coordinator; John Francis, Program Director; Chuck Knapp, Chief Engineer; Sandy Crouch, Administrative Assistant; Wayne Bledsoe, General Manager; and (seated) Norm Movitz, Host/Producer.

in the country in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

“Along with these flagship programs, KMST is a national leader in the diversity of public radio programming offering a variety of formats to its listeners, including local/national news, talk, classical, jazz, acoustic folk, blues, big band, bluegrass, African, Caribbean, Celtic, and others,” adds Bledsoe.

With 100,000-watts of power, the station is licensed by the Curators of the University of Missouri System and broadcasts at 88.5 FM from Rolla and 96.3 FM from Lebanon. KMST also streams its programs online at www.kmst.org.

Public Radio Station KMST is responsible for raising over 30% of its operating revenue and encourages listener investment. For only a few dollars a month, listeners can help ensure the future health of Public Radio KMST. Investment pledges can be made by phoning KMST at 573-341-4386 or 1-888-776-5678 or by pledging online at www.kmst.org.

Program Manager John Francis and Chief Engineer Chuck Knapp producing a local news cast in the 90s.

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The Knights of the Round Table and the cast of Monty Python, Scott Suchman

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L���� T������ Bringing Broadway to Rolla THERE’S NO NEED TO TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN anymore for quality entertainment … driving for hours, fighting traffic, paying overpriced parking and sitting in the 2nd balcony with binoculars. Leach Theatre, a 650 seat performing arts venue located on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology, has been bringing the same quality performances to Rolla and the surrounding area that, in the past, you would have gone to the city and paid twice the price to see. Everything from the Broadway touring companies of Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Spamalot, to plays and concerts by performers such as Arlo Guthrie and Rita Coolidge.

Leach Theatre also hosts musical ensembles and dance troupes.

Most recently Las Vegas Touring Band, Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, graced the stage. There is also a series that is specifically targeted for families and youth. The Missouri S&T performing arts department uses the theatre to stage their plays and musicals and the student orchestra, choir, and jazz band perform their concerts there as well. “We work hard to bring diversity to Leach Theatre,” says Managing Director Emily Bricker. “We have something for everyone.”

One of the many great things about having a facility like Leach Theatre in the area is the convenience it affords area residents.

Leach Theatre features Broadway touring companies such as Spamalot on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus.

Not only does it provide wonderful entertainment for the entire community but it is also available for rental to anyone needing a performance space. And with a venue the size of Leach Theatre, there is not a bad seat in the house!

573-341-4219 ● www.leachtheatre.mst.edu ● Find Leach Theatre on Facebook ●

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One of the ways Arts Rolla promotes the visual arts is through different exhibits featuring a variety of work including photography, oils, acrylics, pastels, and more.

A��� R���� Bringing Art & Community Together ARTS ROLLA is a regional not-for-profit organization founded in 1985. Arts Rolla brings art and communities together by supporting and growing visual, literary, and performing arts. Exhibits of visual art are coordinated through Arts Rolla and placed in The Centre and the Rolla City Hall as well as several other local businesses. The exhibits change frequently and showcase a diverse group of regional artists of all ages. Exhibits include photography, oils, acrylics, pastels, graphite,

woodblock, and computer generated art as well as dimensional art. In addition to the visual arts, Arts Rolla also encourages the performing arts and, with the support of the Missouri Arts Council and Brewer Science, facilitates the Peaceful Bend Wine Cellar Concert each year. Arts Rolla, with the support of Missouri S&T, also grow the literary arts with PoetSpeak and a writing competition located at 1008 Holloway. ●

www.artsrolla.org ● 573-364-5539

O���� A����� T������ A Hidden Jewel in the Rolling Hills of the Ozarks OZARK ACTORS THEATRE (OAT) is housed in a beautiful converted historic church. OAT was founded in 1987 to present professional summer stock theatre and has entertained thousands with more than 70 productions featuring Equity actors and professional directors sharing the stage with terrific local talent.

Today their home, the Cedar Street Playhouse, is in use year round by not only the OAT Company, but also other area groups. As part of its focus on youth programming, OAT offers Summer Drama Camps and Master Classes for teens. In recent years, OAT has developed a winter season, producing a holiday show and lending its venue for various other performing arts groups from around the state.

701 N. Cedar St. (573) 364-9523 ● www.ozarkactorstheatre.org ●

The 2010 season included the classic musical "Annie" as well as other outstanding shows including "The Fantastiks".

Bob Phelan

●

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The Centre and SplashZone offers excellent aquatic, fitness, recreation, and sports opportunites for Rolla area residents.

T�� C����� � S�����Z��� Rolla’s Health & Recreation Complex LOCATED AT 1200 N. HOLLOWAY STREET, The Centre provides area residents the ultimate experience in aquatic, fitness, recreation, and sports. This 63,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes an indoor aquatic center, two full-size gymnasiums, indoor walking/running track, fitness area and weights, meeting rooms, on-site babysitting service, and much more. It also offers a broad range of recreational, aquatic, sports, fitness, wellness, and community-based programs, and activities for people of all ages and abilities. A variety of admission packages are available ranging from daily passes to annual memberships.

The idea of an improved aquatic facility and new community recreation center was a topic of discussion in Rolla for many years. The old municipal pool built in 1972 was quickly reaching functional obsolescence in the 1990's. With community input, the City Council adopted a new master plan for Ber Juan Park in 1997 that included plans for an improved outdoor aquatic facility and the addition of a new community recreation center. To fund these projects, a half-cent recreation sales tax was approved by Rolla voters in August 1998. Construction began on the outdoor

pool in 1999, with SplashZone opening in 2000. The next year construction began on the recreation center that is now known as The Centre, which opened in June of 2002.

Rolla’s outdoor family aquatic center, SplashZone, includes a leisure pool with beach-like entrance, interactive play structure, lazy river, the “world’s largest” vortex, and two giant water slides.

SplashZone is located at the corner of 14th and Holloway Street, adjacent to The Centre. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the facility has a variety of admission and party packages.

The Centre ● 573-341-2386 ● www.rollacity.org/centre SplashZone ● 573-364-8222 ● www.rollacity.org/splashzone

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S���� P��’� �� R���� A Student Initiated Tradition LEGEND HAS IT that a group of students in 1908 proclaimed a holiday on the Saturday preceding St Patrick’s Day and arranged for the entire student body to celebrate at the train yard instead of attending classes. Angry faculty demanded that MSM director, Dr. Lewis Young, punish the students, who were then warned

by Dr. Young’s secretary, Alice Long. This led to a famous confrontation on the steps of Norwood Hall. George Menafee, the first student Saint Patrick, persuaded Dr. Young to kneel and be knighted as the first Knight of Saint Patrick, and, by loudly proclaiming that Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Engineers, convinced the faculty to relent and join the celebration.

The students of Missouri S&T have been celebrating “the Best Ever Saint Pat’s” ever since. This year will be the 103rd time a student Saint Patrick arrives at the train yard (now the Rolla Bandshell Park) to be welcomed by the mayor and other dignitaries and to proclaim several days of celebration in honor of their patron saint. St. Pat’s in Rolla is a festival of music, games and off the wall activities.

The streets are painted green, and people come from all over the nation to watch and participate in the annual parade. To wrap up all of the fun, visitors enjoy the annual concert and celebration in downtown Rolla following the parade. ●

http://stpats.mst.edu/

Above: Saint Pat’s 1908 Right: Saint Pat’s 2009

S��������� A Celebration of Summer & Route 66 ARE YOU READY TO GET YOUR KICKS on Route 66? Join in the fun and festivities at the “Route 66 Summerfest.” The first full weekend in June, the streets of Downtown Rolla come alive with the rumble of classic cars and the sounds of classic oldies.

Originally started to promote downtown Rolla, the annual event has evolved into an area-wide celebration for all ages to promote old Route 66 and the beginning of summer. The event begins on a Thursday evening where eligible ladies compete for the honor of being crowned “Miss Route 66”. Friday afternoon is when the event really kick-starts with a convoy of motorcycles and classic cars cruising down Historic Route 66. Summerfest is a 2-day free event that has something for everyone, from car shows to burn out contests, street dance to derby races. The festival also includes a variety of food and craft vendors. So join us in celebrating the legacy of the "Mother Road"! ●

www.route66summerfest.com

Classic cars cruise in and park for everyone to enjoy.

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Rolla Lions Club members. The merry-go-round is one of many rides at the fair.

L���� C��� C������� 76 Years of Summer Traditions IN JULY, the sounds of fireworks and the smell of hamburgers and funnel cakes will fill the air as the Rolla Lions Club kicks off its 76th annual Carnival. This is a four-day event and coincides with July 4th.

The Carnival features wristband nights for rides, a wristband matinee, as well as stunning fireworks displays. Prize drawings will be held every night culminating in a special prize on the last night. Raffle tickets are available from any Lions Club member.

The Lions Club invites you to come out and enjoy a hamburger, barbecue, steak sandwich, cotton candy or funnel cake, and help support a great program. All proceeds from the Carnival benefit the Rolla Lions Club Park, vision and hearing programs, area youth activities and scholarships for local students. Pepsi is proud to be a part of this event for many years.

Sponsored by ●

www.rollalions.org

P����� C����� F��� Four Fun Filled Days ALONG HISTORIC ROUTE 66 in Rolla is the Phelps County Fair. The annual fair is four fun-filled days for one low price.

Admission includes unlimited carnival rides, bull riding, mutton busting, demo derby, mud run, truck and tractor pull, quality musical entertainment from local favorites to Nashville performers, pageants, livestock judging, Super Farmer contest, karaoke, kid’s games, pedal tractor pull, talent contest, exhibits, and so much more. Season passes are available. The livestock barns are a popular attraction with beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and rabbits. The exhibit halls are full of agricultural products and FFA, Scout, 4-H and home arts projects. The Fair hosts many vendors with equipment, services and products for sale.

The Phelps County Fair has something for everyone from newborn or 100 years young. Pepsi is proud to be a part of this event for many years.

Sponsored by ●

www.phelpscountyfair.com

The merry-go-round is surrounded by game and food booths during the county fair. The 2009 Toddler Miss Phelps was Hailey Lucas.

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K����� J��’� Go Karts and Mini Golf GROWNUPS AND KIDS alike love the excitement of our go karts.

Whether you enjoy the thrill of speeding around the track, or some serious racing with friends, Kokomo Joe’s racetrack is fun for everyone. The wind in your hair, your hands on the wheel, and your friends far behind you. Go karts are only one of the attractions at Kokomo Joe’s.

Are you ready to play the most challenging and beautiful mini golf course around? We offer an 18-hole course that will put your skills to the test. Enjoy an entertaining time of mini golf with family or friends in a relaxing environment.

Our driving range is open daily until dark with enclosed and open tee boxes and grass tee area. Kokomo Joe’s is the perfect place for your next group outing. We offer go karting, miniature golf, and Water Wars that are sure to put a smile on everyone's face. Go karts for experienced racers, miniature golf course that is challenging and contemporary, and an arcade with a selection of exciting, family friendly games to choose from. Bring your group out and enjoy an exciting day of fun. ●

Look for the sign with the giant ice cream cone.

●

Play miniature golf all day long.

www.rollaskatezone.com/kokomo-joes/ (573) 341-5656 ● 10450 State Rte. V

T�� Z��� Indoor Family Fun Recreation Facility ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PLACE IN ROLLA where the entire family can have fun? Look no further! The Zone is here to entertain you in every way imaginable, whether you want to roller skate or play laser tag. The little ones can explore and have fun in the Soft Play Area, an indoor playground where you can climb, jump, slide and just have loads of fun. The arcade will provide hours of entertainment where you will no doubt win lots of tickets to redeem at the Prize Counter.

The Zone in Rolla is the most unique indoor family recreation facility, offering fun attractions for people of all ages in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that stimulates the senses without overwhelming them—from Roller Skating, Laser Tag and Laser Maze to an Obstacle Course, Arcade, a 2-story Play Structure, and Snack Bar. We also offer the perfect venue for exciting group functions where the weather never spoils the event. Bring your children and let them burn off some of that extra energy. Call us for your birthday and sports parties, graduation, family reunion, team building, fundraising, or any other group event.

Play games, skate, and simply have a fun time at the most unique indoor family recreation facility.

573-341-5700 www.rollaskatezone.com ● 555 Blues Lake Pkwy. ● ●

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C���� B����, R������ A Commitment to Community Service Cindy Beger is a Realtor who has found it to be one of her greatest joys to discover, work to improve, and share with others all Rolla has to offer. She is proud to regularly provide tours of the community to those considering a move to the Rolla area. Cindy is a dedicated, full-time Realtor who has built her reputation on understanding what matters most to her clients. “Finding the right real estate agent for your situation can make all the difference toward having a happy and stress-free experience instead of an unpleasant one,” she says.

Cindy is a Broker/Sales Agent and top producer with Investment Realty, Inc., the largest and oldest, full-service real estate company in Rolla, who began her career in the St. Louis area in 1980. Since moving to the Rolla area over 25 years ago, Cindy has applied an old fashioned work ethic to learning the south central Missouri area and all it has to offer while continuing to advance her education in order to provide outstanding service in the real estate market.

She is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute, a real estate technology ePRO and certified as a Residential, Investment, and Relocation Specialist. Cindy was a co-founder of the Ozark Actors Theatre professional summer theatre, one of only two professional theatres in out-state Missouri, that will celebrate

its 25th season in 2012. As a cancer survivor, she serves as a Hero of Hope for the American Cancer Society and on the Phelps County Cancer committee raising funds for those battling this deadly disease. She is a board member of the Recreation for Everyone Foundation, Rolla Choral Arts Society, United Way of South Central Missouri, and Elder for the Ozark Highlands Christian Church. Cindy has been recognized with the Award of Excellence, among the “Outstanding Young Women of America,” and with the Athena award recognizing exceptional individuals who have provided valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community.

573-458-6538 www.askcindyb.com ● 1703 N. Bishop ● ●

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Phelps County Regional Medical Center, located in Rolla, offers a range of diagnostic and medical services, patient-centered service and quality outcomes. The PCRMC family has grown to include medical clinics in Waynesville, Cuba and Vienna offering family medicine, pediatrics and women’s health services.

P����� C����� R������� M������ C����� Excellence in Healthcare

PHELPS COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER opened on March 12, 1951 with 65 employees and 63 patient beds. Today PCRMC employs a staff of more than 1,500 and is licensed for 242 patient beds.

PCRMC offers a range of diagnostic and medical services, patient-centered service and quality outcomes. Services available at the hospital include: the nationally accredited Delbert Day Cancer Institute, cardiac catheterization lab and cardiac rehabilitation, full-service medical imaging (including MRI, CT, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, bone density, and general radiology), comprehensive surgical services and ambulatory surgery unit, OB/maternity center, inpatient nursing units, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, skilled nursing, home health

and hospice services, inpatient and outpatient mental health programs, an accredited sleep center, and educational and community service programs.

PCRMC has a large medical staff to improve community access to physicians. Its physicians specialize in a wide range of medical services including family and internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, podiatry, allergies and otolaryngology, audiology, nephrology, medical oncology, and general surgery. In addition to seeing patients in Rolla, the PCRMC Medical Group has primary care and women’s health clinics in Waynesville, Cuba, and Vienna, MO. PCRMC prides itself on community service and investment, donating a grand total of $17,562,978 in community benefits

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last year. Community benefits include programs and activities that provide treatment and/or promote health and healing as a response to identified community needs, including: charity and other uncompensated care, community outreach services, health professional education and placement, and donations to community groups.

Phelps County Regional Medical Center is a teaching affiliate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

573-458-8899 â&#x2014;? www.pcrmc.com â&#x2014;?

PCRMC offers a wide array of medical services, from cardiac rehabilitation to surgery to diagnostic imaging.

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Rolla is the center of the crossroads of I-44 and US 63. The railroad provides transportation for Royal Canin Pet Food Company and other Rolla businesses.

R���� R������� E������� C��������� The Solution for Technology & Business THE ROLLA REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION (RREC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to the development of Phelps County. With a board comprised of major stakeholders in Phelps County, RREC is funded by a combination of public and private investments.

Rolla is located in the center of Missouri at the crossroads of I-44 and U.S. Highway 63, and offers attractive and affordable opportunities for business. Rolla’s location on the interstate, coupled with the Burlington Northern Santa-Fe Rail line makes Phelps County an ideal location for shipping and receiving.

Rolla National Airport is 12 miles north on Highway 63. The longest runway for this WWII airfield is 5,500 ft./1,676 meters with single wheel bearing capacity of 98,000 lbs. This airport, with its fueling and maintenance capabilities, can handle most General Aviation needs.

Rolla is open for business and open to the use of incentives to

maximize any business investment in Phelps County. The City of Rolla supports an enterprise zone at the original Hypoint Industrial Park and is willing to consider Chapter 100 financing for businesses locating in the Hypoint addition. Applicable incentives from the Missouri Department of Economic Development are also available on all Phelps County sites.

Retail Opportunities – Don’t let time pickpocket your dream of opening a shop. Open the store you’ve always wanted, and do so in downtown Rolla, where the arts and entertainment district is resurging with a force, stunning even those who have been here a while. A new, modern economic sector is emerging.

900 Innovations Dr., Ste. 208 www.rollaecodev.org ● 573-201-3772 ● ●

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B������ I�� � S����� Award-winning comfort SITUATED ON BLUES LAKE, which has a half-mile walking trail, the Baymont Inn & Suites features a sparkling indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, plus they are a pet-friendly hotel!

With a sly smile on her face, Baymont Inn & Suites General Manager Kim Franken says you have to pass the rest to get to the best! One literally has to pass most of the other hotels in Rolla to get to the front door of this award winning hotel!

The Baymont Inn & Suites in Rolla recently won the Best of Baymont Award, which places this beautiful little gem of a hotel in the top ten percent of over 250 Baymont Inns in the U.S. Rightly so, the manager is very proud of her dedicated and hard-working staff. “Without them, we would be any other hotel, nothing special.

It’s the personal service we deliver that makes our hotel stand out!”

This hotel exudes charm and warm hospitality. ● ●

573-364-7000 ● 1801 Martin Springs Dr. www.baymontinns.com/hotel/14807

Rolla's Baymont Inn & Suites recently won the Best of Baymont Award, placing this hotel in the top 10 percent of Baymont Inns nationwide.

P����������� M����� �� M��-A������

We bring 6,822 years of experience to seniors and their families.

THAT’S THE TOTAL YEARS of senior living experience among the more than 1,900 people who work for Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica (PMMA). That means their retirement communities in Rolla, Farmington, and Fulton benefit from the knowledge gained over 60 years at all 17 PMMA communities located across Kansas and Missouri. Seniors and their families count on us to help them through this process of aging. So when you have questions about how it may be affecting you or someone you love, Just Ask. Call today for our free brochure and together, we’ll find the answers. ●

www.justaskpresbyterianmanors.com

1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 364-7336 500 Cayce Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-6768

811 Center Street Fulton, MO 65251 (573) 642-6646

Senior living services include independent living, assisted living, longterm care, and short-term rehabilitation.

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D������� R���� Discover the Heart of Rolla WE ALL KNOW that the heart of any community is its downtown.

Rolla is no different except for this downtown encompasses a Business District, an Arts & Entertainment District, a University District, and a Historical District. In 2007, business and building owners united, along with the local Chamber of Commerce, and formed the Rolla Downtown Business Association (RDBA). Shortly after, Rolla was named a DREAM community from the state of Missouri. DREAM is a program that helps develop downtown areas. RDBA is currently working to form a Special Business District for this region. The Rolla

Downtown Business Association (RDBA) is a 501c6 not-for-profit organization comprised of business and property owners, neighboring districts and interested residents who are committed to ensuring that the Rolla downtown will be a vibrant, friendly, attractive and safe destination known for its diversity and unique characteristics. The RDBA hosts events including Rolla Downtown Days, Route 66 Summerfest, the Arts and Crafts Festival, and a Farmers Market ● www.downtownrolla.com

Alex’s Pizza

MFA-Rolla Farmers Exchange

Alex’s Pizza Palace, a Rolla favorite, where the pizza sauce and dough are made fresh daily, and the Italian sausage and beef are homemade with special ingredients and spices. Alex’s still uses the old-fashioned stone-hearth ovens like they did back in 1964; nothing cooks the crust the way they do. Pizzas are prepared in front of the customer. All are invited to taste a true Rolla tradition. ● 122 W. 8t Street ● 573-364-2669 ● www.alexspizza.com

Rolla Farmers Exchange has served Rolla and surrounding areas since 1922. The stores offerings go way beyond feed and farm supplies, with a wide selection of clothing and home goods and even propane delivery. An affiliate of MFA Incorporated, Rolla Farmer’s Exchange is the farm and home store that offers quality goods at affordable prices. ● 209 East 8th Street ● 573-364-1874 ● www.rollamfa.com

Central Federal Central Federal – “All the Bank you’ll ever need!” Residential and commercial loans, auto loans, construction loans, home equity lines of credit and we’ve now added insurance services.

Located in downtown, Central Federal has been a part of the community for 50 plus years. Personalized service, online banking, great rates and good people! ● 210 W. 10th Street ● 573-364-1024 ● www.centralfederal.com

Locally owned and operated, Peacock Stained Glass and Gifts has been offering unique and creative gifts for over 10 years. With 35 years of experience, the artisan/owner provides finished decorative glass works for residential, commercial, and liturgical members of the community. Handmade jewelry, fused bottles, and glassware are only a few of the gift items available. Peacock also carries a full line of glass working supplies and offers classes. ● 816 N. Pine St ● 573-341-3550 ● www.peacockglass.webs.com

Jenks/Long Insurance

Uptown Bridal & Florist

Jenks/Long Insurance has been serving its customer’s insurance needs since 1934. As an independent agency, Jenks/Long offers a comprehensive range of insurance products to serve any personal and business insurance needs such as home, farm, health, and life. Locally owned and operated, their well-trained and friendly staff is ready to serve. ● 810 N. Pine ● 573-364-1414 or 800-492-2017 ● www.jenkslonginsurance.com

Uptown Bridal and Florist is a full-service bridal, prom, floral and gift boutique. The showroom has hundreds of gowns ranging in sizes 0-32. The staff is experienced and will assist in finding that special dress for that special occasion. Uptown can also assist with the floral and decoration designs, adding that final touch that makes that special day unique. ● 712 Pine Street ● 573-368-4321 ● www.uptownbridalandflorist.com

Peacock Stained Glass

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R�� D��� G���� Whimsical Necessities

BENEATH A TIN CEILING at 700 North Pine Street in historic downtown Rolla, a mother-daughter team runs Red Door Gifts.

The home-product shop smells like changing seasons: Fresh floral and fruity scents in the warm months and cinnamon and pumpkin in cooler ones. Find kitchenware, Vera Bradley purses, home décor, jewelry, baby gifts, Switchflop flip flops, fair-trade items and more.

Rolla Daily News votes Red Door Gifts the area’s #1 Gift Shop and Home Décor destination four years straight. Customers return, gushing about the latest friend they made shriek, “Where did you find that?”

Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find giveaways and sales on Facebook or the store's website. Red Door Gifts opens Red Door 2 this summer. ● ●

573-364-0016 reddoorgiftsrolla.com

L������� I�������� Beautiful Living Environments

MARILYNN LANGSTON, president of Langston Interiors, Inc. has a keen sense of awareness for her clients’ needs and lifestyle and works with them to achieve their decorating goals.

Marilynn’s interior design is complemented by her high standard in creating the most beautiful environments in both commercial and residential applications.

Langston Interiors, Inc., located at 116 W. 8th St., offers custom window treatments, wall coverings, home furnishings, accessories, lighting, wall art and floral design. Interior design and decorating consultation and renovation supervision is also available.

Marilynn Langston, BSHE, is a graduate of MIZZOU and has been in business since 1989.

Hours presently are Monday – Saturday by appointment and

Open for browsing on Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expanded hours during the summer. Langston Interiors is moving to a new location downtown during summer 2011.

573-341-3804 ● www.langstoninteriorsinc.com ●

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K��� J������ Custom Designs IN 1870, Charles Pfitzenreuter set out for the USA from Germany to follow his dream. He landed in Phelps County and became the area butcher serving the Maramec Ironworks and raising a family of nine children in what began as a two room log cabin and modestly expanded to accommodate 6 daughters and 3 sons.

You will find this log cabin under the ruddy colored field stone on the house that sits directly west across the road from Sybill’s Restaurant just north of St. James.

100 years later, Charles’ great-grandson Kent Bagnall also set out for Phelps County to begin his college career at UMR (Missouri S&T). Graduating in 1976 with a degree in Civil Engineering, Kent worked as an engineer for nearly a decade.

Following his dream like his great-grandfather Charles, Kent moved back to Phelps County to begin his life as an artist and craftsman in 1984. Designing and building architectural stained glass was his first venture, until 1990 when the opportunity to start a jewelry business arose.

Kent convinced his college sweetheart, Lindsay, to return home to Rolla to begin their family in 1985. Then in 1986 they purchased a building in downtown to house Kent’s first store front. This building on 8th Street was transformed into a jewelry store in 1991 with just one employee and help from his family.

Eventually the business grew to 6 employees.

Staff at Kent Jewelry treat customers with respect and spirit to get their precious jewelry just right. A circa 1900 family photo shows the Phitzenreuters.

In 2008 after more than 20 years in the same location, Kent purchased the building at the corner of Pine Street (historic Route 66) and 10th Street and remodeled it into a full service, manufacturing jewelry and engraving shop.

The Kent Jewelry team has become an institution in the community, donating their award-winning talents to many local charities and to high school students through their yearly design project and jewelry auction benefiting the United Way of South Central Missouri. You may view the eclectic talents of Kent and his staff in Downtown Rolla. Appointments are welcome but not necessary.

907 Pine St. ● 573-364-1030 ● www.kentjewelry.com ●

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P����� C����� B��� Serving Phelps and surrounding counties since 1963 PHELPS COUNTY BANK is a 100% Employee Owned Bank, one of only three in the United States. That means when you become a member of our PCB family of customers, you are always working with an Owner! We strive for the best in our products and service offerings, along with stellar customer service.

In 2007 we were selected by The Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces as one of the top 15 Small Workplaces in the United States. In 1993 we were selected by INC. Magazine as one of the top Service companies in the United States. This national recognition is proof positive that our commitment to our community and our customers is at the highest level. We have been selected as the Best Bank by the Rolla Daily News for the past 6 years.

Our commitment goes beyond our customer service as we have donated back to the community over $1,000,000 in the past seven years. It is our corporate commitment to our communities and our

schools to give back to the organizations that keep our area strong.

Our employee owners also serve as members of many non-profit organizations, donating hundreds of hours of their time.

We are a full service bank, and you will find that we have a wide array of deposit accounts and loan products and offer Investment Services through Raymond James Financial Services.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your financial needs. You will find that working directly with our owners you will build a relationship that demonstrates our commitment to you.

Stop by our Rolla branch and see the red neon sign and illuminated corner clock.

800-667-5202 www.phelpscountybank.com ● 718 North Pine, Rolla ● 220 N. Jefferson, St. James ● ●

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C����� F�������� G�������� With Quality in Mind IN THE SUMMER OF 2000, Sleep-Ezzz, as a small family-owned business, opened its doors in Rolla. With over 10 years of experience in the furniture business Rodney Creech, along with Danny and Brenda Creech, offered the best products with the best prices.

After serving Rolla for over 3 years Sleep-Ezzz moved into a new location and transformed into Creech Furniture Galleries. Utilizing 3 floors for furniture, Creech Furniture Galleries became a full line furniture store. Not long after, a new store was formed, Signature House Furniture, where you can find scratch and dent, close out, and used furniture. After the newest location was added they went back to their roots

and opened Sleep-Ezzz once again. The hallmark of Creech Furniture Galleries has been affordable quality. Founder and owner Rodney Creech spent a decade learning the furniture industry in other communities before returning to his hometown to start a mattress store.

Rodney goes to market four times a year so that he can continue to provide the best products at the best prices. “We have always been a service oriented store,” says Rodney, “and we strive to provide the best customer service possible.”

573-368-4050 ● www.creechfurniture.com ● 610 Kingshighway ●

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G��������� G���� Indoor Plantscaping Enhancing Your Image WE PROVIDE EXPERTISE AND EXCELLENCE in Interior Plantings since 2004! We lease and professionally maintain lush, tropical indoor greenery, with guaranteed prompt replacements. Also, art-quality pottery, extraordinary silks, elegant Christmas décor includes professional installation, removal and storage on a 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE lease or through sales with our sister company, Guaranteed Pottery & More.

“GREEN” your interior space, enhance your professional and successful image, improve worker productivity, and provide a sophisticated, warm and welcoming atmosphere for your clientele. Scientific studies prove that living plants clean building/office pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, dust and VOCs from the indoor air.

We’ve built our reputation and growing business on top quality and outstanding value for our clientele. We impress our clients with the appearance of the installation, the reliability and professionalism of the maintenance and no cost, prompt replacements…and finally with the cost effectiveness of the program. Leasing is 100% tax-deductible for business!

Living plants provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and even clean pollutants from indoor air.

For a free consultation call Reenie Davis Hale. ● 573-201-8042 ● www.proplantlady.com

B����� S����� Rolla’s Unique Destination A 100-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL HOUSE lovingly restored is now home to a casually elegant restaurant, fashion boutique, full service salon, floral and gift shop, and a night club and lounge.

In December of 1909 the newly constructed Ward School first opened its doors to the elementary students of Rolla. For the next 70 years, the area’s grade school children would consider the classic brick Mission-style building their educational home away from home.

In the 1950s, the Ward School became the Benton School, renamed in honor of the Missouri born statesman Thomas Hart Benton, whose name continues on in the unique destination now known as Benton Square. Steven Scholz and Dan Klinski saw the potential hidden in the old Benton School. In 2008 they began a two and one-half year remodeling project that is truly a gift to Rolla. Let us help you celebrate life’s memories, old and new at the historic Benton Square.

573-426-4800 bentonsquare.com ● 400 East 6th Street ● ●

Historic beauty fills the rooms of the restored school.

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Relax in luxury and comfort and leave the driving to us.

USA T���� � USA E������ Providing all of your transportation needs USA EXPRESS, INC. AND USA TOURS, INC. are based in Rolla, Missouri. Offering transportation service for one person or a group of hundreds, they can get you where you’re going with ease and comfort.

USA Express offers an airport shuttle service as well as transportation for one day or multi-day trips. They have late model mini and full size vans. They will travel if there is only one person or if you have a group as large as 14 people. The drivers are safe, reliable, courteous and come to your doorstep to pick you up! They offer transportation numerous times daily, primarily along the I-44 corridor from Ft. Leonard Wood to St. Louis. However, they will pick up anywhere in mid-Missouri and go to any airport in Missouri. They also provide transportation for special events and trips.

USA Express has operated continuously for over 15 years serving hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers over the years.

USA Tours is a charter bus company offering transportation service for one day or multi-day trips. They operate a fleet of 8 luxury motorcoaches which carry up to 57 passengers. Each coach has a restroom, DVD player, TV’s and WI-FI internet access upon request. Their motto is “make the ride more fun than the event!”

Besides normal charter service, USA Tours offers scheduled service to River City Casino in St. Louis every Wednesday and to Isle

of Capri Casino in Boonville on the first Tuesday of each month.

They also have special events planned throughout the year that are one day and multi-day trips. As well, they can custom design any trip you want. Call for details and a brochure.

They also have one Executive Coach which offers all the conveniences of a normal motorcoach but has many other amenities. It will comfortably seat up to 25 passengers with regular seats in the front and has two card tables. There are 4 leather couches in the back that convert to bunk beds. There is a refrigerator, stove, microwave and dining table in the middle. It has flat screen televisions, 110 volt outlets and Wi-Fi internet. This coach is great for bachelor, bachelorette parties, weddings, birthdays, concerts, or just about anything.

It’s best use is for large or multi-family vacations where you can save money on meals and accommodations. Do you have a group thinking about a trip? Call for help in putting your tour together.

USA Tours ● USA Express 1-800-492-2601 ● 1-800-872-9399 ● www.usatoursmo.com ● www.usaxonline.com ● ●

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R���� P����� S������ Investing in education and creating futures WELCOME TO THE Rolla Public Schools. The Rolla School District serves an area close to 201 square miles in Phelps and Maries Counties. Approximately 4,000 students are provided exemplary education in three neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high school, one high school and two regional vocational career schools.

The Rolla School District has been accredited with “Distinction in Performance”, the highest rating by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our middle, junior high, and high schools each have been recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education because of high student performance.

We strive to provide, in partnership with the community, the best educational opportunities possible for our students through a commitment to excellence in personnel, facilities, curriculum, and instruction. Rolla Public Schools are focused on providing academic success, bestowing high expectations, and preparing every student to excel in college, career, and life. ● ●

500A Forum Dr. ● 573-458-0100 www.rolla.k12.mo.us

Lions Memorial Stadium. Rolla High School is a designated A+ school.

R���� T�������� I�������� � C����� Where Students Learn by Doing ROLLA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND ROLLA TECHNICAL Center programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, fundamentals, and confidence to advance in their careers and increase earning potential. Training programs combine classroom instruction, labs, practical training, and hands-on experience to prepare students for entry-level positions in their industry.

RTI/RTC serves approximately 600 secondary students annually from 10 area schools in the four counties that surround Phelps. They also serve approximately 300 adult students annually, within a 50-mile radius. RTI/RTC offers community and continuing education programs that serve approximately 1,000 adult students annually, with both daytime and evening classes.

Financial assistance, such as Pell Grants and student loans for adults, is available for those who qualify.

Today, RTI offers trade and technical programs such as Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, Construction Trades, Drafting and Design, Graphic Design, HVACR, Information Technology, Masonry, Wood Manufacturing, and Design. Meanwhile, RTC offers a variety of allied-health programs: Diagnostic Ultrasound, Fire and Rescue, Medical Office Technology, Paramedic, Practical

Former student Ely Garcia uses surveying equipment.

Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory Care, Surgical Technology. RTI and RTC are accredited.

1304 E. 10th St. ● 573-458-0150 ● 500 Forum Dr. ● 573-458-0160 ● www.rolla.k12.mo.us/schools/rtirtc ●

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C�� C���� S������ C���� The Only Overnight Animal Camp in the Country

CUB CREEK SCIENCE CAMP is a traditional summer camp, offering all the classic camp activities, but it has gone one giant step further than everyone else by building a zoo just for campers. Campers can go into each animal’s enclosure for some up close and personal contact. They can feed a sloth, walk a llama, hold a baby kangaroo, pet a porcupine (very carefully of course), launch rockets, explore a cave, make candy and crafts, pick blackberries, go fishing, slide down a zip line, climb a tower, and shoot an arrow or a rifle. This camp focuses on learning and fun, using each camper’s own curiosity to guide them on their camp adventure. Cub Creek has a modern facility with air-conditioned cabins, great food and caring staff. They offer one of the only Jr. Vet programs in the country. Visit their website to see what sets them apart. ● ●

573-458-2125 www.myanimalcamp.com

At Cub Creek, a young camper cradles a chinchilla. Outside, another camper lifts a box turtle found on an animal safari.

E��� C������ C������

Where Degree Opportunities Abound EAST CENTRAL COLLEGE began offering its first classes in Rolla in the late 90s. Last semester more than 700 students enrolled in credit classes. The college holds classes at Rolla Technical Center and its nursing facility on Bridge School Road.

ECC-Rolla offers a wide range of transfer, career-technical and health care degree programs designed to meet the needs of Rolla and the surrounding area. Programs that may be completed at ECC-Rolla include: Business, Management and Technology; Early Childhood Education; Nursing; General Studies; Health Sciences and Teacher Education.

East Central has agreements in place with Missouri S & T and other institutions that allow ECC graduates to smoothly transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Several degree opportunities are available through partnerships with Rolla Technical Institute and Rolla Technical Center. Those include Auto Tech, Building Construction, Drafting and Design, Paramedic, Radiologic Tech, Respiratory Care, and two options for people wanting to become registered nurses.

Students at ECC-Rolla have access to library resources, academic advising, computer labs, tutoring, testing, financial aid, counseling, and career services and can be involved in the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Student Nursing Association and Student Missouri State Teacher’s Association.

573-458-0165 ● www.eastcentral.edu ●

In Anatomy and Physiology II, nursing students work on a lab assignment. Paula Smith-Culp, at left, is a Psychology and Sociology instructor.

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R����’� R������� BBQ � G���� Family-Owned Restaurant

R���� F������ C����� U���� Be a Part of Something Better

RANDY’S ROADKILL BBQ & GRILL is a family-owned restaurant.

They specialize in smoked meats: pork, beef, chicken and sausage.

All meats are seasoned with a dry rub and then smoked. Randy’s hand-crafted BBQ sauce is on the table. Enjoy your dining in a country setting and take in a view overlooking a pond and miniature horses and donkeys grazing in the fields. Call 573-368-3705 for hours, visit www.visitrolla.com/listing/1253840725 or friend us on Facebook. Located at 12670 State Rte. E.

Rolla Federal Credit Union is conveniently located on Forum Drive.

ROLLA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is a not-for-profit, full-service financial cooperative owned by the members who join. Any profit earned is returned to these members in the form of better rates and fewer fees. Rolla Federal Credit Union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Phelps County. The credit union is located at 1012 Forum Drive in Forum Plaza. Visit www.rollafcu.org or call 573-308-3113 for information.

The rustic dining atmosphere at Randy’s overlooks a country setting.

W������ U���������

There’s No One Way to View Webster IN 1997, WEBSTER UNIVERSITY opened their Rolla Metropolitan campus (as an extension of their Ft. Leonard Wood campus) to offer a Master of Arts in Counseling program to the central Missouri region. Webster’s Rolla Metropolitan campus continues to thrive offering graduate counseling degrees with emphasis in professional mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, and community counseling. Starting this year, Webster’s Rolla campus is adding the Master of Arts in Counseling in a weekend format.

Also new to the Rolla campus in 2011 is the Master of Health Administration degree. This program is designed for health care professionals who are looking for advanced management degrees.

One exit from Phelps County Regional Medical Center (exit 184), Webster helps area medical professionals enhance their professional development or take their careers in a whole new direction.

For more information email at rolla@webster.edu, or stop by 1103 Kingshighway, one-third mile from Interstate 44.

(573) 368-4569 ● www.webster.edu/rolla ●

Webster’s Rolla Metropolitan campus offers programs to help medical professionals enhance or direct their careers.

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F������� C������������� Family-owned since 1940 BRINGING THE BEST COMMUNICATIONS and entertainment services to homes and business—that’s what Fidelity Communications does every day. Fidelity provides superior quality local and long distance phone service, the FASTEST high-speed Internet, plus digital and HD television services to its customers in mid-Missouri.

Fidelity constantly strives to offer rural communities the same services available in metropolitan areas. Fidelity and its employees understand the areas they serve. They not only work for the company— they are customers, too.

Providing customers a consistent, reliable Internet connection is very important. With increased online activities brought about by live gaming systems, cloud-based services and multiple other connected devices, Fidelity recognizes the demand for more Internet speeds. Therefore, they offer the FASTEST Internet speeds in Rolla.

Fidelity’s Digital cable also offers value, service and convenience.

It provides unlimited hours of amusement—access to digital music channels, premium movie channels, pay-per-view, and specialized channels and services.Their lineup is loaded with entertainment, plus DVR service, Video On Demand and HD networks.

Providing the fastest Internet, popular TV entertainment and reliable phone service is a priority. Fidelity Communications brings these services home to mid-Missouri. Fidelity remains committed to giving its customers the best of both worlds—the advanced technology of a multinational company combined with friendly, local service.

1304 Hwy. 72 East ● 573-426-5000 ● www.fidelitycommunications.com ●

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S�.

J���’� C�����-R���� The Future of Health Care NOW PATIENTS in the Phelps, Pulaski, Dent, Crawford, Maries and Texas county region don’t have to travel far for excellence in health care, thanks to St. John’s Clinic-Rolla. As the region’s newest and most technologically advanced ambulatory health care facility, St. John’s Clinic-Rolla has been designed for the future with today’s patient in mind.

Completed in 2009, St. John’s Clinic-Rolla is a 108,000 squarefoot state-of-the-art facility that is specifically designed to accommodate more efficient patient-centered workflows. The building also consolidates all of Rolla’s St. John’s Clinic services, which had previously been provided in three separate offices.

The clinic is located in close proximity to both I-44 and the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, and provides enough space for up to 50 primary care and specialty physicians, as well as many vital health care services. The facility also brings many new services to the region, including: physical and occupational therapy, a sleep laboratory, endoscopy, pain management procedures, home medical supply, and an ambulatory surgery center.

According to Dr. Randall Huss, president of the St. John’s Clinic Rolla Division, “This facility was designed to be the ambulatory health care facility of the future and is like nothing seen to this point anywhere in this part of the country.”

“St. John’s Clinic has made and continues to make changes to meet the needs of the future of health care,” Dr. Huss added.

“Our goal is that no matter where you access care in St. John’s Health System, you will receive the same level of high quality, evidence-based, coordinated care and personal service.”

St. John’s Clinic-Rolla has the power of the St. John’s Clinic network behind them, a physician-led and professionally man-

aged multi-specialty group practice that consists of more than 550 physicians and 220 mid-level and allied health practitioners in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. In addition, St. John’s Clinic-Rolla is part of the Sisters of Mercy, an integrated group of five Catholic health systems in the Midwest.

In their continued dedication to medical excellence, St. John’s Clinic-Rolla has drawn both regional and national attention because it is one of the first facilities in the nation to be specifically designed to maximize the capabilities of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and to facilitate a fully digital, paperless, and truly patient-centered environment.

With EHR technology, each patient has a single consolidated computerized record, containing information from current and prior doctor’s office or hospital visits. The EHR provides secure, real-time access to patient information and allows authorized physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and scheduling and registration staff to access the information they need to better serve the patient. In addition, St. John’s recently introduced MyMercy, an online personal health record that lets patients track their health history, connect with their doctor, schedule appointments, renew prescriptions, and more whenever and wherever they want.

Whether you need pediatrics, primary care, family medicine, or a specialty physician, it’s important to remember that when it comes to your health and the health of your family, only the best will do. You will find this exceptional level of care at St. John’s Clinic-Rolla.

573-458-6300 1605 Marlin Springs Dr. ● www.stjohns.com/rolla ● ●

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B��� R���� N������ Quality Christian Radio BOTT RADIO NETWORK loves the Heart of America, and that is why we are proud to broadcast Quality Bible Teaching, Christian News and Information on more than 35 stations in Missouri. In addition to Missouri, BRN broadcasts over 88 stations, reaching into 15 states with a combined coverage of 40 million people.

At BRN, our goal is to help people grow in the Lord and apply their faith in their daily lives. That’s why, since 1962, we’ve broadcasted the nation’s finest Bible teaching ministries. Over the years, we have added SkyAngel Channel 202 and online streaming at bottradionetwork.com. You can find Bott Radio Network on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

We’re also starting new traditions here at BRN. You can now hear your favorite Bible teaching ministries on the BRN iPhone app. Search ‘bottradio’ in the app store, download the free app and you can listen to BRN on the go!

We thank God for all of the outlets He is providing BRN to reach people with His Word. We are blessed to have the opportunity to help our listeners grow in the Lord and apply their faith in their daily lives.

As stations multiply and technology expands, our commitment remains the same. We are devoted to glorifying God and being a blessing to each listener.

Quality Christian Radio is not simply transmitting towers and microphones, but people who really care and want only God’s best for each life that is touched each day.

That’s why Bott Radio Network is “In the Air for Good!”

Bott Radio Network KMCV-FM & KMOZ-FM, 89.9 FM Jeff City, 106.3 FM & 1590 AM Rolla, 104.3 FM Cuba

1701 N. Bishop ● 573-647-6285 ●

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T�� C�������� P���������� R����� S��� Local Donations Meeting Local Needs WITH MORE THAN 8,000 SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR SPACE, the Community Partnership Resale Shop is a great place to find everything a treasure hunter desires. All items are donated and we are generously supported by the community to stock our store.

The Resale Shop is an outreach program of The Community Partnership, a local not-for-profit agency that serves clients in 15 counties throughout South Central Missouri. Proceeds from the shop assist in funding The Partnership’s many programs for children and families.

The Resale Shop supports the community through store vouchers available to those most in need and by recycling everything from

household goods, to furniture, and clothes. Our clothes baling program has recycled 155 tons of clothing over the past six years making those items available to other communities and countries.

The Resale Shop provides a welcoming place for community volunteers. We rely on volunteers to process donations, greet, and assist in running the shop. They are invaluable to our success and have donated over 10,000 hours to us throughout the years.

Come shop with us, located at 2100D North Bishop (under Big O Tires). Visit us on Facebook for sales and special items available. ●

573-426-5923 ● www.thecommunitypartnership.org

B�� O T���� Straight Talk - Our Promise to You WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING A CAR OR TRUCK SERVICED, most drivers have more questions than answers. Questions like “What is rotor resurfacing … and how much will it cost?” And “What on earth is that clunking sound?!” For more than 40 years, Big O Tires customers have trusted us to offer straight answers and top-notch services. Big O Tires offers a wide range of diagnostic, repair, and routine maintenance services, backed by one of the best national service warranties in the business. Not sure when your vehicle’s due for routine maintenance services? Drop by and we’ll look it up for you! Big O Tires has the team you can trust. Stop by the Rolla location for all of your tire, brake, shock, strut, and oil change needs. We have the lowest prices and fastest service.

573-426-5599 ● 2120A N. Bishop Ave. ● www.bigotires.com ●

Big O Tires is your one-stop shop for all you car’s needs.

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T�����

World's Largest Vacuum Museum

Stop along Historic Route 66 to see 100 years of progress and over 600 machines. The Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. The museum and outlet are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The museum is located just off of Hwy. 44 at Exit 195, at #3 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO. For more information, visit www.vacuummuseum.com.

D���� U��������� A Variety of Courses

DRURY UNIVERSITY’S ROLLA LOCATION offers undergraduate degree completion with a combination of seated and online courses. Drury offers many courses each semester, however, the primary degrees of interest in Rolla are education and behavioral science. Drury’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies prides itself in providing flexible course offerings that can fit into a hectic lifestyle. Most students are taking classes in addition to working full-time with family and community commitments. Call 573-3683856 or visit us at drury.edu/locations or 1280 Forum Dr.

The museum features vacuums such as Atlas canister and the Airway Sanitary System.

T��� � C������ B��� Top 100 in Home Loans “THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP is alive and well in Rolla,” says Town & Country Bank CEO John Kolbe. The experts agree.

BauerFinancial (an independent group that studies banks) named Town & Country Bank as one of the Top 100 in the US for its home loan efforts. They received this designation based on the percentage of home loans to the bank’s complete loan portfolio. BauerFinancial ranked Town & Country 69th in the Midwest Region. With total assets above $500 million, home loans made up more than $225 million out of $380 million in total loans (as of 01/01/11).

“We share this honor with our customers,” Kolbe continues. “Even in difficult economic times, hard working people can save and achieve the goal of home ownership. We are proud to be a part of that dream for so many local families.”

Town & Country Bank has 11 locations including two banks in Rolla at 910 S. Bishop and 1804 N. Bishop.

www.tcbanks.com ● 573-364-8588 or 573-426-4900 ●

Member FDIC

Town & Country Bank’s loan staff in Rolla is Laura Estrada, Dena Hope and Caren Whites (front row) and Shad Becker, Justin Brown and John Kolbe (back row).

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S�.

J���� Live, Shop, Visit, Play – Our Hometown USA! 2011 Scheduled Events March 1: Trout Opening Day April 16: Spring Hop May 7: Sip 'n Savor May 14: Kids' Fishing Day at Maramec Spring Park May 15: Beautify St. James Garden Tour & Garden Party June 10-11: Bluegrass Grape Jam June 11-12: Free Fishing Days at Maramec Spring Park Aug. 26-27: Bluegrass Grape Jam Sept. 8-10: Grape and Fall Festival Sept. 10: Girls Gone Fishing at Maramec Spring Park Sept. 29: "Chics and Chocolate" Girls' Night Out Oct. 8-9: Maramec Spring Iron Works Days Dec. 3: Christmas Parade Dec. 3: Beautify St. James Christmas Bazaar & Parlor Tour

Air Evac Lifeteam ● www.air-evac.com

Pheasant Acres RV Park ● www.pheasantacresrv.com

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Centurylink www.centurylink.com

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CM Archer Group P.C. www.cmarcher.com

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Days Inn & Suites – St. James www.daysinn.com

St. James Industrial Development Authority ● Email: cconnell@stjames-mo.org

Phelps County Bank www.phelpscountybank.com Rock House/HiStriker Email: support@histriker.com

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Farmers Insurance www.farmersagent.com

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St. James Winery www.stjameswinery.com

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Forest City Footwear www.forestcityfootwear.com

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Hutcheson Ford Sales www.hutchesonford.com

Tacony Vacuum Museum & Factory Outlet Store ● www.vacuummuseum.com

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Matt’s Steakhouse ● www.mattssteakhouse.com Our House/Kracker Barrel Antiques ● www.ourhousetreasures.com

Tacony Manufacturing www.madeintheusavacuums.com

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Wild West Guns & More Email: wildwest@centurytel.net

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St. James Chamber of Commerce

111 S. Jefferson, St. James ● 573-265-6649 ● www.stjameschamber.net ●

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special advertising section

Right in the showroom of Hutcheson Ford, a bright red Ford

H�������� F��� Family-owned dealership serving you since 1954

Shelby Cobra replica of decades past gives customers a taste of why the Tuckers say, “It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it.”

WWII ARMY VETERAN GUY HUTCHESON and his wife Velma Leah opened Hutcheson Ford Sales, Inc. in August 1954. The original Quonset hut became the service department, with a onecar brick showroom built onto the front.

Guy Hutcheson operated a very ethical and successful dealership through the years. In 1978, his son-in-law, Butch Tucker, joined Guy in the business. Butch, Susan, and Mike Tucker are proud to continue with the same concern for their customers as Mr. Hutcheson had.

The Tuckers operated the original location and planned for the future. With a dream of expansion, the Tuckers purchased 10 acres of prime real estate along I-44.

With hard work by the Tuckers and their staff, the business outgrew their facility. It was time to plan for a new dealership.

After much prayer and support of friends and family, they broke ground for the new facility in 1999 and opened in Sept. 2000.

Hutcheson Ford has always provided a wide selection of new Ford and pre-owned vehicles of any make to their valued customers in Phelps County and the surrounding counties. Now with Internet sales capabilities, Hutcheson serves customers all over Missouri and the entire country. They are proud to be an automotive leader in the area, providing the best selection of vehicles and quality customer service.

The secret to their success? Butch Tucker says it’s their dedicated, dependable employees. Family-owned and operated, the Tuckers and the skilled, talented Hutcheson Ford staff look forward to a bright future serving their valued customers using the same principles that made our country the greatest nation on earth.

888-265-7700 www.hutchesonford.com ● 308 N. Outer Road, St. James ● ●

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special advertising section

S�.

J���� W����� Sip. Savor. Share.™ WINE BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, whether it’s lazy summer evenings spent on a deck or cozy winter nights in front of a fire as snow falls outside. Wine is made for sharing; it helps make memories, and for the Hofherr family at St. James Winery, wine is a family’s legacy.

Missouri had a rich heritage of winemaking pre-Prohibition, and Jim and Pat Hofherr believed there was great potential to resurrect the winemaking acclaim the state once enjoyed. With dreams of building a winery from the ground up, the Hofherrs came to St. James and opened St. James Winery in 1970, and to this day, St. James Winery remains a family-owned and operated winery.

Excellence has always been a driving force at St. James Winery. Our wines reflect the natural character of our grape varieties thanks to constant research and development, paired with a splash of innovation in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. St. James Wines consistently win important awards at major wine competitions year after year, a testament to our outstanding quality.

St. James Winery has won an international wine contest with its Norton, had its Seyval named by Bon Appetit as being one of the top 50 wines in the world, and was awarded a gold medal trophy for most gold medals in 2010 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

800-280-9463 ● www.stjameswinery.com ● 50 State Route B, St. James ●

[47] MissouriLife Rolla

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R���������� A Taste of Rolla Rolla’s diverse and impressive menu of dining options range from nationally recognized restaurants to a nice blend of locally owned diners, cafes, and restaurants ranging from informal to formal dining.

From the finest barbecue to the juiciest steak, a dinner is literally minutes away and is certain to satisfy the most discriminating tastes.

Zeno’s Steakhouse, Public House Brewing Co.

A Slice of Pie 601 Kingshighway 573-364-6023

El Sombrero 2250-A N. Bishop Ave. 573-458-0051

Leona’s Kitchen 704 N. Pine 573-426-2833

Pizza Inn 1051 Kingshighway 573-364-4544

Steak ’n Shake 2004 N. Bishop Ave. 573-341-5550

Alex’s Pizza 122 W 8th St. 573-364-2669

Fortune Inn Chinese 1901 N. Bishop Ave. 573-341-3430

Los Cazadores 121 Howard Johnson 573-341-8137

Porch Bar & Grill 707 N Pine St. 573-426-5959

Tater Patch 103 Bridge School Rd. 573-368-3111

Applebee’s 511 S. Bishop Ave. 573-308-1600

G&D Steakhouse 1060 S. Bishop Ave. 573-364-2022

Lucky House 1119 Kingshighway 573-368-5535

Pryor’s Pizza 100 N. Bishop Ave. 573-364-1293

Wendy’s 1007 Kingshighway 573-364-5500

Bandana’s BBQ 1705 Martin Spring Dr. 573-426-3331

Giddy Goat 205 W. 11th St. 573-426-6750

Maid-Rite 1028 Kingshighway 573-364-1434

Public House Brewing Co. (pub only) 600 N. Rolla Street 573 426-2337

Zeno’s Steak House 1621 Martin Springs Dr. 573-364-1301

Benton Square 400 E 6th St. 573-426-4800

Gordoz Restaurant 1101 N. Bishop Ave. 573-364-2780

Mandarin Garden 635 S. Bishop Ave. 573-364-9610

Bruno’s Pub & Grill 2001 Forum Dr. 573-308-4770

Imo’s Pizza 632-B S. Bishop Ave. 573-341-8484

Matt’s Steakhouse 12200 Dillon Outer Rd. 573-364-1220

Colton’s Steakhouse 1675 N. Bishop Ave. 573-426-4240

Huddle House 1201 N. Bishop Ave. 573-426-4401

Mottomo 1011 Kingshighway 573-341-1200

Dairy Queen 1301 N. Bishop Ave. 573-364-7200

Kentucky Fried Chicken 1001 Strobach 573-364-5400

Napoli’s Italian 1310 Hwy. 72 573-426-4949

Donut King 1809 N Bishop Ave. 573-341-3995

Kyoto 1002 N. Bishop Ave. 573-341-2939

Panera Bread 1651 North Bishop Ave. 573-368-4499

El Maguey 1340 Forum Dr. 573-368-8879

Lee’s Chicken 1902 N. Bishop Ave. 573-364-9330

Penelope’s Restaurant 1049 Kingshighway 573-364-2010

Randy’s Roadkill BBQ 12670 State Route E 573-368-3705

Maid Rite

Ray J’s Chicago Taste Authority 105 N. Bishop Ave. 573-426-3341 Shoney’s Restaurant 1419 Martin Springs Dr. 573-341-5688 Sirloin Stockade 1401 Martin Springs Dr. 573-364-7168 South Central Creamery 201 S. Bishop Ave. 573-426-2333

Matt’s Steakhouse

[48] MissouriLife Rolla

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L������ Where to Lay Me Down to Sleep in Rolla!

Rolla visitors have excellent choices for lodging, from familiar national names to locally owned establishments.

With easy access to I-44, these facilities accommodate vacationing families, corporate travelers, and groups.

A Miner Indulgence Bed & Breakfast ● 13750 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-364-0608

Comfort Suites ● 1650 Old Wire Outer Rd. ● 573-368-4300

Quality Inn ● 1507 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-364-8200

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America’s Best Inn 1201 Kingshighway ● 573-364-4156

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Days Inn & Suites 110 North Outer Road, St. James ● 573-265-2900

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America’s Best Value Inn ● 127 Howard Johnson Dr. ● 573-364-7111

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Days Inn 1207 Kingshighway ● 573-341-3700

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Baymont Inn & Suites 1801 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-364-7000

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Drury Inn 2006 North Bishop Ave. ● 573-364-4000

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Best Western Coachlight 1403 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-341-2511

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Econo Lodge 1417 Martin Spring Dr. ● 573-341-3130

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Bestway Inn 1631 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-341-2158

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Budget Deluxe Motel 1908 N. Bishop ● 573-364-4488

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Rustic Motel 812 S. Bishop ● 573-364-6943 Sooter Inn 2001 N. Bishop ● 573-364-1333 Super 8 1641 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-426-6688 Zeno’s Motel & Steak House 1621 Martin Springs Dr. ● 573-364-1301

Hampton Inn 2201 N. Bishop ● 573-308-1060 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 1610 Old Wire Outer Rd. ● 573-426-2900

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W���� ��� G���� G���� G����

Parks, festivals and science all turn green in Rolla Rolla is graced with green parks and all-weather trails flowing through a rolling landscape dotted with lakes and trees. In all there are 33 parks covering 235 acres with 11 miles of trails interconnecting 9 of the parks. No matter where you are in Rolla, you are never far from a beautiful park.

Produced by Missouri Life, Inc.

800-492-2593, ext 106 • www.missourilife.com Publisher Greg Wood, Editor Danita Allen Wood, Art Director Sarah Herrera, Contributing Writer John Robinson, Photographer Notley Hawkins

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Rolla

www.visitRolla.com 1311 Kingshighway 888-809-3817

Rolla-5200.indd 2

Front and Back covers: The Millennium Arch, a sculpture by artist Edwina Sandys, graces the lawn of Castleman Hall on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). The sculpture was created using high-pressure waterjets developed by Missouri S&T researchers.

3/7/11 12:38:36 PM

ALL AROUND

Missouri A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 1

featured event >

THE QUEEN OF BIN

NORTHEAST ST. LOUIS AREA

GO

Burnett Show, this the tradition of the Carol In > rly be Mo , 30 ri1 Ap of bingo, family with explores the world play that you play along d a game winning. Join the fun an d an es, ash fl t ho d, oo ties, widowh ipal Auditoey for the winner. Munic rk tu nd ou -p 10 a th wi of bingo nofbingo.com 263-6070, www.thequee 066 0.

-$1 $5 .

PM 7 m. riu

GO FLY A KITE April 2, De Soto > Bring your own kite or make one at the Crafty Kite Ideas booth. Washington State Park. 10 AM-noon. Free. 636-586-5768, www.mostateparks.com/washington.htm

WALL BALL April 9, St. Louis > Silent auction bids are taken on the works of more than 70 artists while they create each piece live, appetizers, cocktails, cupcake raffle, silent auction, Bubble Bus, DJs, and music. NEO on Locust. 7-11 PM. $30$40. 314-210-7764, www.scosag.org

DOLLHOUSE FAIR April 16-17, St. Louis > Dealers from across the country display and sell their dollhouse miniatures and give workshops. Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center. 10 AM-5 PM. Sat.; 10 AM4 PM Sun. $2-$6 (exhibit room free). 314-2617439, www.miniaturemuseum.org

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL April 17, St. Louis > Three stages of live music, cultural performances, 300 vendors, educational booths, and hands-on activities.

The Muny Grounds at Forest Park. 11 AM-6 PM. Free. 314-616-7354, www.stlouisearthday.org

ROUND BARN BLUES April 30, Kirksville > Local, regional, and nationally known blues bands perform concerts. Historic Round Barn. 3 PM. $20. 660-6652760, www.woodennickelrestaurant.com/rbb/ WESLEY HORTON

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION

Visit MissouriLife.com for more events!

April 30, St. Louis > Garrison Keillor’s live production features comedy sketches, music, and his famous monologue, “News from Lake Wobegon.” Fox Theatre. 4:45 PM. $30-$65. 314534-1678, www.fabulousfox.com

These listings are chosen by our editors and are not paid by sponsors.

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SALT RIVER EXPO May 13-15, Perry > ATV rodeo, music, reenactors, airplanes, skydivers, animals, black powder shoots, off-road truck racing, garden tractor pull, cowboy church, car show, and vintage baseball. Warren See South Spillway Recreational Area at Mark Twain Lake. 5 PMmidnight Fri.; 8 AM-midnight Sat.; 10 AM-3 PM Sun. $5-$15. 573-355-4365, www.visitmark twainlake.org/index.php/salt-river-expo

RENAISSANCE FAIRE May 14-June 5, Wentzville > Visit a 16th-century French village featuring jousting knights, shops, comedy stage shows, music, feats, and wandering nobles and peasants. Rotary Park.

10 AM-6 PM Sat.-Sun. and Memorial Day. $7.95$49.95. 636-928-4141, www.renstl.org

AUSTIN HEALY SHOW May 15, Chesterfield > Explore the classic Austin Healy, the famous British Car. Kemp Auto Museum. 10 AM-3 PM. Free (museum tours $5).

636-537-1718, www.kempautomuseum.org

WILD EDIBLES May 15, Mexico > Walk the trails and learn to find edible plants and fruits. Taste shoots,

roots, greens, and teas. Scattering Fork Outdoor Center. 2-4 PM. Donations accepted.

573-581-3003, www.scatteringfork.org

HISTORY LECTURE May 18, Clayton > Lecture on the Civil War and its impact. The Center of Clayton. 7 PM. Free.

314-290-8473, www.claytonhistorysociety.org

MAIFEST May 21-22, Hermann > Winery tours, wine tastings, live German music, and traditional foods. Throughout town. 8:30 AM-7:30 PM Sat.; 10 AM-6 PM Sun. Free (cellar tours $1-$2.50).

800-909-9463, www.stonehillwinery.com

RIB AMERICA FESTIVAL May 27-30, St. Louis > Award-winning BBQ competition and concerts. Soldier’s Memorial Plaza. 11 AM-11 PM Fri.-Sat.; 11 AM-8 PM Sun.Mon. Free ($5 after 5 PM Fri. and after 1 PM Sat.Mon.). 314-622-4550, www.ribamerica.com

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL May 27-June 19, St. Louis > Outdoor stage performance of Taming of the Shrew. Shakespeare Glen at Forest Park. 6:30 PM Green Show Entertainment; 8 PM play. Free. 314-531-9800, www.shakespearefestivalstlouis.org

MILES DAVIS FESTIVAL

May 21-22, St. Louis > Celebrate traditional Chinese arts, culture, music, and cuisine. Missouri Botanical Gardens. 10 AM-5 PM. $5-$12.

800-642-8842, www.mobot.org

May 28-29, St. Louis > Tribute to the life and legacy of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century with concerts, art displays, and panel discussions. Historic Laclede’s Landing. 2-10 PM. Free (except special events).

314-241-5875, www.lacledeslanding.com

SPRING TO DANCE FESTIVAL

GYPSY CARAVAN

May 26-28, St. Louis > Cornucopia of styles from classical ballet and contemporary dance to hip-hop and tap. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. 5 PM. $10 each night. 314-5346622, www.springtodance.com

May 30, St. Louis > Flea market and antiques, collectibles, and craft fair benefits the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis. 9 AM-5 PM. $5. 314-2864452, www.gypsycaravan-stl.org

CHINESE CULTURE DAYS

Family Fun, By Nature.

We are Clinton, Missouri, where small town life is still alive and well. Begin your Katy Trail adventure here, the western trailhead of Katy Trail State Park. Join us for our 175th anniversary celebration during Olde Glory Days, or spend a weekend with the family on Truman Lake. If you are a hunter or fisher, biker or hiker, or even a professional shopper, come see what Historic Clinton has to offer.

Henry County Museum opens for season - April 1 Golden Valley Bluegrass Jamboree - May 5-8 Cruise Nights - May 14, June 11 Olde Glory Days - June 30-July 3

For more information, call 1-800-222-5251 or visit www.ClintonMO.com [102] MissouriLife

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University Concert Series Spring Highlights

Columbia, MO

MU Choral Union SACRED CONCERTS Thursday, April 28, 2011 |

7 P.M. |

JESSE AUDITORIUM

THE COLOR PURPLE Sunday, May 1 , 2011 | 7 P.M. | JESSE AUDITORIUM

AN Evening with Garrison Keillor Monday, May 2, 2011 | 7 P.M. | JESSE AUDITORIUM

Mamma Mia Wednesday, May 4, 2011 | 7 P.M. | Thursday, May 5, 2011 | 7 P.M. | JESSE AUDITORIUM

www.concertseries.org 409 Jesse Hall University of Missouri-Columbia 573.882.3781 800.292.9136

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NORTHWEST KANSAS CITY AREA CIVIL WAR IN THE WEST April 7, 14, 21, and 28, Independence > 30-minute gallery walk to discover how the Civil War impacted western settlement.

National Frontier Trails Museum. 2 PM. $3-$6.

816-325-7575, www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org

MONET’S WATER LILIES

CIVIL WAR MEDICINE EXHIBIT April 13-Dec. 31, St. Joseph > Focuses on all medical aspects of the Civil War era. St. Joseph Museum. 10 AM-5 PM Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 PM Sun. $3$5. 816-232-8471, www.stjosephmuseum.org

it's a fiesta! > FIESTA KANSAS CITY May 13-15, Kansas City > Traditional music on two stages, more than 100 vendor booths, food, dancing, and exhibits. Crown Center Square. 5:30-11 PM Fri.; noon11 PM Sat.; noon-10 PM Sun. Free ($5 after 4 PM). 816-472-6767, www.fiestakc.com

Dear Harry, Love Bess

550KTRS

Bess Truman’s Letters to Harry Truman 1919–1943 Clifton Truman Daniel

The Talk of Saint Louis

$24.95 pb • $40 hb • 296 pp. • 50 b/w illus.

Grandson Clifton Truman Daniel shares recently discovered letters Bess wrote to Harry Truman. These letters provide new insight into the lives and personalities of Bess and Harry Truman during the formative years of his political life.

Free shipping! order online at

DIMARTINO PHOTOGRAPHY

April 9-Aug. 7, Kansas City > For the first time in more than 30 years, all three panels of the impressive water lily triptych are on display.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 10 AM-4 PM Wed.; 10 AM-9 PM Thurs.-Fri.; 10 AM-5 PM Sat.; noon-5 PM Sun. $7-$8 (free on Thurs. evenings). 816751-1278, www.nelson-atkins.org

The discovery of so many of Bess Truman’s letters to her husband came as a big surprise. To have them published now, after so many years is just wonderful, adding much to our understanding of the human side of the Truman story, and Clifton Daniel’s clear, balanced accompanying text makes this book even more of a welcome event.

—David McCullough

6am - 10am The McGraw Show 10am - 1pm JC Corcoran

John Brown’s Mindset at 1pm-3 and

pm

3pm - 6pm Frank O. Pinion & the Large Morning Show in the Afternoon 6pm - 9pm The Steve Cochran Show

tsup.truman.edu

100 East Normal Avenue Kirksville, MO 63501 800.916.6802

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Ozark Guide

Concert Series 2011 Jerry Jeff Walker Sep. 17 Taj Mahal Sep. 23-24 Little River Band Sep. 30-Oct.1 Michael Martin Murphey Oct. 7-8 Los Lobos Oct. 14-15 America Oct. 21-22 Marshall Tucker Band Oct. 28-29 Ozark Mountain Daredevils Nov. 4-5 www.wildwoodspringslodge.com

Affordable Family Fun The Missouri Canoe & Floaters Association is a non-profit organization of paddlesports outfitters who are dedicated to the preservation of our natural resources. We protect the safety of our customers by providing high quality service and equipment and promote our sport by education about safety and skills of paddling.

www.missouricanoe.org

BethWatson

Canoe Capital of the Ozarks!

Experience abundant natural resources and warm hospitality when you visit us for trout fishing, camping, historic sites and floating on the rivers.

There’s There’s more to do here.to Naturally. more do here. Naturally.

Float Missouri’s famous Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and many other great scenic waterways with Akers Ferry Canoe Rental.

Located in Akers, MO. Call 1-800-365-AKERS , visit www.currentrivercanoe.com, or write to us at HCR 81, Box 90, Salem, MO 65560 for more information.

573-729-6900 www.salemmo.com [105] April 2011

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ALL AROUND

ANTIQUE GARDEN SHOW

IT IS NOT NOISE. IT IS MUSIC

April 15-16, Greenwood > Birdbaths and houses, urns, statues, furniture, and flowers on display and for sale. Greenwood Antique Mall.

8 AM-4 PM Fri.; 10 AM-2 PM Sat. $2-$8. 816-5377172, www.greenwoodantiques.com

May 1-30, Independence > Exhibit and information about albums from Harry S. Truman’s collection of more than 250 records. Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site Visitors Center. 8:30 AM-5 PM. Free. 816-254-9929, www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm

LEARN TO CAMP April 16-17, Trenton > Families learn the basics of camping, such as tent set-up and outdoor cooking during this campout. Crowder State Park. 3 PM-9 AM. Free. Registration. 660-3596473, www.mostateparks.com/crowder.htm

GATSBY DAYS April 29-May 1, Excelsior Springs > Roarin’ Twenties Ball, hickory stick golf, juried art show, F. Scott Fitzgerald interview, youth vaudeville show, tea, and fashion show. Throughout town.

Times vary. Free (except special events). 816630-6161, www.gatsbydays.com

SPRING ON THE FARM April 30, Lawson > Display of rare and endangered livestock, tour an heirloom garden, watch wood stove cooking and rag doll making. Watkins Woolen Mill State park. 11 AM-4 PM. Free. 816-580-3387, www.watkinsmill.org

GARDEN AND ART FESTIVAL May 7, Arrow Rock > Bedding and potting plants, potted containers, garden décor, regional art competition, and works for sale.

Community Center and Downtown. 9 AM-5 PM. Free. 660-837-3469, www.arrowrock.org

WINGS OVER WESTON May 14, Weston > Hike to view birds, demonstrations, booths, games, and live birds on display create awareness of the need for lands to be preserved for bird sanctuaries. Weston Bend State Park. 8 AM-5 PM. Free. 660-258-4950, www.mostateparks.com/westonbend.htm

MUSIC IN THE PARK May 27-Sept. 2, Lee’s Summit > Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an outdoor concert each Friday. Howard Station Park. 6:30-10 PM. Free. 816-246-6598, www.downtownls.org

SOUTHEAST BUSINESS EXPO April 9, Salem > Booths of products and services. Senior High School Gymnasium. 9 AM-noon.

Free. 573-729-6900, www.salemmo.com

AUTHORS NIGHT April 15, New Madrid > Authors who have written about the earthquakes of 1811-1812 and the Civil War. Main Street businesses. 5-7 PM. Free.

877-748-5300, www.new-madrid.mo.us

SNOOPY! THE MUSICAL April 22-24, Rolla > Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. Cedar Street Playhouse. 7 PM. $3-$6.

573-261-0244, www.ozarkactorstheatre.org

MILL AND MUSIC April 30-May 1, Burfordville > See the oldest covered bridge in the state, tour the mill, learn the history, and listen to music of the hammered dulcimer. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 573-243-4591, www. mostateparks.com/bollinger.htm

a e l a z A d o o Dogw ival Fe s t 43nd Annual

11 April 14-17, 20

10th Annual Charity Ride • June 25th, 2011

Our dogwoods and azaleas are the stars of the festival!

For more information, call Charleston Chamber at 573-683-6509 or visit www.charlestonmo.org.

Sponsored by Mississippi County Tourism.

A fun ride for all ages. www.tourdecorn.com [106] MissouriLife

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DISCOVERING HIDDEN SECRETS May 7, Patterson > Naturalist-led hike to see hiking shelters, Mudlick Hollow, and bluffs. Sam A. Baker State Park. 9 AM-2 PM. Free. 573-8564514, www.mostateparks.com/baker.htm

workshops, demonstrations, educational programs, and booths with sustainable farm products and services and green goods. Next Step SDA Church. 10 AM-6 PM. Free. 417-818-6057, www.ozarkssustainabilityfestival.org

GARDEN WALK

SPRING FESTIVAL

May 14-15, Ste. Genevieve > Tour manicured gardens, heirloom plant sale, lily sale, horsedrawn carriage rides, bird house contest, and raffle. Historic Downtown. 10 AM-4 PM. $6-$7.

573-883-7097, www.visitstegen.com

May 19-21, Salem > Arts, crafts, bluegrass music, mud runs, demolition derby, and rodeo.

Dent County Commons. Noon-8 PM Thurs.; noon-10 PM Fri.; 8 AM-10 PM Sat. Free Thurs.; $3 Fri.-Sat. (additional $5 for special events). 573247-2606,www.dentcountycommons.com

ROMEO AND JULIET April 29, Cape Girardeau > Russian National Ballet performs classic love story. Bedell Performance Hall at River Campus. 7:30 PM. $34-$40.

573-651-2265, www.semo.edu/rivercampus

COURTESY OF CASSIE CROCKER

GARDEN TOUR AND PARTY May 15, St. James > Tour landscaping, water features, and flower gardens. Join the party for wine and treats. Throughout town and the Chamber lawn. 1-4 PM (party lasts until 5 PM). $10. 573-265-5121, www.stjameschamber.net

OZARKS SUSTAINABILITY May 15, West Plains > Exotic livestock show,

CAVE PHOTO TOUR May 28, Leasburg > Special tour allows time to take photos of the cave. Bring your own camera equipment. Onondaga Cave State Park.

10:30 AM-1:30 PM. Free. Reservations. 573-2456576, www.mostateparks.com/onondaga.htm

OLD TIMERS DAY May 28-29, Perryville > Old-time farm tractors and equipment, antique tractor pull, and hay baling, corn shedding and wheat threshing demonstrations. Seminary Picnic Grounds.

9 AM-2 PM Sat. 1 PM Sun. Free. 573-788-2370, www.culturemob.com/perryville-mo

catch the fever! > SPRING FEVER DAYS May 12-14, Ellington > Carnival, music, car show, parade, games, and food vendors. Main Street. 6-10 PM Thurs.-Fri.;

8 AM-10 PM Sat. Free (except carnival).

573-663-7997, www.ellingtonmo.com

Nostalgic Place B&B Inn Simple elegance centrally located in the Arcadia Valley and convenient to eaterieS, ShopS, premier State parkS, hiking trailS, river floatS and winerieS. Nationally RegiStered HiStoric Place. Three room Suite with private entrance, fireplace, large whirlpool tub. All roomS have large flat Screen TV, luxury linenS & robeS and include a large formal breakfaSt. Special arrangementS can be made for maSSage therapy, carriage rideS, romantic dinnerS, picnicS and more. www.noStalgicplace.com 573-546-1201 300 S. College Street Arcadia, MiSSouri Special arrangementS can be made for maSSage therapy, carriage rideS, romantic dinnerS, picnicS and more.

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ALL AROUND

SOUTHWEST OZARK SCOTTISH CULTURE April 2, Ash Grove > Presentations, displays, and exhibits that explore Scottish influences and the survival of cultures in the Missouri Ozarks and listen to traditional Scottish and Ozarks music. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 417-751-3266, www.mostateparks.com/boonehome.htm

ALUMINUM SHOW April 1-2 Springfield > Combination of special effects where industrial materials create a luminous world, acrobatics, modern dance, aluminum costumes, and lighting. Juanita K. Hammons Hall. 8 PM Fri.; 2 and 8 PM Sat. $15-$50.

888-276-7849, www.hammonshall.com

BATTLE OF CARTHAGE

May 13-15, Carthage > Sesquicentennial celebration features reenactments, period dance, camp visits, traditional church service, games of cricket and music. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period clothes. Downtown and Municipal Park. Noon-7 PM Fri.; 1-7 PM Sat.; 8-10

AM Sun. Free (except special events). 866-357-8687, www.battleofcarthage.org

Heirloom-quality

HOME AND BUSINESS SHOW April 8-9, Shell Knob > More than 60 exhibitors display national and regional products and services with samples and giveaways. School Gymnasium. 5-8:30 PM Fri.; 9 AM-4 PM Sat. Free.

417-858-3300, www.shellknob.com

ŠTHINKSTOCK IMAGE

celebrate sesquicentennial!

100% wool blankets, socks & more!

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unrisePastures Swww.sunrisepastures.com 660-963-2685*Laclede, Mo

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Mid s -Mi

i travelers to the wo sour rol

Connecting mid-Missouri travelers to the world.

d.

www.flymidmo.com 573-874-7508

Free parking near the terminal.

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WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP

LAKOTA SIOUX DANCE

April 9, Cassville > Join a park naturalist to learn about spring wildflowers. Roaring River State Park. 9 AM-noon. Free. 417-847-3742, www.mostateparks.com/roaringriver.htm

April 21, Springfield > Company performance of “Cokata Upo” a three-part work that celebrates the culture of the Lakota people.

Juanita K. Hammons Hall. 7:30 PM. $11-$17. 888476-7849, www.hammonshall.com

TRAIN SHOW AND SWAP MEET April 9, Springfield > Railroad memorabilia, model trains for sale, model contest, operating layouts, home layout tours, and door prizes.

Catholic High School. 9 AM-3 PM. $6-$10. 417725-1433, www.omra.homestead.com

TITANIC HAM RADIO OPERATORS April 9-10, Branson > On the 99th anniversary of the voyage, HAM radio operators will band together worldwide for a special broadcast originating at the museum. The broadcast honors the radio operators that stayed with the ship. Titianic Museum Attractions. 8 AM-5 PM. Free. 800-381-7670, www.titanicbranson.com

STAR TREK LIVE April 11, Springfield > Interactive events, amazing special effects, screenings and onscreen appearances by Captain Kirk and Spock.

Juanita K. Hammons Hall. 7 PM. $11-$17. 888476-7849, www.hammonshall.com

SPRINGTIME ON BROADWAY April 22-24, Webb City > Event features Western swing, golden oldies, and rock performances.

Pinocchio Theatre students perform, plus carnival, crafts, and a caricature artist. Downtown. 9 AM-9 PM. Free (except carnival). 417629-2966, www.webbcitymo.org

10 AM-6 PM Sat.; 10 AM-5 PM Sun. $5. 417-8622787, www.springfieldartsfest.org

THE CEMETERY CLUB May 12-22, Carthage > Dinner theatre tells the story of how love and friendship survive conflict and loss. Stone’s Throw Theatre. 6 PM (6:30 PM dinner) Thurs.-Sat.; 12:30 PM (1 PM dinner) Sun. $10-$22. Reservations 417-358-9665, www.stonesthrowdinnertheatre.webs.com

CENTRAL

BARNYARD DAYS

HERITAGE QUILT SHOW

May 6-8, Neosho > Arts, crafts, beekeeping demonstrations, horseback riding, and petting zoo. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. Circle R Ranch. 8:30 AM-6 PM Fri.-Sat.; 11 AM-4 PM Sun. 417-8623838, www.circle-r-festival.com

April 1-2, Boonville. Quilt display with many from before 1950 and appraisals for $10. Roslyn Heights. 1-6:30 PM Fri.; 9 AM-6:30 PM Sat. $5.

660-838-6088, www.goboonville.com

ARTSFEST ON WALNUT May 7-8, Springfield > One of the area’s largest festivals with more than 200 booths of arts and crafts, five performance stages, hands-on children’s art activities. Historic Walnut Street.

BIG MUDDY FOLK FESTIVAL April 1-2, Boonville > Traditional, ethnic, and folk arts with concerts, workshops, demonstrations, jam sessions, master classes, and barbeque for sale. Thespian Hall. Events take place all day with performances in the evening.

Prices vary. 660-882-7977, www.bigmuddy.org

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ALL AROUND

KNIGHT FOR HIRE May 14, Fulton > Learn about armor and why a man became a knight, see weapons, firstperson reenactments, and a sword demonstration. National Churchill Museum. 11 AM-noon.

Free. 573-592-6242, www.nationalchurchillmuseum.org

SHOW-ME SHOWBOATERS May 14, Versailles > Tap your toes along with the barbershop chorus as they perform variety of tunes . Royal Theatre. 7 PM. $5-$10. 573-3786226, www.theroyaltheatre.com

SUMMER BLAST May 21, Lebanon > Car and motorcycle show, swap meet, crafts, music, and children’s games.

Cowan Civic Center. 9 AM-3 PM. Free. 417-5324642, www.lebanonmo.org

who let the dogs out? >

BLUEGRASS PICKIN’ TIME

CATTLEDOG TRIALS April 2-3, Clinton > Competition where dogs work cattle and earn points. Come out for a day of working dogs, cattle, and wide open spaces. Serendipity Stockdog School. 8 AM. Free for spectators ($30-$40 for handlers and dogs). 660-477-3718, www.clintonmo.com

April 1-May 28, Jefferson City > Iron and steel sculptures created from “rescued” scrap metal.

Elizabeth Rozier Gallery. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 573751-2854, www.mostateparks.com/statecapcomplex/jeffersonland/rozier.htm

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW April 2, Lebanon > More than 100 vendors showcase regional and national products and services. Cowan Civic Center. 9 AM-2 PM. Free.

417-532-4642, www.lebanonmo.org

ELEEMOSYNARY April 13-16, Columbia > Pleasantly off-beat play travels through time to explore the lives of three generations of women. Warehouse Theatre at Stephens College. 7:30 PM. $6-$8.

573-876-7199, www.stephens.edu

EASTER EGG HUNT April 16, California > Children up to age 10 hunt for hidden eggs and prizes. Proctor Park.

1 PM. Free. 573-796-3040, www.calmo.com

SALAD LUNCHEON April 27, Laurie > Life in Bloom is the theme of this salad luncheon, drawings, and prizes. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. 11 AM-1 PM. $10. 573374-7152, www.mothersshrine.com

HIGHLANDS IN THE BURG April 30, Warrensburg > Heavy athletic competition including the caber, hammer, and

sheaf tosses and other Celtic sports. Johnson County Fairgrounds. 9 AM-5 PM. Free. 660-5847648, www.highlandsintheburg.org

THE LITTLE PRINCESS April 30-May 1, Versailles > Classic heartwarming adventure story for all ages. Royal Theatre. 7 PM Sat.; 2 PM Sun. $5-$10. 573-3786226, www.theroyaltheatre.com

CRUISIN’ FOR MDA April 30 and May 28, Jefferson City > Car show and cruise, music, and food. Downtown.

5-9:30 PM. Free (except food). 573-680-9458, www.visitjeffersoncity.com

JAZZ CONCERT May 1, Columbia > Jazz pianists Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes perform jazz standards and new compositions. Murry’s. 3:30 and 7 PM. $18$35. 573-442-4969, www.wealwaysswing.org

BALLROOM BLITZ May 7, Camdenton > Dance the night away to big band-style music performed by the Lake Jazz Band and enjoy refreshments. Camden County Museum. 7-10 PM. $6. 573-346-7191, www.camdencountymuseum.com

PEDALER’S JAMBOREE May 28-29, Columbia-Boonville > Bike the Katy Trail, stop along the way and enjoy concerts, food, and camping. Kemper Park. All day.

Free (except some special events and lodging).

573-228-7476, www.offtrackevents.com

SALUTE TO VETERANS May 28-30, Columbia > Lima Lima Demonstration Team performs aerobatic routine with music and narration; aircraft on display, Screaming Eagles parachute downtown and a parade.

9:30 AM-3:30 PM Sat.-Sun (air show); 9:55 AM Sun. (parade and parachute team). Free. 573449-6520, www.salute.org

FREE LISTING & MORE EVENTS at MissouriLife.com PLEASE NOTE:

BIJOU AT BOTHWELL May 7, Sedalia > Bring a blanket and watch a movie under the stars. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site. 8:30-10:30 PM. Free. 660-8270510, www.mostateparks.com/bothwell.htm

EDWARD LANG

JIM ADAMS SCULPTURES

May 26-29, Dixon > Fish fry, 20 bluegrass bands, vendors, crafts, workshops, and camping. Dixon Music Park. 6-8 PM Wed.; 7-9:45 PM Thurs.; 1-10:30 PM Fri.; noon-11 PM Sat.; 10 AM3:30 PM Sun. $8-$45 (camping fee). 877-8588687, www.bluegrasspickintime.com

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Golf Guide

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The ultimate golfing experience in north central Missouri – the public course that feels like a private club!

3534 Hwy JJ, Moberly, MO 65270 • Phone: (660) 269-8659

417.334.4477

Sharing traditions.

Making memories.

BRANSON, MISSOURI

THE POINTE $49 before 2pm $39 after 2 pm *Rates include cart

The Small Lodging Properties of Camden County invite you to discover Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

WWW.POINTEROYALEGOLF.NET

lodgingatlakeoftheozarks.com Paid for by the TCLA Camden County Small Business District

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Missouriana Trivia THROUGH THE YEARS

Some last bits on the Civil War and more! BY LAUREN HUGHES

Did you know this?

A SYMBOL OF HOPE, LOVE, AND MARRIAGE, 100 SPECIES OF THE HAWTHORN BLOSSOM GROW THROUGHOUT THE

The estimated number of Missourians KILLED during the CIVIL WAR

Confederates fired on Fort Sumter 150 years ago, starting the Civil War on APRIL 12, 1861. Eight days later, their supporters here in Missouri seized the LIBERTY ARSENAL and made off with about 1,500 rifles and muskets, several cannons, and powder and ammunition.

STATE. IT IS OUR MISSOURI STATE FLOWER.

Try your luck at mushroom hunting! MOREL MADNESS, held by the Missouri Mycological Society, will be held April 22-24 at Cuivre River State Park. ENJOY POTLUCK

DINNERS, GUEST SPEAKERS, AND A LITTLE FRIENDLY COMPETITION.

Cost for the event is $20 for non-members and $5 for members. For more information, contact Shannon Stevens, 314-481-4131.

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”

—Langston Hughes, poet and author, born in Joplin, 1902-1967

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANDREW BARTON

We couldnthave said it better!

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On The Lake of the Ozarks F o r r e s e r v a t i o n s c a l l 8 0 0 - 2 6 5 - [115] 5 5 0April 0 o 2011 r v i s i t w w w. 4 s e a s o n s re s o r t. c o m 115 ML0411.indd 115

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