T H E
S P I R I T
O F
D I S C O V E R Y
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D E C E M B E R J A N U A R Y
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Give the Gift of Adventure
TH IS IS THE CR OP TH AT FE D TH E COW TH AT MADE THE MILK
that turned to
c h ee s e
.....
Reindeer YOU herd IT HERE FIRST.
DECEMBER 2017 DEC JANUARY 2018 /// $4.99 $4.99 US
WHAT’S YOUR
TOY STORY
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Help Us Raise a Glass to
OUR OLDEST TAVERNS
SHHHH... THEY ARE A LITTLE SENSITIVE
CHEERS!
(DISPLAY UNTIL JAN. 31)
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The only U.S. venue for this groundbreaking exhibition. Now open.
#PicassoKC | 45th & Oak, Kansas City, MO | Three blocks east of the Plaza | nelson-atkins.org Anthropomorphic Mask, Ivory Coast, Dan culture, before 1966. Wood, 9 7/8 x 6 1/8 x 3 5/16 inches. Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, Paris. Inv. 73.1966.3.10. Image © musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac. Photo: Claude Germain. | Pablo Picasso, Spanish (1881-1973). Male Bust (study for “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”), 1907. Oil on canvas, 22 1/16 x 18 5/16 inches. Musée national Picasso Paris, MP14. © 2017 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Image © RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY. Photo: René-Gabriel Ojéda.
The exhibition was conceived by musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in partnership with Musée national Picasso-Paris and adapted by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and The Montreal Museum of Fine Art/Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. Major funding provided by Shirley and Barnett C. Helzberg Jr., Hall Family Foundation, Bank of America, Americo Life, Inc., Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Donald J. Hall, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, Marcelo and Jordan Claure/ Sprint, Morton and Estelle Sosland/Sosland Foundation, Don Hall Initiative, Bloch Fund for Special Exhibitions, G. Kenneth and Ann Baum, Bloch Family Foundation, Bill and Christy Gautreaux, Trudy and John Jacobson, Atterbury Family Foundation, Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Charitable Trust, Dr. Mary Davidson – Trustee, Dick Belger and Evelyn Craft-Belger, Nancy and Rick Green, The Neil D. Karbank Foundation, The Karbank Family Fund, Kent Sunderland, the Committee of 100, and our Honorary Committee. Presented by
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the highlights
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
F E AT U R E S
Rudolph’s Pals These special reindeer are in high demand this winter. Jeremiah and Kari Scull take their small herd on the road during the holidays. See where you can catch Dasher, Blitzen, and their friends. 42
Toy Museums At these three museums, well-loved toys are never abandoned. Delight in your inner child and say hello to the Howdy Doodys, Barbies, and GI Joes of yesteryear.
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Ye Olde Taverns
0
IN EVERY ISSUE 17
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Graffiti Goodness
MISSOURIANA
Kansas City’s favorite graffiti artist Donald Ross, better known as Scribe, has transformed the halls of a children’s hospital into colorful cartoon experiences.
DREAM, EXPLORE, AND DISCOVER. Tails wag for The Dog House restaurant, pick up pickleball
18
On the Cover
EVAN HENNINGSEN
Audrie Scull pets one of
20
A duo drums up laughter
21
Meet a jolly old pug in Pupcakes
Brewery treats for your pet, Austrian authenticity at Grünauer
22
her family's reindeer.
24
A radio DJ delivers country music
They take pairs from
2
Catch the cuisine at Catalpa
their herd to holiday
28
events around the state. See page 41 to find out where you can see them.
Say Cheese! The Hemme family has been farming for more than 150 years. Now, they’ve gone from pasture to plate as they turn their dairy operation into a creamery that produces artisan cheese, curds, and German-influenced quark.
Boone Olive Oil offers more than 50 flavors of oils and vinegars 2 El Monstero performs another Pink Floyd holiday tradition 4
A book for everyone on your list 5 /
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2017
Long before Airbnb, taverns kept Old Western society afloat. Grab a pint and pull up a chair as we tell you the tale of these eight taverns, pubs, and hotels with histories that go back centuries.
The Gift of Experience What’s better than the perfect gift? The perfect experience. We sent writer Matt Crossman to test out three classes and adventure learning sessions that you could give your loved ones. Plus: There’s more to unwrap in our list of classes around the state. Whether it’s flower arranging or fly-fishing, find the best experience you can give your friends and family.
2018
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
Contents
CONTENT BY L O C AT I O N
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB
61 55
18 22 30 34 46 54 66
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68 10 10 36 10 18 69 50
69
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24 28
76
21 67
D E PA R T M E N T S
26 53
34
14
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14 20 42
63 68
Sign up for Missouri Lifelines, our free
at Facebook.com/MissouriLife or on Twitter and Instagram @MissouriLife.
THIS HERD SLEIGHS Can’t get enough of the Scull's reindeer herd? Neither can we—so we put more photos online. Even Scrooges can’t resist these ’deer.
MORE CHEESE, PLEASE With recipes such as Hot Beer Curd Cheese Dip and Classic Poutine, find the perfect take-along to your holiday dinner party.
T OY S GAL O R E
At the Toyman Toy Show in St. Charles, toys aren’t anything to play around with. See this massive marketplace eight times a year.
12
My Missouri Life: Living History Two Missourians bring history into the present by preserving sites and reenacting Daniel Boone and his biographer. 12
Letters When the computer that saved a soup recipe from a previous issue of that magazine gets hit by lightning, we can help you find it again. Get your spoons ready. 70
Ron Marr’s Musings on Life If it weren’t for Black Friday, Thanksgiving would be the perfect holiday for Ron Marr. On the other hand, he isn’t as impressed with New Year's Eve. 72
Lorry Myers: No Place Like Home December is a bittersweet time for Lorry’s family. This is the month they lost their patriarch, Lorry’s father, but this year they get to celebrate her daughter’s marriage.
80
Cheesy Recipes for Winter With inspiration from the Hemme Brothers Farmstead Creamery, we taste-test sweet and savory recipes that use squeaky cheese curds and tangy quark. 84
All Around Missouri: Events and Festivals Brave the cold for these happenings in your community. With 97 events around the state, you'll get your fill of cider, markets, holiday lights, and Mr. Claus himself. 98
The Back Story: Land of the Free Fresh from a biking trip through European countries formerly behind the Iron Curtain with Missouri Life readers, publisher Greg Wood reflects on what it means to live in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
DENNIS COELLO, EVAN HENNINGSEN, COURTESY TOYMAN TOY SHOW
e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook
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Holiday Tr easur es from
Fulton Callaway County, Missouri One-of-a-kind Gifts
Affordable Luxury Green Meadow Barn Company lovingly crafts furniture from the wood of historic barns. Art House features art and fine craft from over 100 artists. Specialty antiques can be found throughout the county, including Apple Wagon Antique Mall and the 3-story Rock Garden Antique Barn.
Savor Foodies rejoice! Central Missouri Meat and Sausage provides local, high-quality meats and sausages. The gift of wine from Serenity Valley or Canterbury Hill is always in good taste. Be sure to check out our local coffee shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants that specialize in everything from Brooklyn-style pizza to BBQ , Cajun to Cuban, fine seafood to fried chicken.
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Smockingbird's and Olive & Grace have fun apparel and accessories. Re-Made for a Purpose offers upcycled creations. Browse the gift section at Saults Drug, while enjoying a treat from the 1940 soda fountain. The rich smell of leather fills the air at RCW Gifts & Tack. Crane's Country Store features Carhartt and other outdoor gear.
Getting Crafty in Callaway Scrapbookers, crafters and quilters find inspiration at Fab Station, 1Canoe2 Paperie, Soul Sentiments and Rooster Creek Quilting Company. Spinners and knitters admire the fine fiber and yarn from Alpacas d'Auxvasse.
Fashionable Finds
Callaway Getaway Plan your Callaway Getaway! Explore worththe-drive restaurants, hotels and great B&Bs. Gray Ghosts Trail Inn is a comfortable, rural farmhouse in Williamsburg, MO. Loganberry Inn is a lovely Victorian home, just a few blocks from the National Churchill Museum and Fulton's historic Brick District.
Enjoy Christmas in Callaway County and explore new holiday traditions at VisitFulton.com or on Facebook @visitfultonmo. info@visitfulton.com 573-642-7692
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THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233 660-882-9898 | Info@MissouriLife.com MissouriLife.com PUBLISHER Greg Wood EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Danita Allen Wood
Customer Care & FAQs
Here are answers to many frequently asked questions.
Where is your office? 501 High Street, Boonville, in a back wing of the Hotel Frederick. Come see all our past covers in our hallway.
When will the person I give a gift to get the gift announcement card? Within one to three weeks except for Christmas cards, which mail in early December.
What is your frequency? Eight issues a year: February/March, April, May, June/July, August, September, October/November, and December/January.
Where can I find Missouri Life on a newsstand? Check out the list at MissouriLife.com/newsstand-locator.
When will I get my first issue? From one to six weeks after you order the magazine, depending on where we are in our magazine production and mailing cycle. How do I change my address? Visit MissouriLife.com or call us at 1-800-492-2593. Why did I get another bill or renewal notice when I’ve already paid? If you’ve already paid, you can throw away one that arrived later and be assured you will continue to receive the magazine. Your payment arrived while our next notice was wending its way to you. Call 1-800-492-2593 if you have questions. How can I find out when my subscription expires? The end of the second line on your label tells your expiration date. What is my account number? The first number on the second line of your label. How do I order a gift? Visit our website MissouriLife.com, send an order card in this issue, or call 1-800-492-2593.
PROUD MEMBERS
Can I hand-deliver the gift announcement card or mail it myself? Yes! Just note that on the gift order card, in special instructions if you order online, or let us know when you call to order.
Why am I getting a digital issue of the magazine when I paid for print? We send a digital issue out to you for a preview of what the print issue contains. It might have extra features such as audio clips, extra photo galleries, and more. Can I sign up for automatic renewal? Yes! Visit MissouriLife.com to select this service. Can I get renewal notices by email? Yes! Visit MissouriLife.com to share your email, which we will never sell or share. How do I submit an event to be published in your calendar? Please send your information to info@MissouriLife .com or call 660-882-9898, ext. 101. How do I submit a letter to the editor? Please send your comments to Laura@ MissouriLife.com. Can I give you story ideas? Yes, send them to Laura@MissouriLife.com. How do I get a back issue? Call tollfree 1-877-570-9898. They cost $7.50 because of the special mailing, so please have a credit card handy. Tell us what you think. Share your customer service experience by emailing Danita@MissouriLife.com. We care!
MISSOURI LIFE, Vol. 44, No. 8, December 2017 (USPS#020181; ISSN#1525-0814) Published eight times a year in February, April, May, June, August, September, October, and December by Missouri Life, Inc., for $21.99. Periodicals Postage paid at Boonville, Missouri, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Missouri Life, PO Box 433330, Palm Coast, FL 32143. © 2017 Missouri Life. All rights reserved. Printed by The Ovid Bell Press Inc. in Fulton, Missouri.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Barton ART DIRECTOR Tom Sullivan GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kath Teoli /// CONTRIBUTING WRITERS /// Traci Angel, Danielle Breshears, Amy Burger, Pamela Clifton, Debbie Coleman-Topi, Matt Crossman, Douglas Gladstone, Evan Henningsen, Cynthia Hulé, Julie Brown Patton, Martin W. Schwartz, Susan Atteberry Smith Columnists Ron W. Marr & Lorry Myers /// CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS /// Traci Angel, Dennis Coello, Pamela Clifton, Evan Henningsen, Mark Moore
MARKETING 877-570-9898
ADVERTISING & MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE, KANSAS CITY Mary Leonard, 816-868-7498 ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE, LAKE OF THE OZARKS Bob Schwartz, 314-650-5767 ADVERTISING & MARKETING COORDINATOR Jolene Metzen, 660-882-9898, ext. 206 CIRCULATION MANAGEMENT Russell Marth, Circulation Specialists, LLC
DIGITAL MEDIA MISSOURILIFE.COM, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER Evan Wood MISSOURI LIFELINES, DIGITAL EDITION Kath Teoli
FIND US ONLINE OR SOCIAL MEDIA Search for Missouri Life Magazine on Facebook to send us a message, or tweet us @MissouriLife. Share pictures with us on Instagram @MissouriLife.
HOW TO REACH US /// SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION ///
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EDITORIAL & ART MANAGING EDITOR Laura Heck COPY EDITOR Kathy Casteel CALENDAR EDITOR Amy Stapleton EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Meghan Lally
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Thousand Hills State Park Jamesport La Plata
St. Joseph Hamilton Weston
Arrow Rock
Kansas City
Hannibal
Marceline Warm Springs Ranch
Boonville
Mexico Fulton
MISSOURI
explore Missouri with us!
Missouri Life Motor Coach Tour 7 Days • 13 Meals May 13-19, 2018 | Oct 7-13, 2018 Double $1,577/Single $1,975 price per person Depart/Return: Kansas City, MO Free parking available
Day 1: Welcome to the Show-Me State Day 2: Harley-Davidson factory tour, Weston; Stained Glass Studio, Historic St. Joseph Day 3: Quilting in Hamilton; Amish community in Jamesport; Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown, Marceline Day 4: La Plata train depot, Thousand Hills State Park; free time in Hannibal Day 5: Mark Twain’s boyhood home, Mississippi River cruise, Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards Co.
Find the Spirit of Discovery in the Show-Me State
Day 6: Tour Zenith Aircraft in Mexico; Winston Churchill Museum in Fulton; Budweiser Clydesdales ranch and Missouri Life magazine office in Boonville
From the Missouri River in the west to the Mississippi River in the east, you’ll find so much excitement in this new discovery tour across northern Missouri, crafted in partnership with the tour experts at Country Travel Discoveries and Missouri Life magazine. Experience such scenic highlights as Thousand Hills State Park and historic river towns including Weston, St. Joseph, and, of course, Hannibal, the boyhood home of Mark Twain. Visit Jamesport, the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi; see stops commemorating native sons Walter Cronkite and Walt Disney; tour the nostalgic Truman Presidential Library, an orchard, and a Clydesdale ranch; and much more.
Day 7: Truman Presidential Library in Independence; farewell
Reserve your spot now. Call toll-free at 855-744-8747 or visit www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/MOL
Quality Accommodations Night 1: Courtyard by Marriott, Kansas City Night 2: Drury Inn & Suites, St. Joseph Night 3: Comfort Inn, Macon Night 4: Best Western on the River, Hannibal Night 5: Best Western Teal Lake Inn, Mexico Night 6: Hotel Frederick, Boonville Triple-room pricing and pre-/post-tour hotel nights are available. Please call 855-744-8747.
1 1 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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MY MISSOURI LIFE
Living the History I first met Daniel Boone and his biogra-
Boone Home Association of that time if
pher John Filson—or Barney Combs and
he could represent them, too. Bob suc-
Robert Pecoraro—back in 2008 while
cessfully persuaded the owner to allow
searching for reenactors of famous
time to carefully take apart the home
Missouri people for a festival we host-
rather than demolish it.
ed. These gracious men are from Arnold I
DANITA ALLEN WOOD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
found
Bob’s
performance
ters and numbers corresponding to blueof
prints to show orientation for each log
John Filson every bit as fascinating as
they took out. When the guys saw they
Barney’s of Boone. Bob portrays Filson
might not finish in 90 days, Bob asked for
superbly, capturing the flowery lan-
two more weeks. The owner was so im-
guage and elegant manners of the time.
pressed, he told Bob to take a month, but
I was delighted when I learned that
they finished in 104 days.
Governor Eric Greitens had honored
Bob praises Barney: “He really car-
them individually with special procla-
ried the water on this project. I couldn’t
mations celebrating their years of vol-
be there every day—I showed up on
Barney sums up well the real rewards
unteering at The Historic Daniel Boone
weekends and evenings when I could—
of reenacting Boone and Filson. “It’s the
Home at Defiance, as well as preserving
but Barney was there every day.”
children,” he says. “It’s really teaching.
two key buildings that were successfully
Robert Pecoraro
Barney Combs
So began a collaboration between
The teaching opportunity might inspire
the two men that has spanned three
them to read and learn more. We can’t
As the proclamations recognized,
decades. After they had safely stowed
change history, but we can learn from it.”
Bob and Barney’s story started back in
the logs for future reassembly, they
Meet Daniel Boone and his biogra-
1987, when they both belonged to the
switched from Civil War reenacting to re-
pher at the Boone Home December 1, 2,
Jefferson Barracks Historical Civil War
enacting the home’s owner, Zephaniah
8, and 9 at candlelight tours beginning
Association and learned that the historic
Sappington, and one of his younger
at 6 pm. Call 636-798-2005 to reserve
pioneer home known as the Sappington/
brothers, Resin. Zephaniah came to the
tickets. Or meet them at the Best of
Dressel House was slated for demolition.
Louisiana Territory in 1804 and built the
Missouri Life Market Fair April 28 and 29
Bob asked Barney, who was president,
two-story house in two stages.
at Powell Gardens.
moved to the site.
if Bob could attempt to get it preserved
They began reenacting Boone and
If you need proof that one person—
as an official project of the association.
Filson after the log home was rebuilt at
okay, maybe two—can make a differ-
Then he also asked The Historic Daniel
The Historic Daniel Boone Home site.
ence, Bob and Barney are it!
What’s Happening Here: Magazine of the Year
FROM OUR MISSOURI LIFE TEAM The first year of my full-time employment as graphic designer at Missouri Life has been a year of growth for me. Working for this publication has allowed me to truly embrace the “spirit of discovery” in every aspect of my life. I’ve explored not just my field, but also the “real world” of post-grad life. A large part of that has come from becoming an active member in my community and learning more about the place where I live. As this year draws to a close, I urge you to take time to reflect on what you’ve explored this year and how you’ve grown. Happy New Year!—Kath Teoli
For the third year in a row, Missouri Life brought home the coveted Magazine of the Year award from the annual conference of the International Regional Magazine Association. We also earned a gold award for Up All Night by Greg Bowers about the jazz scene in Kansas City (June 2016) and a Silver for A Stagecoach Comes Home for photography by Dennis Crider (August 2016). One of our favorites, Notley Hawkins, earned a Bronze for Photographer of the Year.
COURTESY ROBERT PECORARO, KATH TEOLI
and Cottleville, respectively.
They attached aluminum tags with let-
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100 ISLE OF CAPRI BLVD. • BOONVILLE, MO 65233 855-716-7083 • WWW.ISLEOFCAPRIBOONVILLE.COM © 2017 ELDORADO RESORTS, INC. Isle of Capri is a registered trademark of ELDORADO RESORTS, INC. Must be 21 or older. Not valid for persons on the Missouri Disassociated Persons List or persons excluded from Eldorado Resorts properties. Bet with your head, not over it. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-BETS-OFF or e-mail freehelp@888betsoff.org.
CLINTON, MO
Sur�ound you and yours with our festive small-town spirit and boundless Christ�as cheer around the largest historic square in Missouri, filled with shopping and dining. www.clintonmo.com 1 3 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
LETTERS from al l over
YOU WRITE THEM. WE PRINT THEM.
LIVIN’ LARGE Thank you for all the nice pictures of the “World’s Largest Pecan” (June/July 2015 issue) that my family built and showcased for so many years in Brunswick at our farm. I thought you might enjoy
the recipe is gone from my computer, as is my hard drive. I have
having a postcard. Since we sold the farm in 2012, we are happy
a new hard drive but I’ve been looking for this recipe and can’t
that many people see the pecan in town!
find it anywhere. My garden is filled with soup-making tomatoes,
Betty Knight, Brunswick
and I am desperate to get that recipe. I looked on your website, I googled it, I looked through my
REST STOP IN PEACE
sent file to find anyone I’d sent it to. I’m a desperate housewife.
(In response to the October 2017 article on roadside parks—
I’m sorry to bother you with this, but that recipe is that good.
Editor) We drive around the state a lot. A lot of rest areas are
Generations in my family will eat that soup. My children thank
no longer available, either. We are guessing that people stop at
you, my friends thank you, my unborn grandchildren thank you,
fast-food restaurants and convenience stores rather than pack-
and so on, and so on!
ing their own food. Plus, without toilets, it makes sense to stop
Debbie Platke, Chesterfield
at the above. Other states have rather elaborate rest areas so not sure why Missouri seems to be an exception, except for the
Rest assured, Debbie has the recipe now. If your copy of the
ones near Branson.
magazine ever suffers from tears, loss, spills, or lightning, we offer
Georgia Zimmerman, via Facebook
a free digital copy at Issuu.com/MissouriLifeMagazine.—Editor
HOMETOWN HEROINE
LOVE LEROY
The September 2017 issue is excellent. I have just finished read-
Just a quick note to thank you for the great article on Leroy Van
ing several books on the TV series Gunsmoke, and the article
Dyke (August 2016 issue). He is a great person and puts on one
on Jacqueline Scott was a treat.
class act every time you get to see his shows, no matter where
town of Jackson. Every time Ms. Scott made an appearance on
he is—the State Fair, Silver Dollar City, etc. When we lived in Sedalia, our house was on the street named
a television show, it was a big deal in our town.
in his honor! I work at Walmart, and when he would come in when
Lawrence Nothdurft, Jefferson City
I was in Sedalia, he was always so nice and always smiling. I remember a couple of years ago, he was performing at
LIGHTNING IN A BOWL
Silver Dollar City. It was hot outside. He and the band, including
I tried your published recipe for Cream of Tomato and Fennel
his son, were so good, dressed to a tee. At the end of the show,
Soup (August 2017 issue), and loved it. I copied it to my com-
he said, “Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
puter, and two weeks ago, my house was hit by lightning, and
Kelly Hand, Rolla
COURTESY BETTY KNIGHT
Her aunt and uncle, John and Lucille Cox, lived in my home-
14 / MISSOURI LIFE
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Mexico is a perfect combination of small-town charm and urban style. Artsy boutiques, jewelry, quilt shops, scrapbooking, antiques, and cultural offerings give Mexico a sophisticated air with a family-friendly attitude. Come visit us today!
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16 / MISSOURI LIFE
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MISSOURIANA
“The truth is, the person who receives gets the thing, but the person who gives gets the bigger blessing—your heart expands. If you do that, I promise you, you will never be the same.” A G U I D E T O W H AT YO U ’ L L F I N D I N T H I S S E C T I O N
—MAYA ANGELOU
AU T H O R , P O E T, A N D ACT IV IST B O R N IN ST. LO U IS
december january
DEATHTOTHESTOCK.COM
2017
2018
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2017
ART p.30 BOOKS p.21, p.34 DINING p.18, p.22, p.26, p.28 FUN p.18 MADE IN MISSOURI p.22 MUSIC p.24, p.32 STAGE p.20
2018
10/27/17 1:39 PM
MISSOURIANA
DINING
A Dog House You’ll Want to Visit DE SOTO
Nestled in an old bakery in downtown De Soto, the mom-and-pop
-
-
—Pamela Clifton 605 South Second Street 636-337-6363 On Facebook: Dog House
Get Your Pickle On It took about a decade for pickleball
game has been embraced by casual
to sweep Missouri. With more than
players and serious competitors.
100 locations developed since 2010,
The small court size and easy-to-
Missouri might just have the fastest-
grasp rules make it appealing for a
growing pickleball community in the
wide variety of people, from kids to
country. The sport has become so
middle-aged folks to centenarians
popular that a Kansas City restaurant
(seriously—there
called Chicken N Pickle opened four
brackets for people older than 100).
indoor and four outdoor courts to
“It’s a social sport,” says St. Louisan
complement the kitchen and bar.
Cindy Butler, the USA Pickleball Association’s
(USAPA)
tournament
Missouri
of one of the families who invented
ambassador. “Pickleball people are
the game in 1965—is a hybrid of
the nicest people.”
tennis, Ping-Pong, and badminton.
To find a court or people to
It’s played both indoors and outdoors
partner with, go to USAPA.org and
on courts that resemble mini tennis
click on “place to play.” There’s also
courts. With only a few supplies
contact information for your area’s
necessary—paddles, a plastic ball, a
ambassador, who can help you get the
court, and a couple of friends—the
ball rolling—or dinking.—Laura Heck
PAMELA CLIFTON, COURTESY CINDY BUTLER
Pickleball—named after the dog
are
FUN
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Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade Downtown Historic Sedalia - December 2
National Federation Professional Bull Riders December 1 & 2 SFCC Holiday Craft Show December 2
VisitSedaliaMO.com 800-827-5295
Holiday fun begins in
Motorcycle Motorcycle Show Show February February 3, 3, 2018 2018
a l l o R
www.VisitRolla.com
a nt a S h t i 2 st W er a f b k m B re a D e c e a r kt M l t k i n dm b e r 2 s i r h C De ce l o 5rK8 G o S n ce m be De
1 9 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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MISSOURIANA
S TA G E
Marching to Their Own Beat
was inducted into his alma mater’s
Center seems a strange venue for
Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.
STORY Douglas Gladstone
an unconventional percussion act.
Their paths merged at the Dixie
Instead of drums, the performers use
Stampede in Branson. Gareth, who
propane tanks, buckets, stepladders,
was a comedian there, became
from whatever is going on in their
hard hats, squeaky toys, guitars,
friends with Matt, who was working
world,” Gareth says.
ukuleles, and tap dance boards. But
as a trick rider. The two paired up
Gareth
the Kansas City Symphony didn’t
and eventually became the principal
legitimate
seem to mind.
street act at Branson Landing.
audience. “When a parent comes
values
the
connection
group’s with
the
“It was the coolest gig we’ve had
After leaving their jobs at the
up to us and says, ‘My kids saw you
yet,” says Gareth Sever, who formed
dinner theater, they debuted their
perform, and it inspired them to
the comedy duo Buckets N Boards
act at the Clay Cooper Theater in
become musicians,’ that makes our
12 years ago with his partner, Matt
Branson. They’ve gone on to perform
day,” he adds.
Levingston.
on stages around the country, and
They are an unlikely duo, but their combined talents make for a dynamic show. Gareth used to wait
Buckets
Starlite
regularly
acts on major cruise lines.
on West Highway 76 in Branson
comedy
the
Boards
appears
Improvisational
at
N
they’ve been the featured headline
Theatre
and
every March during spring break
tables in New York City, hoping for his
audience participation is key to the
and all summer long, June through
break on Broadway. Matt, who was
act’s success, they say. “For two
August. For more details about
a five-time All-American decathlete
hours, we’re trying our best to make
the duo’s upcoming shows, visit
at William Jewel College in Liberty,
people laugh so they can escape
BucketsNBoards.com.
COURTESY BUCKETS N BOARDS
Performing at the elegant Kauffman
A BRANSON PERFORMING DUO KEEPS AUDIENCES LAUGHING W I T H C O M E D Y, M U S I C , A N D AT H L E T I C F E AT S .
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MISSOURIANA
.
ME
B Before long, Brydie discovers that she can put her talents as a baker to use making her newfound human and dog friends happy, thus the creation of Pupcakes bakery. Brydie learns the values of community and family—the ones you choose and the ones you are born with. The story is wrapped up in the cozy bow of the approaching holidays. If you love strong, Southern women in your novels, Pupcakes is a must read. The author, who’s from the Ozarks, says a lot of the characters are based loosely on people she knows from West Plains, where she lives with her son, husband, and three rescued dogs. Even Teddy’s charmingly curmudgeon personality is based on reality. She says the inspiration for Teddy
PUPCAKES Annie England Noblin, 384 pages, fiction, William Morrow, hardcover, $25.99
Joy to the Pugs C E L E B R AT E T H E S E A S O N WITH A CHRISTMAS NOVEL FOR DOG AND PA S T R Y LO V E R S .
COURTESY WILLIAM MORROW
REVIEW Amy Stapleton
she helped a friend adopt. But she
Even the grumpiest Grinch can’t re-
based his scene-stealing person-
sist this charming tale of pugs, cakes,
ality on her own father, with whom
and the holidays. Pupcakes follows
she says Teddy bears more than a
the adventures of an elderly, chubby
passing resemblance.
pug named Teddy Roosevelt and his new caretaker, Brydie.
As with her previous works, Sit! Stay! Speak! and Just Fine with Car-
Annie England Noblin’s third nov-
oline, Annie explores the relationship
el brings together a displaced pastry
between humans and dogs in her writ-
chef, an old house full of secrets, a
ing. As someone actively involved in
cute and single doctor, homemade
animal rights and rescue in the West
dog treats, and, of course, Teddy the
Plains area, she has a deep connec-
pug. The story kicks off in the Mem-
tion with dogs and animals. It comes
phis Germantown suburb as recently
through in her emotive storytelling.
divorced Brydie attempts to get her
“I’ve been through a lot emotion-
life back together. She finds herself
ally in my life, and I feel like my dogs
taking on a house- and pug-sitting
have been there for me,” she says.
job for an elderly resident, Pauline
“Dogs have an incredible ability to
Newman, and, to pay the bills, she
empathize and feel the emotion of a
works the night shift at a big-box
person. Readers learn that dogs can
store bakery.
heal your soul.”
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came from an abandoned, older pug
2017
2018
10/26/17 8:28 PM
MISSOURIANA
Opened in 2013 by Crystal Wiebe,
Brewing Up Goodies
Beer Paws started with the simple idea to create a bottle opener on a dog collar. Four years later, the company now sells treats and gear for mankind’s best friends. Beer Paws treats don’t have alcohol in them, but they’re baked
LO O K I N G F O R A W A Y T O SHARE HAPPY HOUR WITH YOUR PUP? BOND OVER B E E R - F L A V O R E D T R E AT S A N D B E E R - F R I E N D LY D O G G E A R FROM BEER PAWS. SS IN MI MADE
with spent grains from breweries. The grains come from more than 50 commercial breweries, including Kansas City original Boulevard Brewing
OURI
Company.
The
treats
contributes 10 percent of its profits
come in flavors such as peanut
to local shelters, rescue agencies,
butter, pumpkin, and beet and mint.
and animal welfare groups.
There’s also a nonalcoholic brew for pups to slurp.
DINING
The Beer Paws team attends events each weekend. Products
“As a crazy dog lady and craft
are sold in St. Louis, Columbia,
beer lover, it’s nice to bring the two
Springfield, and Kansas City stores.
worlds together in a fun, healthy
Visit BeerPaws.com to find stores
way,” Crystal says. Beer Paws
and events.—Danielle Breshears
Authentically Austrian KANSAS CITY
Experience has taught siblings
wishing to reminisce about their
a nonalcoholic option the siblings
Nicholas and Elisabeth Grünauer
time in Europe, whether as vaca-
remember savoring while visiting
that each plate at their Austrian-
tioners or residents.
family as children: an herbal al-
restaurant
Grünauer
The brother and sister fol-
must be infused with authentic-
lowed a path to restaurant own-
Menu items take inspiration
ity and nostalgia. After all, their
ership that was initiated by their
from European dishes. Favorites
grandparents, who opened the
include
Vienna during the 1950s.
Schnitzel.
The American duo collabo-
pine soda.
The
Hungarian
1880s historic
Goulash,
Freight
rates with their Austrian cousin,
House building that houses the
who inherited the grandparents’
restaurant adds an air of European
Vienna venue, to make sure the
elegance that helps to establish Old World charm.—Debbie
true. That collaboration accounts
Coleman-Topi
for European-made fare, includ-
101 West 22nd Street
ing wine and spirits. There’s even
816-283-3234 • GrunauerKC.com
COURTESY BEER PAWS, GRÜNAEUR
German
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Explore Warrensburg! Visit Warrensburg this holiday season and discover the perfect weekend getaway.
COME • SIT • STAY VisitWarrensburg.com 2 3 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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MISSOURIANA
MISSOURI MUSIC
on the radio
TRADITIONAL COUNTRY HAS A HOME I N C O LU M B I A W I T H W O O D Y A D K I N S . STORY Evan Wood
show, which aired Sundays from mid-
don’t have a lot of options on the
night to 3 AM, in 2000. He gained a
airwaves these days. Missourians
loyal following of listeners all around
in search of classic sounds like The
the United States and abroad.
Carter Family and newer acts such as
In 2009, Woody began hosting his
Dale Watson, who carry forward the
current show, The Real Deal Country
old way of doing things, can tune their
Show, on Monday afternoons from 3
dials to Woody Adkins’s The Real Deal
to 5 PM. Woody plays classic and tra-
Country Show on 89.5 KOPN-FM.
ditional country artists ranging from
Woody grew up outside Kirksville
Jimmie Rodgers to Waylon Jennings,
on a farm idolizing radio personalities
as well as Ameripolitan, which fo-
such as Marvin McClanahan and Jerry
cuses on current artists recording
Minshall, whom he heard on the local
honky-tonk, western swing, rockabil-
station KIRX. “As a kid, I would set up
ly, and outlaw. A few contemporary
a record player and a cassette player
Missourians routinely make it into
and play radio in the middle of the liv-
Woody’s playlists, such as The Band
ing room floor and dream of being a
Walenia or Leona Williams.
disc jockey someday,” he says.
In March, Woody received the
Woody remembers attending gos-
2016 Academy of Western Artists DJ
pel concerts as a child, and he always
of the Year. Woody has been nomi-
enjoyed songs with tinges of country
nated for Best DJ at the Ameripolitan
the best. “When I got my heart broken
Music Awards every year since they
for the first time, that was kind of the
began in 2014. He’ll attend the awards
deal-sealer that I would always love
in Memphis this coming February and
sad country songs,” he says.
see if he takes home the prize.
For the last 17 years, Woody has
For more into, visit The Real Deal
hosted country music programs on
Country Show Facebook page or
KOPN. He began his Midnight Country
TheRealDealCountryShow.org.
EVAN WOOD
The Real Deal
Fans of traditional country music
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Wine Country Getaways Vintage Charm
IN
Timeless Beauty
MISSOURI’S MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN Kristkindl Markts
Traditional Holiday Markets First Two Weekends of December
Chocolate Wine Trail
The Perfect Valentine’s Getaway Third Weekend of February
Wurstfest
Showcasing the Best of the Wurst Fourth Weekend of March 2018
800.932.8687 | VisitHermann.com Wineries • B&Bs • historic district • daily amtrak stops
2 5 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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10/24/17 10:14 AM
MISSOURIANA
DINING
Fine Dining
at the Mouth of the Santa Fe Trail ARROW ROCK Irresistibly quaint meals emerge from the kitchen of Catalpa, a distinctive eatery in the irresistibly quaint village of Arrow Rock in the western reaches of central Missouri. “Our menu is eclectic and varies by seasons,” says ever possible, and our beef, veal, chicken, and prawns come from Missouri family farms.” The petite, red-brick building contains eight dining tables and one kitchen-based chef’s table. The restaurant’s tables are full throughout the Arrow Rock course Charles Dickens dinner to pair with the theater’s holiday run of A Christmas Carol December 13–23. On the menu: lobster bisque; roasted apples; venison beggar’s purse with wild lingonberry sauce; smoked goose breast with maple sweet potatoes and candied Catalpa is open by reservation every Friday and Sundays during theater season). The restaurant is closed in January. at the restaurant. She has been known to conduct prihouses, all while wearing a ball gown and feather boa! —Julie Brown Patton 510 High Street • 660-837-3324 CatalpaRestaurant.com
COURTESY CATALPA
vate, 10-course, customized dinner parties at people’s
26 / MISSOURI LIFE
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10/26/17 5:27 PM
CELEBRATING ALL SEASONS IN SALEM, MISSOURI
• • • • • • • •
Winter Paddle Clinic Christmas Parade of Lights Cookie Walk Trees & Trains Exhibit Christmas Fest Victorian Musical Christmas First Day Float And so much more!
Join fellow artists and artisans at Missouri's only statewide conference designed to help you fulfill your career goals as an artist. Save the Date! ArtSmart 2.0 in Columbia April 13-14, 2018 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center For more information go to www.bestofmissourihands.org
Ignite your Creative Passion with the Best of Missouri Hands! Photos courtesy of the Salem News Facebook.com/SalemAreaChamber Twitter.com/SalemChamber573
2 7 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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MISSOURIANA
liquid gold COLUMBIA
Ever since four sons opened a
must be picked while they’re still
gourmet olive oil shop, family din-
green and cold-pressed at no
ners in Missouri just taste better.
warmer than 69 degrees within
The Murad,
Mohammad Munir,
brothers—
Mekram,
four hours of being plucked from
and
the branch. “Nothing else is done
Mustafa—opened Boone Olive Oil
to the olive oil after that,” Munir
Company in April 2014. “Murad
says, save for occasionally infus-
got the idea, and he was so pas-
-
sionate about it,” Munir says. “We
vored oils. The oils are sent to a lab
really liked olive oil, and the more
in Australia for quality checks and
we got into it, the more we real-
chemical analysis.
ized that what we buy from the
The oils and vinegars are
grocery store wasn’t the best qual-
sourced from places around the
ity or taste.”
world, such as California, Spain, Italy,
and
France.
Every
six
50 olive oils, infused oils, gourmet
months, the company alternates
oils, and balsamic vinegars, each
shipments from the Northern and
of which customers can taste-
Southern Hemispheres to main-
test at the Columbia storefront or
tain a steady, fresh supply.
order at BooneOliveOil.com. Local favorites include Tuscan herb,
each of the Mohammad brothers
traditional balsamic that’s been
plays a role—even their parents
aged 18 years, and ultra-premium
get involved. “They love to cook, so
extra-virgin olive oils.
they love it,” Munir says. “They’re
Ultra-premium olive oils must meet strict standards. The olives
proud of the olive oil because it tastes so good.”—Laura Heck
COURTESY BOONE OLIVE OIL COMPANY
DINING
28 / MISSOURI LIFE
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Pl an Your Geta wa y! anon! So much to see and do in Leb
2017 Arctic Cat Nitro Arena Cross December 29-30 Cowan Civic Center Antique Tractor Pull January 5-6, 2018 Cowan Civic Center Demo Derby January 13-14, 2018 Cowan Civic Center Go Kart Races January 19-20, 2018 Cowan Civic Center
Lebanon is known by its motto, “Friendly people. Friendly place.” These events are only part of the fun we have to offer.
the gift for Missouri dog lovers a book for all ages
Best of Missouri Life Market Fair at Powell Gardens April 28-29, 2018
Join us at the beautiful Powell Gardens for a festival featuring Missouri-made products you can buy straight from the artists and producers. Peruse dozens of booths with everything from artisan products to good eats right off the farm. Enjoy lots of food, wine, and craft beer sampling, as well as a splash of Missouri moonshine. Throughout the park, listen to live music and meet famous Missourians—keep an eye out for Mark Twain! Available at your local Missouri bookstores & online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and indiebound.org
Tickets are available at PowellGardens.org. Booths are available at MissouriLife.com/market-festival.
2 9 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018 JimtheWonderDog adv DEC issue 2017.indd 1
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MISSOURIANA
T
The Healing Arts MURALIST AND ARTIST SCRIBE LEAVES HIS MARK ON C H I L D R E N ’ S M E R C Y H O S P I TA L A N D K A N S A S C I T Y. STORY Traci Angel
DONALD ROSS
Artist Donald Ross, better known
One crisp morning, Scribe heads
as Scribe, remembers when people
outside Children’s Mercy’s main cam-
used to yell at him when he was paint-
pus in midtown Kansas City to check
ing murals. “I would be working and
on a project. After a coat of bluish
they would yell at me, ‘What are you
background, he intends to spray paint
doing?’” he recalls.
a scene that will become one of his sig-
In those days, Scribe’s artwork was
nature cartoonish images. His animal
not of the legal variety. Police posted
characters are often seen in multiple lo-
flyers asking for information on him
cations throughout the hospital so that
and his graffitist cohorts. He even got
patients will connect to the characters
three years’ probation for graffiti years
and perhaps feel more at home.
ago, when Kansas City attempted to crack down on street art.
Scribe, who is working on several projects at the hospital at once, ar-
Now, the city has embraced such
rives at 4 AM. The hallway where the
urban décor, and Scribe makes his
latest project lives is full of colorful ter-
living creating the graffiti-style art that
razzo tiles, vibrant-hued walls, and TV
used to get him in trouble. As the artist-
screens dropping from the ceiling. It’s
in-residence at Children’s Mercy hospi-
more like a children’s museum rather
tal in midtown Kansas City, he creates
than a place where sick children go for
whimsical, out-of-this-world experienc-
treatment. He’s even overhauled the
es for children and their families. On
Critical Care Transport helicopter and
the city streets, building owners com-
the hospital’s ambulances with playful
mission him to create murals that can
cartoons.
stretch a passerby’s imagination.
His process now is different from
TRACI ANGEL, COURTESY DONALD ROSS
AR
30 / MISSOURI LIFE
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MISSOURIANA
his early murals, when he used to
a following and has inspired muralists
carry ladders and salvaged half-
across Kansas City, many of whom
empty cans of paint to his location.
have artwork on display in Westport
Now there’s a lot of planning involved.
and the Crossroads Arts District. He
First, Scribe outlines the charac-
says that early graffiti community of
ters and theme of the project. Then, he
street artists helped normalize murals
uses a computer to draw it digitally. He
on buildings as an art form. “Now per-
prints the drawings and affixes them to
haps a younger generation can refine
the walls. “You still get the feel of it be-
the craft,” he says.
ing painted but if you need to fix a pan-
For his younger—and young-at-
el, all you have to do is reprint,” he says.
heart—audience at Children’s Mercy,
As a child, he says, he often drew
Scribe’s images brighten perhaps an
animals. He had a brush with formal
otherwise painful or scary day. As vis-
education through the Kansas City
itors enter through the doors, they im-
Art Institute, but he says he didn’t get
mediately come in contact with Scribe’s
along with school officials and ended
artistic touches, even if it is just colorful
up leaving.
wheels of the little ones’ wagons rolling
Since then, Scribe has had a grass-
across the terrazzo to an appointment.
View more of Donald Ross’s work roots career, with his work first gaining raphael-mo-life-1217_raphael-mo-life-1217 10/11/17 10:44 AM Page 1 at ScribesWalk.com. notoriety on the streets. He’s gained
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The largest sutlery in the Midwest! Relive the 1800s as a civilian, soldier, cowboy, mountain man, and more! Our local seamstresses and tailors use historically accurate patterns and fabrics that transport you back to western Missouri and eastern Kansas in the 19th century. Visit our store to try on outfits and live the history!
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325 Ward Parkway I Country Club Plaza I 816.756.3800
raphaelkc.com 31 /
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2017
2018
10/27/17 2:35 PM
MISSOURIANA
MISSOURI MUSIC
Floyd on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30. Each year, the band adds a few new surprises and songs for returning fans, while re-creating Pink Floyd masterpieces from albums such as The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Animals, among others. “I always like playing the old weird ones that nobody else likes,” jokes guitarist Jimmy Griffin. “But also the whole Dark Side record—having that so ingrained in several generations that come to see the band—that’s always a pretty emotional exchange between the band and the audience.” on vocal duties since El Monstero’s first
performance
at
Mississippi
As temperatures drop and the halls
Nights in 1999. He has watched the
are decked, Missouri music fans look
show and the band evolve each year
forward to the return of one of their
since. “This started on a shoestring
most beloved holiday traditions. It’s
budget, flying by the seat of our
not the man in the big red suit, but
pants, and it’s just evolved over the
rather the epic local Pink Floyd tribute
years to where we are now, which is
super group known as El Monstero.
a really slick show,” he says.
Now in its 19th year, what began
Many fans make El Monstero a
as a side project of practicing
regular part of their annual holiday
covers between album releases for
celebrations. “You see fathers and
local alternative rock band Stir has
grandfathers, people bringing their
grown into an annual series of sold-
sons and daughters and grandkids,”
out shows. The much-celebrated
Mark says. “It’s just this huge family
performances are complete with
affair that it’s evolved into.”
costumes, theatrics, a top-notch light show, and aerial dancers.
Locals are proud to have a production that’s on par with some of
Made up of a core group of some
the top national touring acts, but it’s
of St. Louis’s most well-respected
really all about the music. “It makes
musicians, El Monstero will perform
you think and makes you feel,” Mark
six shows at The Pageant celebrating
says. “St. Louis is definitely a Pink
the music and the spectacle of Pink
Floyd town.”—Amy Burger
COURTESY EL MONSTERO
December is El Monstero Season
Lead singer Mark Quinn has been
S T. L O U I S
32 / MISSOURI LIFE
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where history and holidays meet
CAPE GIRARDEAU
Join us on the banks of the mighty Mississippi for holiday happenings and shopping from antique to boutique to unique. Preview the possibilities online or call 800-777-0068 today. Preview V the possibilities online orM call 800-777-0068 IS ITCAPE .CO /E V E N T S today.
3 3 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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MISSOURIANA
ME
B
Give a Book or Two H O L I D A Y G I F T L I S T LO O K I N G D U L L? W R A P U P T H E S E B O O K S F O R U N D E R T H E T R E E . REVIEWS Laura Heck and Meghan Lally
Missouri Wild and Wonderful
Matt Miles, 104 pages, photography, ArtBookPrinting, hardcover, $39.95 For 20 years, Matt Miles has explored the vast land of Missouri. He kayaked and hiked the countryside to capture breathtaking scenery and stunning wildlife. Now, the Rogersville nature lover has gathered 140 images into a coffee-table book where readers can admire his work and take a journey through the “natural beauty and wonder” of Missouri without ever leaving the house.
For beer and wine connoisseurs
For history buffs Lost St. Louis
Valerie Battle Kienzle, 128 pages, history, The History Press, paperback, $21.99 Although time has erased many iconic St. Louis landmarks, Valerie Battle Kienzle immortalizes the Gateway City’s buildings and monuments on the pages of Lost St. Louis. Trek through time and Kienzle’s words to a world alive with the scenery of St. Louis long ago—explore the 1904 World’s Fair and discover the Chinese immigrant community that once lived where Busch Stadium now stands.
For Laura Ingalls Wilder devotees
Expedition of Thirst:
Caroline:
Pete Dulin, 280 pages, nonfiction, University of Kansas Press, paperback, $24.95 Relying on his expertise as a food writer, Kansas Citian Pete Dulin helps readers sip their way through western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Expedition of Thirst includes suggestions on 150 breweries, wineries, and distilleries worth a stop and a taste. Going beyond a simple road map, Pete delves into the charm and history that make each location noteworthy.
Sarah Miller, 384 pages, historical fiction, William Morrow, hardcover, $25.99 Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie get a new side of the story. In a novel authorized by the Little House estate, author Sarah Miller gently mixes fact and fiction in this imagining of Ma, the real-life Caroline Ingalls. In order to write the book, Sarah drove the Ingalls family’s entire westward journey, taught herself to crochet, and spent years researching the real family, historical details, and the Little House drafts.
Exploring Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries across the Heart of Kansas and Missouri
Little House, Revisited
The Oregon Trail:
The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects (Build it Yourself)
Karen Bush Gibson and Tom Casteel, 128 pages, activity book, Nomad Press, hardcover, $22.95 With Independence as their starting point, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out in 1803 to explore the new territory obtained through the Louisiana Purchase. The Oregon Trail offers children the chance to come along on the trails blazed by Lewis and Clark and the people who followed them. Built-in projects and activities will keep young explorers enthralled as they try their hand at writing a treaty or researching art inspired by the time period.
For sports fanatics The Year of the Pitcher:
Bob Gibson, Denny McLain, and the End of Baseball’s Golden Age
Sridhar Pappu, 400 pages, nonfiction, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, hardcover, $28 New York Times columnist Sridhar Pappu spins a tale of sports, history, and community in this retelling of the 1968 baseball season that ended in a clash between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers for the World Series. Two record-setting pitchers—one black and one white—face off in one of the ultimate hold-your-breath moments in American sports history.
COURTESY ARTBOOKPRINTING, THE HISTORY PRESS, NOMAD PRESS, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS PRESS, WILLIAM MORROW, HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT
For Missouri wildlife lovers
For families with young adventurers
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An Extraordinary Time to be Queen!
Season 2 - January 14 Queen Victoria adapts to motherhood, the Anglo-Afghan War unfolds abroad, and the Irish potato famine begins to wreak havoc. Season 1 catch up on Sunday nights - begins Dec. 17
KMOS engage
KMOS
educate
entertain
kmos.org A service of the University of Central Missouri
bigbamride.com 3 5 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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Reindeer Games
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you know
Dasher, and Dancer,
Comet, and Cupid and Snowflake and Blitzen Bone-biting brisk winter mornings may make most Missouri animals burrow
STORY Julie Brown Patton PHOTOS Dennis Coello
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When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, Jeremiah Scull and his wife, Kari,
set up photo ops and bring shed ant-
and their two daughters have been
lers for people to feel, but they don’t
raising a small herd of reindeer since
allow folks to touch or pet the rein-
2014 at their farm called Show-Me
deer. The no-touch policy helps the
Reindeer LLC in Robertsville. Each
reindeer stay calm and safe amid
winter, the Sculls trot the reindeer
the bustle of tree lightings and Santa
around the state as living Christmas
appearances.
traditions. Almost every day leading
Sometimes, the people who make
up to Christmas, the Sculls bring pairs
it out to see the reindeer don’t be-
of reindeer to participate in tree light-
lieve what they see. “People just can’t
ing ceremonies, promotional events,
believe reindeer are real, given the
private parties, open houses, holiday
myths and the story about Rudolph,”
festivals, and parades. They rotate the
Jeremiah says. “Seeing an actual rein-
deer so that none of them spends too
deer up-close and in-person is a rare
much time on the road, and they al-
opportunity.”
ways bring two so they can keep each other company.
One encounter with an admirer sticks out for Kari. “One of the most
Even though appearing at so
memorable people was a 95-year-old
many events can get hectic at one
woman, who said she’d never seen a
of the busiest times of the year, Kari
reindeer except in picture books,” she
says her family looks forward to each
recalls. “She was really surprised and
December because they get to share
amazed at them.”
the real spirit of Christmas.
It’s hard to think of Christmas lore
At the events, the Sculls set up a
without visions of sugarplums and
magical Christmas scene. After re-
the prancing and pawing of hooves
searching 19th-century sleighs, the
on the roof. But the importance of
couple began refurbishing antique
reindeer in the Christmas tradition is
sleighs and harnesses with gold sten-
only a couple of hundred years old.
cil and era-correct upholstery. They
Santa’s reindeer-powered sleigh was
ABOVE: The Scull family—Kari, Audrie, Jeremiah, and Addie—have refurbished 19th-century sleighs to exhibit with their herd. LEFT: Four-year-old Audrie holds one of the family’s chickens.
“People just can’t believe reindeer are real, given the myths and the story about Rudolph.”
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udrie, rbished with udrie ns.
But a miniature, sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer
ABOVE: Addie, 8, helps out with the other animals on the farm, including this turkey. RIGHT: Family members use halters and leads to take the reindeer on walks to clover patches and pastures.
immortalized in the early 1800s with
Jeremiah says. “We had to find the
Clement Clarke Moore’s ’Twas The
proper balance for their diet and learn
The Sculls spend time with the rein-
Night Before Christmas. Rudolph
about how their needs change, but we
deer every day. Their oldest daughter,
didn’t enter the picture until 1939.
have to buy select hay from northern
8-year-old Addie, often leads them on walks to nearby clover patches.
But the mythos of reindeer goes
Missouri because they don’t like the
far beyond Rudolph’s holiday-saving
stems that typically are found in local
“Reindeer really need as much
power of nasal illumination. According
hay,” he says. The family also had to
24/7 monitoring as we can provide,
to Robert Sullivan’s Flight of the
find veterinarians who could take on
to make sure their antlers don’t get
Reindeer, humans have enjoyed the
the animals.
caught on fencing, tree limbs, or each
idea of airborne reindeer for more
To exhibit the reindeer at holiday
other,” Jeremiah says. Reindeer ant-
than 5,000 years, with several ancient
events, the Sculls are certified with the
lers grow in an upward span so they
instances of floating reindeer painted
US Department of Agriculture. Their
can use them to dig up plants buried in
on cave walls. In Norse mythology,
reindeer, the farm, and transportation
the snow. In the wild, the animals also
Thor’s chariot was first pulled by goats
plans are monitored and inspected by
often use them to ward off predators.
that transformed into reindeer. One of
officials, per regulations associated
the labors of Heracles, or Hercules to
with herd health conditions.
When reindeer antlers grow, they are soft and flexible, nourished by a
the Romans, involved capturing the
vascular covering referred to as vel-
Cerynian Hind, which was sacred to
vet, which is a mass of blood and
Artemis. Scholars have since identified
Reindeer round out a livestock popu-
marrow. “Antlers are very tender and
the skin as probably from a reindeer.
lation at the Scull family farm that in-
vulnerable during velvet growth time,
At the Sculls’ Franklin County
cludes pygmy goats, chickens, ducks,
and a broken antler tip is a huge health
farm, the reindeer have yet to take
guineas, and turkeys. The reindeer
threat to them at that point, because
flight. But even with their hooves
spend nights in their own barn and
an opening can attract flies, which can
on the ground, this merry little band
days roaming a field and lounging in
lead to deadly infections,” he says.
helps keep the magic of Christmas
the shade of large oak trees. There’s
With veins near the surface, the
alive in Missouri.
an 8-foot fence surrounding the
antlers feel warm to the touch. Nerves
Maintaining a healthy, domesticat-
reindeers’ pasture, but it’s mostly to
grow at the same rate as the antlers,
ed reindeer herd is similar to caring
keep other deer out, Jeremiah says.
so reindeer are extremely sensitive if
for other livestock, especially horses,
Contrary to their aerial reputation,
their antlers are touched while they
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reindeer don’t do much jumping.
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Now dash away! dash away! dash away all! are in velvet, Kari says. To help the
reindeer born on the farm. He arrived
herd with the velvet-shedding pro-
on April 19, 2016, weighing a mere sev-
cess, the Sculls constructed home-
en pounds. Addie and her 4-year-old
made rubbing devices from huge
sister, Audrie, named him fittingly, as
street sweeper brushes. Sometimes,
he has the whitest winter coat of the
they assist the steers by hand with
herd. Snowflake often hangs around
stripping off the velvet. Kari says they
his dad and receives plenty of atten-
spend extra care monitoring the rein-
tion from his mother, but the Sculls say
deer’s antlers, even applying Avon’s
Snowflake is the practical joker of the
Skin So Soft product on them as a nat-
family; he’s always looking for trou-
ural insect repellent.
ble. Kari says they like to tell him, “You
was unable to move. As Jeremiah
have the beauty of your mother, but
and
the orneriness of your father.”
and prepared to take him to the
Raising Reindeer The Sculls got the idea to raise rein-
Siblings
Comet,
Cupid,
Kari
consulted
veterinarians
and
University of Missouri animal hospital
deer after taking Addie to visit a rein-
Dancer joined the herd in the fall of
in Columbia, he faded faster. Finally,
deer at a local farm supply store.
2016. Comet and Cupid are the best
Jeremiah woke up Addie and told her
The family fondly remembers a
of friends, though they don’t agree
that they were going to take Prancer
pair of calves, Prancer and Sven, they
on the pleasantness of walks. Comet
to the vet and that she might want to
bought three years ago. In the summer
loves his daily jaunts, but Cupid, the
say goodbye. The Sculls gathered
of 2015, Sven contracted ehrlichiosis,
shyest of the bunch, took time to warm
around Prancer in the barn, holding
a tick-borne disease. His unexpected
up to the idea.
him and petting him. As Addie began
passing was hard on the Scull fami-
Dancer, the only other female, is
petting his head, Prancer took his last
ly. Later that year, the Sculls brought
the smallest of the herd but has the
breath. “It was like he waited for her,”
home the parents of the calves, father
most courage. She gives her brothers
Jeremiah says.
Blitzen and mother Dasher, in hopes
a run for their money when they play
Jeremiah says their daughters
of expanding the herd.
and run together, and she is always
seem to have handled the loss better
the first at the feed trough.
than the adults. When Jeremiah talked
Each reindeer has its own personality and shares a special bond with
Dancer’s best friend was Prancer,
to Addie about it, Addie was calm. “It’s
family members. Blitzen is the proud
the Sculls’ “love bug" after losing his
okay,” she told him, “I’ll just have to
king of the herd, Dasher is queen,
brother, Sven. Prancer always greeted
take his buddy Dancer on walks now.”
and a gaggle of energetic younglings
the Sculls at the farm-lot gate, ready to
For Addie and other believers who
make up the rest of the group.
go on a walk or to be at a show. The
meet members of the herd across
Blitzen is the only bull on the farm,
family showered him with hugs and
Missouri, the Sculls deliver an invalu-
and he usually stays behind at events.
kisses, and he and Addie often went
able gift. To the people who see the
He and Dasher often snuggle togeth-
on walks together.
reindeer, the animals represent the joy
er, and he looks out for her most of
In October, Prancer became sud-
all. Their son, Snowflake, is the first
denly ill. Within a matter of hours, he
The Sculls spend time every day with their reindeer and have devoted a barn to the herd. The reindeer are most active during winter mornings, when the Missouri air is chilliest.
of Santa, the warmth of the holidays, and more than a little magic.
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Snowflake
Meet the
Herd
December 1: Jefferson City Downtown Living Windows 6 PM to 9 PM
December 15: Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
December 2: Belleville Christkindlmarkt 1 PM to 4 PM
December 16: Edmundson Visit with Santa 11 AM to 1 PM
December 2: Winfield Light Up Winfield 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
December 16: St. Charles Christmas Traditions 3 PM to 5 PM
December 3: Valley Park Santa Claus is Coming to Town 2 PM to 4 PM
December 17: Belleville Christkindlmarkt 10 AM to 1 PM
December 7: St. Charles Lutheran Senior Services Breeze Park 10 AM to NOON
December 17: St. Charles Christmas Traditions 3 PM to 5 PM
December 7: Richmond City of Richmond 4 PM to 8 PM December 8: Belleville Christkindlmarkt 5 PM to 8 PM December 9: Kirkwood Museum of Transportation NOON to 4 PM December 9: Pacific Christmas on the Plaza 6 PM to 8:30 PM December 12: Granite City Illinois, Six Mile Regional Library 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM December 15: St. Clair Farmers & Merchants Bank 1 PM to 3 PM
Comet
Blitzen
December 18: Town & Country Visit with Santa at Whole Foods NOON to 2 PM December 19: Lebanon, Illinois Cedar Ridge Health Center 2 PM to 4 PM December 21: Eureka Farmers & Merchants Bank 1 PM to 3 PM December 22: Belleville Christkindlmarkt 2 PM to 5 PM
Dancer
December 22: High Ridge Farmers & Merchants Bank 9 AM to 11 AM December 24: Alton, Illinois Visit with Santa at Duke Bakery 10 AM to NOON
Cupid Dasher
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“Toys are a caricature of reality.” —play theorist Brian Sutton-Smith
oyland TA K E A P E E K I N T O S O M E O F MISSOURI’S BIGGEST TOY BOXES. STORY Martin W. Schwartz
E
very passing
holiday season brings more elab-
orate toys to be unwrapped and shared with wide-eyed children on Christmas morning. Toys and games surge onto the
shelves and airwaves as children petition Santa and parents alike for the latest must-have gizmos. In 2016, toy sales in the United States rose to $26.5 billion, according to data released by the NPD Group’s Retail Tracking Service. Toy trends—from Furby to fidget spinners—can come and go as fast as a commercial break, but what happens to the toys most beloved by generations of kids? Often dented and scratched, left musty and forgotten in a basement, some of those once-loved novelties have their own Valhalla where they are honored, revered, and immortalized for their service to childhoods and their place in our collective memory. Three museums in Missouri offer the ultimate trip down memory lane with rows of toys, games, and memorabilia from decades past. “It brings out the kid in you and opens your mind to a simpler time,” says Tom Beck, museum curator of The World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex in Branson. Take a trip back to your childhood—and your parents’ and grandparents’ childhoods—at these toy museums around the state.
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ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW BARTON
—Jean Shepherd, from the short story, Duel in the Snow, or Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid, the basis for the holiday film, A Christmas Story
43 /
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oyland
M AT C H B O X C A R S
THE MEMORY BARN BUS F LY I N G H E R O B A R B I E H O R S E
world’s largest toy museum BRANSON
The genesis of the World’s Largest
Complex is spread out over 26,000
perusing the museum’s extensive
Toy Museum Complex on Branson’s
square feet with more than one mil-
collection of items from Roy Rogers,
Route 76 would make a good epi-
lion toys on display.
Hopalong Cassidy, the Lone Ranger,
The museum has purchased col-
ing from the retail clothing business
lections from other toy museums that,
and more. The World’s Largest Toy Museum
20 years ago, Museum Curator Tom
for one reason or another, closed
also features a massive collection of
Beck and his wife, Wendy, left their
their doors to the public. Traveling
toy prizes, such as those that used to
home in Texas and traveled the coun-
across the country also allowed Tom
come packaged in Cracker Jack or
try collecting.
and Wendy to purchase some toys
accompanying a cheeseburger and
“Wendy and I would get in the
that were only available in certain
fries in a McDonald’s Happy Meal.
Land Rover or the pickup, and I’d
regions. Their discoveries give an
Visitors of all ages enjoy the ex-
say, ‘Which way do you want to go
archeologist’s perspective of time
hibits at the toy museum, and Tom
today?’” Tom says. “We’d get out
and location in the development of
says it’s not unusual to host a group
the road atlas and decide if we were
playthings.
that spans four generations. “We also
going north, south, east, or west.
“What’s nice about being the
get a lot of newlyweds and couples
Sometimes we’d be gone for a cou-
curator of the World’s Largest Toy
that come through here together
ple of weeks at a time, ending up in
Museum is that it gives you a differ-
and end up learning a lot about each
Canada, or way out east, or far out
ent perspective on different genera-
other, especially how they grew up,”
west. That 31⁄2 years we spent collect-
tions,” Tom says.
Tom says. “And many times kids will
ing and traveling was probably some
The eclectic collection ranges
start to see Dad or Grandpa in a dif-
from political and war toys to Barbie
ferent way. Sometimes I’ll tell the
The traveling paid off. Today,
sets to superheroes and science-
little ones, ‘Did you know your dad
the World’s Largest Toy Museum
fiction oddities. Western fans will love
was once this tall and used to get
of the best times of our lives.”
COURTESY WORLD'S LARGEST TOY MUSEUM
sode of American Pickers. After retir-
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SPOCK BARBIE
HOWDY DOODY
“Prepare to be overwhelmed.”—Tom Beck, museum curator
down on his hands and knees to play
and the National BB Gun Museum
with trucks?’ When you explain to a
(yes, there is a Red Ryder BB gun!).
5-year-old that their dad used to be little, it hits them for the first time.”
COURTESY WORLD'S LARGEST TOY MUSEUM
Tom says he finds many older vis-
Until the New Year, the complex holiday toys from generations past to
at coming face-to-face with the toys
Mountain Christmas celebration.
complement
Branson’s
Ozark
of their childhood, but because of
A one-day admission gets you
the memories that such an encoun-
an armband that is good until clos-
ter evokes. That’s one of the rea-
ing, but Tom suggests repeat visits.
sons you’ll find scriptures scattered
“When people are here a couple of
throughout the exhibits. “We’re a min-
hours, it’s like they’re overwhelmed.
istry disguised as the World’s Largest
When they leave, have some lunch
Toy Complex,” Tom says.
or a cup of coffee and a piece of pie,
passes many museums in one loca-
Open 9 AM to 6 PM through winter; closed Sundays & Christmas $18.92 adults; $14.45 children 7 to 17; free for children 6 and younger; $55.74 family pass (two adults and two children)
they can come back refreshed and renewed,” Tom says.
tion for one admission price. Check
The World’s Largest Toy Museum
out the Harold Bell Wright Museum,
Complex is easy to find. Look for the
where the original handwritten man-
building that looks like a spilled toy
uscript of Shepherd of the Hills is
box. The large teddy bear out front
on display. There’s also a World of
used to be in the FAO Schwarz toy
Checkers Museum, a Stearnsy Bear
store in New York City. And two huge
Museum, the Paul Harvey Museum,
toy soldiers guard the door. 45 /
ML1217_ToyMuseum.v2.indd 45
3609 West 76 Country Boulevard • 417-332-1499 WorldsLargestToyMuseum.com
will display classic Christmas and
itors become emotional, not so much
The Branson attraction encom-
Hours and Info
2017
2018
10/27/17 2:58 PM
C R A N K- P O W E R E D A N I M AT I O N M A C H I N E
was happening at a certain point in history. “Toys are a wonderful snapshot of history,” Cassie says. “If there was a war going on, you might see a lot of war toys. Homemaking and women in the home and cooking were really important, so you’ll see that in dolls and dollhouses. Whatever we held as values, what we
KANSAS CITY
up in the toys they played with.” Two women had complementary
The “toy-tisserie,” a rotating dis-
hobbies. Mary Harris-Francis collected
play of popular character toys and
old toys, and Barbara Marshall liked
games of the 20th century, is locat-
fine-scale miniatures.
ed near the entrance of the museum.
“The two ladies were friends, and
This display often sparks a lot of con-
they could go on collecting trips to-
versation, particularly when older vis-
gether because they weren’t compet-
itors bring younger ones.
ing for the same things,” says Cassie
“The museum is best experienced
Pikarsky, senior manager of market-
in a multigenerational group,” Cassie
ing and development for The National
says. “There are fabulous conversa-
Hours and Info
Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
tions that happen between parents Mary
and kids and even grandparents
5235 Oak Street • 816-235-8006 ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org
opened their first museum in a res-
and grandchildren because the ex-
idential home on the campus of the
perience really does invoke those
Open 10 AM to 4 PM daily; closed Tuesdays & major holidays
University of Missouri in Kansas City.
stories that you might not talk about
The museum currently has 33,000
otherwise.”
$5 ages 5 and older; free for kids 4 and younger; free with ID for museum members, active service members, and UMKC faculty, staff, and students
square feet with more than 72,000
COLEMAN DOLLHOUSE
“It’s a beautiful picture of our society, but through a child’s eyes.” —Cassie Pikarsky, senior manager of marketing and development
In
1982,
Barbara
and
objects on display.
In addition to the toys, the museum houses the world’s largest collec-
In the first 25 years that Barbara
tion of intricate, fine-scale miniatures.
and Mary were building up the muse-
Many visitors who come to see the
um, more than 30 toy, doll, and min-
toy exhibits end up spending hours
iature museums opened and closed
enthralled by the detail and craftsman-
throughout
ship of the miniatures, Cassie says.
the
country,
explains
Cassie, so Barbara and Mary tracked
You won’t find Ralphie’s Red
down the collections and toys that
Ryder BB Gun at the museum yet.
would have been discarded by the
Cassie says an original model of the
other museums. “They did a lot of
prized present was donated last year
work to make sure that their collection
but is not ready for display. You will
and their institution would be available
see Orphan Annie’s decoder, though.
long into the future,” Cassie says.
And every Christmas, the museum
The toy section of the museum gives visitors an indication of what
decorates its Education Programming space with a functional leg lamp.
COURTESY THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES
the national museum of toys and miniatures
wanted our children to learn, will turn
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oyland
field house museum
COURTESY FIELD HOUSE MUSEUM
S T. LO U I S
In one of its many previous lives, the
“Eugene Field had a love of
building at 634 South Broadway was
toys, and while his original collec-
known as the Eugene Field House
tion did not survive, we have been
and St. Louis Toy Museum. Today,
collecting toys over the years,” says
the Field House Museum celebrates
Stephanie Bliss, assistant director
many aspects of its long life, and
of the museum. “We display the toy
though toys are no longer featured
collection throughout the house in
in the title, the museum’s collection
different ways.”
of toys is still prominently displayed
Stephanie says the toy collection
in exhibits throughout the house. A
ranges from the 18th century to the
4,000-square-foot expansion to the
late 20th century, and the best time
original home opened last year, and
to see them is at Christmastime. “For
museum tours continue to introduce
the holidays, we decorate the histor-
visitors to the house’s unique history.
ic house, and we put our toys on dis-
Built in 1845 in a group of simi-
play more than we would during oth-
lar houses called Walsh’s Row, the
er times of the year,” she says. “We
structure was once home to Roswell
put up our historic feather tree in the
Martin Field, who represented Dred
front parlor, and we put all kinds of
Scott pro bono in the landmark US
different toys throughout the first and
Supreme Court case, Scott v Sanford.
second floors.”
Roswell’s son, writer Eugene Field,
One of the oldest items in the
was said to have been born in the
collection is a Snake in the Box from
house, though at the time of the
1780. “You would tell your friends that
house’s dedication as Field’s birth-
you couldn’t get the box open and
place, Eugene’s brother suppos-
ask them to pull on the lid as hard
edly told Mark Twain that Eugene
as they could," Stephanie explains.
had actually been born elsewhere.
“When the lid opens, the snake pops
“Officially and for the purposes of the
out. There’s a tack on the tip of the
future,” Twain purportedly said, “your
mouth that would actually give you a
brother was born here.”
‘snakebite’.”
Hours and Info 634 South Broadway 314-421-4689 FieldHouseMuseum.org Open 10 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 4 PM Sunday $10 adults; $5 children 7 to 16; free for children 6 and younger
find your own collectibles
What started as a group of toy fans getting together to buy, sell, and swap their collections has grown into one of the largest toy shows in the country. The Toyman Toy Show takes place seven times a year at the Machinists Hall in Bridgeton, bringing together more than 100 vendors on two floors in 13,000 square feet of sales space. To read more about the Toyman Toy Show, go to MissouriLife.com.
“We’re not just a toy museum. We are a historic house, and we have so many stories.” —Stephanie Bliss, assistant director
HOLIDAY TOY DISPLAY 47 /
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Y E O L D E M I S S O U R I T A V E R N S Imagine riding a horse down a dark, country road through unfamiliar hills. Look back, and see boisterous clouds clapping close behind in the fading light. It begins to rain as you crest the next hill. Down in a cozy nook among the trees stands a large cabin with a wraparound
louder as you near the door and turn the knob to escape the storm.
Early colonial America did not have much
September night in 1776. The founding fa-
infrastructure, especially the farther one
thers found themselves sharing a room “lit-
journeyed from the East Coast. Travelers
tle larger than the bed, without a chimney,
coming through would seek out settler’s
and with only one small window.”
houses and ask to stay for the night. In
As the oldest town in Missouri, Ste.
many cases, the owners of these hous-
Genevieve is home to several of the old-
es started selling lodging and supplies to
est taverns around. Established in the early
travelers, which led to the opening of inns
1700s, the town’s original occupants were
and taverns. Eventually, these inns would
primarily French, and they brought their
accept mail for postal service and became
distinctive building styles and customs with
centers of commerce and government for
them. Elsewhere throughout Missouri, oth-
sparsely populated frontier towns.
er historic taverns also remain as a remind-
Many taverns on the frontier were little more than farm cabins situated on a well-
er of that time long gone. Taverns have been replaced by ac-
traveled road. The comforts of home did
tual
not always present themselves to lodgers
buildings. Many of the buildings that
at these inns; indeed, overcrowding of-
housed taverns have disappeared over the
ten meant travelers had to share rooms—
centuries, but a few survived by transform-
if not beds—with multiple patrons. John
ing themselves into hotels, bars, museums,
Adams recorded in his autobiography an
and bed-and-breakfasts.
instance when he and Benjamin Franklin were forced to share a bed during a cold
bars,
hotels,
and
government
So put your money in your shoe and saddle your horse. It’s time for a pint.
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COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK
S T O R Y
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Y E O L D E MISSOURI TAV E R N S
The Southern Hotel
Ste. Genevieve | 146 South Third Street, 573-883-3493, SouthernHotelBB.com The building that would become the Southern Hotel was originally owned by François Vallé, the French militia commandant in charge of the upper Louisiana territory for the Spanish and later the French. He even reported to Napoleon before the Louisiana Purchase. Vallé’s friend William Clark was known to spend weeks at a time visiting him, and it’s possible he stayed at the house. After Vallé’s death, his widow sold the house in 1805 to a German man who transformed it into a hotel and saloon. It was converted into 11 apartments and outfitted with plumbing in 1950. The inn stayed under the ownership of various German families until 1986. The building was briefly unoccupied until Mike Hankins, the current owner, moved teamed up with Anna Thomure, a res-
before central heating. Visitors dine
To make sure the restorations
ident of Ste. Genevieve and a direct
and enjoy happy hour in the room
were true to its long-standing history,
descendant of the German families
that once housed the saloon.
he completed research into the build-
who ran the inn. Anna was born in the
Back in 1812, the hotel received
ing’s heritage. He used dendrochro-
Southern Hotel in 1895 and lived to be
the first pool hall permit of the west-
nology, the process of dating a piece
105 years old. She provided stories
ern frontier. The hotel’s game room
of wood by using environmental fac-
and context that helped Mike keep the
features a still-usable pool table that
tors from the annual growth rings, on
building authentic to its heritage.
was made for the St. Louis Southern
the beams of the hotel. Archeologists
The bed-and-breakfast inn is the
studied the hotel’s well, too. That evi-
longest continually running lodging
The building’s history is part of
dence suggested the construction of
house west of the Mississippi River
the draw for modern-day guests.
the building to be as early as 1790.
(excluding renovations) and boasts
There are 10 total rooms available
12 fireplaces, a nod to the days
for reservation.
For help with his research, Mike
Hotel in 1875. MARK MOORE
in and began restoration projects.
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Anvil Saloon & Restaurant
Ste. Genevieve | 46 South Third Street • 573-883-7323 • On Facebook: The Anvil Saloon Restaurant In Ste. Genevieve, it is appropriate to call the Anvil Saloon & Restaurant a “new” building. Built in 1850 as a hardware store, it was converted into a gentleman’s saloon five years later. Operation of the saloon stayed in the same family for 123 years until it was sold in 1978 to new owners who refurbished the beautiful maple floors and the historic bar. The wood bar at the Anvil went through an odyssey of its own before it was brought to the saloon. In 1855, a steamboat ran aground on a sandbar near town, and folks onboard threw out the huge bar to lighten the load. The enterprising owners of the saloon dragged the heavy pieces with oxen to the saloon where they reside to this day. A photo of the freshly acquired bar can be seen on the wall of the saloon, complete with spittoons. Today, the Anvil Saloon operates as a popular bar and restaurant. The saloon serves a wide range of menu choices and is known for the onion rings, fried chicken, and pork tenderloin.
Old Brick House Ste. Genevieve
90 South Third Street • 573-883-2724 TheOldBrickHouse.com
Down the street from the Southern
the street outside. The men ran inside
Hotel stands the oldest brick building
where DeMun, a Frenchman, was shot.
west of the Mississippi. Maybe that had
He died of his wounds and was buried
something to do with the decision to
in the nearby Catholic graveyard.
name it Old Brick House.
The Old Brick now offers a buffet
Local merchant and ferryboat
and country-themed menu. Diners to-
operator John Price built the house
day can still see an iron gate in the
in 1780. Although it’s never been
bar that is thought to have been used
proven, local legend holds that the
to separate the gentlemen’s and the
bricks used in the construction were
ladies’ sides of the bar. Until the end
brought across the Atlantic Ocean
of Prohibition, women did not fre-
from France as ballast, or heavy ma-
quent taverns unattended, lest they
terial stored in the bottom of ships to
appear unscrupulous. Those few bars
steady them.
that did cater to women often had a
The Old Brick has held many pur-
MARK MOORE
poses in its history. Over the years, it
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separate area set aside, complete with its own entrance.
has served Ste. Genevieve as a court-
The restaurant is still in operation
house, a school, a hotel, and a bar,
today and is known for its homestyle
among other roles. In 1816, when the
food, especially the fried chicken. Din-
building was being used as a court-
ers can sip cocktails at the bar, order
house, William McArthur and Auguste
from the menu, or take advantage of
DeMun got into a deadly gunfight on
the buffet.
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Y E O L D E MISSOURI TAV E R N S
Green Tree Tavern
Ste. Genevieve | 244 St. Mary’s Road Some of the oldest buildings in Ste.
each strip waterfront access, which
original French deeds are still housed
Genevieve are known as French Cre-
was a common French arrangement.
in the courthouse.
ole Colonial houses, built by French
Families were allotted one or two
During the 1920s, the Green Tree
settlers under Spanish rule in the late
strips that were typically 192 feet
was a tobacco shop. The tavern’s
1700s. These poteaux en terre (“posts
wide and one mile long.
original sign is in the Ste. Genevieve
in the ground”) style houses, which
The house was first called the
museum, the letters worn and faded
were built with vertical logs rather
Green Tree Tavern in 1807. It served
than horizontal logs, help make the
as the lodge to the first Freemasons
In March, the Missouri Depart-
town’s history even more noteworthy.
west of the Mississippi. Masonic sign-
ment of Natural Resources pur-
Only five poteaux en terre houses still
age is carved into the original posts
chased the privately owned build-
stand in America, and three are found
in the tavern’s basement. Masonic
ing. It reopened in September as
in Ste. Genevieve.
founder Lewis F. Linn became a US
a museum and event space. DNR
The Green Tree Tavern is not po-
senator, and Thomas Riddick, anoth-
officials look forward to expanding
teaux en terre style; instead it is a po-
er founder, became known as the “fa-
the museum in the next few years to
teaux sur sol (“post on foundation”).
ther of Missouri public schools.” Both
recreate a tavern atmosphere, but
The Green Tree’s vertical logs rest in
of their houses still stand in town. The
without the brews.
from centuries of use.
a wooden sill on the stone foundation, making it more stable than logs set in the ground. The Louis Bolduc House just down the street is also a poteaux sur sol. The majority of these kinds of buildings are found in French settlements such as Ste. Genevieve and Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. The Green Tree Tavern, built in 1790 by Nicolas Janis, once overlooked the fertile farm fields known as Le Grand Champ (“The Large Field”) in the Mississippi River bottoms. This farmland sent tons of flour, corn, and tobacco along the Mississippi to St. Louis and beyond. The rich land was MARK MOORE
divided into narrow strips perpendicular to the Mississippi, allowing
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J. Huston Tavern
Arrow Rock | 305 Main Street • 660-837-3200 • JHustonTavern.com With the aid of family and slaves,
Arrow Rock became a hub of culture
awarded in Missouri to protect it as a
Virginian Joseph Huston felled pri-
and political figures. Renowned artist
building of historic importance.
meval oak and walnut trees for the
George Caleb Bingham had a home
The building is in remarkable con-
timbers to build his family home in
in town. Governor Meredith Miles Mar-
dition; most of the hardwood floors
1834. He noticed the massive migra-
maduke, his son Governor John S.
are original except for the lobby and
tion of travelers through Arrow Rock
Marmaduke, and Governor Claiborne
the old dining room. Many of the orig-
down the Santa Fe Trail. He began
Fox Jackson all lived within five miles
inal doors are still in place and fea-
offering lodging and meals, and soon
of Arrow Rock. These politicians and
ture traditional Christian crosses at
the Old Tavern was born. Today, it’s
celebrities of yore likely attended balls
the top and panels at the bottom that
known at the J. Huston Tavern.
and functions at the tavern. The tavern
represent pages of the Bible. Many
also acted as the Arrow Rock post of-
of these doors still have the original
fice from 1845 to 1848.
brass knobs and locks.
Lodgers had their choice of full
EVAN HENNINGSEN
price for a bed or half price for a pallet on the floor or a spot in the attic. In the
After the Civil War, the tavern be-
The J. Huston Tavern of today is as
1840s, Huston added space for a mer-
gan to deteriorate. But in 1912, the
busy as ever and is operated by Mis-
cantile store and a ballroom. An iconic
Daughters of the American Revolu-
souri State Parks. Guests can no lon-
fish weathervane, a Christian symbol,
tion remodeled it and incorporated a
ger stay there, but the tavern remains
sits atop the cupola that houses a sal-
museum. It became a model for the
one of the oldest continuously serving
vaged steamboat bell, which the inn-
new automobile heritage tourism in-
restaurants in the West, with 180 years
keeper would ring to announce meal-
dustry, and in 1923 the Old Tavern
of food service to its name. There are
time and emergencies.
was designated a state historic site
traditional lunch and dinner menus, but
and received the first public funds
diners can also opt for family-style fare.
With the addition of the fine tavern,
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Y E O L D E MISSOURI TAV E R N S
Kelly’s Westport Inn
Kansas City | 500 Westport Road • 816-561-5800 • KellysWestportInn.com had to greet him on the sidewalk.
Kelly’s Westport Inn has been home
Kelly was known for his generally
to many businesses over the years,
friendly disdain of high society, which
including a trading post owned by
he called “the foam on top of the
Albert Boone, grandson of Daniel
beer.” Renowned American painter
Boone. Situated along the Santa Fe
Thomas Hart Benton—who famously
Trail, the building was an important
said he preferred his art be displayed
stop for many westward travelers.
“in bawdy houses and saloons”
After Prohibition was repealed in
because that’s where real people
1933, the owner converted it to a sa-
were—was a customer at Kelly’s.
loon. It has remained that way ever
The Irish word for welcome,
since. Keep an eye out for the ashes
failte, greets customers of the inn,
of a previous owner in a bottle behind
echoing Kelly’s unpretentious hos-
the bar.
pitality. Kansas City Mayor Richard
In 1947, Irishman Randal Kelly
Berkley declared March 16, 1984,
hired on as a bartender at the West-
as Kelly Day in honor of the saloon-
port Inn. Kelly became an owner of
keeper’s generosity and place in Kan-
the inn and was beloved by his ad-
sas City culture.
opted city as a man in possession
These days, a third generation of
of a warm heart and quick wit. The
Kellys runs the show. They still carry
bar developed a loyal following and
through the tradition of warm wel-
inspired many legends. It’s said that
comes and camaraderie. Bands and
on one St. Patrick’s Day in the ear-
the occasional DJs fill the bar with
ly 1960s, the visiting Lord Mayor of
music on most weekends, playing to
Dublin couldn’t even enter the inn
dancing crowds. The bar is open for
through the boisterous crowd; Kelly
revelry seven days a week.
EVAN HENNINGSEN, COURTESY KELLY’S WESTPORT INN
As the oldest building in Kansas City,
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O’Malley’s Pub & Weston Brewing Company
Weston | 500 Welt Street • 816-640-5235 • WestonIrish.com/omalleys-pub In many ways, Weston was the town
Irish Pub. O’Malley’s calls itself a
precise temperature control during
that almost was. The golden days
pub—not an all-purpose tavern— but
the brewing process. The slaves who
of Weston were between 1837 and
its rich history is worth including.
built the cellars left hatch marks that
1860 when it was the last stop before
German immigrant John Geor-
are still visible in the stones. Usually,
the great wilderness of the western
gian built the lagering cellars that
Georgian paid the slaves a salary for
frontier. Before the fickle Missou-
house the underground pub in 1842.
their work and even used the cellars
ri River shifted its banks in another
Constructed of hand-cut stones, the
as part of the Underground Railroad,
direction, it was the second-largest
vaulted cellars of Weston Brewing
where runaways mingled with his
city in Missouri.
Company were dug 58 to 60 feet
enslaved people until they could get
There is no more unique bar in
into the earth and were among the
away safely.
Missouri—if not the whole of the
first lagering cellars in the nation.
Over the years, the cellars have
Midwest—than
Brewing
Using ice from frozen rivers in the
changed hands and have served many
Company, also known as O’Malley’s
winter, the buried cellars allowed for
uses. At one time, the bottom cellar
Weston
was used to house hogs; another time it was a sort of city dump. A fire claimed the lives of several people in 1860, and it’s rumored their ghosts haunt the underground. Staff might tell you that the cellars are haunted, and some employees are reticent to walk the tunnels alone. The old vaulted ceilings of the bar curve down, adorned with antique pageantry. The high ceiling offers great acoustics. Musicians such as Bob Reeder, an Irish folk singer, often play in the large vault. The bar today features a selection of Irish whiskey, as well as a wide range of beer brewed on-site, cocktails, and wine. The kitchen offers sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and EVAN HENNINGSEN
bangers. History and beer fans can go on brewery tours, available three times an afternoon on Saturdays. Tour reservations are encouraged.
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Go beyond the bow THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
This Yuletide,
we invite you to take a break from the store aisles and give your loved ones the gift of experience. Offer them the chance to learn something new, try something they’ve always wanted to do, or create memories that will last longer than the snow on the ground. We sent writer Matt Crossman out to test a few of the classes and adventure lessons offered around the state. He climbed trees, made cheese and lotion, and orientated in the wilderness with nothing more than a map, a compass, and a few friends. If you like these ideas, check out the list we’ve compiled on pages 66 to 69 for more unique gift experiences throughout the state.
STORY Matt Crossman PHOTOS Dennis Coello
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Climb
Tall Trees The tree’s name is Willa.
conversation from memory, as even
She is a majestic red oak in Ferguson,
though my notebook and pen were in
and right now I am standing on one of
my pocket, I could not—would not—re-
her branches 30 feet in the air. I am
lease my death grip on Willa to reach
drenched in sweat, with rivulets trick-
down to get them to take notes.
ling from under my helmet. I am wear-
Here’s what I remember: Guy
ing a harness, and ropes connected
says something but I forget what it is
to it tie me to the tree. Those ropes
because I’m listening to my inner
supported me as I climbed up here. I
voice as it asks, What was I thinking
know—or should know—that because
climbing this high?
of them, there is no way I could fall. Yet still, I hold Willa as tightly as I can.
RIGHT: Writer Matt Crossman practices tying knots with the climbing ropes. BELOW: Instructor Guy Mott waits for Matt to ready himself for the next leg of the climb.
When Guy, owner of Adventure Tree in St. Louis—the only
I am on the first of multiple
adventure education com-
pitches—like the landings in a stair-
pany in the country with
well—to which my instructor, Guy Mott,
tree-climbing lessons as its
and I plan to ascend as part of my
core modality—was a boy,
tree-climbing lesson, and if I’m going
he heard the famous quote,
you know and love … or those who like to chal-
to go to the next one, I need to let go
“Youth is wasted on the
lenge themselves in new and interesting ways
of Willa. I simultaneously have zero
young.” Those words have
interest in letting go and 100 percent
shaped his life ever since.
interest in climbing higher.
GIFT IDEA: Tree-climbing or other high-flying adventure lessons PERFECT FOR: The adventuresome thrill-seeker
WHY: Sweat + exertion + new skill = big fun
“I thought, that’s some-
Something has to give.
body looking back from deep into
Guy (his first name rhymes with
their life, saying, when I was young, I
tree) asks how I’m doing. I tell him I’m
could have done more,” Guy says as
nervous, which is an understatement.
he sits at a picnic table in the shade
My fear of heights, which was absent
of Willa’s branches. “I just took that
as I climbed, has barged in, big time.
to heart. I thought, ‘I’m not going to
As I cling to the tree, Guy gently tries
waste my youth. I’m going to go out
to coax me into letting go. He wants
and do things.’”
me to trust the ropes.
When he was 17, Guy hitchhiked
But he doesn’t just tell me to trust
from the East Coast to the West Coast
them and expect me to do so. Instead,
and back; it took two months. He
he encourages me to lean back, which
drove a motorcycle at 140 miles per
will show me that the ropes will sup-
hour. He hiked the 486-mile Colorado
port me. Tentatively, I comply.
Trail, long stretches of the Appalachian
Fine, I think, the ropes work. I still ain’t letting go. Guy and I talk about what I have to do to go higher. I will recount that
Trail, and all 48 of the 4,000-foot summits in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He became a skydiving instructor and made 1,300 jumps. 58 / MISSOURI LIFE
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All of that was for fun. For work,
got to the first branch and stood on it,
he designed software. After 30 years
I froze. I stopped knowing the ropes
he decided that, gratifying though
were working and started wondering
that work may have been, it had kept
if they would.
him inside long enough. Nine years
I climbed by sight.
ago, Guy earned a master of educa-
I needed to stand by faith.
tion in adventure learning and started
I couldn’t do it.
Adventure Tree with the slogan, “Have fun, learn, grow.” Adventure
I have a sketchy relationship with heights. When I was in first grade, my
Tree
offers
tree-
family drove the length of the Florida
climbing instruction to camps and
Keys. The bridges between each is-
schools so they can start their own
land terrified me. My memory says
courses. Guy also teaches safe climb-
the other side of the two-lane bridge
ing methods to utility workers and
was an endless parade of nose-to-tail
tree-service companies.
semis going 95 miles per hour, driving
Although his tree-climbing cours-
with their tires on the centerline and
es focus on skills—how to climb the
missing us by inches. I was certain
ropes, tie knots, get the ropes up in
our van would get hit by one of those
the tree (by using a 9-foot-tall slingshot
trucks and go flying off the bridge.
that is as awesome as it sounds)—he teaches much more than that.
LEFT: Guy Mott, owner of Adventure Tree, ensures safety is a priority, so he makes sure Matt’s helmet fits exactly right. ABOVE: Matt is used to a lot of outdoor activities, but climbing trees brought him face-to-face with his fear of heights—especially when he had to swing down.
“I’m teaching people to climb, yes,
just bridges; it’s heights in general. I
but also to push and challenge them-
have somehow kept every plane I’ve
selves,” he says. “There’s something
ever flown in aloft by gripping the arm-
that accesses deep inside of people
rest and digging my toes into the floor.
when they climb up in trees. I’ve felt it
I often try to challenge that fear—
myself. I’ve experienced it. I’ve heard
I’ve gone parachuting, parasailing,
people echo it back to me. It’s very
paragliding, bungee jumping, and
subtle, but you can feel it. It enriches
mountain hiking. I apply lessons
your life. You learn something about
learned scaling mountains and jump-
trees and yourself.”
ing out of airplanes and climbing trees
One thing Guy has learned about
to the rest of my life. I own my own
is fear. He sees it swathed across the
writing business, and for most of the
faces of his students. Some people
past four years I have been the sole
show up full of confidence and freak
breadwinner for my wife and two
out halfway to the first pitch. Some
kids. That is scarier than all those oth-
people show up freaked out and
er things combined, in large part be-
somehow find the confidence to take
cause I have no choice. There are no
them to the very top of Willa.
ropes to keep me aloft, no branches
Others, like me, are a mix of the
to hold.
two. I climbed into the rope-harness
I have a choice on Willa. I could
contraption and pulled myself up to
give up, and that thought crosses my
the first pitch without fear. The climb-
mind. I look over at Guy, dangling a
ing motion involves a high step with
few feet to my left. He is smiling. I am
my foot in a loop in the rope then pull-
grinding my molars to dust. The differ-
ing myself up with my arms. I could
ence between my body language and
see the ropes working. But when I
his is the difference between Willa’s
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When I drive over bridges now, I barely glance sideways. But it’s not
2017
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Guy helps Matt steady himself to reach the next pitch, or resting point. Guy allowed Matt to conquer his fear of heights at his own pace during the climb.
I’m trapped 40 feet up, just dangling there. I was terrified half an hour ago when I was connected to the tree by the rope, lanyard, and my own death grip. Now all I have is the ropes.
trunk and a cooked spaghetti noodle. I
my harness (so I am again connected
stress of the climb, on top of the climb
can’t talk myself into going any higher.
twice), disconnect the lanyard, take a
itself, has wiped me out. My hands
But I can’t go down either.
deep breath, and start climbing again.
shake. I struggle to open the carabin-
Some adventure instructors fully
I high-step, pull, high-step, pull,
ers. My left leg spasms up and down.
understand their adventure and know
high-step, pull, up, up, up some more.
And, yes, I’m still afraid. But that fear
nothing about instructing. Guy has
I stretch my hands and feet as far as
has turned practical.
mastered both. He recognizes my dis-
they’ll go to my left to gain purchase
I start to slide down. I mess up the
tress, understands it, and doesn’t try
on the next pitch. I pull myself over
procedure, which causes the stopper
to talk me out of it. After his instruc-
and sprawl on the branch.
knot that I tied in my rope on the way
tion shows me I can trust the ropes, I
I stand up.
up to create a knot jam. I’m trapped 40
manage to let go of Willa long enough
I freeze again.
feet up, just dangling there.
to wrap a lanyard around her and con-
This time I thaw faster.
nect it to myself, one carabiner on
I do the lanyard dance again so
when I was connected to the tree by
each hip of my harness. This is the
Guy can move my rope. I perform a
the rope, lanyard, and my own death
proper procedure—Guy calls it one,
B.A.C.K. check—the safety routine
grip. Now all I have is the ropes, and
two, one. I am always, always, always,
Guy taught me in which I check the
I feel safe and secure. I finally wrench
tied in at least one way. After I connect
belt, anchor (the rope’s position in the
the knot loose and glide to the ground.
the lanyard but before I disconnect my
tree), connectors, and knots.
climbing rope, I am tied in twice. Even
I was terrified half an hour ago
I’m exhilarated, radiating energy
Ten minutes later, I’m 10 feet high-
with “climber’s high.” I walk over to
er in the tree—my third pitch—a full 55
the picnic table to jot down notes. The
I unclip my climbing rope and
feet up. I let go of Willa without Guy
adrenaline that has been rampaging
hand it to Guy. He moves it higher
suggesting it first. “I couldn’t have
through my bloodstream for the past
in the tree—so I can climb higher if I
done that 10 minutes ago,” I tell him.
hour is still on full go, so much so that I
then, I barely let go.
ever decide I want to—and hands it
I decide to quit here at the third
back to me. I reconnect the rope to
pitch. I am in decent shape, but the
have no small motor skills. I can’t read a thing I wrote.
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Make
Cheese & Lotion
GIFT IDEA: Cheese- or other product-making lessons on farms, artisan cooking lessons PERFECT FOR: Fans of history, self-reliance, and cooking, plus children and people who love animals WHY: Give a man cheese, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to make cheese, and he’ll make a pizza, and you just might get a slice.
Sandi and Keith Bentz keep 22 head of Texas Longhorn cattle at Heaven on Earth Ranch, where they offer classes such as cheese making.
Take one step
onto the farm
facility so they can pass along what
laughter was nothing compared to her
owned by Sandi and Keith Bentz, and
they have learned. They want to teach
reaction a week later when she found
you don’t have to ask why they named
people about life on a farm and about
out Sandi and Keith had named the
it Heaven on Earth Ranch. The 360-
how simple life was before it got so
calf after her.
degree view reveals rolling hills for
complicated.
miles and miles. There is no sound
I visited their farm, which is about
Longhorn cattle here and another 17 in
except that created by animals (on
an hour northeast of Kansas City, one
Illinois, plus 10 goats, and ducks, hon-
the rare occasions that helicopters or
sun-kissed Saturday to learn how to
eybees, so many chickens they can’t
planes fly overhead, they do more to
make cheese and goat’s milk lotion. I
name them all, rabbits, worms, and a
prove the silence than to detract from
brought my 10-year-old daughter with
Jersey cow for milking named Elsie.
it), and there are no smells except
me, and she helped with the cheese
Elsie provided the gallon of milk
those created by animals.
and made the lotion herself with plans
from which Sandi and I made a pound
Sandi and Keith are practitioners
to give it to her mom/my wife as a
of mozzarella. The cheese was sur-
and advocates of the homestead-
present. She laughed in delight when
prisingly easy to make. There are only
ing lifestyle and have learned by trial
she held a week-old baby rabbit and
five ingredients: milk, citric acid, ren-
and error over the last 11 years how
petted a day-old calf, for which she of-
net, salt, and water. The only “skills”
to become self-sufficient. Now they
fered a half-dozen name suggestions,
needed are the ability to measure,
are turning a building on the Heaven
all of them ice-cream related because
read a thermometer, stir, and knead.
on Earth property into an educational
the calf’s mom is named Sundae. That
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The Bentzes own 22 head of Texas
2017
We start by pouring the milk and
2018
10/27/17 5:58 PM
LEFT: Sandi and Keith keep goats on their farm, and they teach people how to make lotion from goat’s milk. BELOW: Sandi shows writer Matt Crossman how to make cheese using simple techniques.
citric acid into a giant pot and heating
cold water to cool.
it up. Then we add the rennet. Sandi
My daughter makes the lotion.
stirs the concoction with a spoon,
She loves to help my wife cook at
judging by what she sees with her
home, so she is comfortable measur-
eyes and feels with her hand through
ing the avocado oil, almond oil, phe-
the spoon when it curdles enough to
nonip, wax, stearic acid, water, and
begin the separation process. The
milk. She puts all the ingredients in
temperature is crucial, too; the goal is
the microwave, sets the timer, pulls it
105 degrees for this step.
out when it is done, and then pours it
“See the way it’s curdling?” Sandi
into the blender.
asks as the soon-to be-cheese in the
“It looks like a milkshake or
pot looks a little bit like Greek yogurt.
whipped cream,” she says as she
“It’s getting close.”
peers into the blender. “But I don’t
When it has curdled enough, I
want to eat it.” She gently touches the
pour the mixture over a colander.
button on the blender and jumps when
Sandi saves the leftover liquid, known
it whirs to life faster than she expects.
as whey, to feed to the chickens. We
She had the same reaction, times 10,
supplies, excess produce from the
transfer the “cheese” to a glass bowl
when she petted a Texas Longhorn
garden, goat’s milk lotion, and goat’s
and pop it in the microwave.
outside and he shook his head.
milk soap at a local farmer’s market.
Although Sandi and Keith pur-
Sandi lets my daughter pick the lo-
sue a simpler lifestyle, they are not
tion’s scent and the color of the plastic
anti-technology. They text and send
container. As we rub on the lotion, it
My daughter and my wife are huge
emails and have a website and
feels less greasy than most lotions I’ve
fans of the Little House books; they
Facebook page. And as we make the
encountered, and Sandi says it works
have read all of them out loud multi-
cheese, Sandi jokes, “You wonder:
particularly well on chapped heels.
ple times. As we drove home from
What did they do years ago without
The Bentzes grow or produce about 75 percent of what they eat.
Both Sandi and Keith have jobs
Heaven on Earth—after I finally con-
outside of the farm. She is a bank tell-
vinced my daughter that we did, in
Whatever they did, it took longer,
er and he is a corrections officer. In
fact, have to go home—it occurred to
that’s for sure. In part thanks to the
2006, the couple moved from Illinois
me that our day there was as close to
microwave, making the cheese takes
to this 40-acre plot in Weatherby (60
stepping into one of the Little House
less than an hour. We knead it like
miles northeast of Kansas City) to try to
books as we’ll ever get. I didn’t plan
pizza dough to squeeze more whey
get away from the harried city life. As
it that way, but I gave my daughter
out, put it back in the microwave, and
proof their lives have changed despite
the gift of spending one day like the
start over. When it is just the right tex-
still holding down “city” jobs, Keith
young Laura Ingalls spent all of hers.
ture—harder than dough but not as
adds: “People tell me I drive too slow.”
As for the cheese we made … only
hard as finished cheese—Sandi puts
Heaven on Earth sells honey,
half of it made it home. We devoured
it into a circular pan and places it in
eggs, simple household cleaning
a microwave?”
the rest.
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10/27/17 3:23 PM
I look at
the trail ahead of me,
The three of us—Lacy Mikrut, Matt
we’re going, and how to get there. We
then swivel my head toward another
Graham, and I—confer about where
must do this without any computer-
trail that branches to my left. The fork
to go next. From Point 4, we have
ized voices telling us how. This is old-
is a good sign; my trail map shows a
to find Point 3. We each pull out our
school navigation, and it’s a necessary
crisscross of trails near my destina-
compasses, place them on our maps,
skill for any serious hiker. Most places
tion at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife
and measure our “bearings”—the an-
worth hiking don’t have cell service
Area near Ozark.
gle relative to north by which we must
or signals for GPS locators. And, any-
travel to get there.
way, outdoor adventurers know bat-
The map has six points marked on it. I am tasked, along with two of my
It is mid-afternoon on a Saturday,
teries die and GPS devices can easily
and Lacy, Matt, I, and 13 others spent
be dropped, broken, or left behind. In
I am 97 percent certain that we are
all morning in a nearby church class-
case of disaster or electromagnetic
almost at Point 4. I think it’s 20 yards
room learning from renowned guide
pulse, humans need to know how to
ahead of me … but I also might be
Dan Nash. We studied how to read a
navigate without devices.
standing on it. Neither the map nor my
map, work a compass, and calculate
Matt, Lacy, and I find the same re-
ability to read it helps me know for sure.
bearings. Then Dan sent us out into
sults when we spin our compasses for
Regardless, we declare Point 4 found.
the wilderness to try it for ourselves.
a bearing reading. Another good sign.
classmates, with finding all of them.
In the forest on our own, we have to figure out where we are, where
GIFT IDEA: Orientating and survival classes
We head toward Point 3—or at least where we figure Point 3 is located. As we move, we stick to the trail.
PERFECT FOR: Hikers, campers, fans
Dan warned us—rightfully so—that we
of the outdoors, or doomsayers
were not yet prepared to go off-trail.
WHY: It’s a skill that you don’t want to find
Even as we tromp through paths that
out the hard way that you should have learned.
others have walked before us, we find more than I expect. I learn from my companions that figuring out where you are, where you’re going, and how to get there is about more than following squiggly lines on a page.
Instructor Dan Nash, right, shows students in the orientating class how to plot a course between two points on a map.
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2017
2018
10/27/17 3:23 PM
Dan Nash moved to the Ozarks when he was 7. He has two younger
slivers of the pie. Why not go look at the whole pie?”
brothers, and together they explored
For as long as she can remember,
their family’s 400-acre farm from sun-
Lacy Mikrut has loved the outdoors.
up until sundown. He learned to hike,
An elementary school music teacher,
navigate, and rock climb, and, as he
she guides summer hikes in Colorado.
grew older, his outdoor hobby turned
She is also a fitness instructor, and she
into a passion.
showed me how to better use my hik-
Eventually, he started guiding hikes, gained sponsorships from out-
ing poles and exercises to keep me in better hiking shape.
doors companies, and traveled the
Lacy seems proficient enough
world in search of incredible sum-
at using a map and compass that, at
mits and unseen views. His company,
first, I thought she was an instructor
Satori Adventures and Expeditions,
in the class. She isn’t, but she does
has led excursions all over the world,
have experience with navigation. Her
including a dozen summits of Mount
father-in-law is an Eagle Scout instruc-
Everest.
tor, and her uncle is a mountain man
Closer to home, Dan also runs HikingTheOzarks.com, the business
and Vietnam War veteran. Both have extensive orienteering knowledge.
through which he offers three cours-
But experience with navigation
es—map and compass, survival, and
is not the same thing as being able
first aid, all of which are required to
to get lost and still find your way
become a guide.
out of the woods. It takes a long time
Even as his outdoors career took
to learn that. Lacy’s participation in
off, Dan has kept his day job. He’s a
the class is more like supervised
homicide investigator for the Missouri
practice. For her, the class has prac-
State Highway Patrol, an incredibly
tical value: she has some skills but
stressful position from which the wil-
needs more.
derness gives him respite.
Lacy has mapped out a new route
While noting it’s important not to
for her guiding business, and the map-
go off-trail without proper training,
and-compass class will help take her
he says he loves going off-trail and
there. So far, the hikes she guides
finding waterfalls, rock formations,
have always been “out and backs.”
and valleys that aren’t on maps be-
That is, she returns to the cabin at the
cause few people, if any, have ever
end of the day instead of camping out
seen them.
overnight.
“We have so many awesome
With enough practice at orientat-
things in the Ozarks to see. But only
ing, she will be able to expand her of-
a small percentage of them are doc-
ferings.“I want to be sure that whoever
umented,” he says. “We have these
I take—whether it’s just my girlfriends
large, vast areas in the Mark Twain
or my family—if something catastroph-
National Forest. Most people only
ic happens, I want to be able to get
see a very, very small piece, little
them out,” she says.
ABOVE: Students started with the basics in the orientation class: how to read a compass. RIGHT: They also learned how to read maps the oldfashioned way: on paper instead of on a screen.
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Hiking
LEFT: Lacy Mikrut and writer Matt Crossman check each other’s bearing calculations. BELOW: After a morning of learning the ins-and-outs of orientating, the classmates broke into small groups and headed into the forest.
helped
Matt
Graham
years ago, my friends and I got lost on
through trauma. When Matt was 15,
the way to the top of Mount Mitchell
he was a passenger in a car accident
in North Carolina, the tallest peak east
that killed one of his friends.
of the Mississippi River. I did not know
Then, five years ago, doctors told
how to work a compass—I didn’t even
Matt and his pregnant wife, Alice, that
own one, for that matter. We re-found
their son would have no lung func-
the trail by dumb luck.
tion and would likely only live for 20 minutes. “The entire time my wife carried
than I ever expected. I expected
our beautiful boy we treated him as if
to learn how to use a compass at
he was already here,” Matt says. “Took
the class, and I did. Before I took
him hiking, to Kauai, plenty of other
the class, I saw the skill as strictly
places to ensure he was involved in
utilitarian.
everything we did.” Walker lived four
After talking with Dan, Lacy, and
days. His fifth birthday would have
Matt, I see it as an experience similar
been October 18.
to when I taught my kids how to ride
Through these dark times, hiking and being outdoors helped pull Matt
“Most people only see a very, very small piece, little slivers of the pie. Why not go look at the whole pie?” –DAN NASH, guide and orientating instructor at Hiking the Ozarks
ML1217_GoExperience.v5.indd 65
their bikes. The real benefit of the gift is the joy that results from using it.
through. “Hiking became my one time
From Dan, I learned something en-
in my life when nothing else matters,”
tirely unexpected: the joy of leaving
Matt says.
the trail. I arrived at the class with two
Now, Matt sees a chance to re-
hiking rules I would never, ever violate:
deem his heartbreak by turning his
1. Stay on the trail. 2. Bring enough
love for hiking and the outdoors
coffee. Now, I’m seriously questioning
into healing for other people. He is
No. 1. I never knew how much I was
working to start a foundation to help
missing—or really that I was missing
people suffering from post-traumatic
anything at all—until Dan described to
stress disorder—to take them hiking,
me the joy of finding unknown water-
fishing, and floating. He describes
falls and undocumented valleys.
what hiking has brought to his life
From Lacy, I learned the value
like this: “The solitude, the tranquility,
of not being content to just get by.
the opportunity to realize that life is
Before the class started, she already
what you make it—not what happens
knew the basics of what we would
to you.”
learn. But that’s not good enough for
As part of his work with others, he
65 /
My hiking partners in this class helped me navigate learning more
her. She wants to be an expert.
envisions leading hikes. To do so, he
From Matt, I learned that heal-
has to know where he is, where he’s
ing comes in many forms, and that
going, and where he’s been.
no matter how terribly lost we might
I signed up for this class because
be, there’s a way to move forward.
at least once a year I go on an over-
Maybe, if we cling to hope, we can
night hike, and I want to add orientat-
become found again. Maybe we can
ing to my skill set. On one hike a few
even find our own way out.
2017
2018
10/27/17 6:22 PM
Outside the Box Gifts TRY ONE OF THESE IDEAS FOR YOUR LO V E D O N E S T H I S H O L I D A Y S E A S O N .
FLOWER ARRANGING AT THE BLOOM ACADEMY Kansas City for anyone looking to spruce up their arranging or decorating skills. Each workshop includes instructions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice pieces. Try your hand at holiday-themed wreaths and bouquets, or learn how to craft the perfect arrangement for your windowsill. TheBloomAcademy.com
STORY Laura Heck and Meghan Lally
Some people seem to have a talent for giving gifts. On holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, they always appear with the perfect gift in hand. Then there are the rest of us. If you find yourself in a gift-giving rut, consider presenting your loved ones the gift of experience. Offer them the chance to try a hobby or practice a skill or learn something new. Whether it’s acting or glass blowing or fly-fishing sessions, there are classes for nearly everything throughout the state. Check out our list of suggestions and tips for making this gift-giving season a memorable one.
COURTESY THE BLOOM ACADEMY
The workshops at The Bloom Academy are perfect
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10/26/17 7:21 PM
IMPROVISATIONAL ACTING AT THE IMPROV SHOP St. Louis Offering several types of training and instruction, The Improv Shop lets students of every skill and comfort level take on the spotlight. Study improvisational concepts, gain stage experience, and learn the joy and technique of “Yes/And.” 3960 Chouteau Avenue • 314-652-2200 TheImprovShop.com
MATT’S CLASSES Adventure Tree 1616 Del Norte Avenue St. Louis 508-243-5957
BEER AND WINE MAKING WITH THE HOME BREWERY
AdventureTree.org
Ozark
Heaven on Earth Ranch
Add a dash of spice to your life with
24762 105th Street
these lessons on home brewing and
Weatherby
winemaking. Instructors at The Home
816-632-9031
Brewery perform demonstrations and
Heaven-On-Earth.us
answer personalized questions to folks in these classes. Learn about the
Hiking the Ozarks
equipment, techniques, and methods
Springfield
COURTESY THE IMPROV SHOP, THE HOME BREWERY, CRACKPOT POTTERY & ART STUDIO
for crafting high-quality, homemade
417-844-5834
beer and wine.
HikingTheOzarks.com
1967 West Boat Street • 800-321-2739 HomeBrewery.com
POTTERY AT CRACKPOT POTTERY & ART STUDIO Joplin The studio offers an eight-week course to get your hands molding and your wheels spinning. Select two- or threehour sessions; the cost of the class covers the price of firing and glazing your masterpieces. 3820 East 20th Street • 417-623-1455 Crackpot-Pottery.com
6 7 / DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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10/27/17 4:05 PM
SURVIVAL AND WILDERNESS SKILLS WITH SIGMA III SURVIVAL SCHOOL Sigma III offers workshops that range from an afternoon or two to weeks at a time. Check out classes in basic survival, wilderness crafting, archery, and even urban survival. The headquarters are in Mansfield, but the classes take place in several areas of the state and around the country. 1233 Highway B • 479-426-7990 SurvivalSchool.us
CLASSES IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS
If you’re itching to learn the handlettering that’s sweeping chalkboards and Pinterest boards everywhere, calligrapher Susan Houseman is here to help. She runs a calligraphy business, but she also teaches workshops on how to master the art. 859-663-6801 • 4InkSusanH@gmail.com EverAfterAndMoreCalligraphy.com
If you don’t see a local opportunity here, find classes and workshops near you by checking with: • Your local library or community center • Your parks and recreation department • Cooperative Extension Service • Missouri Department of Conservation • Local Facebook groups • Groupon • Hobby or crafts stores • Specialty shops • Community colleges • Home improvement stores • Nearby farms and nurseries • Kitchen or grocery stores • Coffee shop bulletin boards
GLASS ART AT SPRINGFIELD HOT GLASS Try out several types of glass art in various classes, including furnace glassblowing and glass bead making. Provided tools and tiny class sizes means you’ll have everything you need to start from scratch or try a new technique. 314 South Campbell Avenue • 417-868-8181 SpringfieldHotGlass.com
COURTESY SIGMA III SURVIVAL SCHOOL, FLICKR, SPRINGFIELD HOT GLASS
CALLIGRAPHY AND HAND LETTERING WITH EVER AFTER AND MORE CALLIGRAPHY
68 / MISSOURI LIFE
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10/27/17 4:07 PM
GHOST HUNTING AT THE MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY Anyone can be spooked by ghosts, but few can actually hunt for them. Along with the historical and paranormal tours offered at the Missouri State Penitentiary, experts also run a workshop that teaches you how to go about the business of hunting ghosts. Learn some
WRAP IT UP
of the basic principles and equipment used
How do you fit a phenomenal
in paranormal investigations in the three-hour
experience under the tree? Call
courses.
ahead to find out about 2018
115 Lafayette Street • 866-998-6998 MissouriPenTours.com
class schedules and arrange admission for the recipient. Some organizations will offer and honor gift certificates for classes, but there are other ways to gift the experience. Wrap up a book on the subject to study up ahead of
FLY-FISHING WITH MISSOURI TROUT HUNTER
time, or create a handmade cer-
Steelville
tificate pledging the price of ad-
Instructor Walt Fulps knows his trout, and
mission or covering child care,
he’s ready to let you in on his secrets. Walt
transportation, necessary sup-
teaches adults and children fly-fishing ba-
plies, or simply promising to hon-
sics, including several methods of casting.
or the time away.
The Fly Fishing 101 daylong class provides students with gear, lunch, and plenty of oneon-one instruction. Westover Farms, 546 Highway BB
COURTESY MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY, FLICKR, FEED YOUR VITALITY
MissouriTroutHunter.com
HEALTHY, ALLERGEN-FRIENDLY COOKING WITH FEED YOUR VITALITY . If you’re dealing with food allergies or restrictions, you know how tough it can be to find safe, healthy food to eat. Feed Your Vitality classes provide strategies, recipes, and information on tailoring individual cooking skills and time to needs. Classes include anti-inflammatory cooking and baking, family cooking, and tummy-friendly beer and wine consumption. 1821 Cherokee Street • 314-910-3324 FeedYourVitality.com
6 9 / DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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10/26/17 7:21 PM
MUSINGS ON LIFE
Ain’t Bad By Ron Marr
the shared feast of Pilgrims and Indi-
Christmas, and the dawn of a new
ans—was heavily embellished. None-
year is nigh upon us. I enjoy the first
theless, I voluntarily suspend disbelief
of these events—I’ve a thing for card-
and go with the flow; a day solely ded-
board turkeys with accordion tails—
icated to giving thanks has its heart in
and consider it the most genuine of our
the right place. I’m thankful for my tiny
holidays. The only stain that mars the
cadre of friends/family, my dogs, my
face of Thanksgiving arrives via the in-
health, the roof over my head, and that
stitutionalized insanity known as Black
I wasn’t born in Yemen, Somalia, or mid-
Friday. That tribute to greed and self-
town Manhattan. Just about anyone can
indulgence is the American version of
find something for which to be thank-
the running of the bulls. Fleet-footed
ful—you needn’t look far—but it’s nice
shoppers who avoid getting gored or
to have a specific date where even the
trampled are awarded discount pric-
simplest of good fortunes is recognized
es on store-brand flat-screens and
and celebrated.
Frankensteinian toasters that cook wienies.
RON MARR GIVER OF THANKS
As for the other two members of our triumvirate, I long ago established
Assuming you can evade the mani-
a personal boycott of December 31
acal opiate of “door-buster bargains,”
hoopla. New Year’s Eve shindigs in-
the fourth Thursday in November pro-
volve too much forced gaiety and faux
vides the perfect setting to look in-
exuberance for my tastes. People often
ward and be grateful for wonders both
behave with a manic air of contrived
small and large. If you allow yourself a
ecstasy, partly because it’s expected
philosophical view of the big picture,
but mostly because they’re snockered.
you’ll quickly appreciate—contrary to
Contrariwise, I hold Chinese New Year,
the rantings of network pundits, social
Jewish New Year (I love the traditions
media mavens, politicians, and activist
of Rosh Hashanah), and even Thai New
malcontents—that life is pretty good.
Year in high regard.
The story of the first Thanksgiving—
For the uninformed—and I swear
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANDREW BARTON
2 Out 0f 3
The holiday trifecta of Thanksgiving,
70 / MISSOURI LIFE
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2017
this is true—the premise of Thai New Year is basically a giant water-balloon fight. Thai folk douse each other with squirt guns, hoses, and sippy cups, and then engage in the ceremonial washing of dust and pigeon mementos from all the Buddha statues. That’s much cooler than watching Albino Cooper count down the dropping of a giant disco ball in Times Square.
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Christmas, though I spend it
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largely solo, holds inestimable magic for me. The concept of “peace on
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Earth, goodwill toward men,” is something to which we can all aspire (with limited success, granted). Goodwill is actually quite prevalent, and, for the truly unaware, I’m referring to something other than off-street retail stores packed with donated jackets, used blenders, and worn tennis rackets. Most people can be compassionate and empathetic when they get out of their own way and realize that unpretentious kindness is pretty easy and endlessly fulfilling. Spreading goodwill requires nothing more than a gracious word, a gentle smile, and a charitable attitude. I like Christmas for myriad reasons. The season takes me back to
Shops Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Activities 2 - 4:30 p.m. Photos with Santa • Crafts for Kids • Live Music • S’mores The Mayor’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. is an American Express Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday™ 2017.
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a time that was simpler, if not gentler.
Let’s
I still watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer every year, light scented candles, and listen to Christmas car-
Wine Winter About
ols. I enjoying giving special gifts and believe dropping a fiver in the Salvation Army bucket makes a difference.
nn 8th A
I also believe in Santa Claus, not
ual
in the allegorical sense, but as a
cause he’s coming to town.
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ML1217_Musings.v5.indd 71
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2018
10/27/17 6:29 PM
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
December Memories By Lorry Myers My father found out one April that he
what he wanted for the end of his days
soothing her curls like he did when she
had only months to live. He refused
and what he wanted for the woman he
was little. “You will know when he finds
all treatment, telling his family that he
would leave behind. He spent alone
you … you will know.”
wanted all the good days he could get
time with each family member, telling
A few weeks later, in the month of
because the bad days were coming
us stories he wanted us to remember,
December, my father passed away,
soon enough.
making us laugh so we wouldn’t cry.
leaving our family with a hole in the
My parents were married for 65
There would be plenty of time for that later.
middle of us. I am forever grateful for the hours we shared in the months be-
years and had 6 accomplished chil-
When my youngest daughter came
fore Dad passed, but still … he is gone.
dren and 11 spirited grandchildren. We
home for Thanksgiving, it was her turn.
I miss him every day.
are a close-knit clan that embraces full-
Grandpa motioned for her to come sit
Soon after, Mariah agreed to a blind
blown holidays and all-out family va-
beside him. While her friends and her
date, assuring herself she would cer-
cations, so our children grew up with
cousins were wearing rings and having
tainly be home early. She didn’t really
housefuls of cousins. In the middle of
babies, Mariah had yet to find anyone
want to go, but for some inexplicable
it all was my father, baiting hooks and
whose heart beat with hers.
reason, she did. At the door of the cho-
warming bleachers and teasing his
Grandpa was worried about it.
sen restaurant, a tall man slowly stood
grandchildren with nicknames and silly
“Hey, Pretty,” my father said, with
and gave her a wide smile; his deep
sayings. Now those grandchildren are
a rusty catch in his voice as he called
dimples and dark eyes made Mariah
all grown up, falling in love, and settling
his granddaughter her girlhood nick-
feel like she was standing in the sun.
down. In the last few years, we’ve had
name. With her hand in his, Dad
She knew. Right then, she knew.
our share of weddings and baby show-
confided to Mariah that the day he
He had found her.
ers … my family has much to celebrate.
learned he didn’t have long to live, he
This month of December, my fa-
Dad wanted us to remember that.
started praying that his last unmarried
ther’s prayers will be answered as my
There is much to be said about
granddaughter would find someone
daughter marries the one who lights up
knowing you are going, and my father
to grow old with, someone who would
her world. My family will fill the hall with
made good use of his last months.
“light up her world.”
laughter and tears and sweet memo-
Mom organized their lives through
“Be ready, little Pretty, because
new paperwork and old photographs
someone is looking for you,” Dad
while Dad talked to his children about
whispered, wiping Mariah’s eyes and
ries as we celebrate the marriage of my father’s last granddaughter. A match made in heaven.
LORRY MYERS DAUGHTER, MOM
ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW BARTON
Dad was right.
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BEEF
SPONSORED BY
always in
season
PISTACHIO-CRUSTED TENDERLOIN OF BEEF WITH AN ESPRESSOBOURBON SAUCE Courtesy Wayne Vanderwert
Farm Table
EVAN WOOD AND EVAN HENNINGSEN
W
ayne Vanderwert took up cooking for a simple reason. "I like to eat," he says. The Missouri rancher has a cattle operation just east of New Franklin where he raises SimAngus cattle, a hybrid of Simmental and Angus or Red Angus. According to the American Simmental Association, the breed was created in the late 20th century in response to demand for a crossbred animal with the superior qualities of both the Simmental and Angus breeds. Wayne says he has been raising and selling the breed since moving his operation from Madison to the New Franklin area in 2000 to be closer to his home in Columbia. Wayne's recipe for tenderloin is itself a hybrid of other recipes to which the rancher/chef has been introduced throughout the years. Served with a Bourbon Espresso sauce, Wayne says the dinner makes an elegant substitute for traditional holiday meals of turkey and ham. "We normally pair it with some oven-roasted root vegetables
like parsnips and carrots prepared with cumin, coriander, and olive oil," he says. The recipe has proven so popular that Wayne and his wife, Anita, offer it as the main course for a dinner for eight that they donate in conjunction with the Missouri Beef Council and Missouri Wines as part of an annual University of Missouri fundraiser. "We have a multicourse dinner and serve Missouri wines paired with each course," he says.
Ingredients > Beef tenderloin USDA Choice Butcher’s string or elastic bands for roasting Salt, pepper and sugar for seasoning
Dijon mustard ½ pound of roasted pistachio nut meats (after hulls removed) Olive oil Butter Bread crumbs
Directions > 1. Trim the 6-8 pound roast (search for tutorial videos online) and refrigerate. 2. Well before your dinner, remove the trimmed roast from the refrigerator. Fold 3 inches of the small end back on itself and secure with a couple of ties. Tie the rest of the cut with 3 or 4 ties or bands. Season it with salt, pepper, and sugar. 3. Let it rest and come to room temperature. 4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and roast for 20 minutes. 5. Coarsely chop the pistachio meats, add olive oil, butter, and fine bread crumbs to bring the nuts to a sticky paste consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. 6. Remove tenderloin from the oven and discard all of the ties. 7. Brush the top and sides of the tenderloin with Dijon mustard (serves as the glue for the crust). Pack the top and sides with the pistachio mixture. 8. Return to the 400-degree oven for 20-25 minutes and pull it from the oven when a meat thermometer registers 125 degrees in the thick end. 9. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. 10. Slice and serve with Espresso-Bourbon Sauce.
ESPRESSO-BOURBON SAUCE Ingredients > ½ cup bourbon 2-3 tablespoons of a ½ cup maple syrup brewed shot of ½ cup low-sodium soy espresso or really sauce strong coffee 2 tablespoons lemon 1 tablespoon cold juice butter 1/8 teaspoon pepper Directions > 1. In a small saucepan combine the bourbon, maple syrup, soy sauce, lemon juice and espresso coffee. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring periodically until sauce thickens. Yields about ½ cup. 3. Just before serving add the cold butter and pepper. 4. Serve warm sauce over tenderloin. 7 3 / D4E C/ EMMIBS ES R O U2 R 0 I1 7L/ IJ F AE NUARY 2 018
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say Cheese! G O C R O P T O C O W T O C H E E S E W I T H T H E H E M M E FA M I LY.
Flanked by fields and barns at the end of a country lane, David and Janet Hemme’s well-kept, turn-of-the-century home in Saline County is still at the heart of the 180 acres they purchased in 1987, not far from a compost barn sheltering a herd of 150 milking cows.
the gravel road just north of Sweet Springs and one of many long-standing farms in the community. For more than a year, though, David and his four sons—Jon, 33, Nathan, 31, Michael, 28, and Aaron, 23— have been turning milk into handcrafted artisanal cheese in that outbuilding, which now serves as the headquarters of Hemme Brothers Farmstead Creamery. STORY Susan Atteberry Smith
COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
Besides a new outbuilding, locals driving past may not notice anything new at the dairy, a familiar landmark on
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LEFT: Work begins long before sunup at the Hemme Brothers Farmstead Creamery. No matter what, 150 dairy cows—mostly Holsteins, with a few Brown Swiss and Jerseys—must be milked at 5 AM and 5 PM. BELOW: The Hemme brothers, from left, Aaron, Jon, Michael, and Nathan help run the creamery.
COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
LEFT: Several Hemme brothers grow crops to feed the cows that produce the milk for cheese products such as aged cheddar. The creamery also produces curds and quark, a German-inspired product that resembles a tangy cream cheese.
RIGHT: The Hemmes still sell milk they collect from their dairy cows, but they hope to transition to using all the milk for cheese production.
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As urban foodies sample the creamery’s aged cheddar, cheese curds, and German quark at specialty shops and area farmers’ markets, the Hemmes are finding early success in an agricultural niche they hope will keep their family farm thriving for future generations. They’re selling three times as much cheese as they expected to sell when is the very essence of the farm-to-
according to Sarah Alsager, commu-
summer, Hemme Brothers quark—a
table movement. They feed their
nications director for the Missouri
soft-spread cheese with the tang of
dairy cows with crops grown on the
Department of Agriculture (MDA).
yogurt—won a first-place award at the
family’s acreage. Then, they make
Missouri remains among the top
American Cheese Society’s national
cheese out of the milk from the cows.
half of milk-producing states, accord-
competition in Denver. The Hemme family’s creamery
Their plan is simple, says Nathan,
ing to the MDA, yet US Department
the creamery’s manager. “As the busi-
of Agriculture (USDA) dairy cow in-
ness continues to grow and as the
ventories also show that the number
market tells us to make more cheese,
of milk cows on farms dropped by 60
we make more cheese.”
percent from 1990 to 2014.
As he explains this, he stands over
ABOVE: Marketing their artisanal cheese has taken the Hemmes to regional farmers’ markets and area specialty shops. Bright labels designed by a Kansas City firm call attention to the products.
a gleaming stainless-steel cheese
Boom to Bust
vat in a spotless white room. When
David and Janet had suffered the
the creamery opened, the Hemmes
sting of a sudden market change in
made one batch of cheese every
the early 2000s—and they didn’t
other week. Now, they pump 3,000
care to experience it again. As long-
pounds of fresh milk from a bulk tank
time hog farmers who also grew row
for a new batch of cheese three to
crops, they lost about $300,000
four times a week, Nathan says.
in 18 months when corporate hog
“It’s a start,” he says.
farms began to proliferate. The price
The Hemmes have milked cows
of pork in the oversupplied market
since the mid-1990s, but making
dropped precipitously before they
cheese is a new enterprise—and an
were able to sell their hogs and make
uncommon one that puts them among
the transition to dairy farming.
only 18 cheese plants in the state,
“We had one (kid) in college,
ABOVE: Cheese-making days can begin as early as 3 AM for Nathan, the creamery’s manager. A federal grant helped fund the building and a lot of the stainless-steel equipment, including this cheese vat.
COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
the creamery opened in 2016. Last
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COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
FROM TOP: Nathan and employee Jeremiah Brandt toss curds by hand, separating them from whey. Cheesemaking is “pretty simple to a certain point, and then it’s a lot of back-breaking work,” Nathan says. He adds vegetable enzyme to the pasteurized milk, which causes it to coagulate. The Hemmes used to raise hogs, but they transitioned to a dairy after experiencing losses in the early 2000s.
two in high school, two in elemen-
sons—all farmers—and their fami-
along just in time—as Nathan and
tary school,” says 59-year-old David
lies. The Hemmes’ only daughter,
Jon married and became fathers
Hemme. “That will make you right
Elizabeth Gifford, is a social worker
themselves, and as Michael and
there scratch your head a little bit.”
living in nearby Concordia.
Aaron graduated from college and
The children went on to become col-
The Hemme family has lived and
lege graduates—all with College of
farmed in the same township north
In 2014, a USDA Value Added
the Ozarks degrees—except Aaron,
of Sweet Springs since 1848, Nathan
Producer Grant provided the family
who studied animal nutrition at
says. “We’re deeply rooted here, and
with funds to expand the dairy into
Northwest Missouri State University.
it’s what our family has always done,”
a creamery. The creamery is still
When the market changed again
he says. The farm of David’s parents,
secondary to the dairy itself, but the
a few years ago, the Hemmes knew it
Roy and Dolores Hemme, is about a
family hopes to eventually use all of
was time for another gear switch. The
decade shy of becoming a Missouri
the milk produced on the property
family needed “to get more creative
Century Farm.
in cheese making rather than sell-
than just milking cows,” Nathan says. Nathan took a University of Wisconsin-River
“It seems the general public is wanting to know where their food
ment and agricultural grants that aid
comes from,” Nathan says of the
ly decided income from the dairy
small family farms trying to compete
farm-to-table
alone couldn’t support the Hemme
with corporate producers came
just want to know it’s not coming
after
the
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Family Plan Fortunately, the farm-to-table move-
course
cheese-
ing milk.
fami-
making
Falls
came back to the farm.
2017
movement.
“They
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FROM TOP: Janet and David Hemme knew they needed to get more creative than just milking cows. They had five children to put through school, and now those children have families of their own; Nathan’s wife, Ashley, holds their daughter, Jules. Michael checks a hay bale that will feed the cows.
from some large corporation—even though those large corporations are owned by small dairy farmers
ABOVE: The farm-to-table movement is a way of life as well as a business model for the Hemme family.
like us, but a lot of people just don’t know that.” The Hemmes are proud of their free-range cows that give milk without bovine growth hormone injections and their eco-friendly compost barn. The family members enjoy sharing their process with consumers at places such as the Columbia Farmers Market. Often, customers wonder why the Hemmes’ natural cheddar is the color of cream and not a golden orange like the dyed-forconsistency brands found at the supermarket. “People want that kind of relationship with their food, with their farmer,” Nathan says.
tant Neville McNaughton—a former New Zealand cheese maker known as “Dr. Cheese”—and the marketing expertise of Kansas City firm Sullivan Higdon & Sink, creators of the creamery’s hip orange-and-black logo and labels. “There’s a lot to learn beyond farming,” Nathan says. Each of the brothers brings his own agricultural
COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
The family has benefited from the advice of St. Louis cheese consul-
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COURTESY HEMME BROTHERS FARMSTEAD CREAMERY
Another workday ends on the 180-acre farm. The family has lived on the property since 1987, but the Hemmes’ roots in the community run deeper— back to 1848. By changing with the times and transitioning to making artisanal cheese, they hope to keep the farm thriving for generations to come.
and business expertise to the farm,
walked out of the house with a pair
yet they also say marketing their
of pliers on my belt,” David says,
Agricultural experts say making
products has posed new challenges.
referring to the simple, all-purpose
specialty products such as artisanal
Nathan could be up to his sanitized
tool of many a farmer. Now, he’s just
cheese can help small family farms
elbows in cheese curds early in the
as likely to rely on his sales skills,
survive in today’s economy.
morning, then ordering labels in the af-
whether setting up booths at fes-
For the Hemmes, though, the
ternoon before he and his wife, Ashley,
tivals or delivering products to re-
true value-added product may be the
gather their three young children from
tailers in Sweet Springs, Hermann,
chance to work and live closely to-
day care and school and head home to
Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, and
gether in the years ahead.
their own farm near Emma.
Columbia (see where to find the
“It’s still kind of hard to wrap your
products at HemmeBrothers.com).
David admits he’d still much rather be hauling corn to market in-
mind around right now,” says Jon, a
Meanwhile, the hard work of farm-
stead of cheese, but when he turns
father of two who grows row crops
ing hasn’t gotten easier. Cows still
around at their Lutheran church on
at his Emma farm and helps brothers
must be milked at 5 AM and 5 PM.
Sunday to see all five of his children,
Michael and Aaron raise and care for
Their classic John Deere tractors
their spouses, and his and Janet’s six
the heifers. “It’s just so new.”
don’t fix themselves. The job of hand-
grandchildren behind him, he knows
tossing cheese curds, Nathan says,
life is good.
But, as their father points out, life is change. “Every morning for 40 years, I 79 /
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begin as early as 3:30 AM.
is the backbreaking part of what he
“It’s a helluva lot of work,” he says,
does on cheese-making days, which
“but it’s amazing how far we’ve come.”
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French Macarons
with Almond Quark Buttercream The French call these light cookies “macarons” and Americans say “macaroons.” We call them delicious, especially with almond-flavored quark buttercream. Makes 20 macarons
4 large egg whites (room temperature) 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar 11⁄2 cups almond flour
13⁄4 cups powdered sugar 1 drop pistachio extract 1 drop rose extract 1 drop lemon extract Food coloring (green, pink, yellow)
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the cream of tartar and granulated sugar and whip to firm peaks. 2. Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Add the sifted ingredients to the whipped egg whites and fold in gently.
4. Line three cookie sheets with parchment paper. 5. Place the first colored mixture into a piping bag and pipe circular macarons about 1½ inches in diameter. Repeat on other cookie sheets with the other colors. 6. Let macarons dry for 1 hour before baking to form a crispy top and help them rise evenly when baking. 7. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. 8. Allow to cool on the cookie sheets, and then place in the refrigerator until ready to sandwich with the buttercream.
Recipes by Cynthia Hulé
Almond Quark Buttercream 3⁄4 cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar
1 drop almond extract 1 cup quark cheese (room temperature)
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar. 2. Once combined, add the almond extract and slowly whip in the quark at low speed. 3. To make handling easier, refrigerate the buttercream for at least 20 minutes before spreading onto the macarons.
EVAN HENNINGSEN
3. Separate the batter into thirds and place in separate bowls. Into the first bowl, add the pistachio extract and the green food coloring. In the second bowl, add the rose extract and the pink food coloring, and in the third bowl add the lemon extract and the yellow food coloring.
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Quark Tartine
Visit the completely redesigned MissouriLife.com for more recipes, such as
Quark Potato Salad
Classic Poutine – and –
Hasselback Potatoes – and –
Hot Cheese Curd Beer Dip and many, many MORE!
Poached Pears
Red Wine Poached Pears
Quark Potato Salad Butter-tossed yellow potatoes dressed with a fresh, creamy quark and yogurt dressing, brightened with lemon and fresh herbs
with Whipped Quark
Dark poached pear, poaching liquid reduced into a sauce, served whole, with sweetened and whipped vanilla quark
Serves 6
Serves 4
1 bottle dry red wine (Merlot, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon) 1⁄3 cup sugar 3 whole cloves 1⁄4 inch slice of fresh ginger
4 large firm pears, peeled 1⁄4 cup heavy cream ¼ cup powdered sugar 1⁄2 cup quark cheese 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, and spices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and drop in the pears. Simmer the pears in the liquid for 30 minutes, until a knife easily pierces through the pear. Be sure to flip the pears so that all sides soften evenly. 2. Once poached, remove the pears and reserve the liquid to make the wine syrup.
EVAN HENNINGSEN
3. Reduce poaching liquid by simmering on medium heat until it turns a viscous caramel consistency and yields about 1 cup syrup. 4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks.
1⁄4 cup mayonnaise Juice of 1 lemon 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh dill 1⁄4 cup chopped parsley Edible flowers (optional)
1. In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife. 2. Drain the water and add the butter, salt, and pepper to the pan. 3. Toss the potatoes until the butter melts, and then set aside to cool. 4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the quark until smooth. Add the yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice and mix on low speed. Fold in half of the chopped herbs. 5. Toss the cooled potatoes in the dressing and place into a large serving bowl. Top the potato salad with the remaining fresh herbs.
with Roasted Vegetables Thick slices of sourdough bread spread with spiced quark and topped with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts Serves 6
1⁄2 cup quark cheese 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon garam masala 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper 12 small brussels sprouts, halved
1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced Olive oil Salt and pepper 6 slices sourdough loaf bread 1 teaspoon chopped green onion
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the quark on medium speed until smooth. Add the spices and mix until combined. The spiced quark can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble the tartines. 2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 3. Place the prepared vegetables in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Remove from oven. 4. Slice sourdough bread lengthwise and grill under the oven broiler until golden brown. Allow to cool.
5. Add the sugar and whip to firm whipped cream consistency.
5. Assemble the tartines by spreading the quark onto the grilled bread and placing the roasted vegetables on top. Garnish with chopped green onion.
6. Slowly whip in the quark and add the vanilla. 7. Serve whipped quark on poached pears right away, or keep chilled until ready to serve. 81 /
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10 small yellow gold potatoes 2 teaspoons butter 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 cup quark cheese 1⁄4 cup yogurt
Quark Tartine
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Life
S pe c i al P ro m o ti o n
Financial
J. Bryan Allee is the Chief Fiduciary Officer at Central Trust Company.
According to a study in 2016, the average US household carries $16,748 in credit card debt, $28,948 in auto loans, and $176,222 in mortgage debt. Total consumer debt is approximately $12.58 trillion. For those of us doing estate and financial planning, it isn’t difficult to see that dealing with what you owe is as important as what you own. What happens with a person’s debts when they die? Generally, this depends on the type of debt involved (secured or unsecured) and who borrowed it. “Secured” debts (loans made where the lender takes a security interest on the property) run with the property and survive the death of its owner(s). So, for example, a house with a mortgage or line of credit secured by the home transfers at the owner’s death to the persons who acquire it by death. In the case of joint owners, like a husband and wife, when one partner dies, the surviving spouse acquires the house and the debt that runs with it. In the case of property owned in a trust, the beneficiaries of the trust acquire the property subject to the mortgage, and, generally, the trustee of the trust arranges for making payments on the mortgage with other trust assets until the house is sold and the net proceeds distributed to the beneficiaries. In the case of property that passes by a “beneficiary deed” or “transfer-ondeath deed,” it is the beneficiaries who generally have the responsibility to pay any debt running with that property until it is sold. The beneficiaries can agree among themselves as to exactly how to handle debt and other expenses on the property until it is sold and the debt is paid. Otherwise, creditors can seek legal action against beneficiaries of “transferon-death” property in probate court to try and collect. “Unsecured” debt is trickier in terms of the death of the borrower. For those
who have joint credit card accounts, for example, in most situations, the surviving borrower will be responsible for any charges made by the deceased borrower. When an unsecured debt involves only one borrower, the debt becomes part of his or her estate and is technically subject to the rules of the state regarding probate. And since the debt is part of the estate, it is payable only with estate assets. However, in probate, there is a very formal procedure that the law demands in order for a claimant (a lender in probate terms) to be entitled to payment of the debt from the estate. The claim must be filed with the probate court within a certain period of time (usually no later than six months after the publication of notice of the opening of the estate), reviewed by the Personal Representative of the estate, and, depending on the type of estate involved, approved by the court before it can be paid. The probate law also ranks certain types of claims as having higher priority of payment than others—for example, funeral expenses and taxes have higher priority than any judgments or “other claims” (i.e., unsecured debts) against the decedent. Similar rules also apply to trustees of trusts. Trustees can also publish notice of the death of a settlor of a trust, which
“starts the clock” for creditors to present their claims for payment under the “sixmonth rule.” Depending on the terms of the trust document, trustees also usually have wide latitude in the payment of the deceased settlor’s creditors as well as other expenses of administration, taxes, and other claims. What happens if there are no assets in the probate estate to pay the claims? Then, in those instances, the lender could be out of luck. Beneficiaries or heirs of an estate do not have a personal obligation to pay the debts of a decedent unless the rules regarding probate are followed. Some probate assets—such as household furnishings and cars of a certain marginal value—pass to the heirs of the estate and are exempt from claims. Given all of these protections, creditors often are willing to compromise the amount of their claims in order to avoid the cumbersome process of probate and get some immediate cash to satisfy their claims. A Personal Representative or trustee of a trust should be aware of this and use the law to their best advantage, working with an experienced attorney, to compromise debts and provide additional value to the beneficiaries of an estate or trust.
ADOBE STOCK
By J. Bryan Allee
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HOW DO I KNOW MY FINANCIAL ADVISOR IS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR MY BEST INTEREST?
THE FIDUCIARY STANDARD
Central Trust Company adheres to the “Fiduciary Standard”; therefore, we always act in the best interest of our clients regardless of the type of account or relationship. Does your financial advisor do the same or are they merely meeting the “suitability standard?” You can always rely on Central Trust Company for unbiased advice and customized investment solutions. Call or visit us online today to learn how our free-from-conflict investment selection process and adherence to the “Fiduciary Standard” will make a positive impact on your financial future. WEALTH & RETIREMENT PLANNING | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | TRUST & ESTATE SERVICES
WWW.CENTRALTRUST.NET ST. LOUIS | KANSAS CITY | SPRINGFIELD | COLUMBIA | JEFFERSON CITY | LAKE OZARK 8 3 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
december 2017 & january 2018
2017
THESE LISTINGS ARE CHOSEN BY
OUR EDITORS AND ARE NOT PAID FOR BY SPONSORS.
EV E N T S , F E S T I VAL S
& FUN
Peter Pan
DEC. 3, ARROW ROCK
Join the folk duo Dave Para and Cathy Barton for a performance of traditional Christmas hymns and carols. This is their 41st holiday concert in Arrow Rock. Federated Church. 3:15-6 PM. Goodwill offering collected. 660672-2229, ArrowRock.org
DEC. 1-3 AND 8-10, MEXICO
CENTRAL
You will never want to grow up after enjoying this timeless classic. Presser Performing Arts Center. 7 PM Fri.-Sat.; 2 PM Sun. $6-$20. 573-5815592, PresserPAC.com
Living Windows DEC. 1, JEFFERSON CITY
A tradition for more than 20 years, this event features storefronts and windows that come alive with dancers, singers, and religious and holiday themes. Enjoy a hayride through the streets, a visit with Santa Claus, carolers, and refreshments. Downtown. 6-9 PM. Free. 573-291-3524, VisitJeffersonCity.com
Tours of the Governor's Mansion DEC. 1-2, JEFFERSON CITY
During this annual special tradition, the governor and his wife meet with all who come to tour the beautifully constructed mansion. Missouri Governor’s Mansion. 6-9 PM Fri.; 10 AM-noon Sat. Free. 573-230-3118, VisitJeffersonCity.com
Christmas in Historic Boonville DEC. 2, BOONVILLE
This holiday celebration features a parade, a market with holiday arts and crafts, decorated home tours, a Night In Bethlehem event, and a theatrical performance. Downtown. 9 AM-8:30 PM. Costs vary. 660-8823967, GoBoonville.com
Christmas California Style DEC. 2, CALIFORNIA
Stop by the local businesses for refreshments, discounts, drawings, and prizes. Then stick around for the lighted parade and a visit from
Santa and Mrs. Claus. Throughout town. 8 AM-7 PM. Free. 573-7963040, CalMo.com
Christmas on the Square DEC. 2, CAMDENTON
Celebrate this family-friendly event that features games, hot chocolate, a school choir, live animals, and a visit from Santa. Courthouse lawn. 10 AM-1:30 PM. Free. 800-769-1004, CamdentonChamber.com
Red Wagon Christmas Parade DEC. 2, CENTRALIA
Come out to see the decorated red wagons on parade, enjoy the gingerbread house display, have breakfast with Santa and his helpers, and take home some treats from the Jingle Bell cookie sale. Downtown. 7:30 AM-noon. Free. 573-682-2272, CentraliaMoChamber.com
COURTESY DAVE PARA
Christmas Concert with Family and Friends
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
USA Climbing Regional Championship DEC. 9, MARYLAND HEIGHTS
Come out to cheer on more than 150 young climbers from the Midwest as they compete. Upper Limits. 9 AM-4 PM. Free for spectators; $34-$60 to compete. 314-991-2516, UpperLimits.com
Great Gatsby Murder Mystery DEC. 2, HALLSVILLE
Join the fun at this murder mystery dinner theater with great costumes from the 1920s era, interactive clues, and a fireworks finale. Victorian Country Inn. 6-8 PM. $49-$59. 573819-2000, VictorianCountryInn.com
A Winter Wonderland DEC. 2-31, JEFFERSON CITY
This drive-through display features choreographed lights synced to holiday music. Binder Park. 5:309 PM Tues.-Wed.; 5:30-10 PM Fri.Sun. $15-$35 per vehicle. 573-6346482, VisitJeffersonCity.com
COURTESY CHRIS LEE
Missouri and the Great Migration
Winter Concert
Christmas Homes Tour
The Lake Area Community Orchestra will take on your favorite holiday music at this performance. Royal Theatre. 7 PM. Free, but donations are encouraged. 573-378-6226 TheRoyalTheatre.com
Follow the map on this self-guided driving tour of six decorated homes in the Chamois, Morrison, and Pershing area. 1-5 PM. $10. 573-301-5134, VisitChamoisMorrisonMo.com
DEC. 10, VERSAILLES
Lighted Tractor Parade DEC. 15, CENTRALIA
The parade features lighted, decorated tractors at this holiday festival, and there will be food trucks on the square. There will be a Christmas Market with arts and craft vendors and visits with Santa and his reindeer. City Square and Downtown. 5-8:30 PM. Free. 573-682-2272, CentraliaMoChamber.com
DEC. 6, JEFFERSON CITY
Old Tyme Christmas
Learn about the Great Migration, which was the movement of nearly six million black Americans who migrated from the South to the northern industrial centers, changing Missouri’s demographic and racial landscape. Missouri State Museum. 7 PM. Free. 573-522-6949, MoStateParks.com
There will be a historic church tour, children’s holiday craft activities, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his helpers, and vendors with holiday items at this old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Throughout town. 9 AM-4 PM. Free. 573-346-7191, CamdenCounty Museum.com
DEC. 16, LINN CREEK
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DEC. 17, CHAMOIS
2017
Evensong
DEC. 21, MEXICO
This annual holiday tradition features a performance of the Missouri Military Academy's band. Memorial Chapel at Missouri Military Academy. 6:30 PM. Free. 573-581-1776, MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org
Bridal Spectacular
JAN. 7, JEFFERSON CITY
Nearly 80 vendors featured will help you plan any style of wedding. The Linc. Noon-4 PM. $5. 573-338-2266, VisitJeffersonCity.com
Show Us Your Talent
JAN. 27, VERSAILLES
Enjoy the local talent or, better yet, show off your own talent. Royal Theatre. 7 PM. $5-$10. 573-378-6226, TheRoyalTheatre.com
S T. L O U I S
Santa Arrives on Amtrak DEC. 1, WASHINGTON
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the train to take photos with children. Depot. 5-6 PM. Free. 636-239-1743, DowntownWashMo.org
The Magic Wish DEC. 1-31, ST. LOUIS
This marionette show features Tad, Santa’s head elf who wished toys came to life. The Kramer Marionette Theatre. 10 AM and 1 PM Mon.-Sat. $12-$14. 314-531-3313, KramerMarrionetts.com
Weihnachtsfest
DEC. 2-3 AND 8-9, HERMANN
Celebrate a 19th-century German Christmas with traditional music, decorations, and German Christmas cookies. Deutschheim State Historic Site. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 573-8862200, MoStateParks.com
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
Candlelight Reading
Meet Santa’s Reindeer
Missouri and the Great War Exhibit
Enjoy a special reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas with a musical accompaniment. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. 6:30-8:30 PM Free. 636-940-3222, MoStateParks.com
Meet live reindeer and hear funny stories about these beautiful animals. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. 3-5 PM. Free. 636-940-3322, MoStateParks.com
This traveling exhibit from the Missouri Humanities Council explores the history of World War I through the perspective of Missouri and Missourians. C.H. Cozean Library on the campus of Mineral Area College. 7:30 AM-7:30 PM Mon.-Thurs.; 7:30 AM-4 PM Fri. Free. 573-5182307, MineralArea.edu
The Spirit of Christmas
DEC. 7-9, STARKENBURG
This unique holiday concert features mezzo-soprano Carrie KirchoferTilly and organist Jonie Loehnig on an 1860 Pfeffer pipe organ. St. Martin's Church. 2:30 PM. $3-$7. 573690-7779, VisitHermann.com
Step Through the Past DEC. 8-9, CHESTERFIELD
Experience the holidays of the past, from the 1860s to the 1960s. Explore how the holiday season has changed over time and how events in history shaped the celebrations by taking a stroll through the adorned rooms. Refreshments will be served. Faust Historic Village. 6-9 PM Fri.; 5-9 PM Sat. $5-$12. 314615-8328, StLouisCo.com
Say Cheese Wine Trail DEC. 9-10, HERMANN
Follow the trail to seven wineries that explore the marriage of wine and cheese with samples at each stop. Hermann Wine Trail. 10 AM5 PM Sat.; 11 AM-5 PM Sun. $30. Advanced reservations required. 800932-8687, HermannWineTrail.com
Holiday House Tour DEC. 10, WASHINGTON
Take a self-guided tour of local homes and businesses decorated for the Christmas season. Throughout town. 4-7 PM. $10. 636-239-1743, DowntownWashMo.org
Capitol by Candlelight
DEC. 16-17, ST. CHARLES
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
DEC. 31, MARYLAND HEIGHTS
Ring in the new year with a huge fireworks display, and then take a carriage ride around the Plaza. Westport Plaza. 6-9:30 PM. Free. 314-576-7100, WestportSTL.com
The Marvelous Wonderettes
JAN. 3-28, ST. LOUIS
This irrepressible quartet of young women perform a stacked playlist from the prom in 1958 to the reunion in 1968. The Repertory Theatre. Showtimes vary. $18-$89.50. 314-968-4925, RepStL.org
Identi-TEA
JAN. 12-MAR. 18, ST. LOUIS This teapot exhibit draws from the interpretations and the artists’ expressions of identities. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments at an artists reception on Jan. 12 from 6-8 PM. Craft Alliance Center. 10 AM-5 PM Tues.-Thurs.; 10 AM-6 PM Fri.-Sat.; 11 AM-5 PM Sun. Free. 314-7251177, CraftAlliance.org
Food and Wine Experience
JAN. 26-28, ST. LOUIS
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents this fundraiser that showcases more than 900 wines to taste and a variety of culinary delights to be sampled. The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel. 7-10 PM Fri.; noon-5 PM Sat.-Sun. $40-$300. 314968-4925, FoodAndWineStL.org
DEC. 15, ST. CHARLES
Period-dressed interpreters tell tales of early St. Charles and Missouri’s road to statehood. There will be refreshments served, and you can tour the historic Capitol by candlelight. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. 6-8 PM. Free. 636-940-3322, MoStateParks.com
DEC. 1-JAN. 4, PARK HILLS
Pianos with a Purpose
SOUTHEAST
Historic Site. 6-8:30 PM. Free. 573-748-5340, MoStateParks.com
Sweater Stockings Family Concert DEC. 2, CAPE GIRARDEAU
This family holiday tradition features a variety of holiday classics. Bedell Performance Hall. 10:30 AM and 2 PM. Free. 573-651-2265, RiverCampusevents.com
The Nutcracker DEC. 8, CAPE GIRARDEAU
The Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s creation of this holiday classic showcases exquisite dancing, stunning costumes, and magical settings. Bedell Performance Hall. 7:30 PM. $29-$39. 573651-2265, RiverCampusEvents.com
JAN. 27, PACIFIC
Candlelight Tours
This fundraiser features dinner and a performance by the dueling pianos provided by Spanky Entertainment. Eagles Hall. 5 PM. $30. 636271-6639, PacificChamber.com
Enjoy an 1860s Victorian Christmas with a candlelight tour, decorated trees, 1860s-style ornaments, and refreshments. Hunter-Dawson State
DEC. 8-9, NEW MADRID
DEC. 9, POPLAR BLUFF
Kids can bring an old sweater, cut out a stocking pattern, sew it together with yarn, and decorate it at this art class. Margaret Harwell Museum of Art Annex. 10 AM-noon. $10. 573686-8002, MHAM.org
Le Reveillon
DEC. 10, STE. GENEVIEVE
Catch the spirit of the French Christmas at this celebration that highlights the music, food, customs, and decorations of an early French Christmas. You can enjoy tasting the yule log cake and listening to historical dulcimer music. Felix Valle State Historic Site. 1-6 PM. Free. 573-8837102, MoStateParks.com
Bootheel Regional Photography Show
JAN. 9-FEB. 27, SIKESTON
This judged show has a juvenile and adult division and is open to any artists in a 150-mile radius.
COURTESY BRIAN GRUBBS
DEC. 6, 13, AND 20, ST. CHARLES
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Depot Museum. 10 AM-4 PM Tues. Sat. Donations accepted. 573-4819967, Sikeston.net
Bluegrass Festival
JAN. 25-27, FRUITLAND
Listen to several bluegrass bands at this music festival. Bavarian Halle. 7-10 PM Thurs.; 2-10 PM Fri.; 1-10 PM Sat. $10-$30. 314-368-4418, VisitCape.com
SOUTH CENTRAL
Christmas in the Park DEC. 15-23, ROLLA
Lighted Christmas Parade DEC. 2, DIXON
Ring in the holiday season with a lighted parade featuring lighted floats, music, and Santa and his helpers. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies after the parade. Downtown. 6 PM. Free. 573-759-2121, DixonChamberOfCommerce.com
Drive through this winter wonderland of lights and animation. At the end of the route, you will get a visit from Santa. Lions Club Park. 6-9 PM Mon.-Thurs.; 6-10 PM Fri.-Sat. Donations accepted. 573-578-6769, RollaLions.org
Christkindl Markt and Parade DEC. 2, ROLLA
Trees and Trains DEC. 1-24, SALEM
COURTESY ASHLEY ASHER
This yearly event features Christmas trees decorated by groups and individuals with a display of toy trains that race around the room. Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. 9 AM-5 PM Mon.-Sat. Free. 573729-0029, ONCRC.org
There will be bands, floats, music, and Santa at the parade, then stop by the Christkindl Markt to celebrate Rolla’s sister city, Sondershausen, Germany. Taste German food, listen to music and choirs, shop the vendors, and make crafts with the kids under the outdoor heated tent. Downtown. 10 AM-5 PM. Free. 573364-3577, VisitRolla.com
KMOS Enjoy the holidays with extended access to the PBS programs you love on the KMOS Passport streaming service. Visit KMOS.ORG to learn more, or to see if you have an unactivated Passport member benefit.
KMOS engage
educate
kmos.org
entertain
A service of the University of Central Missouri
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Cockrell Mercantile Co.
Aunt Mary’s Cookies
Unicorn Theatre
Something for Everyone on your Christmas List Cockrell Mercantile is a village of five unique shops in a quaint country setting featuring cookware, bakeware, and Fiesta dinnerware. Also fashion accessories, such as Vera Bradley and Baggallini handbags, and a huge assortment of gourmet foods! Something for everyone on your Christmas list. Complimentary gift wrapping and custom gift baskets.
Send Delicious Treats to Your Holiday List Aunt Mary’s Cookies in North Kansas City has been serving delectable cookies and other unique treats since 1999. We feature breakfast and lunch specials and a large variety of tempting desserts. We also offer catering, customer orders, and we’ll ship our boxed cookies anywhere. Cookie bouquets are available for local delivery. Stop in soon for sweet treat you won’t forget.
See Them Here First Unicorn Theatre enhances Kansas City’s community by developing and producing high-quality, thoughtprovoking plays new to the region. We illuminate social issues by featuring inclusive stories that include race, religion, and gender identity. Unicorn creates opportunities for the advancement of emerging and established actors, directors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and administrative staff.
30003 East Old US Highwy 50, Lee’s Summit 816-697-1923 | cockrellmercantile@yahoo.com
309 Armour Rd., North Kansas City 816-472-6279
3828 Main St., Kansas City 816-531-PLAY (7529)
CockrellMercantile.com
AuntMarysCookies.com
UnicornTheatre.org
Walnut Street Inn
Come as Strangers, Leave as Family Welcome to the Walnut Street Inn. We’re a familyrun full-service bed-and-breakfast in the center of the National Historic Neighborhood in Springfield. We’ve been welcoming guests since 1987 and want to be your hideaway, your urban oasis, when visiting our fair city. Springfield will win you over with quiet entertainment and fascinating things to do like the new Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. Give us a call and let us put together a stay that you will want to repeat again and again. 900 East Walnut St., Springfield 417-864-6346
WalnutStreetInn.com
Hardware of the Past
For the Present and the Future Missing a brass drawer pull on your grandmother’s dresser? Need to replace the caned seat in that chair you found at a thrift store? Hardware of the Past offers reproduction hardware and supplies to restore antique furniture so
your treasured heirlooms and thrift store finds can look as great today as they did back then. 405 North Main St., Saint Charles 636-946-5811 or 800-447-9974
HardwareOfThePast.com
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2017 Holiday Gift Guide Red Rooster Trading Co.
Saleigh Mountain
Atkins Johnson Farm & Museum
A small, family-owned business in Hermann that specializes in quality handcrafted leatherworks and shoe repair. Now selling Americanmade Filson products and Thorogood boots.
Nothing can beat the pure taste of local Missouri honey! The historic Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum raises honeybees on their 22-acre heritage area and honey is collected only twice per year.
At Red Rooster Trading Company, we believe in delivering handbuilt, durable goods that are both functional and beautiful. Shop online for coffee mills, home goods, and unique furniture.
Open Tues.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm 124 E Fourth St., Hermann 573-486-2992
6607 Northeast Antioch Rd., Gladstone 816-423-4107
AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com
RedRoosterTradingCompany.com
SaleighMountain.com
Double J Ranch
Crow Steals Fire
Skin KC
Let us make your special event more memorable. Ride on our draft horse-drawn hayride while enjoying the winter scenery in beautiful Clarksville.
Personalized and artisan jewelry handmade in Missouri. Give unique jewelry with a special meaning and a story to tell.
Created by Stephanie Simkins, SKIN™ is a line of natural skin care and body products made with organic ingredients and oils each with a specific healing component in mind.
Clarksville - Pike County, MO.
6247 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City
Book your event today: 314-960-1044
CrowStealsFire.com
Jennings Premium Meats
Perfect Gifts for Anyone on Your List Our award-winning smoked hams and smoked turkeys will make your holiday celebration delicious. Call to order holiday gift boxes, gift cards, and Pop’s Authentic Artisan Meat Snack Sticks.
125 Broadway, New Franklin 660-848-2229 or 800-210-6425
JenningsPremiumMeats.com
SkinKC.com
Ozarklake Copper Garden Art
Bird-tested, bird-approved A unique copper feeder handcrafted in Missouri by Ozarklake will provide enjoyment for many years. Using various styles of repurposed glass, each design is fun as well as functional.
Ozarklake at Lake of the Ozarks 573-286-0491 info@ozarklake.net
Ozarklake.net
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Check Out These Great Holiday Gifts from Missouri Life
Merry Medley • • • • •
12 oz Beef Summer Sausage 2 oz Beef Log (2) 2 Stuffed Cornish Hens 12 oz Country Ham 4 Cured and Smoked Pork Chops • 1 lb of Cured Bacon • One-year subscription to Missouri Life Magazine *$74.99 plus shipping and handling
Jolly with Jerky • • • • • •
2oz. Beef Logs (2) Old Timer Jerky Beef Muscle Jerky 2oz. Beef Teriyaki Log 2oz. Beef BBQ Log 2oz. Beef Log with Cheese and Pepper • One-year subscription to Missouri Life Magazine *$49.99 plus shipping and handling
Order online at ShopMissouriLife.com or call 877-570-9898 90 / MISSOURI LIFE
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
National Antique Tractor Pull
Christmas Parade of Lights
JAN. 5-6, LEBANON
DEC. 2, SALEM
Watch as tractors built prior to 1959 compete to pull the most weight. This event is fun for the whole family. Cowan Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Qualifying rounds begin on Friday, and the competition begins at 8 AM Sat. $5. 417-532-4642, MissouriPulling.com
This year’s parade theme is “The Sights and Sound of Christmas” and will feature lighted floats, Santa, and bands. Downtown. 5:30 PM. Free. 573-729-6900, SalemMo.com
Holiday Bazaar DEC. 9, RICHLAND
You can find unique gifts from homemade crafters as well as other vendors at this bazaar. City Hall Gym. 10 AM-3 PM. Free. 573-765-4421, RichlandMo.info
A Year to Give Thanks DEC. 9, WEST PLAINS
Christmas on Main Street DEC. 3, CROCKER
COURTESY CITY OF LEBANON TOURISM
Enjoy hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate, cookies, pictures with Santa, and the Christmas tree in the lit-up park at this small-town family event. Downtown. 5-7 PM. Free. 573-7365327, PulaskiCountyUSA.com
Christmas on the Square DEC. 7, WAYNESVILLE
This hometown holiday event features pony rides, chili, hot chocolate, a giving tree, a living nativity, historical children’s activities, carolers, and booths for civic and church organizations. Downtown. 6-9 PM. Free. 573-774-6910
Enjoy this themed parade with floats and music. Downtown. 4 PM. Free. 417-256-4433, WPChamber.com
Messiah Concert DEC. 10, CABOOL
There will be a full orchestra performing traditional Christmas music favorites at this concert. High School Auditorium. 3 PM. Free. 417254-3168, TheStarsFoundation.org
Bluegrass at the Barn
JAN. 13, DIXON
Jimmie Allison and the Ozark Rounders perform a bluegrass concert. The Barn. 7 PM. $15. 573-433-9370, TheBakerBand.com
2017 Holiday Gift Guide Color Splash Art by Nancy Koehler Let Best of Missouri Hands Juried Artist Nancy Koehler brighten up your world.
nancykoehlercolorsplash@gmail.com
Missouri Life T-shirts
Missouri Life Tote Bags
If Missouri is your home, wear it! Bright t-shirts with hand-lettered designs show off the state in style. Available in men’s and women’s styles and colors. $18-$28 (plus tax +s/h)
Give a tote bag featuring our state animal, the mule, or the Missouri state map with the county names drawn in the county shapes. Better yet, get one for you and one for a friend. $20 (plus tax +s/h)
877-570-9898
877-570-9898
NancyKoehler.com
ShopMissouriLife.com
ShopMissouriLife.com
Missouri Playing Cards
Missouri Jewelry
Missouri Cookie Cutters
Learn fun Missouri trivia while playing your favorite card game. Each card features a photo and fact about the Show-Me State, right down to the joker. $7 (plus tax +s/h)
Show your Missouri love with lead-free, cadmium-free, and nickel-free jewelry. More styles online. $14 each (plus tax +s/h)
Make your cookies Missouri-themed this holiday season! Go online and see the full collection of Missouri cookie cutters, including your favorite Missouri animals. $1.99-$4.99 (plus tax +s/h)
877-570-9898
877-570-9898
877-570-9898
ShopMissouriLife.com
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
A guitarist and The New Horizons Ensemble perform. Leach Theatre. 7:30 PM. $30-$35. 573-341-4219, LeachTheatre.mst.edu
SOUTHWEST
Drive-Through Nativity DEC. 1, SPRINGFIELD
Drive through 11 different scenes, enjoy the petting zoo, and warm up with cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee at this holiday event. Glendale Christian Church. 6-8 PM. Free. 417-881-7614, GlendaleChristian.org
Classic Christmas DEC. 1-22, BRANSON
Enjoy the spirit of Christmas with window decoration contests, refreshments, carolers, and holiday specials. Historic Downtown. Times vary. Free. 417-334-1548, DowntownBranson.org
Miracle of Christmas DEC. 1-30, BRANSON
This epic performance follows the story of Mary and Joseph and includes flying angels, live animals, special effects, and a soaring musical score. Sight and Sound Theatre. Showtimes vary. $19-$45. 800-3771277, Sight-Sound.com
Parade and Tree Lighting DEC. 2, FAIR GROVE
There will be breakfast with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, a choir performance, and cookies and hot chocolate at this holiday celebration. Historic District and Wommack Mill. 7 AM-7 PM. Free. 417833-3467, FGHPS.org
Indoor Swap Meet DEC. 2, SPRINGFIELD
COURTESY ST. JOSEPH VISITORS BUREAU
Todd Mosby Concert
JAN. 19, ROLLA
Holiday on the Square DEC. 5, ST. JOSEPH
Usher in the holiday season with an evening of Christmas cheer. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to musicians and carolers, and enjoy the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Coleman Hawkins Park and Felix Street Square. 5-8 PM. Free. 816-233-9192, StJoMo.com
You will find a wide selection of antiques, collectibles, home décor kitchen gadgets, holiday items,
Great Holiday Gifts for the Adventurers on Your List there is more to
discover Missouri’s remarkable diversity of landscapes comes alive in this guide that explores all there is to see and do in Missouri’s 92 state parks and historic sites. This book’s highlighted icons, trail listings, and fun facts will guide your adventures for years to come. Softcover, 100 pgs.
only
$9.99 (plus tax +s/h)
available now!
$49.99 (plus tax +s/h)
Through its 500+ photos and detailed essays on parks and historic sites, this book offers an irresistible invitation to discover Missouri’s remarkably diverse natural and cultural heritage. With a focus on the special places Missourians have elected to preserve to represent their history and culture, the book will open the door to a lifetime of exploration and will influence generations to come. Hardcover, 416 pgs.
visit MissouriLife.com/Store or call 877-570-9898, ext. 101, to order 92 / MISSOURILIFE
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI and jewelry at this indoor shopping extravaganza. Relics Antique Mall. 10 AM-5 PM. Free. 417-885-0007, RelicsAntiqueMall.com
listen to the costumed interpreters as they share stories of holidays past. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site. 2-6 PM. Free. 417-7513266, MoStateParks.com
Adoration Parade
It’s A Wonderful Life
This inspirational parade shows off larger-than-life floats and characters. Historic Downtown and Branson Landing. 5 PM. Free. 417-3341548, DowntownBranson.org
Enjoy this classic holiday film. The Gillioz Theatre. 3 PM. Free. 417-8639491, GilliozTheatre.com
Santa Train
JAN. 13, LEBANON
DEC. 3, BRANSON
DEC. 17, SPRINGFIELD
DEC. 3, HOLLISTER
COURTESY CINDY MOORE
Climb on the train and visit with Santa, watch the dancing elves, take home a goody bag, and enjoy popcorn and cookies. Historic Depot. 1:30-3:30 PM. Free. 417-334-3050, HollisterChamber.net
Winter Flea Market
Ozark Christmas
Come out to this flea market where you can find arts, antiques, collectibles, and a variety of treasures. Silver Rails Event Center. 8 AM-3 PM. Free. 660-651-6129, VisitKirksville.com
See how the Boones and Ozarks residents celebrated old-time Christmas. Stroll the lantern-lit paths, enjoy apple cider and hot chocolate, and
The St. Louis area's oldest and largest bike and outdoor gear expo
bikeandoutdoorexpo.com
DEC. 16, ASH GROVE
Save the Date
Gateway Center • Collinsville, Ill.
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Come see the metal-crushing, car-smashing Heroes of the Mad Dog Derby Tour doing battle. Cowan Civics Center. 6 PM doors open; 7:30 PM show. $20-$12. 417-532-4642, MotorheadEvents.com
NORTHWEST
JAN. 27, LA PLATA
January 14, 2018
Mad Dog Demolition Derby
Christmas Parade DEC. 1, MARYVILLE
This lighted parade makes its way
A TRULY ‘GREEN’ BOOKMARK!
Bookmark features original hand-etched scrimshaw on a recycled antique ivory piano key with genuine leather and handmade paper accents. $22, plus $5 shipping/handling
Check/Money Order/Visa/MasterCard 31 High Trail, Eureka, MO 63025
www.stonehollowstudio.com • 636-938-9570
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation Missouri Life (ISSN 1525-0814) is published 8 times/year by Missouri Life, Inc., 501 High St., Suite A, Boonville, MO 65233-1211. Publisher: Greg Wood; Editor: Danita Allen Wood; Owners: Missouri Life, Inc. (Greg Wood and Danita Allen Wood). Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average denotes the number during the preceding year. Actual denotes number of single issues published nearest to filing date, Oct 2017 issue. Total number of copies printed: average 31,159; actual 34,130. Total paid and/or requested circulation: average 23,888; actual 24,724. Free distribution by mail: average 1,510; actual 2,751. Free distribution outside the mail: average 645; actual 504. Total free distribution: average 2,156; actual 3,255. Total distribution: average 26,043; actual 27,979. Copies not distributed: average 5,116; actual 6,151. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: average 91.70%; actual 88.40%.
2017
2018
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ALL AROUND MISSOURI
Sorry, Wrong Chimney DEC. 1-3, ST. JOSEPH
This hilarious Christmas dinner theater spins the tale of a Santa-inspired burglar, his gun-toting fiancée, and a confused policeman. Robidoux Landing Playhouse. 6:30 PM Fri.-Sat.; 12:30 PM Sun. $17.25-$37. 816-232-1778, RRTStJoe.org
Annie
DEC. 8-10, ST. JOSEPH
This musical features some of the greatest stage songs ever written. Missouri Theatre. 7:30 PM Fri.-Sat.; 2 PM Sun. $11-$31. 816-232-1778, SaintJosephPerformingArts.org
St. Marks² Stringed Quartet DEC. 10, CHILLICOTHE
This concert by the chamber group has two violinists, a violist, and a cellist. First Christian Church. 3 PM. $5-$10. 660-646-1173, ChillicotheArts.com
A Bluesy Christmas DEC. 16, ST. JOSEPH
Come out for a blues-tinged holiday concert featuring Eric Stark, the Word of Life Church Choir, and the Saint Joseph Symphony. Missouri Theatre. 7-9 PM. $10-$28. 816-2337701, SaintJosephSymphony.org
First Day Hikes
JAN. 1, TRENTON
Start the New Year out right with a guided hike. Pick from three different hikes from 0.5 to 3.2 miles in length. Each hike has its own degree of difficulty and will take you past a diverse habitats. Finish the day with hot cocoa and cookies. Crowder State Park. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 660-359-6473, MoStateParks.com
Super Science Saturday
JAN. 27, ST. JOSEPH
Educators and students from Missouri Western State University and
area high schools come together to present interactive, fun science experiments for children of all ages. Remington/Agenstein Hall at MWSU. 10 AM-3 PM. $3. 816-232-8471, StJosephMuseum.org
Hall of Trees
DEC. 1-31, EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
NORTHEAST
The hall is filled with trees beautifully and uniquely decorated for the holidays. The historic hall sparkles with lights and holiday decorations. Hall of Waters. 10 AM-5 PM Mon.Sat. and 10 AM-4 PM Sun. Donations accepted. 816-630-6161, ExSpgsChamber.com
Boeing-Boeing DEC. 1-10, MACON
This hilarious play stars bachelor Bernard, who is engaged to three stewardesses, each of whom don’t know about the others. Things are going well for him until a new, speedier Boeing jet throws off his careful planning. Maples Repertory Theatre. Showtimes vary. $22-$29. 660-385-2924, MaplesRep.com
Old-Fashioned Christmas DEC. 2, KIRKSVILLE
Old-fashioned celebrations include caroling, a choir concert, Santa’s arrival, and a parade. Downtown. 10 AM-7 PM. Free. 660-665-3766, VisitKirksville.com
Victorian Festival of Christmas DEC. 2-24, HANNIBAL
Celebrate the holiday spirit each Saturday with a lighted parade, a homes tour, living windows, decorations, and visits from Santa. Downtown. Call for times. Free. 573-2212477, VisitHannibal.com
Holiday Cabaret DEC. 7, MACON
Enjoy a fun evening of music and comedy as members of the theater's latest production get a chance to perform her favorite show and holiday tune. Maples Repertory Theatre. 7:30 PM. $20. 660-385-2924, MaplesRep.com
KANSAS CITY
hot chocolate and cider at this traditional holiday celebration. Downtown. 5:30-8 PM. Free. 660-6682295, ColeCampMo.com
Craft Show
DEC. 1-2, LEE’S SUMMIT
Find your holiday gifts at this indoor show with more than 100 booths of handmade crafts. The Pavilion at John Knox Village. 11 AM-7 PM Fri.; 10 AM-4 PM Sat. Free. 816-524-4111, CraftPatchShow.com
Kaysinger Christmas DEC. 1-2, WARSAW
This pioneer Christmas celebration features candles, luminaria, wood stoves, fireplaces, caroling, hay rides, and 1800s décor. Take a load off by the cozy fire and have dinner. Kaysinger Bluff on the grounds of Truman Dam Visitor Center. 3-9 PM. $2-$3 (dinner extra). 660-473-0490, VisitBentonCoMo.com
Christkindlmarket DEC. 1, COLE CAMP
There will be holiday wagon rides, pictures with Santa, the lighting of the Festbaum, a live nativity, carolers, a Christmas tree judging, and
rated with creative holiday-themed vignettes. Christmas trees and greenery adorn many of the rooms. Vaile Mansion. 10 AM-4 PM Mon.-Sat.; 1-4 PM Sun. $3-$6. 816-229-8293, VaileMansion.org
Victorian Holiday Elegance DEC. 1-30, INDEPENDENCE
Each room of the mansion is deco-
Holiday Homes Tour DEC. 2, EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
Take a self-guided tour of several decorated homes. Throughout the area. Noon-6 PM. $10-$15. 816-6306161, ExSpgsChamber.com
Christmas on the Farm DEC. 2, LAWSON
Visit with costumed interpreters, enjoy wassail, listen to carols, and make kid’s crafts at this traditional holiday celebration. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. 2-7 PM. Free. 816-580-3387, MoStateParks.com
Hometown Christmas Parade DEC. 2, SEDALIA
Kick off the holidays with a parade. Downtown. 10 AM. Free. 660-8262222, SedaliaChamber.com
COURTESY KEVIN MORGAN
to Winter Wonderland, where you can see Santa on a fire engine and enjoy holiday treats. Downtown and Franklin Park. 6:30-8 PM. Free. 660582-8643, MaryvilleChamber.com
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England, Scotland & Wales Cycling September 4-14, 2018
Ride with the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Missouri Life!
Join Us on this Exclusive Overseas Cycling & Hiking Tour Missouri Life invites you to join Publisher Greg Wood & Editor-in-Chief Danita Allen Wood on a festive and immersive travel adventure as we bike through the heart of scenic England, Scotland, and Wales. You’ll visit medieval, imperial, and literary landmarks, as well as experience some of the United Kingdom’s most spectacular countryside biking routes. Photos courtesy VisitBritain
12 Days • 22 Meals Double: $4,977; Single: $5,481 Round-trip air from Kansas City or other cities, bikes and gear, fees, English-speaking guides...Included! Days 1 & 2: Welcome to England Day 3: Cycle Tour of the Cotswolds Day 4: Coventry to Llandudno Day 5: Cycle Tour Along Coast Day 6: Llandudno to the Lake District Day 7: Lake District Cycling Day 8: Seaside Cycling Tour Day 9: Isle of Bute Day 10: Loch Lemond Island Hiking Day 11: Farewell
MissourLife.com/BikeGreatBritain • 855-744-8747 9 5 / DECEMBER 2 017 /JANUARY 2 018
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Dickens Christmas DEC. 2, WARRENSBURG
There will be a Tiny Tim soup competition at this festival. Downtown. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 660-429-3988, WarrensburgMainStreet.com
Anderson House Christmas DEC. 2-3, LEXINGTON
Tour the decorated and candlelit house, and enjoy live piano music by Dave Bohling and Pat Berry. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. 6-8 PM Sat.; noon-4 PM Sun. Free. 660-259-4654, MoStateParks.com
The Nativity
DEC. 2-4, KANSAS CITY
Come see beautiful, seven-foot puppets move through the aisles of the historic cathedral with live music and choral accompaniment. Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. 10 AM and 7 PM Sat.; 2 and 5 PM Sun.; 3 PM Mon. $11-$16. 816756-3500, MesnerPuppets.org
The Nutcracker
Making Spirits Bright
DEC. 7-24, KANSAS CITY
The Kansas City Ballet performs a reimagined version of this holiday classic. There will be exquisite costumes and captivating choreography. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Showtimes and ticket prices vary. 816-9312232, KCBallet.org
Christmas on the Harbor DEC. 8-9, WARSAW
Shop at the Christmas Marketplace, listen to performances by local choirs, vote for your favorite charity tree, have breakfast with Santa, watch the parade, visit with Santa and his elves, take a hayride, get in on karaoke, and drive through the lights display, all while enjoying sweets and treats. Drake Harbor. 4:30-8 PM Fri.; 9 AM-8 PM Sat. Free (except breakfast). 660-438-2312, VisitBentonCoMo.com
Missouri Town 1855: A Christmas Celebration DEC. 9, LEE’S SUMMIT
You will be transported back to the
holidays from a simpler time with candlelit rooms, hearth fires, period music, and a special appearance from Belsnickel. Missouri Town 1855. 9 AM-4:30 PM. $4-$7. 816-229-8980, MakeYourDayHere.com
DEC. 16, KINGSVILLE
Learn about the botanical aspects of hand-crafted liquors while enjoying signature cocktails, a hot appetizer buffet, and live jazz from a 1920s speakeasy. Powell Gardens. 6-9 PM. $50-$75 (must be 21 years or older). 816-697-2600, PowellGardens.org
Christmas Parade DEC. 9, LINCOLN
Enjoy the parade, visit with Santa, check out the craft show, and eat a chili/soup lunch at this holiday event. Downtown. 10 AM-4 PM. Free. 660-5472718, LincolnMissouri.com
The Holly, Jolly, Tra-La-La-Olley Tour
DEC. 9, 16, AND 23, EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
Take a magical lighted trolley tour of the Lane of Lights and local homes participating in a Griswold-style decorating contest. You can vote for your favorite home. Meet at the Hall of Waters. 5:45 and 7 PM. $10-$15. 816-630-6161, ExSpgsChamber.com
Chesapeake
DEC. 19-JAN. 7, KANSAS CITY
This play explores politics, art, the connections between dogs and their humans, and the wonder in our lives. Unicorn Theatre. 7:30 PM Tues.-Fri.; 8 PM Sat.; 3 PM Sun. $5-$45. 816-531-7529, UnicornTheatre.com
Forbidden Broadway
JAN. 30-FEB. 4, KANSAS CITY
Come out to an indoor performance of this fall-down-funny musical roast of Broadway. Starlight Theatre. 7:30 PM Tues.-Sat.; 2 PM Sat.-Sun. $32-$62. 816-363-7827, KCStarlight.com
All events go on our web calendar at MissouriLife.com. Submit events well in advance, and include a contact phone number. Visit MissouriLife.com to fill out a form, email info@ MissouriLife.com, or mail to Missouri Life, 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233. PLEASE NOTE: Call or visit the event’s website before traveling, as schedules sometimes change.
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1000 Hills, p.71
Lebanon, MO, p.29
Stone Hill Winery, p.25
Best of Missouri Hands, p.27
Lexington, MO, p.33
Stone Hollow Studio, p.93
Best of Missouri Life Market Fair, p.29
Made in Kansas City, p.29
Warrensburg CVB, p.23
Big BAM, p.35
Maryland Heights CVB, p.27
Bike and Outdoor Expo, p.93
Mexico, MO Tourism, p.16
Boonville Tourism, p.4
Missouri Beef Council, p.11
Atkins Johnson Farm and Museum, p.89
Callaway County Tourism, pgs.8-9
Missouri Choice Marketing Co-op, p.16
Aunt Mary’s Cookies, p.88
Cape Girardeau CVB, p.33
Missouri Life Gift Basket, p.90
Cockrell Mercantile Company, p.88
Central Trust Company, pgs.82-83
Missouri Life State Parks Books, p.92
Crow Steals Fire, p.89
Clay County Tourism, p.23
Missouri Life Tours, p.73
Double J Ranch, p.89
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, p.13
Missouri Life UK Bike Tour, p.95
Hardware of the Past, p.88
Hermann Wurst Haus, p.100
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, p.2
Jenning’s Premium Meats, p.89
Hermann, MO, p.25
Railyard Steakhouse, p.25
Missouri Life Products, p.91
Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc., p.71
Raphael Hotel, p.31
Nancy Koehler’s Painting, p.91
Isle of Capri Casino, p.13
Roadrunner Press, p.29
Ozarklake Distinct Décor, p.89
James Country Mercantile, p.31
Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, p.19
Red Rooster Trading Company, p.89
KCPT, p.97
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, p.27
Saleigh Mountain, p.89
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, p.3
Sedalia CVB, p.19
Skin KC, p.89
Kleinschmidt’s Western Store, p.15
Socket, p.99
Unicorn Theatre, p.88
KMOS, pgs.35 and 87
St. Charles CVB, p.7
Walnut Street Inn, p.88
BEST OF MISSOURI LIFE
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THE BACK STORY
The sign says something like: “Warning. Borderline. Enter only with permission.” Note the edge of a bunker in the background at this reconstruction of the barbed wire border fence.
Land
of the Free
company that works with Missouri
and starve because of their unwilling-
Life on our tours of north Missouri, to
ness to help the Nazis.
help us create a bicycle trip in Europe.
As we listened to our young
Our tour included six days of rid-
guides—Matush and Jan in Slovakia,
ing bicycles about 100 miles. We were
and Roman and Thom in the Czech
crossing borders without anyone’s no-
Republic—I was thankful and hap-
I never dreamed I’d find my way be-
tice in places where, not so long ago,
py that they do not have to endure
hind the old Iron Curtain, especially
we might have been shot for doing so.
what their parents and grandparents
with a group of Missouri Life sub-
It was surreal for me and I think
did. We all were impressed with their
scribers. But that’s what happened
a lot of our fellow bikers. The more
wonderful senses of humor and phil-
this fall when Danita and I, along with
miles we logged along this beautiful
osophical attitude about their history.
a group of 26 others, rode bicycles
route, the more bunkers we saw out
Our guides also shared stories
along the “frontier” between Austria
in the middle of fields. We explored
about how both countries are grow-
and what was formerly known as
an old bunker—now a museum—that
ing and prospering, with unemploy-
Czechoslovakia, now two countries:
Hitler visited during World War II.
ment less than 5 percent.
the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Czechoslovakia built this bunker, like
It became clear to me as we
The inspiration for the trip came
hundreds of others, to defend against
biked that this very place was where
from Brent Hugh, executive director
Hitler. But the European allies essen-
freedom found its way and rose up
of the Missouri Bicycle Federation. He
tially sold them out in an effort to ap-
through the barbed wire to stand at
and his sister rode along the Danube
pease Hitler. So instead of resisting,
long last and breathe free air.
River, which borders or flows through
they became part of the Nazi regime.
This brief look at the trials and trib-
10 countries, including Austria and
I felt a strange sensation rising up
ulations of these once-occupied coun-
Slovakia. “The countryside and trail
from the pit of my stomach: We were
tries behind the Iron Curtain made me
we rode on reminded me much of
being hosted by countries that were
all the more grateful to live in a land
our own Katy Trail,” Brent told us, “es-
enemies to the United States, and
where we are free to choose our edu-
pecially where it runs alongside the
yet our guides from these countries
cation, our jobs, our homes, our lives—
Missouri River.”
shared stories of individuals, even rel-
and thankful for those who gave their
About a year ago, we asked
atives, who were sent to the horrific
lives so that we could be free. And,
Country Travel Discoveries, the tour
death camps or mining camps to work
thank God, we can still say that we are.
GREG WOOD
GREG WOOD PUBLISHER
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You should never need out your bill. Or a magnifying glass.* *At least that’s what we think. That’s why when you get a bill from us for phone and/or Internet service, it’ll be exactly what we told you it would be. Seriously.
k y an ylin r p u t m Co /Cen e l T b & AT Ca You can buy home phone and high-speed Internet.
There is another option. And it’s a better one.
Your taxes and fees are included in the monthly rate. You’ll get unlimited Internet with no data caps on all packages. We respect our users’ privacy and data. You’ll always talk to someone here in Missouri.
1-800-SOCKET-3
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eese e Ch d a m ishm A er Troy
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Photo courtesy Paulette Omura
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