I made a trip down Boonville way, to see what Hidden Secrets were there, and I wasn't disappointed.
We made our way to the Katy Depot ( Boonville's Visitor's Center) on the Katy Trail, it's a Spanish Mission style depot....(I wished I had more history on the style of the depot. I forgot to ask, if you any of you should go there, please ask and let me know). You are met by the smiling faces of the people of Boonville Visitors Center who are more than eager to help you plan your day.
Our first visit was to the "Old Jail and the Hanging Barn.... which I must say was sort of "creepy". First the Jail....... The original structure was completed in 1848 for $6,091.50 Slave quarried the 2 ½ thick limestone blocks which they used for construction of the two story building.The large room on the ground level, known as the bullpen held slaves destined for the auction block on Main Street. In 1871, the appearance of the second story room was changed with the addition of iron box cells. Brought to Boonville by steamboat from St. Louis, these were installed using the occupants of the jail as laborers.
The most famous of the many prisoners associated with the Jail was Frank James, brother of Jesse. On April 24th, 1884, James was brought to the Cooper County Jail by Sheriff John Rogers to answer a warrant for his arrest for a train robbery that took place in 1876. Sympathetic citizens of Boonville raised his bond in a matter of hours. The case was later dismissed for lack of evidence. We were told Frank was never in the actual cells, the sheriff took him out for supper and by the time they arrived back that the bond money had been raised. So actually he was never in jail in Boonville.
It seems back in the early days of I-70 Boonville was known for a local speed enforcement, written on the walls are the initials of a person from Kansas City who was held overnight in this jail for speeding. I can't imagine having to spend the night in this jail for speeding. Go have a look, it's an interesting visit.In 1978, a Federal Court declared the Cooper County Jail cruel and unusual punishment closing the cell doors permanently, bringing to an end an era of Boonville and Cooper County history. The generosity of the Kemper Foundation of Kansas City and the restoration efforts of the Friends of Historic Boonville have insured that this history will not be forgotten.
The Hanging Barn is right behind the jail.and our guide told some interesting stories about the hangings held there. It seems the hangings were a social thing. In the hallway of the jail are invitations to jail hangings
On January 32st 1930, Lawrence Mabry, 19, climbed the 13 steps to the loft and was hung by the neck until dead for a robbery and killing in Pettis County. This hanging was a contributing factor in the elimination of the county capitol punishment.
Thespian Hall
We drove by Thespian Hall, it was not open the day we were there. Be sure an make an appointment for a tour if you decide to spend a day in Boonville.For more than 150 years Thespian Hall has captured the vision of the community in which it was built. By 1855, the Thespians were ready to build a permanent structure. It took two years to complete the four story high Greek revival building. Thespian Hall opened July 3rd, 1857, with a grand ball, with dedication ceremonies held on Independence Day.
During the Civil war, Thespian Hall filled many needs, from quartering the Federal Troops to serving as a hospital for soldiers. The unity created by Thespian Society began to disintegrate and sometime during the War, the Society ceased to exist.The Halls ownership was transferred to J.L. Stephens, once a Society member, and Boonville became known as the best little theatre town in Missouri. The second and most serious threat to building occurred in 1937 when Fox Mid-West Theaters, owners of the building, announced plans to tear down Thespian Hall . Concerned local citizens, called a public meeting and formed the Thespian Hall Preservation Committee. In 1975, the Friends of Historic Boonville acquired the theater as a gift from the Kemper Foundation of Kansas City. With the help of the Foundation and the community, the Friends have worked to restore the building, making Thespian Hall once again a home for the arts.
Roslyn Heights
When Wilbur T. and Rhoda Stephens Johnson built their elegant residence at 821 Main Street in 1895, it was at the southern edge of a group of fine homes that abutted the business district. They could not have forseen that in less than 100 years, in the march of commercial "progress," most of their neighboring dwellings would have disappeared, leaving their home the "last of the Main Street mansions". The Boonville Weekly refers to the house as such "One of the handsomest homes in Boonville will be the new residence of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur T. Johnson, now under construction on South Main Street. It will be three stories high, beside basement, of pressed brick, trimmed in Warrensburg stone and will be distinctly modern in all its appointments. The entire building will be lighted by both gas and electricity and will be heated throughout by steam. The foundation for this residence is now nearly completed. There will be 12 rooms, which are expected to be ready for occupancy next October. Matthew and Sanders, of Kansas City, are the Architects."
Reservations must be made for a tour. I've included a link for Roslyn Heights. http://www.c-magic.com/boonvill/roslyn.htm
Settlers Inn
We visited Settlers Inn just off I-70 at the Pilot Grove Exit. I had no idea this restaurant was here, you could drive right by it thinking it was someone's home. It's a Log Cabin House just on the Right side of Hwy 135. They serve Steaks, Ham, Buffalo Brisket and Pheasant with veggies and Homemade Desserts and Homemade Bread. It's reservations ONLY and they are open on Friday and Satruday evenings with 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. seatings. They have a house salad dressing that is delicious..... I can attest to that. :-) Go Enjoy!!! If you go to their web page they have a $5 off coupon for 2 dinners.
Warm Springs Ranch... Home of the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales
Warm Springs Ranch is a Clydesdales breeding farm on 300 + acres just outside of Boonville. It's home to more than 100 Clydesdales. There is lots of walking and some inside and out so be sure and take a jacket, in case it's a cool day. If you love horses or just love animals, you'll enjoy this tour. You get a close up of the colts and also of the mama's and the papa's., some of the custom made harness and also of the luxury trailers that the Clydesdales ride it. This is a tour kids will enjoy.
If you want to stay overnight a different experience stay at the Hotel Frederick
Hotel Frederick was built in 1905 by Charles A. Sombart, a local miller and banker. This gorgeous hotel was constructed by W.J. Cochran and Sons Construction Company for a cost of $40,000. The Hotel Frederick has had many owners since it beginnings and was once used as a retirement home and also as a Greyhound depot. It was closed in 1994 and sat dormant for 10 years, when it was purchased by the Haw family, undergoing a $4M restoration, bringing it back once again to its former splendor.
There are many, many things to do at Boonville, lots of historical homes to drive by and view, and some to visit. A stop at Harley Park located on the bluffs of the Missouri River. The view is gorgeous. There's also the casino, but most everyone has heard of the Isle of Capri...... In this blog, I've tried to tell you about the hidden things of Boonville. I'm hoping you'll enjoy visiting Boonville. The Visitors Center can help you with any questions that you may have.
For more information you may contact Sherry Broyles with the Boonville Visitors Center. 660-882-2967 or e-mail her at tourism_staff@boonville-mo-mo.org.
Now that you are a little more famaliar with San Francisco, it's time to take a tour of San Francisco on the double decker bus, if it's nice weather sit on the top, this will get you a feel of city. Now you're ready to start planning your day.
Make a stop at Ghirardelli Square Hmmm I can smell the Chocolate already. :-) So many chocolates to choose from, but my favorite is the Milk Chocolate with the caramel inside....... it's so delicious.
Ghirardelli Square was inaugurated in 1964. It was the first of a number of projects designed to give new life to abandoned factory complexes. (Others that have been completed as shopping and leisure centers The Cannery, Pier 39 and The Anchorage). The Italian Domenico Ghirardelli's old red-brick chocolate factory has been turned into a center for shoppers, art-lovers and those in search of entertainment or a good meal. Its belfry (built in 1916) is modeled on that of the Château of Blois in France. Later additions are rose gardens decorated with fountains (for example, Rose Court with its concrete fountain by Lawrence Halpin, the garden-designer of Ghiradelli Square) and terraces with fine views.
History of the chocolate factory
The complex was then taken over by a group of San Francisco businessmen.
They commissioned a number of different architects to design the center with its more than shops, galleries, cafés and cinema, arranged on three levels.
Today the development is thriving; Ghirardelli Square is a popular rendezvous for San Franciscans, particularly on warm evenings.
The Ghirardelli Square gardens were laid out by Lawrence Halpin who also designed the concrete fountain in Rose Court.
In East Plaza there is a particularly noteworthy bronze fountain by Ruth Asawa depicting two mermaids surrounded by turtles, water-lilies and dancing frogs.
Next make a stop of Crooked Lombard Street
Lombard's crooked street is a postcard-perfect image that represents San Francisco around the world. But what exactly is this attraction and what does it have to offer the San Francisco visitor?
Lombard Street in San Francisco is one of America's crookedest streets. The steep, hilly street was created with sharp curves to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions. If not for the sharp curves, easing out this treacherous slope, people could be killed rolling down. For an idea of how steep this street really is, go two blocks up, to Filbert Street and peer down over the ridge. Lombard is even steeper.
Some of San Franciscos most expensive real estate sits on Lombard Street. This Russian Hill neighborhood possesses stately mansions even with the endless array of tourists pouring down the street every day. In the spring and through the entire summer, Lombard Street is alive with color, as the many beautiful flowers are in bloom.
This is simply a residential section of the city with little else of interest than the street itself. The sides are lined with flowers and hedges
and of course, the speed limit is slow!
But if your not going to San Francisco.......... let me tell you a little secret. There is a street almost like Lombard Street in Burlington, Iowa, right here in the midwest. And they will tell you they have the "crookedest street in the world".
Alcatraz Island
The historic and notorious Alcatraz penitentiary, located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, makes
for a thoroughly interesting outing. The prison operated for almost thirty years, closing in 1963 and re-opening as a
tourist attraction in 1973. While it operated it was known for housing some of America's most infamous prisoners, including
Al Capone and the "Birdman" who would later formed the basis for the fictional movie The Birdman of Alcatraz.
Visitors take a ferry over to the island ( and it's quite a walk up the hill) where they can tour the site with an audio recording. The audio recording is very well done,
and gives a glimpse into life in the prison, rather than just an historical run through of the facts. The narration is even done by former inmates and guards of Alcatraz.
While most people come for the history or the novelty of seeing a former prison, the island is now a prominent area for nesting sea birds.
If you are interested in bird watching, this is one more reason to take a trip to "The Rock" as the island is often called.
The former penitentiary of Alcatraz, located 1.5mi northeast in San Francisco Bay, is one of the most fascinating places to visit.
The first Spaniard to land there, Ayala, named it Isla de los Alcatraces ("Islands of the Pelicans"), because he found vast numbers of these
birds nesting on the sandstone island.
As this rocky island, covering an area of some 12acres and rising to a height of 135ft. it has no springs, it remained
uninhabited for years. In 1853, during the California gold-rush when the number of ships visiting the foggy bay increased considerably,
a lighthouse was erected. Soon afterwards the island was fortified and became a military prison during the Civil War (1861-65). From 1933
to 1963 it became the most infamous and feared of all federal prisons in the USA. Even the most incorrigible jail-breakers hardly ever
succeeded in escaping.
Oh, so many places to visit in San Francisco, Coit Tower, Twin Peaks, and many more places. If you plan on visiting San Francisco, I hope this blog has helped you in planning your vacation. And if you have visited there I hope it will bring back many memories. If you have memories you'd like to share I would love reading them, please post them in the comment section. Happy Traveling this summer.
San Francisco is a great place to take your family so much to do. It's been several years ago since Whitney and I went to San Francisco but we remember it as one of the best vacations that we had. It was soooo much fun!!
My suggestion would be book a hotel close to Fisherman's Wharf. We stayed at a Holiday Inn close by. A nice hotel and had a very good full breakfast. It was nice and clean and in a safe area.
One of San Francisco's most popular tourist areas is Fisherman's Wharf. This old section, once the Little Italy of San Francisco, is an area known for its shops, restaurants, and beautiful setting along the waterfront. As the name suggests, there are fisherman who still operate out of here and visitors can arrange fishing charters. For something a little more relaxing there are also cruises that will take visitors on tours of the area, including sunset and evening cruise with spectacular views of the city.
This is usually the first place visitors head if they are new to the city. It's a fun place to stroll around and get a flavor for the city. For those with only a day or two to spend in San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a good place to start. (I think we spent 5 days in San Francisco)
Fisherman's Wharf used to be not only a flourishing fishing harbor but also a real "Little Italy", the Genoese who made their homes here towards the end of the 19th century having been joined in due course by Neapolitans, Calabrians and Sicilians. Even now this Italian influence is still in evidence.
Fisherman's Wharf is a busy tourist area sometimes shunned by SF locals but there are more gems and treasures in this area than you may think. Located on the waterfront, it is the former headquarters of authentic fishing markets and fisherman and you can explore the maritime history of the area to this day. It is filled with souvenir shops and restaurants, Oh and the Mime's I love to watch them. You can easily spend a large chunk of your day here.
Fishermans Wharf was created by Henry Meiggs as "Meiggs Wharf" to serve the lumber trade. Meigg's wharf was always a spot for the fishing fleet, swimmers, and sunbathers. There was once a pig who could play cards, skateboarding penguins, and a greased pole for people to climb as a contest. Although you wont see this pig here in the area today, what you will see are numerous other street performers entertaining you all around this area. From musicians and artists to escape artists and The Bush Man, there is never a dull moment in Fishermans Wharf.
sea lions pier 39
Pier 39 offers shopping, dining and entertainment as well as a chance to see and hear the sea lions that dock there, I love to listen to the Sea Lions and it's also a good place to take some photos of a great view of Alcatraz.
For starters Fisherman's Wharf shopping oh what fun (feeling the breeze from the ocean blowing on your face) eating lobster on the pier, watching the sea lions. It's a magical place.
Next stop has to be the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic landmark in San Francisco. It is featured in numerous photos, posters and postcards of the city. I've ridden across the bridge many times. As you go across the bridge you see the Pacific Ocean on one side and the San Francisco Bay on the other. As long as its not foggy out, you can see a great view of the city skyline from the bridge and you can also see Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Its a great place for taking the city of San Francisco pictures.
When the Golden Gate Bridge was first built in 1937 it was the longest suspension bridge ever built in the world. It immediately became internationally recognized and still remains a globally known symbol of San Francisco to this day. It is currently the second longest suspension bridge in the United States and the ninth longest in the world. Many people say that even though its not the longest anymore, its still the most beautiful! Many people want to know why the bridge is red. Well technically its not red, its a color of orange vermillion called International Orange. This color was selected because one of the original architects felt like it was the color that best enhanced the visibility of the bridge in the fog and yet still complemented the natural surroundings of the area.
Take a ride on the Cable Cars, San Francisco is built on many hills and a major contribution to the city's development occurred in 1873 with the invention of the cable car. Since 1964 these tram-like vehicles have had the unique distinction of being the only public transport system to be declared a historical monument. Today there are just 40 cable cars operating on three surviving lines, forming a network only 10 and 1/2 miles in length.
The cars proceed at a steady pace of about 10 mph. Of the old barns, only one remains. Most of the rolling stock still in service dates from the last century. Built of wood the cars seat 30-40 passengers but there are generally another 50 or so standing or strap-hanging. It's so much fun to get on the cable car, ride it hanging on to a pole, like you see in the Rice-a-Roni commerical.
As I write this, I'm sitting here smiling as I remember Bill doing that, he was on one of my California Coastline tours and he enjoyed riding the cable car. (That's a good memory)
It's a "must" thing to do when you are in San Francisco.
In my next blog, I'll write more about San Francisco, Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Park. See what I mean San Francisco is a wonderful place for a vacation.
J. C. Penney Museum at Hamilton, Missouri.
I've driven along highway 36 many times and saw the sign near Hamilton, J.C. Penney Museum, on a whim the other day as I was coming back from KCI, I decided to stop. I learned a lot about Mr. Penney that day.
Most of us who live in Missouri know that J. C. Penney was a real person, but lots of people are unaware that the J.C. Penney mall store chain once was run by a actual person named James Cash Penney (and not a marketing fabrication). But it was, and he was a force to be reckoned with in his lifetime, as can be seen in other J.C. Penney attractions and statues dedicated to him that are scattered across the country.
The story starts before J.C. Penney's death. In 1969, Jim Mogg and Dean Hales wrote to J.C. Penney in New York offering him the use of a vacant lot owned by them in Hamilton for a memorial or museum. Penney's reply was a courteous denial, saying he didn't want any memorial built in his lifetime.
Penney, however, died in 1971. His cult of personality has thinned considerably. A faint glimmer of it remains here, however, preserved by his boyhood home town. Penney had the misfortune to die before museums got slick, so there are no giant cash registers here, no you-be-the-chain-store-executive interactive displays. Instead, there is a wax dummy of Penney, unnaturally barrel-chested and clad in a tuxedo, Penney's first and last desks are exhibited here as well (both are of similar, modest size). I was unaware that he had an office building in New York City. His last desk was used in that building.
James Cash Penney was the seventh of twelve Children born to James and Mary Frances Paxton Penney. Born on September 16, 1875. At the age of 20 he took up retailing, quite a change from the profession of his father which was a Baptist Minister. During his lifetime he saw his chain of stores reach 1,700 locations. He once said that he would rather be known as a Christian than a millionaire. His first stores were called "Golden Rule", and he emphasized the need to "bridge the gap between material and spiritual" in his long years as a business executive.
Other exhibits of note include Penney's Masonic sword, lots of photos of his pedigreed livestock, and display cases filled with J.C. Penney sales literature. A pair of baby shoes caught my attention, but they weren't Penney's; he just sold them in his stores. Also on display was a calculator from 1920's that I found interesting. The Penney museum has the first pair of shoes from the International Shoe Factory which Penney brought to Hamilton in 1947. That factory closed in 1997, a victim of outsourcing. There's also the original promotional silverware Penney sold during the company's 25th anniversary in 1927.
Visiting the museum you really find what kind of a person Mr. Penney was himself, more than about the J. C. Penney company. I found this a breath of "fresh-air" because first and foremost Mr. Penney was a Christian. Mr. Penney's Great Grandfather founded a Primitive Baptist Church in Kentucky. Furniture from that church is in the museum.
Penney made his name by being the first "Cash and Carry" department store. "He started out (April 14, 1902) in the mining town of Kimmmer, Wyoming," Hales explained. "He was against liquor and smoking. He ran a cash store. People said he'd never make it. Well, he could sell cheaper. When Penney's finally put in credit cards he was the only one on the board who opposed it."
Penney's was one of the last big companies to hold out against credit.
His retail company operated under the motto: "Honor, Confidence, Service and Cooperation." Can you imagine a company going public with that today?
Penney built his company around "six searching principles" that he believed "essential to success." A few of them are:
1. I Believe That Preparation Wins. As a rule we achieve what we prepare for.
2. I Believe That Hard Work Wins. Growth is never by mere chance; the success we build will be the achievement of our united efforts.
4. I Believe That Confidence in Men Wins. Do not throw away common sense but believe in yourself and trust your fellows.
On display are several books that Mr. Penney wrote, a few of them made me smile, two in particular.--How Women Influenced My Life, and a Tribute to my Mother
Others were Suggestion Selling and Salesmanship.
Department store legend J.C. Penney was born in 1875 on a farm outside of Hamilton. His one-bedroom wood frame birthplace has been relocated to downtown, within walking distance from the museum. Penney moved to Denver, Colo. in 1897 to work in a dry goods store. I drove by the house but it wasn't open the day I was there. I'm not sure if it is open to the public.
During the depression Mr. Penney bought a farm east of town and made it an agricultural showplace during the time. Penney established a purebred Aberdeen Angus. They raised horses first, then Black Angus. They started around 1940 and quit around 1955. The main building of the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C. is the Penney Building. He was a big friend of (President) Hoover's. When Hoover went to Washington, the Penneys always stayed in the White House. Remember when Clinton was in the White House and people were staying in the (first-floor, oval shaped) Blue Room and everybody was raising the devil :-) ?. Penney was in there 30 years before that and nobody said a word." I smiled when I saw this, I've been in the White House several times on tour, and the Blue Room now is used more of a sitting room, can't imagine it being used as a bedroom.
I found the visit interesting, I learned a lot about Mr. Penney that I did not know. When I think of the Penney's store I remember going to Macon and the sales clerk putting the sales ticket and your money in a little container and sending it upstairs to the cashier., oh the memories. A trip to the Penney Museum brought back those memories, but most of all I learned about the person Mr. Penney was. I wished there were more corporate people like him today.
If you want something to do for a day this museum is interesting to visit, but it's not for kids, I think they would be bored. My treasure I did find in town was the Star Quilt store, I stopped in and lots of material and quilting supplies to browse through. On second thought, make it a day, visit the museum, shop at the quilt shop and I'm sure there is a mom and pop restaurant that you could eat lunch at, if not I did see a Subway on the street.
The thirty-mile, one-hour sea crossing to Nantucket may not be on an ocean liner, but it does set the "Little Gray Lady" apart from her larger, shore-hugging sister, Martha. I love Nantucket's smaller size as it makes it so easy to get around. The "gray" name refers not only to the winter fogs, but to the gray clapboard and shingles that the buildings have across the island.
You can take the Hy-Line Ferry "The Grey Lady" from Hyannis port to Nantucket, you can choose from 5 or 6 departures a day depending on the time of year.
The tiny cobbled carriageways of Nantucket Town itself, once one of the largest cities in Massachusetts, were frozen in time by economic decline 150 years ago. Today, this area of old restored houses, has more buildings on the National Register of Historic Places than Boston. The main streets is very much the island hub. From the moment you get off the ferry you're you'll be able to find bike rental places and tour companies easily. Straight Wharf leads directly onto Main Street, with its shops and restaurants; the information office which has a daily list of things of the island is nearby. The population of the island soars from about 10,000 to 50,000 during the summer months, due to tourists and summer residents.
The Nantucket Historic District, comprising all of Nantucket Island, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The island has one of the highest concentrations of pre-Civil War structures in the United States. It also has the oldest operating windmill in the United States (since 1746). You can visit the airport that was the setting for the hit NBC sitcom Wings, and visit the lighthouse, they are beautiful.
There are several of "must" things to do while on Nantucket: Whale and Sea Watching cruises are fantastic
Explore Nantucket on a cruise to the remote island of Muskeget where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the main island to view the year-round population of up to 3000 Grey Seals. The seals are always present, so you are guaranteed to see sometimes hundreds at a time! Staying well within strict viewing guidelines, they get close. How close, "up close and personal", with the engines either off or just at idle, you can watch the seals frolic just feet away. These large and fascinating animals live side by side, their habitat includes dry sand bars and uninhabited stretches of beach, the likes of which you will not see anywhere else in the Northeast. The Seal Cruise is a nature lovers dream. Also enjoy the Whale Watch Cruise. The nice thing about it is they have guaranteed sighting. You travel about 15-25 miles offshore to view mainly Humpback, Finback Whales, in addition to other animals including Basking Sharks, White-Sided Dolphins, and Sea Turtles. This rare Nantucket experience will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. You'll be sure to hear that century-old cry, "Thar she blows". It takes on new meaning as you seek out whales. Everyone is encouraged to help in spotting the tell-tale spouts that lead you to these magnificent creatures.
You may also want to take a tour of the island......Tales by Gale is about an hour tour that you will really enjoy.
And then there's shopping. I'm smiling. I love shopping on Nantucket, (and I'm not a big shopper) but it's such a unique place to shop. Nantucket is known for it's Nantucket baskets. Basket making was one of the many skills that that the friendly natives taught the new settlers. These early baskets were made with materials that were readily available at the time, namely ash, oak, or hickory. These woods were made into splints by pounding and separating along the annual rings. This style of weaving baskets is the origin of many styles of baskets still produced today. Of all these styles perhaps shaker baskets most readily reflect their connection to the original methods and materials used by the early settlers.
They also have Nantucket basket jewelry. When I was on tour to Nantucket I bought the Nantucket basket necklace, (like the one on the left) earrings and bracelet. I still have those and wear them occassionly. The bracelet I wore so much that I broke it, and it reminds me I need to get it fixed. I've noticed when I checked today's prices of the jewerly, they've gone up quite a bit. I'm glad I bought mine back several years ago.
Nantucket is a great place to eat sea food. Clam Chowder is a specialty, as well as Lobster Rolls. You can also find fresh Lobster. What better way to enjoy a sunny afternoon on Nantucket than by sitting on the beach and enjoying fresh lobster. Oh, by the way, you'll find lobster almost "dirt cheap" on Nantucket. If you haven't been to Nantucket, I'd suggest putting in on your list of one of those places to visit. It's an awesome place!!
If you traveled the Highway 65 coming from Sedalia, and you've probably saw a beautiful Castle on the Hill, Bothwell Lodge. As a young teenager I would look up on the hill and think what a beautiful house, and wondered who lived there. Now you can explore this 31 room lodge with 12,000 square feet, and it's built on top of 2 natural caves.
Bothwell Lodge was built by a Sedalia lawyer and politican John Henry Bothwell. Bothwell had married his business partner's sister. Two years after they were married, she died after having given birth to their stillborn child. Bothwell never got over losing his wife and child. He never remarried. There are 10 bedrooms in the house and often on weekend and holidays they were filled with friends and relatives. At his death at the age of 80, in 1929, he left the lodge to 38 friends and relatives, as the Bothwell Lodge Club, they used it until 1969, but his will stipulated when the number fell below 5, that it would be donated to the State for charitable and educational purposes.
As you visit the Lodge you will find it looks like a gentleman's hunting lodge, and has a sailfish hanging in the dining room. Mr. Bothwell loved to collect books and had over a 1,000. When someone wanted to read a book in Mr. Bothwell's library they would need to wash their hands so they wouldn't soil the pages. Bothwell's private library is a favorite among visitors with its fine woodwork, cozy fireplace, inspiring view of the valley and Bothwell's extensive collection of books, including many first-edition books from the 1870s and 1880s.
Built out of native rock from the estate grounds, the lodge was constructed over three natural caves and is an example of the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th century. In the tower section, a workshop houses the man-made opening to a cave below. This shaft links the cave to a stairwell that goes up through the house. Some rooms have windows and doors that open to the stairwell to draw cool cave air into the house. Each phase of construction exhibits differing details, such as window styles, trim and light fixtures. As you explore the tower, you can look out over the bluff for a beautiful view of the valley below.
Bothwell's simple furnishings, most of which remain in the lodge today, created an informal atmosphere that reflected his intentions to use the house as a recreational retreat for his friends. Bothwell enjoyed entertaining guests at Stonyridge Farm, which is evident from detailed, noted guest books that remain in the house.
The lodge features hardwood floors throughout that wind through French doors, up several staircases and lead to 10 bedrooms and numerous other rooms. Passageways link different rooms and makes it a unique structure. In the music room, Bothwell's guests could play the piano or have a separate player unit do it for them.
Several outbuildings surround the castlelike house. A garage, built in 1917 to house Bothwell's Chandler Roadster, was expanded in 1928 to hold four cars and a loft was added as sleeping quarters for chauffeurs. Bothwell's favorite cousin, who was a frequent visitor to Stonyridge, used the bungalow-style Cliff House, built in 1928. A farmhouse, completed a few years after Bothwell's death, was used as a caretaker's cottage during the Bothwell Lodge Club days.
Bothwell was innovative, the cellar had a bank of batteries and a generator for electricity. He tried to provide air conditioning by venting cool air up through the stairways from the caves the house was built on. Mr. Bothwell had a ladder that lead from his private office to the roof of the castle turret, where he could enjoy the view of the valley below.
Personal items are scattered throughout the house, his straw hat rests on his battered suitcase. Suspenders, a starched collar and shirt sit atop his bedroom chest. There is a pair of lady's nylon stockings hanging to dry in the bathroom............ Now.........I wonder who's those are???? Does anyone know??? If you do please let me know. :-)
Today, visitors can tour Bothwell's lodge and enjoy the natural beauty of Stonyridge Farm while hiking Stonyridge Trail. A picnic area, complete with picnic tables, a shelter and playground equipment, provides the perfect location for a quiet picnic lunch, you might just sit and dream that Mr. Bothwell has invited you to his Lodge for the day.
If you're wanting something to do for a day. This is a great outing. You now know the history of this wonderful old Castle on the Hill. Go visit it and enjoy!!! You'll be glad you did.
As I traveled this great country of ours, one of the cities I loved was New Orleans, not because I'm a partier, because I'm not, but because of the many things there are to do in New Orleans. The title that I've used above of "It's Just Naturally Naulins, Darling, It's Just Naturally Naulins, was used by a tour guide that I always showed us "her city". Marty truly loved her city of New Orleans. I think she is one of the many reasons I loved New Orleans.
Are you sleeping in or are you ready for another day........................ ahhhhhh still a lot to do in New Orleans. I love this city ..........
How about a ride on the street car............... The RTA's red streetcars can be taken to reach various sections of the District.
Or if you're ready to jumpstart your Uptown adventure, go ahead and hop on the St. Charles Streetcar, ride it
up to Washington Avenue, then walk down Washington to Commander's Palace. This iconic Garden District restaurant serves up a three-course Jazz Brunch that's absolutely to die for.
Visit the Garden district- Garden District - Multi-million dollar mansions line the streets of the garden district; Ann Rice,
John Goodman, Sandra Bullock, Delta Burke, and Ely Manning all have homes here. The garden district is also home to The Real World house, St Charles Ave, and Magazine Street. As you walk along, be sure and peek behind, the wrought iron gates, the most beautiful gardens are just behind those beautiful houses. They are so gorgeous. Don't forget to look!!
Or start you day at the Aquarium. The Aquarium's 30-foot-long aquatic tunnel and experience the rain forest from the top of a tropical tree house. You can also swing by Adventure Island, where your young explorer will get to pet stingrays and even see a stingray feeding they happen twice daily at 11:30a.m. and 2:30 p.m. See all the beauty of the underwater world without getting wet!
Before you leave New Orleans, you've "GOT" to have dinner at Brennan's. It's a little expensive, but include it in your budget for visiting.
Brennan's Restaurant is a must . Brennan was a charmer and the consummate host, and the restaurant had a strong following of wealthy locals and Hollywood royalty from the very beginning
Although the restaurant established its reputation on classic Creole dishes like turtle soup, shrimp Creole
Brennan's is most famous for its weekend brunch. In traditional New Orleans fashion, a Brennan's brunch starts with brandy milk punch and must involve poached eggs and Hollandaise in any which way of the restaurant's signature styles, like Hussarde (Canadian bacon,
Marchand de Vin sauce), Portuguese (in pastry shells with sautéed tomato and shallot) or with fried oysters.Brennan's has also contributed its own dishes to the city's culinary, including Eggs Hussarde. The most famous Brennan's
creation is Bananas Foster, bananas flambéed in a caramel sauce and served with ice cream. They will make this right at your table. It's a lot of fun to watch them.
(The dessert is so popular, the restaurant peels 35,000 pounds of bananas every year to make it.) Brennan's shared the recipe with me so I've included it in this blog.
Banana's Foster.
This is the actual Bananas Foster recipe from the original source and creator of this dessert: Brennan's Restaurant. In 1951, Chef Paul created Bananas Foster. The scrumptious dessert was named for Richard Foster, who served with Owen on the New Orleans Crime Commission. Richard Foster was a frequent customer of Brennan's and a very good friend of Owen.
* BANANAS FOSTER
* ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
* 1 cup brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* ¼ cup banana liqueur
* 4 bananas, cut in half
lengthwise, then halved
* ¼ cup dark rum
* 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a flambé pan or skillet. Place the pan over low heat either on an alcohol burner or on top of the stove, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the banana liqueur, then place the bananas in the pan. When the banana sections soften Bananas Fosterand begin to brown, carefully add the rum. Continue to cook the sauce until the rum is hot, then tip the pan slightly to ignite the rum. When the flames subside, lift the bananas out of the pan and place four pieces over each portion of ice cream. Generously spoon warm sauce over the top of the ice cream and serve immediately.
Now it's time for an evening on Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is located in the Vieux Carre Historic District. While we were out on tour, we usually took a stroll down Bourbon Street just to be able to say we had walked down Bourbon Street, it's a lot of fun to watch what goes on on Bourbon. We'd then make our way to Pat O'Brien's. In a town of known for its long, proud history of cocktails, the Hurricane is truly special. Pat O'Brien invented the drink in the 1940s, and it's been delighting sailors and visitors since. It's the go-to to-go drink, a powerful sucker-punch of sweet and strong, of tropical fruit juice and rum. ( Most of us would get a "virgin" Hurricane NO rum added) It still a very good drink without rum. :-) They say, Hurricane, like its namesake, will mess you up . And sure, you can find these monsters in plenty of bars and daiquiri shacks around town. But for the original and best, go to Pat O'Brien's, the Bourbon Street bar that turned a curvaceous glass into both a souvenir to remember New Orleans and the source of many forgotten nights on Bourbon Street.
Pat O'Brien's is a big and flashy joint that caters to devoted partiers. Sit on the patio and marvel at the flaming fountain while chowing down on catfish strips and alligator bites. Or wheedle your way into the popular Piano Bar for some tunes played on the twin copper-plated pianos.
If you've got more time while your in New Orleans, visit one of the cemeteries, Mardi Gras World, where you can see how the floats are made for the parade, and even try on part of the parade customes. Visit Oak Alley Plantation, take a Swamp Boat Cruise. There are so many things to do, you can easily spend a week in the area. If you would like suggestions to stay or things to do, I'll be happy to give you suggestions.
New Orleans`~~~ "It's Just Naturally Naulins, Darling, It's Just Naturally Naulins"
French Quarter
When visiting New Orleans one always thinks of the French Quarter and Burbon Street. The French Quarter is located on the highest ground in the city in the crescent of the Mississippi River, the French Quarter is a historical icon. Aside from being the main tourist draw, New Orleans' oldest neighborhood has long been a place for artists, writers and the musicians who perform within the French Quarter. Take an afternoon and leisurely stroll around Jackson Square in the French Quarter. It's New Oleans' oldest neighborhood, you'll find artists, musicians, (take time to sit or stand and listen to them) they are great musicians. Watch the mime's they are very good and entertaining. As you stroll the Vieux Carre (French Quarter), be sure and visit the St. Louis Cathedral.
St. Louis Cathedral
The cathedral is flanked by the Cabildo and the Presbytere both dating
back to 1700's. Both have a lot of Louisiana history attached to them and the Louisiana Purchase was signed in the Cabildo. They also have a major exhibit on Hurrican Katrina.
The French Market,
It's "America's Oldest Public Market," has existed on the same site since 1791 having originally been a Native American trading post. It should be on everyone's list of things to see in New Orleans.
caf'e au lait & beignets
The French Market District is six blocks of shopping and food located on the Mississippi River side of the Lower French Quarter. On one end by the world famous Café du Monde and on the other by its eclectic Flea Market, the area offers a wonderful glimpse into New Orleans culture. At the French Market you can find fresh produce, outdoor dining, handmade candies, jewelry, gifts, home décor, original artwork, if your a shopper you can spend all afternoon, if not maybe a couple of hours. My advise is have on your walking shoes and just enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
If your tired of walking and are ready for a snack, stop at the Cafe du Monde. Café du Monde in the French Quarter is one local institution. For nearly 150 years, visitors and locals have flocked to Café du Monde in the French Market for a beignet fix. The square, French doughnuts buried in a blizzard of powdered sugar and steaming cups of smooth, chicory-scented café au lait. It's just one of those things you need to try when your in "New Orleans". (Word of advice: Unless you like Chicory coffee.......... ask for plenty of cream in the coffee....... to my taste........it isn't a very desireable drink) But it's fun........... it's just part of visiting New Orleans, you can always say I tried it :-) ) The green and white-striped awning covering the shaded outdoor café is as much a New Orleans icon as brass horns and beads. The 24-hour café sits steps away from the Riverfront, streetcar line and the Moonwalk, a walkway along the Mississippi River named for former mayor Maurice "Moon" Landrieu. The menu is strictly beignets, coffee and soda. You can avoid the worst of the line that regularly snakes around the cafe by arriving early on weekends (before 9 a.m.) or evenings for post-dinner coffee and dessert. It isn't very busy about 10:30 or 11 in evening either. When we were on tour we visited Cafe du Monde after a night life tour of Bourbon street and a visit to Pat O'Briens. But I'll tell you about that in my next blog. You won't find a better place in the city to relax, re-charge and people-watch, no matter what the hour.
Steamboat Natchez 
carriage rides
If you always thought about a vacation to New Orleans and really wanted to know all about this city. I'll post more in my next blog, but when you hear something unusual about New Orleans, just remember "It's Just Naturally Naulins, Darling, It's Just Naturally Naulins".
I love traveling and I owned Sho Me Tours, a group tour company for 18 years and traveled as a group tour director for 26 years, traveling to 23 countries, all of the provinces of Canada except the Northwest Territory. I've visited our 50 states several times. I was fortunate to have a job that I truly enjoyed. I'm hoping you'll enjoy reading my blog and that you will want to visit some of the fantastic places in this great world God has given to us. I'm a "country bumpkin" and live on a farm just outside of Atlanta, Missouri.
I love traveling and I owned Sho Me Tours, a group tour company for 18 years and traveled as a group tour director for 26 years, traveling to 23 countries, all of the provinces of Canada except the Northwest Territory. I've visited our 50 states several times. I was fortunate to have a job that I truly enjoyed. I'm hoping you'll enjoy reading my blog and that you will want to visit some of the fantastic places in this great world God has given to us. I'm a "country bumpkin" and live on a farm just outside of Atlanta, Missouri.
