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A Monument To The Human Spirit

“The War to End All Wars” was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Allied forces clashed with the Central Powers in a real-life game of Risk. The five years of turmoil left the countryside scarred, and families broken. It did not however extinguish the human spirit. The good in mankind rose above all of this to help heal a world that had been dark for so many days. The same year that WWI ended, Kansas City leaders came together with a plan to construct a lasting memorial to those who served.

By 1921, a site had been selected, and 100,000 people gathered for the dedication. Within five years, the memorial would be built, and an even larger crowd would be on hand for its opening. The museum served the city, and its visitors, for many years. By 1994, the museum was closed due to structural concerns. A plan was made to revitalize, as well as expand the site, so that it could better showcase the growing collections of artifacts. During this period, it was given the distinction of being proclaimed the nation’s official World War 1 Museum. When it reopened in 2006, the completely redesigned space had become a showcase. Its 217-foot-tall tower, topped with an eternal flame, stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

Life In The Trenches

World War 1 was a battle fought in the trenches. Long series of dugouts were constructed across the fields, and the battle of small gains was waged. The trenches were designed to slow the advance of the enemy, while offering some protection from artillery and snipers. These man-made troughs were often reinforced with wooden beams and sandbags, as well as guarded with barbed wire. Flooding was a concern, as well as infestation by various pests. Life in the trenches was difficult, and soldiers would often rotate through them in stays of up to two weeks. It is estimated that if all of the trenches dug out during the war were laid end to end, they would total over 25,000 miles long. Be sure to check out the viewing holes to see soldiers in the trenches.

Rise and Fall of an Empire

As we made our way through the museum, we learned all about life in the trenches. Information is presented in an easy to understand approach. Don’t forget to ask staff members to help shed additional light on the exhibits. Be sure to interact with them during your visit. They are a wealth of information and everyone we met was so helpful and informative. Tours are available for those interested, and short films highlight key events of the war. Additional displays show the political, social, and economical impacts that rippled through Europe. The end of WWI would offer temporary relief and a short time to heal. Our planet would once again be plunged into another world war in just three decades. (You can read about the WWII Museum here.)

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Truman Museum – Design for the Masses

It had been a few years since our last visit but we could immediately see the changes. The Truman Museum has added more audio-visual exhibits. This helps draw visitors into the story of this man from Missouri. As we progressed through the museum, we found the films to be informative. Each would add the building blocks of information that create a portrait of Harry S. Truman.

The Early Years

Harry’s early years were spent on farms around the big city’s outskirts. At the age of six, his folks moved to Independence, Missouri. Harry’s mother encouraged him to explore. He began piano lessons at seven and became quite skilled. Harry was also a voracious reader and enjoyed history. His first venture into politics was working as a page at the 1900 Democratic National Convention in Kansas City. Harry graduated high school in 1901 and attended one year of college. While he never gained a college diploma, his one year of business studies would pay off for him later.

Entering Service Life

In 1905, Truman enlisted in the Missouri National Guard. He would serve 6 years in the field artillery regiment. To prevent his poor eyesight from keeping him out of service, Harry memorized the eye chart. When the U.S. entered World War I, Truman would rejoin his artillery division. His time in Europe would teach him new leadership skills. These would prove invaluable with his return to Missouri politics. During his service, he met the nephew of Tom Pendergast, who was a political boss in Kansas City. This connection would help propel Harry into politics.

Taking Office in Difficult Times

Truman’s political career included serving as a Jackson County judge, before setting his sights higher. With Pendergast’s assistance, Harry won a U.S. Senate seat in 1934. Having lived through The Great Depression, Truman found himself a champion against Wall Street greed. The Truman Library was filling our minds with a ton of historical information we must have missed in school. When President Roosevelt decided to seek a fourth term, his advisers knew his health was a concern. They knew there was a high probability that he would not survive another four years. Truman was selected to be his running mate, as he was seen as an asset to the Democratic Party. Truman had been vice president for 82 days when Roosevelt died. On April 12, 1945, Truman was sworn into office.

The War in Europe

After the funeral of FDR, Truman set to work reassuring the country of victory in the war. On a side note, on April 18th Truman officially declared the first Mother’s Day, to show “gratitude, love, and devotion” for mothers. The next section of the Truman Museum explains the circumstances that faced Truman after he was sworn in. The country was in the waning years of World War II. By May, the war in Europe had ended, and it was time to begin the reduction of troops. Japan was issued a directive to surrender but refused. Expectations are that the war in the Asian Theater could drag out another year, and cost many more lives. Truman made the difficult decision to use the newly tested nuclear weapons. On August 6th, and 9th, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan. The war with Japan ended on August 15th, 1945.

Post War Fears

After the war, Americans were fearful of a return to the depression that had gripped the country prior to the war. Instead, the economy boomed as pent-up consumer spending boomed. The Marshall Plan was put in place to help Europe recover economically, but the political atmosphere was continuing to change. Communism had taken a foothold and was spreading across the continent. This set the stage for the development of the Cold War. In America, old problems were once again rising to the surface. The year was 1948, and Harry Truman was facing re-election. Besides facing a Republican-controlled Congress, his support of Civil rights had created a rift in his own Democratic Party.

A Political Upset

Truman’s humble beginnings manifested in his belief in fairness for all. With the election only months away, Truman was not about to shirk from his beliefs. The spring of 1948 brought increased turmoil to the Middle East. When Israel became a state, on May 14th, President Truman was quick to recognize it formally. Truman’s second term was marked by an increase in unrest in Asia. The Soviets had developed their own nuclear program, and China was in the midst of change, after the fall of Mao Tse-tung. The Korean peninsula would be the site of the next armed action, as the conflict increased. The United States, under Truman, would enter the Korean War, as part of a NATO coalition. He would not oversee the end of the conflict, as he left office in 1952.

Heading Home

In 1952,  America was brimming with prosperity. Even with this success, Truman’s approval rating had been declining since the United States entered the Korean War. Throughout the museum, we found the written words of Truman himself. These offered glimpses into the mind of a man who seemed simple from the outside, but in reality, was extremely complex. Even though he left office with a 30% approval rating, history would eventually confirm the importance of his actions during his time in office. For the rest of his years, he dedicated his time to developing his library. He stressed educating youth on the importance of understanding your government and history. These were too important to leave to chance, so he made sure that ” The buck stopped here”.

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Failure Turned Into Success

I have to wonder how many fortunes were started by accident. Such is the case of Robert Alexander Long. Born into a Kentucky farming family, he moved to Columbus, Kansas in 1873. HIs uncle was a banker, who helped underwrite a series of business failures. One of these was a hay bale business he began with two friends. Finally, his uncle suggested he move farther west, so Robert began selling off the failed hay business. When the sheds were disassembled, he found a strong market for the lumber. This business grew quickly and after one of the partners passed away the two remaining formed the Long-Bell Lumber Company. It was in Columbus where Long met Martha Ellen Wilson, who he affectionately referred to as Ella. She was a Pennsylvania Quaker who was a local schoolteacher. Robert courted her for a year, before the two were married in 1876. The couple had a son, who passed shortly after birth. They also had two daughters, Sally and Loula.

Family Ties

In 1891, the family moved to Kansas City, where his business would have access to more avenues for sales. Western growth relied heavily upon moving supplies along rail lines, and Kansas City was a key point along the journey. By the time that the Long family arrived in their new location, their portfolio included more than 50 lumberyards. Soon after, the Long-Bell Lumber Company would become the largest in the world. The family didn’t sit on their profits, and used them to benefit others. Besides funding libraries and schools, Robert was also a force behind construction of Liberty Memorial and the World War I Museum.

Visiting Corinthian Hall

With all of this success, the Longs decided they needed a home that reflected their prominence. Throughout our many visits to the Kansas City Museum, we had never really grasped the true scope of the Long’s endeavor. The home resides on 3 acres of land overlooking the Missouri River. The four-story mansion gets its name from the Corinthian columns that adorn the entryway, as well as some of the smaller buildings on their property. The home was completed in 1910 at a price of a whopping $1,000,000, which made it the most expensive Kansas City home at that time. It would remain the family home until Robert’s passing in 1934.

Moving In

While the majestic scale of this home was lost on a child, as an adult I can appreciate its overwhelming presence. The main house has over 20,000 square-feet of livable space. When we entered the recently refurbished house we were greeted by the familiar grand staircase. The first floor has been redesigned to exhibit the story of Corinthian hall and the Long family. In the past, the family part had been mostly absent from the displays. We like that the staff has decided to share more of the background of one of Kansas City’s notable families. It was surprising to read that when the family took up residence in the home, they found it completely stocked for daily use. Wouldn’t that be a nice way to start life in a new home?

Touring the Home

For decades this majestic building had been home to mineral exhibits and history displays. The hundreds of stuffed animals are nowhere to be seen, as the home has been returned to its original splendor. After their father’s death, the two daughters removed some of the architectural and decorative items for their own homes. Much of the original furniture was sold during an estate auction. In 1939, the sisters donated the property to the Kansas City Museum Association, which repurposed into the history museum that we visited as schoolchildren.

Kansas City History

While our visit to the Kansas City Museum was primarily focused on the home’s original occupants, we couldn’t pass up a visit to the other galleries. Climbing the grand staircase, we made our way to the second floor. This floor has been redesigned to contain the history of Kansas City. It is broken into five galleries with four dedicated to the city’s historical timeline. Since this was our secondary reason for visiting, we will only focus on the earliest portion. This gallery concentrates on the origin of Kansas City and the earliest people who inhabited the lands.

First Inhabitants

If you were to travel back to the late 1600s, you’d discover that the land inhabited primarily by the Osage Nation. They had settled into the river valleys long before any European explorers had set foot in North America. As they migrated westward, they followed the Missouri River to the lands that would one day be Kansas City. The Osage were an impressive people with many adults at or over six-feet tall. The tribe combined hunting and farming to create a well-balanced lifestyle. Spanish and French traders were eager to obtain the pelts in exchange for firearms and other goods. The introduction of horses allowed the Osage to travel farther on hunting trips and raiding parties.

Forced Removal

While the initial interactions focused on trade, the growing number of immigrants led to a clash for the lands of this region. The repeated contact with Europeans also brought new diseases, which took a toll on the tribe’s members. Within a relatively short time, the increased trade altered the lifestyle of the Osage. Metal goods replaced the bone versions that had been tradition for generations. The Louisiana Purchase changed the direction of expansion for the United States. In 1808, the U.S. government negotiated a treaty that allowed the establishment of Fort Osage. It would serve as a trading post for the military and native people. By 1814, the government pressured the Osage to relinquish their ancestral lands and relocate to Kansas and Oklahoma territories.

Kansas City Museum

During our visit, we had a moment to speak with a couple of staff members. They were excited to see the home restored to much of its original grandeur, but told us that there are more plans in the works. The soda fountain, which was extremely popular with kids, will return in the next round of renovations. They also have plans for some of the other buildings on the property and we are sure they will be just as amazing. Seeing this historic property revitalized reminds us that telling a story doesn’t have to become stale. The new direction that the staff has taken the Kansas City Museum ensures that generations of schoolchildren will continue to learn about our city’s march to the future.

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So Much To See

Even before we begin our exploring, we can already see that there is a lot to explore. Just reading the statistics listed at the entrance is mind-blowing. To think of all the hours required to create these amazing pieces is a reminder of the skill required in this art form. The cover photo for this article is a good example of the incredible detail required to form a believable reproduction. Titled Architect’s Classroom Circa 1900, it is overwhelming trying to take in all of the details. Yet, without all of them, the presentation would be incomplete. This is one of my favorite pieces in the museum.

Getting a Closer Look

To make it easier for visitors to examine the pieces, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures has magnifying glasses for the public to use. I always feel a little like Sherlock Holmes whenever I am in this part of the museum. Moving from one display case to the next, I find myself filled with wonder. Reading the literature, we learned that most pieces are created on a 1:12 scale. The pieces on display include a collection of original designs, as well as reproductions of items made in real size by master artists.

Amazing Details

What really blows my mind are the pieces that draw you farther and farther into the details. This Art Deco Jewelry Store is a prime example of this experience. It’s a recreation of a fine jewelry store that would have been found in metropolitan areas in the 1920s. At first glance, I see the large chandelier that hangs above the display case. Made with 15,800 beads, it is a masterpiece all by itself. As my eyes work down the paneled Rosewood walls, my focus shifts to the couple shopping for that special piece. This beckons me farther into the piece and I find myself examining the intricate pieces inside the jewelry case. The fine points of this handiwork are astonishing.

Rich Reproductions

By now, my senses have become keen and I look for the unusual details. You would think that just taking in the overall unthinkable works would be enough. I am now searching for the minutiae that makes up those “aha” moments. A prime example of this would be the artist’s attention to individual layers of the treats on the table. They even went so far as to give the candles the appearance of being used. I can imagine myself sitting down to afternoon tea at this table, although as a child I would have been prohibited from using this room without adult supervision.

How Do They Do It?

A section of the museum that is always intriguing is In The Artist’s Studio. Here we discover the steps required to create these miniature masterpieces. There are some fun hands-on exhibits that let visitors see just how steady your hand needs to be to complete the intricate work. Crystal and I each took turns placing our hands on a clock and let me tell you it isn’t easy. Along the wall, we found displays that showcase exploded views of miniature furniture pieces. Having seen full-size furniture unassembled, it is amazing how these tiny versions follow the same guidelines.

Learning From the Masters

We also enjoy seeing the short videos that detail some of the crafts required to create the miniatures. I’ll be the first to admit that I am no budding artist, so imagining the difficulty to create these minute versions of classics is impressive. This goes far beyond just having a steady hand, one must also have a keen eye for detail. As we wrapped up our exploring on the first floor of the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, we prepared to head upstairs to check out the toys. Time to put away the magnifying glass and release more of my inner child.

Eyes on the Prize

I would imagine toys have been around, in one form or another, almost since the beginning of time. Even I remember occurrences of playing with rocks, which I used to create towns in a dirt patch. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures walks visitors through some of the histories of the tools that children of all ages use to unlock their imaginations. We began our journey by climbing the staircase, which encircles a rotating display of toys from all time periods. Once upstairs, we began investigating some of the stereoscopic devices that opened a hidden world to the viewer. While these may have been before our time, we can see the amusement that receiving such a piece would bring to a child.

Always Learning

While my history with dollhouses is sparse, I still enjoy seeing the amazing details that are brought to the pieces. As we made our way through their extensive collection, I found that this display really captured my attention. I never realized all of the backgrounds that applied to the creation of the various dolls. It makes sense that the styles of these miniature figurines would mimic the social situations of the times.

Heading Back in Time

For me, toys were an avenue that led to other worlds. Some would find me leading the charge as we storm the beach of some foreign battle. Others would find us hacking our way through a dense jungle, as we became the first explorers to explore unchartered lands. The one constant in all of our playtimes was the use of our imaginations. Armed with this invaluable tool, we could be anything we dreamed of and end up whisked away to places that only existed in our minds.

Childhood Memories

We all had certain toys that evoke fond memories. As we watched a video about this man’s experiences with a paratrooper toy, I was reminded of some of my favorites. An old cap gun was my trusty weapon, as I sought out adventure throughout my childhood neighborhood. When our caps ran out, a verbal “Bang, Bang” was enough to signify an accurate shot. As I grew older, my toys adapted into ones that required more physical dexterity. Hours of flinging frisbees would be rewarded with the occasional scramble to retrieve them from an unexpected destination.

Toy History

When you are a kid, you don’t often wonder about the origin of your toys. There may be the occasion when a toy breaks, and you find yourself disassembling it to check out the details. At the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, you can learn the background of some familiar and common playthings. As a youth, I would have likely bypassed this exhibit, but adulthood has taught me an appreciation for the history of products.

Were We Learning?

Passing through the various galleries, an unexpected realization came to me. All of those hours spent playing may have been the base for learning about how to handle life’s situations. I think back to the summer days when soon after breakfast we stepped out of the house for the day. Often, our only returns would be for lunch and dinner. The balance of time was spent using our imaginations to create new worlds to explore. Each scenario would present problems to be solved, but we only saw them as challenges to be conquered. These aid in developing our problem-solving skills for later in life. Oh my gosh, playtime was really learning time.

Kansas City Connection

We continued to explore the galleries and displays. There are a few sections that exhibit a collection of toys from yesteryear. Seeing this assortment of airplanes, I immediately noticed the hometown connection with Trans World Airlines. This Kansas City-based company was well known to most families in this area, especially during my youth, in the late 1960s. Being a pilot was another popular dream job for kids, back in those days. Most flights would include some daring-do, or at the least, narrowly averted the danger.

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

By the time we wrapped up our visit to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, my inner child had been fully released. All of those familiar memories were flooding through my brain. I was ready to run to the store and buy a kite, just to see how high I could get it to fly. There are so many stories associated with my childhood toys, that they should really be looked back on as tools of the trade. Even a field of rocks held the possibility of hours of immersive fun. What were some of your favorite toys?

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The Shawnee Tribe

We discovered that the first floor of the museum focuses on the Shawnee people. By the 1600s, the Shawnee people occupied the woodlands around Ohio and Pennsylvania. During the summer, they lived a sedentary lifestyle, choosing to raise and tend crops. Fishing and hunting were also an important part of their lives. Their lodging was often bark-covered houses and a village would contain forty to one hundred homes. They are also associated with the creation of earthen mounds, which were part of their religious and social life. Winter would find them breaking into family groups that spent time hunting. The Shawnee share connections with the Kickapoo, and Delaware tribes and established a close friendship with the Wyandot.

Expanding Territory

In 1630, attacks from the Iroquois forced the Shawnee to seek new lands. The various clans scattered to the south and west. It was this action that gained the tribe a reputation as wanderers, which was done out of necessity. As the power of the Iroquois tribe waned, some of the Shawnee clans returned to the Ohio Valley. European traders saw an opportunity for trade and made allies with the native people. As trade expanded, the influx of alcohol created a negative impact on the tribe. The Shawnee were forced to surrender large tracts of land in Ohio, which led to ill will against the Americans. It would be Shawnee Chief Tecumseh who would unite the tribes in a war that culminated with the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Shawnee Indian Mission

It was only about 50 years after America became a nation before a large land grab would swing into full gear. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act. This was designed to vacate native tribes from their ancestral lands and relocate them west of the Mississippi River. The Shawnee were moved to eastern Kansas and tribal leadership requested the US government build a school. The original Methodist mission was constructed in Turner, Kansas. Within a few years, the need for a larger facility led to the construction of the Shawnee Indian Manual Labor Boarding School. It became one of the first boarding schools built on the lands purchased in the Louisiana Purchase.

Just Passing Through

We soaked up more of the lore of the Shawnee people, before moving to the second floor. Here we found spaces designed to showcase other aspects of life in the 1800s. The Kansas City region was a hub for people seeking greener pastures to the west. The Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails all passed through this region. Some of our previous trips, like a visit to Council Grove, had highlighted these famous pathways. The Shawnee Indian Mission has an interactive display designed to educate the public about the difficulties faced by these pioneers. One of the exhibits asks guests to select the items that were considered necessities for the journey west.

Hard Road Ahead

As we explored the exhibits, we thought about what it would have been like to be one of those adventurers. Life in the east would have been fairly normal and filled with the pleasantries and creature comforts expected in a home setting. Now imagine trying to pack all of this up and move it across the rivers, plains, and mountains. It wouldn’t take long before you would find yourself thinning the wagon of unneeded weight. Goodbyes would be difficult as you ejected your family china or that grandfather clock brought from the Old World. This would be just one of the hard decisions made along your journey.

Turmoil in the Heartland

We continued exploring the second-floor exhibits and came to an area focused on a period of great turmoil. Those who were raised in or near the Kansas City region are well aware of the Border War. The time leading up to the Civil War was filled with murderous acts committed in the name of freedom. Some would fight for their right to continue the act of slavery. Others would call on the side of abolition to justify their actions. Many historians feel that the skirmishes and battles along the Kansas-Missouri border added significantly to the atmosphere of war.

Finding Hidden Kansas History

Our visit to the Shawnee Indian museum reminded us that there are still places to discover in our backyard. While we will continue to showcase destinations all around North America, we will also renew our commitment to the Kansas City region. We know that a large number of our readers are locals, who have stuck with us for years. There are not enough words to express our appreciation for your commitment. Please let us know of any sites you’d like to see us visit and we will put them on our “must-see” list. We love exploring new places and sharing the experiences with all of you.

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We want to thank Fort Osage National Historic Landmark for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

On the Edge of Freedom

It was during the Lewis and Clark Expedition that the land for Fort Osage was first recognized for its value. The bluff on which the fort sits offered a tactical advantage. It was a good 70 feet above the river, which was shallower at this point. The explorers noted this in their journal, as they made their way through the territory.  The new government was looking for ways to battle the harmful influence of private traders. The erection of a trading post, also known as a factory, would create a free-trade zone on the edge of the new frontier.

Military Life

We arrived at Fort Osage for their “Fall Muster” event. This historic attraction hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. For this one, we would have an opportunity to learn about fort life in the early 1800s. As we stepped through the gates of the fort, we were transported to a time leading up to the War of 1812. The morning began with the raising of the flag. This was followed by a presentation of arms and a few volleys to grab the attention of visitors.

Playing Their Parts

Once the ceremonies were completed, the staff moved on to their daily routines. We began our exploration of the grounds, as the hammering of the blacksmith rang out in the background. While it was a brisk morning, the weather didn’t appear to dampen the spirits of those in attendance. In fact, the character actors seemed to be quite jovial, as they went about explaining life on the edge of the frontier.

Keeping the Peace

Civilized life along the east coast left some seeking the freedom of the frontier. Joining the military offered a chance to travel west. While the Revolutionary War seemed far ago, the conflict with Britain was not yet over. While America had won its freedom, England was doing what it could to slow the expansion of the new country. Fort Osage had barely began its service to the territory, when it was shuttered in response to the start of the war. In October of 1815, troops would return to the barracks and resume their duties of protecting the peace.

Military Store

While the factory store was intended for use by everyone, the military had their own shop located inside of Fort Osage. This store would have only served soldiers and their families looking to supplement their daily rations. As we perused the stock at this shop, the store-keeper reminded us that we would not have been able to purchase any of the items, seeing how we were not part of the military staff. I suppose we would have had to taken our business to the factory.

Factory Store

While the military store was only for the enlisted, the factory served everyone. Just outside the fort gates we discovered this three story building, which served as a trading post. This self-sufficient store had rooms to accommodate all of the operations needed to run a successful factory. Shelves were loaded with goods that would have been available to purchase. Native Indians would have frequented this factory to exchange pelts for supplies.

Cookies to Share

As we explored the factory building, the aroma of baked goods wafted up from the lower floors. Heading down some stairs, we found ourselves in the kitchen area. Here we discovered staff members in the process of making gingerbread cookies. All of the ingredients would have been readily available during the period the Fort Osage was in use. We watched as one of the ladies formed the dough and cut out rounds for baking beside the fire. It was obvious that even on the edge of the frontier, there were still treats to be found.

The Realities of Frontier Life

Back outside, we found ourselves speaking with the laundress for the fort. Her job would have also included repairs to clothing that would have certainly seen some rugged use. As her kettle heated over the open fire, we discussed the daily chores that would have fallen upon her shoulders. Clearly, this was a vital role for not only the enlisted, but also the civilians who occupied Fort Osage.

A Day at Fort Osage

The bustle of activity continued around the fort. After exploring all of the nooks and crannies, we headed back to the visitors center to check out their museum. Located in the lower section of the center, it holds exhibits focused on the Osage Indians, as well as life along the river. Fort Osage is located in Sibley, Missouri, which is just a short drive east of the Kansas City metropolitan area. With events taking place throughout the year, you’re sure to find the perfect opportunity to learn more about life on the edge of the frontier.

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Frozen in Time

Missouri Town 1855 has a fairly self-explanatory name. The idea was to create a crossroads town that would be common around the start of the Civil War. There was no specific region chosen to be represented, as these types of villages existed all across the country. The buildings at Missouri Town were all brought here from other small towns. Each structure would have a specific purpose during life in 1855. Visitors are encouraged to explore the buildings and interact with the volunteers that inhabit each one. On festival day, the population swells with the excited throng of guests.

Traveling Back in Time

The act of welcoming Fall, at Missouri Town 1855, includes some down-home entertainment. After navigating parking, we made our way onto the grounds. One of the first buildings we came to would have been the residence of the local military leader. While the staff is in the process of refurbishing this structure, the interior is restricted. Instead of tours, they were using the building as a backdrop for an entertainment stage. As the day progressed, a variety of entertainers captivated those passing by with their musical prowess.

Festival Atmosphere

Wandering the grounds, we found that musical entertainment could be found in abundance. Keeping to the time period, we found ourselves being beguiled by unfamiliar sounds. Being country music lovers, we were familiar with the instruments being played. It’s easy to find yourself transported back in time when you are surrounded by the sounds of guitars, banjos, fiddles, and dulcimers.

Living History

Scattered around the grounds, we found an assortment of buildings that held various craftspeople. Each was more than happy to converse with us and the other visitors. They would fill us in on their role in Missouri Town, and how it would have fit into daily life in 1855. This guy was in the process of making wood shingles for roofs. This labor-intensive task would have been imperative for the maintenance of roofs on the buildings.

Farm Life

The layout of the village is easy to navigate, as it follows one main road. We made our way towards the back of the property, where we landed on a small farm. Here they were letting the oxen rest up from a day of heavy labor. Places like Missouri Town 1855 are an excellent opportunity for city dwellers to learn more about life on a farm. It is also a chance to pet a full-size Holstein bull.

Harvest Time

Welcoming Fall includes lots of labor on the farm. While crops are maturing throughout the summer, there is an abundance of harvesting to be done in autumn. At Missouri Town 1855 they grow a small number of various crops, to be used for educational purposes. One of their key crops is sorghum, which is used in the production of molasses. During the Fall Festival, staff members harvest the crop and will usually show some of the steps for making molasses. There are a couple of places in the town that sell this thick sweetener produced by the staff.

Engaging the Public

Visitors can find other opportunities to engage and practice their skills. Harvest season has long been associated with apples. At Missouri Town 1855, this fruit is not overlooked. We spotted one area where apples were being crushed into a mash. A line of kids anxiously awaited their chance to hammer the large wooden pestle into the trough filled with apples. Nearby, staff members were busy creating apple cider with some of the mashed apples. Another group was in the throws of boiling down the mash for some creamy apple butter. The smells of autumn hung in the air.

Welcoming Fall

Not all of the apples would end up being crushed. At a nearby house, we found a volunteer busy with the task of pie-making. She walked through how she did it and then we spent some time just conversing. We discovered that the foods produced during the day are used to feed staff and volunteers. This seemed like a perfect reward for a busy day filled with activity. We can imagine that they have quite a feast when the workday is done.

Holiday Shopping?

Fall festivals have a lot to offer visitors. Besides the educational and engaging activities, there is usually a good selection of vendors. This is the perfect time to do a little early holiday shopping. A large number of the booths were filled with handmade crafts from local artists. This adds a homegrown touch to gifts for friends and family. We also keep an eye open for things that would fit in our own homes.

Wrapping Up a Full Day

With so much activity, as well as some tasty cobblers, we found ourselves tuckered out from our excursion. As we neared the parking lot, we spied the last few exhibits. At this one, the focus was on allowing visitors to learn about the pelts from different animals. Laid out in the midst of the display was the couple’s child. It looks like the day’s activities had worn this tyke out, as well. Time for us to rest up and prepare for more Fall events. We need to make hay while the sun shines since winter will be here sooner than we realize.

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Chinese New Year Festival

We have visited during special events in the past, but will usually avoid the crowds. Since the timing for this visit coincided with our daughter’s birthday, we were willing to break that rule. Inside the museum, there were reminders of the event scattered throughout the various common spaces. We also found a variety of exhibitions and performances to watch. In fact, in one of the smaller galleries, I came upon a group of dancers posing for some friends. It seemed like a great opportunity to practice my portrait photography.

Behind the Scenes

They say you can learn something new every day, and we feel it’s a good goal. Did you know that the Nelson-Atkins Museum has a research library? We didn’t, but our daughter happens to be friends with the staff, so they invited us on a private tour. Underneath the art museum is their closed-shelf collection that includes about 1/4 million books and periodicals. As we walked past row after row of reference pieces, we were in awe of the mass of information available in one place. We have the highest respect for their ability to keep so many pieces organized.

Getting Down to Business

After the impressive tour, it was time to head into the galleries. On this particular day, we were navigating around the areas that had large crowds. The Nelson-Atkins is large enough that we can almost always find an area that offers a more tranquil setting.

Loitering?

When people ask us how long it takes to go through an attraction, it is always harder to gauge with art museums. We can estimate timing at a history museum based on the depth of exhibits. With art, you can find yourself spending extra time taking in all of the nuances of one piece or a special exhibit. We have a few pieces at this museum that stop us in our tracks on each visit. It seems that we can almost always count on seeing the details in a new light.

Accessible Design

You also need to account for the rotating special exhibits that dot the museum. While each is only on display for a limited time, there is always something new to discover. This gallery on accessibility shows how design is incorporated into everyday items. Often it is an artist that will create or modify a simple tool to make it better serve the end-user. We found that there are many improvements being realized by adding technology to the mix. This particular exhibit reminded us of a similar gallery we found at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago.

Engaging the Next Generation

While art is working on engaging all people, the Nelson-Atkins Museum is trying to interact with all ages. The addition of pamphlets that allow kids to engage through games and activities helps make learning fun. The museum has also installed a series of electronic portals that challenge visitors to begin seeing the details in a new light. While these are designed to draw in the younger group, we adults have just as much fun with them.

Early Appreciation

Education of the arts will help foster an understanding of their importance. One of my favorite time periods is Ancient Egypt, which is extremely popular with many around the world. We have had the pleasure of visiting various exhibits about pieces found in the cradle of civilization. A traveling display, that we toured at the St. Louis Art Museum, focused on items that had been submerged for centuries. It’s amazing to think there are still artifacts out there waiting to be discovered.

Rotating Exhibits

Not all hidden gems are lost due to time. One of the rotating exhibits we viewed focused on artwork that had been stolen by the Nazis. During World War II, the German regime looted countries that they conquered. Many private collections were pilfered, especially those of Jewish owners. While a large portion has been recovered, there are still many pieces that have never resurfaced. Museums like the Nelson-Atkins serve the role of documenting artwork with a goal of determining proper ownership.

Life is Art

It is often said that art imitates life and the same can be said in reverse. Most artwork comes from human experiences since these inspire the artists. Unlike photographs, paintings and sculptures can represent a different view of a moment in time. Many may be chilling, but they cause us to reflect on the meaning that the artist was trying to express. What does this piece say to you?

Seeing the Details

When we look at a piece for the first time, it is easy to just note the overall idea behind the subject. It is only by taking a closer look that we begin seeing the details that make each piece unique. Sometimes a piece of pottery is more than it seems and further investigation may just create more questions than it answers. The intricate decorations of an old gun are often overlooked by people, as they don’t see it for its artistic value. Even an old fur pouch can be seen as grotesque by some, while others will note the complexity of its assembly.

Art is Symmetry

In life, symmetry can be hit or miss. In the art world, it is more often found. While many will think of mirror images as true symmetry, in reality, it can take many forms. Harmony and balance are two signs of symmetry that can make the viewer want to pause and reflect. The use of drawing the eyes from right to left will also pull people into a piece. In the piece above, the eye is drawn from the foot to the hand in a pleasing fashion. It creates a balance that brings art to life.

On Guard

Seeing the details with fresh eyes helps us keep exhibits interesting. There is an old guard behind us in the picture above. It is a statue that has been at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for years. No matter how many times we see it, it still intrigues us. There are new details that we will discover that make it feel like we are seeing it for the first time. This is how art stays fresh and current even after centuries of existence. Perhaps it’s time for you to visit and start seeing the details in a new way.

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A Love Story Unfolds

Harvey Vaile was born on the east coast and moved westward after his early education. He studied law in Louisville, Kentucky and set up practice in Indianapolis. He dabbled in other enterprises before moving to Kansas City in 1859. Here he entered into a law partnership with J.J. Crandell. Vaile was an abolitionist, which was an unpopular position in Missouri around the Civil War era. In 1861, he married Sophia Graham and they made home in Kansas City. Around the end of the war, they moved to Independence and eventually amassed about 2000 acres in Jackson County. This land contained orchards, vineyards, farm and ranching properties. These investments made the Vailes quite wealthy.

In 1863, he joined with a couple of partners to contract a mail route for the United States Government. This enterprise was a short turn investment for Vaile and he soon left the merger. The Vailes made a trip to Europe where they visited a Norman chateau in France. The architecture struck their fancy, which is evident in many of the flourishes found inside and outside of the mansion. The estimated date of the beginning of the house construction was around 1880. Asa Cross, a friend of Vaile and a noted architect, was commissioned to design the structure. His trademark was excessive ornamentation. The exterior is a dizzying array of towers, turrets, arches, and 112 tall, but narrow windows.

Diverted Treasures

When we entered the home’s east facing front door, we found ourselves in a vestibule. The thirteen foot ceilings made us feel diminutive, in such a grand space. On either side is a parlor, one for men and one for women. In both rooms are matching chandeliers that were originally destined for the White House. In the lady’s parlor we found one of the nine fireplaces in the home. This one is made of white marble with onyx pillars. One of the volunteers told us it cost more than $1500 in those days.

As we made our way through the first floor, we found each room filled with an amazing collection of period furnishings. The place looked like it could be moved into and ready for occupancy at any moment. The dining room was prepared to serve eight diners on its fine china. It was in this room that we were first made aware of something that had passed our observation.

Be Sure To Look Up

The volunteer in this room asked us if we had noticed the painted ceilings. Of course we had not, since we were so busy trying to take in all of the sights at eye level. We took a moment to gaze on this one and noticed the fine detail that has held up after more than 130 years. Everywhere we looked we were amazed at the attention to detail in the furnishings. Much of the woodwork is faux painted to mimic hardwoods that were not found in the territory. It would certainly take a more educated eye than ours to tell the difference.

We’re Moving On Up

The Vaile Mansion has three floors, but only two are open for public display. The uppermost floor is unfinished, since Mrs, Vaile passed away before its completion. We made our way up one of the staircases to the second floor, which is where the bedrooms are found. The rooms are decorated just as lavishly as the ones on the first floor, but there is a little modesty taken in some of the furnishings. It was still so amazing to see the massiveness of a home that would have dwarfed its neighbors at the time.

A Most Unusual Room

Amidst all of the bedrooms and the two bathrooms on the second floor (including copper tubs) we were directed to Mr. Vaile’s private smoking room. Designated as “Nature’s Bower”, it sits inside the eighty foot tower seen at the front of the house. The most intriguing characteristic is the woodwork. Here we also found more faux painted wood grain, but hidden inside the design are hundreds of human and animal caricature faces. We are sure this elicited some interesting remarks from guests.

The Society In Action

Since the Vailes had no children, the home soon left their family’s hands. It was willed to the Kansas City Ladies College and changed hands a couple times over the next few generations. Eventually it was deeded to the City of Independence and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. These days the Vaile Society serves as guardians of the home and the volunteers are the ones who offer tours throughout the year. They are also responsible for the fundraisers that happen a few times each year. The day we visited happened to be the annual Strawberry Festival.

All around the grounds we found a whirlwind of activity. Just outside the exit from our tour of the mansion was a tent filled with volunteers serving up delicious strawberry treats. Visitors could purchase a sumptuous snack to enjoy while listening to a patriotic performance by the local orchestra.

Shoppers Paradise

As we made our way around the grounds, we found loads of tents filled with a variety of handmade novelties, crafts, and art. We strolled through and made a few purchases. We even ran into an old friend in the crowd. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the festivities.

The Strawberry Festival draws a lot of visitors, because they have assembled a good selection of activities for guests. Since the Vaile Mansion sits about one mile from the Independence Square, they are able to offer the services of the Pioneer Trails Adventures. We had the opportunity to enjoy a ride with this group on an earlier visit to the historic square. (You can read about it here>) It was certainly a fun adventure filled with its own collection of ‘tales from the trail’.

Meeting A Charismatic Character

There was still one more surprise for us during our visit to the Vaile Mansion. Sitting near the edge of the home’s property we spotted a beautifully restored 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe. It’s owner, George Deel, happened to be sitting nearby and was happy to tell us a little about the history of this fine automobile. He purchased it for $25, which his father said was far too high for its condition. After a complete restoration, including all four fenders and the driver’s door, he finally brought it back to original condition. It was certainly a great finish to our visit and gave us our own ‘tale’ to tell. Now that we have seen the interior of the mansion, we are eager to visit during Christmas Time when they decorate the whole place for the season. Have you ever had the chance to tour the a place like the Vaile Mansion? Tell us a little about your own story!

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We want to thank the Ag Hall of Fame and Visit KCK for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Education for All Ages

The Ag Hall is designed to showcase the role that agriculture has played in the foundation of this country. The museum is set up to have something to interest all ages. As we entered the Gallery, the first exhibit we found was a children’s play area. It has a lot of things to hold the interest of school age and younger kids. With none in the area at this hour of the morning, we could only imagine the shrieks and squeals that would accompany the activity.

Show Me The Honey

Moving into the next area, we entered a series of rooms designed to shed light on our declining population of honey bees. We are sure most of you are aware of this disturbing pattern, and the Ag Hall does a good job at explaining the important role that these pint-sized pollinators play in the food chain. The area is decorated like the interior of a hive and has plenty of informational placards to help drive home the message.

The Midwest has long been considered the breadbasket of America, so the declining population of bees should be taken seriously by us locals. Portions of this exhibit explain the steps that each of us can take to help prevent further damage to this vital species. There are even some items for kids to play dress up as a beekeeper to help parents open a dialogue with them about the importance of honey bees.

Something For Everyone

After we passed the bee exhibit, we came to an area that was filled with a variety of displays. Here we found everything form telephones to old banks. The latter was quite interesting to me. I have to admit that I’ve always been fascinated by these old mechanical devices.  There are a wide range of them on display, many of which I never realized even existed. Have you ever seen a Jonah and the Whale bank where they are throwing Jonah off the ship?

As we made the turn back into the main gallery, we found a collection of toy tractors. These shiny vehicles reminded us of our visit to the Deanna Rose Farmstead where kids can ride these around a track. We’re betting there are a lot of visitors who have to explain to their kids that these are just for looking at and not for riding.

Speaking of Tractors

After touring the Gallery, it was time to take this show on the road. By that I mean, head outdoors to the other exhibit buildings. First we had to prepare for the cool winds, but soon we were out and about on the grounds of the Ag Hall. The first building we came to holds the Museum of Farming. Here we found over 20,000 feet of space dedicated to the farming industry. Most of the artifacts are antique farming machines and implements.

Obviously, motorized machinery hasn’t always been in use, so there are displays dedicated to the equipment used during the period of horsepower. These days we usually only see horse drawn items at special events or reenactments. For those working the farmlands it would have been an everyday occurrence.

Moving out into the larger area behind the main building we took a stroll down the road toward the Farm Town exhibit. This collection of turn of the century buildings recreates life in a small plains town. Our first stop was at the Santa Fe Depot located along the narrow gauge rails. The diminutive train wasn’t running this day, but does for special events. Check their website (Use the link at the beginning of the article.) for a calendar of events.

The next building was filled with anvils. At first it didn’t seem all that thrilling, but as we toured it we realized the importance of this simple tool. Life in those days would have required the assistance of a good blacksmith. This would have been an integral person to have in every community, and in most, the smithy was held in high regard. It just takes thinking about things in the right perspective.

We stepped into the Island Creek Schoolhouse to escape an especially blustery breeze. Here we could imagine the classroom filled with young minds eager to learn about the world around them. Of course, some would be staring out the windows dreaming of being in the world around them. This building was filled with lots of period pieces that helped us relate to that time period.

With time running short, we made our way to our final stop. The Smith House is an authentic 1890’s farm home. It was donated by a pair of sisters and reassembled on its Ag Hall site. Inside is set up with many of the comforts that would have been readily available during the post Civil War era. The kitchen would have been a bustling center of activity where the three meals of the day were prepared. Exploring this room, we decided that the we are glad to have the modern conveniences of our kitchen. Even if the reliability of modern appliances are less than implements made in those earlier days.

We moved through the house and up to the second story living quarters. Here we found the bedrooms for the adults and children. A children’s tea set was set up and we could imagine hours of pretend being enjoyed by the family’s daughters. Nearby, we spotted these two dolls, that to be honest were a little creepy. It seemed like the perfect time for us to make our way back to the main building to say our goodbyes. The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame holds tons of history and is good for a couple of hours, at least. We are sure that during an event we would need to set aside more time, since there would be other activities to explore. It looks like we will need to check the calendar for one that we can attend. How many of you spent time on a farm? Did you see anything in our pictures that you recognized? Tell us about it!

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There are varying opinions on the amount of enjoyment one can get from visiting a localized history museum. Some shy away from them, believing that they are dull and boring. Others, like ourselves, find that there are a multitude of personal stories just waiting to be uncovered. In Paola, Kansas we visited the Miami County Historical Museum to see and hear some of these local stories for ourselves. Please be aware that the museum is open during weekdays, but will make arrangements to have someone there on Saturdays by appointment.

We want to thank the Miami County Historical Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Lay of the Land

We arrived at the start of the day, and were welcomed by staff. Jim would be our guide and began with an overview of their spaces. After a quick walk-through, we came back to the entry point. The front room is lined with a historical timeline. The story line begins with the Native Americans who first occupied the lands. For each picture on the chart, there is a placard with background information. This allows visitors to march through time with the same perspective as many of the local residents had at that time.

The timeline wraps completely around the front room, so it takes a while to absorb it all. Some of the pictures relate to people who’s actions had a direct or even indirect effect on the poeple of Miami County. The Bleeding Kansas period has a significant presence in the timeline.

It Pays To See It All

It pays to check out all of the pictures, since you never know what the next one will bring. We were quite surprised to find this one of Abraham Ellis, who lived the latter part of his life with a bullet hole in his head. Apparently, this was provided to him by an errant shot from William Quantrill during a Bushwhacker raid. Upon entering the room that Ellis occupied, Quantrill was noted to have said “You are not the kind of man I was looking for. I’m damned sorry.” It should be noted that the two had met when Ellis issued Quantrill a teaching certificate.

Supplementary Displays

As we made our way along the timeline, we found a series of cases and artifacts lining the wall below the pictures. Many of these are items that would have been common sights during various periods in the area’s history. A ball and chain would have been used to secure prisoners at night, to prevent escape. Another part of this display focuses on John Smith. The man with a most common name was the first wine maker in Miami County. In 1869, he established his vineyard near Paola. This would prosper until 1881 when prohibition would force him to shutter the business.

Many personal items are also included in the displays, which help make the exhibits easier to relate to our own lives. Sports have been a recreational activity for generations, and baseball has been a popular pastime in the Midwest for decades. Of course, sports wasn’t the only form of entertainment for local residents. The Patterson Circus was a traveling show that performed in towns all around the Midwest during the early 1900’s. They chose Paola as their winter quarters, which offered a unique opportunity for the citizens to see the performers as they lived away from the ring. It also brought a menagerie of  exotic animals to town.

War Comes To Miami County

We moved out of the main room and into one of the three other galleries. This one focused on the participation of Miami County residents in various war efforts through modern times. The artifacts are a collection of personal effects from those who served. There are also a few tools and pieces of equipment that would have been used by those who served.

Through The Years

The next gallery we entered offered a collection of items that would have been common in most households through the early and middle 1900’s. Some of the pieces were familiar to us. Others left us scratching our heads in wonder of what job they were created to fulfill. We enjoy trying to guess the purpose of such implements, and it can often evoke hilarious descriptions. Many of the pieces hold fond memories from our youth, when we spent time with our grandparents. It is a little thought provoking to imagine how quickly technology has advanced in the last few decades.

The requirement of paying close attention helped us spot this interesting photo amid a busy display. This comes from the early days of automobile traffic and elicited a chuckle. We had to wonder just how they would have enforced such a specific speed limit prior to the age of radar guns. Then again, maybe most vehicles were lucky to drive much faster than 12 miles per hour anyway.

American Indian Influences

The final gallery we visited focused primarily on the people who have called Miami County their home, as well as their cultures. The Native Indians inhabited the land prior to the arrival of European trappers and Eastern pioneers. When we first entered the area, we saw the floor-to-ceiling mural that depicts a peaceful scene along the banks of Osage River. The area has been home to various tribes including; Miamis, Potawatomie, Shawnee, Weas, Piakeshaws, Peorias, and Kaskaskias. The last four were part of the Confederated Tribes who were moved here from Illinois.

Trail of Death

Many years ago, we learned about the Trail of Tears that was the forced removal of native tribes from the southeast portion of the country. A lesser publicized, but just as heinous event occurred with the Potawatomie Tribe from Indiana territory. In 1838, the militia removed the tribe and forced them to march to reservation lands in Miami County. The map above shows the campsites along the path of their journey. More than 40 persons, mostly children, died during the forced march.

A large section of the gallery is dedicated to the American Indians who have called Miami County home. The lineage of chiefs is an interesting display that include leaders of the various tribes. There are also artifacts associated with the missionaries who served the people of the reservations. Paola paid tribute to these Native Americans by naming many of the streets after the tribes. The name of the city is actually derived from the Indian pronunciation of the word Peoria. This was done in honor of Baptiste Peoria, who was a primary landholder in the area.

The town was built around a square that was given by the Tribal Council, with the condition that the square never have a building on it. To this day, the square still serves the community as a park. We drove around the square, before we left town to see this monument to the people who time has mostly forgotten. Prior to leaving, we thanked the staff for all of their assistance. The knowledge of the area’s past is a precious treasure that they happily shared with us. This is one of the main reasons we enjoy visiting places like the Miami County Historical Museum. What are some of your favorite museums?

 

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Most Kansans have heard the name of John Brown. This iconic legend was a hero to some and a villain to others. Although he was not born in the state, many of his most notable actions occurred there. During our Miami County Road Trip, we stopped at the John Brown Museum to learn more about this Civil War-era abolitionist.

Familiar Face

While the name is somewhat familiar in a regional way, John Brown’s image has had a further reach. John Steuart Curry captured the spirit of Brown in a mural at the capitol building in Topeka, Kansas. An aged Brown, adorned in buckskin and beard, holding a gun in one hand and a bible in the other. Just as an interesting side note, this artwork was also used as the cover for the band Kansas’ self-titled album in 1974. I’m sure a few of you will get that reference. The John Brown Cabin Museum is located in Osawatomie, Kansas. We had just finished lunch at nearby Chris’ Cafe and decided it would be a nice walk to the site.

After the short half-mile walk, we entered the John Brown State Park where the museum resides. The bright sunny day had drawn families out to enjoy the picnic shelters located around the base of the museum grounds. The statue of John Brown, which was erected in 1935, signaled our arrival at our destination. A short walk leads from the park to the museum building. From the outside, we were a little confused about why it was called John Brown’s Cabin. Clearly, the limestone building was built long after his lifetime. The answer would soon become apparent.

Adair Cabin?

As we entered the museum, we were immediately aware of the presence of the cabin. The outer building is built as a shell over the original site, with enough room to navigate around it from all sides. This was not actually John Brown’s cabin, but the home of his brother-in-law Reverend Samuel Adair. The cabin was not originally on this site but was dismantled and moved here in 1912. The park is the site of the Battle of Osawatomie, which was one of a series of clashes between free-staters and pro-slavery forces in “Bleeding Kansas”. By the late 1920s, deterioration was setting in, so the state appropriated monies to build the pergola which protects the cabin today.

Rising Tensions

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 left the decision of whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state to the voters. This was probably the biggest cause behind the eruption and escalation of conflict along the border. With a vote impending, both sides rushed in new residents to pad the polls. In 1855, John Brown’s arrival would be a spark to escalate the violence. In May of 1856, Border Ruffians sacked the town of Lawrence, Kansas. Four days later, John Brown would lead his followers to slaughter five pro-slavery men in the Pottawatomie Massacre. This retaliation would make Brown a threat in the eyes of the pro-slavery forces. Throughout the summer the violence would increase, and be marked as three of the bloodiest month of the Bleeding Kansas period.

Battling Slavery

John Brown’s basic principle for overthrowing slavery was the use of violence. His dream was to make Kansas the ending point of the Underground Railroad, but he struggled with the passive residents of the territory. He felt that too many of them were all talking and not enough action. The town of Osawatomie had become a target for Border Ruffians due to being the base for John Brown’s activities. After a pro-slavery raid in the early part of the summer of 1856, all except about 200 residents had fled east. In August of that year, several hundred Border Ruffians led by John Reid descended on Osawatomie, Kansas. As they assembled outside of the town, one of the advance guards came in contact with John Brown’s son, Frederick. This resulted in Brown’s son being the first victim of the Battle of Osawatomie.

Informational Abundance

Even though the cabin is basically just two rooms, the staff has done a good job at filling it with information. The placards tell not only about John Brown and his activities but also about the Adair family who owned the cabin. The majority of the information concentrates on the period prior to and at the start of the Civil War. There are other informational signs that explain how the Adair family arrived in the area, as well as what happened to John Brown after leaving Kansas. A collection of furnishings from the period are on display. One of which is the melodeon that he gave his daughter Ruth as a wedding present. It is said that it was played at his funeral in December of 1859.

The Turning Point

After leaving Kansas, John Brown traveled east drumming up support for his anti-slavery reform. He found resistance from many abolitionists who felt his approach was too vulgar and violent. He befriended Harriet Tubman, who helped him recruit former slaves into his fighting forces. He arrived at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and awaited his troops. While his plans called for 4500 men, he only assembled 21. His plan was to raid the armory and seize the muskets and rifles to arm the local slaves. With little resistance, they quickly captured the armory. The locals quickly sealed off their only path of escape. Two days later a company of Marines broke through the doors and captured Brown. After a week-long trial, John Brown was found guilty of the five deaths that had occurred during the actions at the armory. He was sentenced to hang, which took place in December of 1859. While this action ended Brown’s life, it also sealed his legacy with the abolitionist movement. Many historians also believe John Brown was the spark that lit the fires of the Civil War. And to think some people don’t think there is anything to see in the middle of the country.

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What’s In a Name?

While we both have heard the name of Osawatomie since our younger years, we never really knew much about this nearby city. Our first lesson came from the staff member who explained the origin of the city’s name. It is a hybrid combination of the Osage and Potawatomi Indian tribes. The city was settled by the Emigrant’s Aid Society. This New England based group was responsible for settling many new towns in Kansas territory during the years leading up to the Civil War. These abolitionists were hoping to tip the scale in bringing Kansas into the union as a free state. Almost immediately, most of these new startup communities would be thrown into the violence that was building along the state border. The city of Osawatomie was home to the historical figure, John Brown. We will detail more about him in another stop to be covered later.

What Are Those?

As we made our way back to the train section we passed through a room filled with military and first responder memorabilia. There we noticed something we were not familiar with. A small display of fire marks hung on a stand. These cast iron plaques were used in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Their origin comes from England where they were used to designate buildings that were insured. Volunteer firefighters would not fight a fire if the marks were not present. These signs would “insure” that the firefighters would receive a reward for fighting the fire.

Ticket to Ride

In 1879, the railroad came to Osawatomie. The museum has constructed a reproduction of the original depot that once served travelers coming to the city. This addition helped boost the population to over 4,000 by 1910. The railroad would eventually close its rail service for travelers once the highway system had matured. The city has seen two other notable visitors. In 1910, President Roosevelt gave his New Nationalism speech while in town. President Obama stopped by Osawatomie in 2011 to reconfirm many of the principals from Roosevelt’s speech. While we were having lunch, we overheard some of the locals discussing this most recent appearance.

While passenger service may no longer be part of the menu offered by the railroad here, they still have a significant presence in the city. A major switching operation is located in the area. As we made our way through the replica depot, we saw many artifacts that would have been common in the heyday of rail travel. One piece that caught my attention was the old pull cart that would have been used to handle luggage. These carts reminded me of the ones used by Mormons crossing the plains during the Westward Migration.

Hop on the Caboose

Behind the museum they have an old wooden caboose that has been repurposed for education. The inside is refurbished for educational purposes. Along the walls are lots of informational placards telling about life as a conductor. We even learned about the use of a wooden heating stove for cooking. I guess we never thought of them having a dual purpose.

A set of drawers are located under an elevated seating area. These drawers hold educational materials about the railroad. The staff member who was showing us around pointed out that these are a big hit with kids. Inside one drawer was information about Date Nails. We had never heard of these and asked for more details. Evidently, these small spikes have a date impressed in the head. This usually denotes the year that the track was laid or last replaced. They can also be used to note what chemical was used for treatment on the rail bed. We were told that these are highly prized by collectors and can still be found along rail lines. Another interesting tidbit we learned.

War Comes To the Railroad

At the back of the caboose is a display of how the conductors used to get new orders as they traveled. Prior to radio communication, they would use message hoops. The conductor would grab a wooden hoop from the station worker as the train passed by. This would have the message attached, which the conductor would retrieve and then toss out the hoop. The station worker would have to go find it. Before long a better tool was devised, and looked like a long fork. This stayed on the train, so the land based staff didn’t have to spend time searching for hoops. We also learned that during WWII the railroad employed a large number of women to operate their system. Much like the other industries, the lack of male workers created a vacuum that women stepped up and filled. With our heads now spinning with all of this new knowledge, we bid our goodbyes to the staff and headed out to see more of Osawatomie. Now doesn’t this make you want to do a little day tripping yourself?

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Moses Grinter

Moses Read Grinter was born in Kentucky in 1809. Little is known of his youth, but at the age of 21 he had begun his ferry operation in the Delaware tribe region. Many reports credit Moses Grinter as the first white settler in what would become Wyandotte County. His trading post was well known in the area, and frequented by settlers who passed through the area. Many of those customers also used his ferry to cross the river. The river crossing was also used by federal troops moving between the Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott. Where I had always imagined solitude, in actuality they were probably visited frequently by various customers.

“Annie” Grinter

Around 1838 Moses married a Delaware (Lenapi) woman named Anna (Annie) Marshall. Her tribe had been moved to the area in the early 1830’s as part of program by the U.S. government to move the natives from their original lands. As a tribe member, Anna was granted a portion of land by the government. She was also one of about 25 Delaware women who were granted U.S. citizenship when Kansas became a state. Anna and Moses were parents of ten children, but not all lived to adulthood, which was not uncommon during those days. Annie was known to carry a small clay pipe and Bull Durham tobacco in her dress pocket. She would often sit in her rocking chair smoking her pipe in front of the fireplace.

Touring The Grinter House

For many years the Grinter House hosted “Grinterfest” each Fall, but like many festivals, it fell of after a while. These days they still have annual events, and we stopped by during their Summerfest. This event includes a car show, a collection of vendor booths, re-enactors, musical performers, kids activities, and tours of the home. After a conversation with some of the Grinter Quilting Bee members, we were ready to take a tour of the house. The tour on that day was operating on a loop, which meant that new guests just joined in wherever they were at. You followed along until they got back to where you joined. Our tour guide was well informed, and imparted lots of stories about the Grinters, as well as the surrounding area.

The Grinters were faithful members of the Methodist Church. For a while, church services were held in the Grinter’s home. They donated 1.5 acres for a Methodist church and cemetery to be constructed. Many of the Grinter family are buried in this cemetery. Throughout the house we saw mementos that pointed toward the religious background of the family. In one of the bedrooms a family bible sits on the chest at the foot of the bed. The bedrooms are in the upstairs portion of the home. As we passed through the home we were amazed at the structural integrity of the 160 year old house. The framework is native walnut, which was brought from Leavenworth. The brick exterior was constructed using clay dug on the property and fired in a kiln on-site.

Moving To The Big House

After spending years in a cottage near the ferry, the Grinters were finally able to move in to their two story brick home around 1860. The construction of this new home occurred during the period that they were also operating their trading post. The store is thought to have offered around 160 different products, with many being vital for survival on the frontier. The family also ran a farm, apple orchard, and raised livestock. All of these things to do each day, and to think that we can feel overwhelmed by our daily tasks.

A Different Type OF Bee

In 1950, descendants of the Grinters sold the homestead to a family who operated a chicken dinner restaurant. This stayed in business until the mid-1960’s, when it finally shuttered. In 1971 the state of Kansas acquired the site, and it became the Grinter Place Historic Site. These days a variety of groups focus on helping assist with the operations, as well as fundraising endeavors. The Grinter Quilting Bee is one of these groups, and were on-site during the Summerfest. They were working on a quilt that would be sold to generate funds to help maintain the Grinter House for future visitors.

The Past Meets The Present

During the Summerfest there are a variety of re-enactors portraying various characters from the early days of Kansas statehood. The new Indian Territories ran along a line that followed the state edge of Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Along the line forts were constructed to maintain the peace between tribes and pioneers. The Civil War was looming, and with it the localized skirmishes that helped seal the titles of “Bloody Kansas” and “Border War”. All of this activity certainly created more ferry traffic for the Grinters, as well as the other ferry operators in the region. Over time bridges replaced ferries, and stores replaced trading posts. Through all of these changes the one thing that has remained constant is the “House on the Hill”. Have you ever toured the Grinter House?

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A Historic Trail Ride

Our tour started when we stepped aboard Ralph’s wagon. Now Ralph is certainly a memorable character. First impressions are that he is a holdover from another age, some time in an olden day. His voice is solid, and carries a country twang. His smile is mischievous, yet friendly. He beckoned us to move toward the front of the wagon, so we would better enjoy the trail ride. Our visit took place on a cool, moist day, so we had the wagon, and Ralph, to ourselves. The wagon is pulled by a pair of mules, which is appropriate for Missouri. Ralph made the decision long ago to use this animal, since it is the best choice for wagon pulling. After a short introduction, we began our journey through the streets of downtown Independence, Missouri.

Now most people from the region know that Independence is the hometown of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Being from Kansas City, we had a small grasp of the history of Harry, but Ralph quickly filled in many tidbits that we had never realized. The great part of this type of learning is the atmosphere. There is something nostalgic about a trail ride through a historic district. We heard about Harry’s first job, which took place in a shop on the square. As we continued on our ride, we came to an old court house, that Harry helped get rebuilt. There were a few other stories about Harry, but he is not the only historical name to come up in conversation.

A Historical Encyclopedia

Ralph seems to know something about just about every hero, outlaw or local legend. As we traveled, we also heard about Wild Bill Hickok, and how he got his unique nickname. Perhaps you have heard of Frank James, Jesse’s brother. Ralph tells stories about him as well. It was amazing the vast amount of historical information that he has locked up in his head. Now since our schedule for the day was so full, we only had time to enjoy “The Square Tour”, which still took 20 minutes. They offer a city limits increases your time onboard to around 45 minutes, and includes sights outside of the square. You will also hear about more interesting characters for Independence’s past. For those wanting to truly immerse themselves, there is a full city tour. This takes over an hour, and includes several Civil War sites. We are sure that Ralph has plenty of gusto to keep up the lively entertainment for at least that long.

For a parting gift, Ralph showed us the proper way to parallel park a mule team driven wagon. It was so unusual, that we felt the need to share it with all of you. I can say I have seen a lot of things in my life, but this was a first. It certainly adds a bonus to a great time. So if you are looking for a fun and entertaining adventure, haul it down to the Independence Square and find Ralph. He’s hard to miss, since he’s sitting in a covered wagon. Be sure to tell him you read about him here, and ask him to show you how to park a wagon at the end of your trail ride. So what are you waiting for?

*We may have received support from some of the businesses listed. All of the writing and opinions are our own.

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We want to thank the Strawberry Hill Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

The family lived in the residence for 32 years. In 1919, it was sold to the Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King. The influenza epidemic of 1918 had ravaged the region, and left many of the children in the community orphaned. The following year, St. John’s Orphanage was opened. As needs grew, so did the desire for more space. To ease the crowding, four additions were made on the north side of the house. The orphanage remained in existence for 69 years, but was closed in 1988 due to changing social needs. During its peak, the 12 sisters at the orphanage cared for about 68 children at a time. Throughout its years of service, more than 3,000 children have called St. John’s home. Soon after it was closed, plans were made and implemented for the creation of the Strawberry Hill Museum.

Our tour began in the chapel of the orphanage. Here our guide pointed out a variety of items that had been salvaged from neighboring churches. In the past, the neighborhood was dotted with churches that offered services to each specific ethnicity. As time passed many fell on hardships, and were forced to close their doors. Fortunately, items from many of these sanctuaries have been preserved at the Strawberry Hill Museum.

Next we moved into the main house, where the ornate carved woodwork is still visible throughout the rooms. Some of the fixtures were removed by the nuns, and have been replaced with pieces representative of the style and look that would have been found in homes of that era. The main floor holds the rooms that would have been used to entertain the family’s visitors. These rooms are more ornate than the second floor living quarters. Parquet inlaid floors, ornately carved reliefs, and intricate stained glass windows can be seen throughout the first floor. Throughout the rooms you will find displays of items common to the Slavic people, as well as furniture common to the period when the home was occupied by the family.

The second floor contains the living quarters. Here the architecture is still ornate, but contains materials of a lower cost than the main floor. The master bedroom (pictured at the beginning of the article) offers a chance to see how the addition of steam pipes were incorporated in later years. We were surprised to hear that closets were scarce in the days the home was built, because they were taxed as though they were living quarters. The third floor holds rooms dedicated to the various cultures that helped make the Strawberry Hill area a successful community. One of the rooms on this floor remains as it looked when used by the sisters who ran the orphanage. Throughout the tour, our guide told us lots of stories related to the house, the orphanage, and the occupants.

At the end of our tour we were offered the chance to visit the Tea Room. This area is a converted wrap around porch. Here visitors can purchase tea and delicacies. The choices all looked delicious, and we finally narrowed them down to two. We shared these delightful morsels, while having more conversation with our guide. Afterwards we bid the staff goodbye. During our visit we learned that the museum pulls out all of the stops when decorating for the Christmas season. We made note that a return visit would be needed to see all of the decorations. Strawberry Hill Museum is open year round on Saturday and Sundays. The hours are Noon to 5:00, and the last tour starts at 4:15. Adult admission is $7.00, and children 6 to 12 are $3.00. Weekday tours can be scheduled, and the contact information is listed on their website.

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It all started when a man named James Fitzpatrick decided to build a saloon in the Quality Hill district. He succeeded with the help of Jim and “Boss Tom” Pendergast. I was offered a tour of this landmark by Brett. He is very knowledgeable on the history of the building, as well as the city in general. The main floor is where patrons drank, while the upper floors were used for more shady undertakings. Upstairs was also the living quarters for Fitzpatrick. These days the second floor of The Majestic Restaurant has been converted into the Pendergast Club. This room was used as a secondary office by “Boss Tom” Pendergast. It is here that customers can schedule a private dining and lounging experience found nowhere else in the city. As Brett explained the history of the room, I noticed that it has a fully stocked bar. The decor includes unusual Kansas City artifacts, and some very comfortable leather seating.

Next we head downstairs to the Jazz Club. Here is where the saloon moved its operations during Prohibition. Thirsty speakeasy patrons would enter the next building over, and then pass through via an underground tunnel. With the protection of Boss Tom, Fitzpatrick’s Saloon was able to survive Prohibition. Unfortunately, the city was changing, and the area soon became known as the Garment District. The saloon closed up shop, and converted into a garment manufacturing location. By the middle of the 20th Century, the building had fallen into disrepair and sat empty. In 1983, two Kansas City natives purchased the site, and set to work restoring its hidden beauty. They acquired a bar from New Orleans, which had been built in 1880 (pictured at the top of the article). They had it placed downstairs in the refurbished home of the Jazz Club. Patrons can enjoy live jazz music nightly, while savoring drinks and eats in an intimate setting.

The new owners also purchased a second bar from New Orleans. This one is 40 feet long, and occupies a prime location on the main floor. During the renovation, the molded tin ceiling tiles were restored, as well as the original exterior copper façade. Local artist Jack O’Hara was commissioned to paint a mural near the entrance. It showcases more than a dozen people with strong ties to the Kansas City area. During your visit you should see how many you can identify.

With an abundance of historical data swirling through my head, I decided I should check to see if our meals were ready. Fortunately, I made it back just in time. Crystal didn’t seem to be put out about the length of time I was gone, and I told her a little about what I had learned. Being an early Saturday afternoon, they were still serving brunch. Both of us were already well past our breakfast mode, so Crystal chose the Lemon Rosemary Chicken Salad Wrap. The meal is wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla, and offered a flavorful departure from burgers. For her side, she went with fresh fruit, which was a combination of cantaloupe, grapes, and pineapple chunks.

I went for a more unusual entree, and selected the Cherry Pecan Chicken with Goat Cheese. This came with two sides, so I picked the Rice Pilaf and the fruit. When it arrived I was unsure about my choice. I am usually a beef eater guy, so selecting chicken is a new thing for me. Of course, it is one that I am trying to do more often. My first bite told me that I had made a good choice. The flavor combination of the semi-sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and tangy goat cheese burst on my taste buds. This is probably not a recipe I would have thought of on my own, so I have to give a big compliment to the person who created it.

Our visit coincided with the Big 12 Tournament, and we fell into conversation with a couple sitting next to us. We learned that they were from Colorado, and have been to every Big 12 tourney for the past 28 years. They had developed their own list of favorite places in the metro. We discussed these, as well as some of our favorite places in and around Denver. It was a comfortable conversation, and it gave credit to the relaxed atmosphere found at The Majestic Restaurant. Soon we had to bid goodbye to our restaurant mates, as the tournament games were restarting. We gave our thanks to Brett for a wonderful experience, and headed out the historic entrance. Soon we found ourselves back into the present, but with a new found respect for the history of the old Fitzpatrick’s saloon.

Have you ever had the pleasure of dining at The Majestic Restaurant? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Have you ever stumbled upon a view so unexpected, it stopped you mid-sentence? That’s what happened as I crested a hill in the Rosedale neighborhood and spotted something soaring just above the treetops. Framed by sky and silence, its silhouette beckoned me to climb a little higher, to learn a little more. There’s something about elevated spaces—monuments perched above the city—that seem to whisper stories lost to time. It wasn’t just the arch that caught my eye; it was the quiet pride it seemed to radiate. A peaceful hush hung over the landscape, as if the very hill were holding its breath. That’s the kind of place this is—not flashy, not loud, but steady and still, the kind of spot where history gently taps you on the shoulder and invites you to sit a spell.

Built from Honor

The Rosedale Memorial Arch wasn’t always part of the Kansas City Kansas skyline, but it’s been keeping watch since 1924. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it was constructed to honor the men and women from the Rosedale neighborhood who served in World War I. Standing nearly 35 feet tall, it quickly became more than just a memorial—it became a symbol of a community’s sacrifice and pride. Built from limestone and perched atop Mount Marty, the arch commands a view of the city that’s as grand as its purpose. While it was born from the sorrow of war, it’s been shaped by nearly a century of reverence and care. For many, it’s a point of neighborhood pride. For visitors, it’s a quiet history lesson told without words. And for me? It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful monuments are the ones that watch silently from above.

Reflections Beneath the Arch

Even today, as traffic buzzes below and city life hums along, the Rosedale Memorial Arch remains a peaceful perch for reflection. The hilltop path may not be on every tourist’s radar, but that’s part of the charm. It feels personal, almost secret. I stood beneath its limestone curves thinking about how many feet have passed here—veterans, families, curious travelers like me—all drawn to something that feels bigger than the view alone. The world has changed many times since the First World War, but our need to remember hasn’t. In an age of scrolls and swipes, this place invites you to pause. To look out over Kansas City Kansas and think about the people who shaped its story. And in that stillness, surrounded by wind and sky, I felt a quiet kind of gratitude—the kind you carry back down the hill, and maybe hold on to a little longer.

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