Undoubtedly the most renowned artist from Missouri, Mr. Benton possessed a
unique ability to interpret American lifestyle and culture, unmistakable and
somewhat a matter of state pride. On permanent display in House Lounge of the
Missouri State Capitol, A Social History of the State of Missouri stands
testament to his accomplishments. The mural is a marvel in real time.
Excepting large scale installations like those, he worked primarily from
his home in the Roanoke area of Kansas City, from 1939 until his death in 1975.
Preserved as Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, entering
the home is as if he only just stepped away.
The house reflects the varied interests of the artist and his family,
containing many of his favorite original paintings and sculptures, and gifts
from others.
The converted art studio in the carriage house remains much as he left it.
A scattering of jars and and cans full of paintbrushes, paint, and a lone canvas
standing in the sunlight awaits his brush.
Indeed, Mr. Benton had just put the final touches on The Sources of
Country Music, a mural painted for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville,
immediately before his death.
This site is one of the few gems in the city of Kansas City as times
slides on but is well worth the visit. The following video gives a small taste
of what this state park has to offer.
Wandering to, through, and beyond Crowder State Park along Missouri Highway 13
One could not have asked for a better day to wander the rural quadrant of eastern northwest Missouri. Skies started off clear, and the cool 24°C of the morning certified it as the perfect chance outing. Weather transitioned along the path northward though, as Cumulus slowly began closing out the sun. The edges of a storm raging in eastern Nebraska were slowly reaching into the area. A small town where a friend spends most of his free time appeared along the way, a quick visit seemed in order, and the adventure began.
Farmers Exchange Building — Mt Moriah, MO
Mt Moriah, established about 1867, sits on the west side of the Thompson River floodplain northwest of US-136. It appears to have been a tight knit little community, and likely still is, though probably not quite as populated. A lack of phone service prevented visiting though. I spoke with some local folks that held the same last name. They explained how to get to his place, but something got lost in the translation and the quest was abandoned.
Stoklasa Memorial Chapel — Cainsville, MO
A little further down the road, Cainsville appeared under sunnier skies. Originally the site of a watermill in 1854, it is not a particularly remarkable town. There are a few interesting structures, but is a mirror of the many mostly abandoned rural towns in this part of Missouri. Ancestors lived there once upon a time, in the late 1800s, and the family farm still hosts some descendants. Harassing distant relations unannounced seemed improper though, and hiking awaited at Crowder State Park.
The day had only warmed a couple of degrees °C from its start, and with clearing skies, Tall Oaks Trail enabled a round of contemplation. A return trip in early spring or fall may be in order, when the population of insects is not quite so lively.
Tall Oaks Trail at Crowder State Park
With the afternoon waning, the road unfolded again. Navigation indicated it would only take a few hours to traverse the 140 or so kilometers back to base, if you followed the suggested route. Paper maps and intuition would lead the way from here though.
Daviess County Courthouse — Gallatin, MO
Gallatin was the next town down the blacktop. On this occasion, the streets and courthouse stood mostly quiet. Multiple flags flapped in the breeze, as a 3-inch ordinance rifle from the Civil War stood guard.
Founded in 1837, it was the site of an election day battle a year later. Latter-day Saints burned and looted this and other nearby towns, in conflict over their right to vote, and as part of a larger confrontation raging at the time.
Turning south, Hamilton appeared next. It owes existence largely to the railroad. The Hamilton Town Company formed to develop a tract of unsettled prairie belonging to the US Government in 1854, right along the rails of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad.
Inside the J.C. Penny Boyhood Home — Hamilton, MO
Come to find out, it is also the boyhood home of businessman and entrepreneur, J.C. Penny. The house in which he spent his youth is a showcase of how things appeared at that time of his life. It is not the original location, but a bit more prominent place on the main drag of town.
Caldwell County Courthouse, Missouri
Kingston lay just a little further south, nominating itself as the last stop of the day. Laid out in 1843 to replace Far West, as seat of Caldwell county, it is mostly remarkable. The courthouse, silent and empty on this Labor Day, while a block long row of buildings from a more prosperous era sag and decay across the street.
