Missouri Life October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

BOO!

Check in for a spirited getaway

81 OCTOBER EVENTS DEER VS. NEWBIE HUNTER

OUR PET CONTEST WINNERS TRUMAN LAKE MAKES A SPLASH

DISPLAY UNTIL OCTOBER 31

$5.99

Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

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4 / MISSOURILIFE.COM

CONTENTS

October 2023

FEATURES 28 Haunted Hotels

18 Missouri Green Life Demand is on the rise for sustainable building materials and technology in home and commercial construction. A Justice Department report gets a poignant transformation through the art of erasure poetry. It’s the month for fall festivals and Halloween fun. Our guide to 81 October events will get you in the spirit. Earl Mullins shares his passion for space exploration with all who visit the Bonne Terre Space Museum. 56 Events Calendar 66 Conversation 20 Books Editorial Director Danita Allen Wood looks back on youthful days spent watching Truman Lake come to life. Could Missouri’s grapes be the future of the wine industry? That’s the intriguing possibility being discussed by some of the world’s leading experts, including our own Doug Frost. 49 Wine Dog 50 Musings on Life Anyone who misses poring over every page of the colossal and colorful Sears holiday catalog will find a kindred soul in Ron Marr. 52 No Place Like Home Friends don’t let friends fall. That’s why columnist Lorry Myers is standing by to help a lifelong friend as she spreads her wings to fly. COLUMNS 8 My Missouri Life

38

When you book your stay at these hotels, the warm welcome is guaranteed. But if you happen to encounter a ghost, that’s a thrilling bonus.

34 Oh, Deer!

Will novice deer hunter Matt Crossman be blessed with beginner’s luck, or will the deer have the last laugh? 38 Legacy of the Lake Fifty years ago, Truman Lake was a work-in-progress and locals were unsettled about the project. What a difference five decades of great fishing and outdoor fun can make. 46 Pet Contest Winners Meet the four-legged beauties who enchanted our readers to take top honors in our first-ever pet contest. DEPARTMENTS 10 Letters Readers relate to our columnists’ thoughts on aging gracefully, and a story about museums rings a bell.

12 Discover

New community trails in St. Louis, and a rare historic basket in Kansas City are worth exploring this October. Trick or treat! Fill your treat bag with facts about our state’s Halloween favorites. The Grand Cafe in Jefferson City excites diners with creative specials and cocktails that redefine American comfort food.

ON THE COVER The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn in St. Louis is a favorite haunt for guests seeking elegant lodging with a touch of the paranormal. COVER PHOTO: THE LEMP MANSION ‹

OCTOBER 2023

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

14 State-tistics

BOO!

Check in for a spirited getaway

DREAM, EXPLORE, & DISCOVER

81 OCTOBER EVENTS DEER VS. NEWBIE HUNTER

16 Find Dining

OUR PET CONTEST WINNERS TRUMAN LAKE MAKES A SPLASH

DISPLAY UNTIL OCTOBER 31

$5.99

Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

MISSOURILIFE.COM

MISSOURI LIFE, Vol. 50, No. 7, 2023 (USPS#020181; ISSN#1525-0814) Published eight times a year in January, March, May, June, July, September, October, and November by Missouri Life Inc., PO Box 57, 208 Columbia Street, Rocheport, MO 65279 for $21.99. Periodicals Postage paid at Rocheport, Missouri, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Missouri Life, PO Box 57, Rocheport, MO 65279. © 2023 Missouri Life. All rights reserved.

MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM

5 / OCTOBER 2023

CONTENT BY LOCATION

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY PO Box 57, 208 Columbia St., Rocheport, MO 65279 Info@MissouriLife.com MissouriLife.com SUBSCRIBE MissouriLife.com MissouriLife@PCSPublink.com 1-800-492-2593 PUBLISHER Greg Wood EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danita Allen Wood

Arrow Rock, 56 Bethel, 64 Bloomfield, 62 Blue Springs, 56 Bonne Terre, 66 Branson, 60 Caledonia, 62 Camdenton, 58 Cape Girardeau, 62

Hollister, 60 Independence, 56 Jefferson City, 16, 58 Joplin, 60 Kansas City, 12, 18, 28, 31, 32, 33, 49, 52, 56 Kimberling City, 60

Rocheport, 12 Rolla, 62 Salem, 62 Sedalia, 33, 56 Sikeston, 62 Springfield, 16, 33, 60 St. Charles, 46, 64 St. Elizabeth, 14 St. James, 62 St. Joseph, 56 St. Louis, 10, 12, 18, 22, 30, 33, 64 Ste. Genevieve, 18, 33, 62 Stover, 58 Sullivan, 64 Trenton, 56 Troy, 36 Warrensburg, 58 Warsaw, 38, 41, 42, 58

Kimmswick, 64 Lebanon, 10, 58 Lee’s Summit, 56 Lexington, 56 Liberty, 33 Lincoln, 58 Louisiana, 64 Malta Bend, 10

Carthage, 60 Cassville, 60 Chesterfield, 64 Clinton, 38 Cole Camp, 58 Columbia, 10, 16, 58 Creve Coeur, 33 Cuba, 62 De Soto, 35 Eureka, 64 Excelsior Springs, 30, 56 Farmington, 47 Ferguson, 20 Frohna, 64 Gladstone, 47 Gordonville, 47 Hannibal, 31, 32, 36, 64

EDITORIAL AND ART EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sandy Selby CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dan Bishop 573-514-5453 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nate Birt, Pamela Clifton, Matt Crossman,

Marshall, 56 Moberly, 64 Mount Vernon, 60 Neosho, 60 New Bloomfield, 16 O’Fallon, 10, 35 Osage Beach, 22, 58

Washington, 64 Waynesville, 58 Wellston, 12 Wentzville, 64 West Plains, 62 Weston, 56 Williamsburg, 16

Lisa Waterman Gray, Daniel Pliska, Evan Wood Columnists Doug Frost, Ron Marr, Lorry Myers CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS Pamela Clifton, Matt Crossman, Lisa Waterman Gray, Merit Myers MARKETING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Deborah Marshall, 573-514-5453 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Steve Belko, St. Louis, 636-980-0926 Mary Leonard Bullington, Kansas City, 816-868-7498 Mike Gonitzke, Springfield/Southwest, 901-826-6911 Mary Hiatt, St. Louis, 402-672-9449 ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amy Stapleton, 573-514-5453 OTHER MEDIA MISSOURILIFE.COM, MISSOURI LIFE TV, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, MISSOURI LIFELINES, DIGITAL EDITION DIGITAL MEDIA Digital Managers Javeed Shaikh, Heidi Strong BUSINESS Business & Strategy Consultant Jerry Croft Circulation Management NPS Media Accounting Beyond Your Books

Osceola, 38, 41 Owensville, 64 Ozark, 32, 60 Piedmont, 47 Potosi, 35 Republic, 60

Hartsburg, 58 Hermann, 64

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“This book will put Missouri on the national map as a destination for historic tourism. People will be saying, ‘Mount Vernon, Montpelier influenced by America’s great historic homes and featuring the magnificent restoration of the Henry Blosser House in Malta Bend. Interior Designer Kelee Katillac has created a masterpiece with her gorgeous, 360-page book showcasing bold, colorful designs

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Jorge Arango FOREWORD BY ANTHONY BARZILAY-FREUND Photographed by Aaron Leimkuehler & Others

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FIND US ONLINE

Available from Amazon.com and at the Missouri Life Mercantile. Stop by the Missouri Life Mercantile at 208 Columbia St., Rocheport, MO 65279 or visit MissouriLife.com/shop to purchase the book.

6 / MISSOURILIFE.COM

Make Holiday Memories in

Sedalia!

• November 24 - Thanksgiving Lighting/Fireworks Downtown • November 24 - January 1 - Light Up Liberty - Sedalia Park

• November 22 - Dirt Road Addiction Concert - Liberty Center • November 30 - Jingle on the Green on the SFCC Campus • December 2 - Chamber Nighttime Christmas Parade Downtown • December 9 - Santa Rides the Train - board in Warrensburg and travel with Santa on the train • December 7-10 - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever , Liberty Center • December 16 - A Christmas Carol , Liberty Center

Let’s Cross Paths

VisitSedaliaMO.com Overnight in one of our great hotels.

Convention & Visitors Bureau

HORSEPOWERED HEARTBEAT Remember when driving was a joy? Feel that horsepowered heartbeat

that you’ve been missing in America’s Heartland. Take the Scenic Route: VisitLebanonMo.org

7 / OCTOBER 2023

MY MISSOURI LIFE

Ice Capades Over the River “YOU SLIDE OVER BY THE DOOR WITH SAM AND GET A HOLD OF THE HANDLE. IF I SAY JUMP, YOU JUMP OUT QUICK.” This is what my dad said to me as his eyes were glued to the rearview mirror. He was trying to steer a two-ton cattle truck loaded with stock cows, and it was sliding backward on ice down a steep incline toward the narrow Knisely bridge high above the Grand River. Sam was a border collie and the best cow dog we ever had while I was growing up, and he was already hugging the door. He knew something was wrong. This was back in the ’70s, after land for the Truman Lake had been taken by eminent domain but before the lake filled with water. I remember loud and long discussions about eminent domain and how it wasn’t right that so many farmers were losing their land for a lake whose main purpose seemed to be recreational. At least, that’s what I recall hearing from the adults discussing it. My grandparents and uncle lived near this river. After the government took the land, some of it was rented back out to farmers. It would be years before the water reached part of the land. My father, being a practical farmer, took advantage of the opportunity to rent land. He baled hay, stacked it there, and then put cows on some of the acreage. That’s where we were headed, to “the Dorsey Place” as it was called, on that cold, icy day. I enjoyed visiting that farm and have pleasant memories of it. The house had been knocked down, but flowers still bloomed. We picked cherries from a tree in a little orchard near where the yard would have been. My mom draped old, leaky water hoses through the branches in an effort to mimic snakes and keep the birds from getting all the cherries. Maybe it worked because we got enough cherries to make several of the best-tasting pies I’ve ever had. (I made so many pies growing up, I still remember the crust recipe for two pies: 3 cups flour, 1 cup lard, and 1 / 3 cup cold water, plus a few tablespoons more if needed to get the right consistency.) Many people lost their land. Some may have been

happy to take the money and run, but I suspect most agonized over leaving their land—at least this farm girl knows my heart would break if someone decided they needed our farm and used eminent domain to get the land. I wonder about the Dorseys, the other farmers, their memories, whether time has softened the pain, and whether any are still alive. That’s the thing about time. It can change our per ceptions. I remember the anger about eminent domain. Once the lake filled, though, my uncle and my grand parents switched from fishing on the river to fishing on the lake. Then my father bought a boat, and I learned to water ski on the lake during my college years. We switched from stocking cows on land now at the bottom of the lake to my dad steering the boat, patiently circling around to get us aligned again, while he taught my four sisters and me to water ski. My mom would take the wheel, and he would ski some, too. I have happy memo ries of those Sunday picnics and afternoons on Truman Lake. (See our story about the lake on page 38.) And, Sam and I didn’t have to jump. My dad kept the truck centered on that icy road and then the bridge. He backed all the way across that bridge, then made the run again with more speed. He successfully got over the bridge and up to the top of the steep incline. Sam and I rode, hugging the door. We all learned to live with—and love—Truman Lake. My mom, Marcille Allen, posed on the bridge during my college days. We called it the Knisely Bridge, after a nearby rock quarry, but a Library of Congress photo named it the Surprise School Bridge. The school was also nearby.

DANITA ALLEN WOOD EDITORIAL DIRECTOR danita@missourilife.com

DANITA ALLEN WOOD

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9 / OCTOBER 2023

LETTERS FROM ALL OVER

You Write Them. We Print Them.

AS SEEN ON TV Just a note to compliment you on your excellent TV programs [Missouri Life TV hosted by Meredith Hoenes] , particularly, the one about Lebanon. The program was very informative and enjoyable to watch, except that my wife and I had difficulty understanding most of your narration due to the loudness of the background music. It was so loud, it made it difficult to understand your words. I thought we should share this with you. —Keith McLaughlin, Columbia We will take your feedback into account as we create new Missouri Life TV episodes. Many episodes are available to view at MissouriLife .com/mltv. —Editor

AGE-OLD TRUTHS Your article in the September issue, “The Candidacy of Dorian Gray” [“Musings on Life” by Ron Marr, September 2023] is full of truth! I am 74 and understand where you are coming from with doctor visits. I think it should be published nationwide, especially with our 2024 presidential election drawing closer every day. Keep up the good work; you have a wise perspective. —Patricia Coshow, Omaha, Nebraska

The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum exhibits telephones through the decades.

RINGING ENDORSEMENT I enjoyed reading your article in the June issue about unique museums in our state [“Wonders and Delights” by Glory Fagan, June 2023] . I did want to point out one museum my family and I have visited that would be an interesting addition to your list. We visited the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum [ 12 Hancock Avenue, St. Louis ] last year, and it was a great find. The tour guides are retired Southwestern Bell employees and are brimming with knowledge. There is a small fee. However, we all learned so much about telephones throughout history, and my boys got to try out various types of telephones. We highly recommend making this part of any museum adventure! —Susan Simmons, O’Fallon

AMAZING GRACE Thank you, Lorry Myers, for your

WRITE TO US Info@MissouriLife.com

beautiful and inspiring story, “Far from Fine” [No Place Like Home, July/August 2023] . If I get to be your mother’s age, I would hope to be as graceful as she is in accepting life’s challenges. Actually, I would hope to be that way now. —Nancy Clemons, Malta Bend

FACEBOOK /MissouriLifeMagazine TWITTER @MissouriLife

INSTAGRAM @MissouriLifeMag Missouri Life Missouri Life, PO Box 57, 208 Columbia Street, Rocheport, MO 65279

MERIT MYERS, JEFFERSON BARRACKS TELEPHONE MUSEUM

10 / MISSOURILIFE.COM

Fall Farmers Market Tour

CStoamy efofrorthFealSltFourine.s. In Lexington. Ghosts, cowboys, an art show and more; It’s our way of celebrating October, and the perfect time to get outside, explore and enjoy family time. While you’re here, discover unique shopping & dining options, museums, parks and historic venues. Nearby orchards and markets bring you the best of the Fall season. Visit our website to learn more about our stories, th then plan your visit this Fall!

OCTOBER EVENTS O OOOOOO - - Fine Arts Show u O OOOOOO Octoberfest u O O - OOOOOO Candlelight Hospital Tour at the Battle fi eld u O OOOOOO Haunted Cemetery T - Tour

VisitLexingtonMo.Com

11 / OCTOBER 2023

DISCOVER

New Chapters Welcoming paths and fresh discoveries await your October explorations.

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IN RARE AIR The National World War I Museum in Kansas City has acquired an important new artifact for its extensive collection: a WWI-era observation balloon basket. It’s rare to find an intact basket like the one procured by the museum because of the impermanence of the wicker construction. Attached to large observation balloons, these baskets would remain tethered to the ground and could raise one to three soldiers and their equipment up to 6,560 feet in the air. From that vantage point, these highly trained observers could make detailed notes on enemy positions and artillery, draw rough maps of trenches and structures, take photographs, and even look out for submarines. The observation basket is now on display in the museum.

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A NEW LOOK Missouri Life ’s online store has undergone a makeover. Now, all those extraordinary, artisan creations available in our Rocheport retail shop are just a mouse click away. All these handcrafted items are made in Missouri, and they would be thought ful holiday gifts. Our revamped online shop still includes our large collection of books and other Missouri-themed items. Stop by and browse at MissouriLife.com /shop or visit us in person at 208 Columbia Street in Rocheport.

MAKING CONNECTIONS Two St. Louis area communities recently celebrated the completion of extensions to the St. Vincent Greenway. The greenway is part of a network of urban trails that give res idents safer, more convenient access to public transporta tion and attractions. One new path stretches from the Rock Road Metro Station along St. Charles Rock Road to the existing greenway in St. Vincent County Park. It connects surrounding neighborhoods in Pagedale. The other new extension runs from Trojan Park at Etzel Avenue to Robert L. Powell Place in Wellston. Community members can walk, run, push a stroller, ride a bike, or use a wheelchair along these paved, accessible paths. To mark the comple tion of the new paths, community members and project partners, including Great Rivers Greenway, the Missouri Department of Transportation, Metro Transit/Bi-State Development, and St. Louis County Parks, gathered for ribbon-cutting ceremonies and other entertainment, including a parade of attendees along Wellston’s new path.

Scan this code and be among the first to explore our expanded Missouri Life online shop.

GREAT RIVERS GREENWAY, NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM, SANDY SELBY

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T M !

Relive the 1800s as a civilian, soldier, cowboy, mountain man, and more! Our local seamstresses and tailors use historically accurate pa erns and fabrics that transport you back to western Missouri and eastern Kansas in the 19th century. Visit our store to try on out ts and live the history! Custom orders at no additional cost!

Find all your fall planting at Springwater Greenhouse in Marshall. We have over 5,000 square feet of garden houses filled with fabulous perennials and annuals.

We are a GARDEN CENTER with brilliant landscape plants & home decor.

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

www.gospringwater.com 660-886-3700 1340 N Highway 65 Marshall, MO 65340

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PARKVILLE is a quaint and charming town nestled between beautiful river carved bluffs and the Missouri River. You will find a diverse mix of local dining, unique shopping, inspiring art, specialty stores, and outdoor escapes that make Parkville a great getaway!

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13 / OCTOBER 2023

STATE-TISTICS

Sources: CandyStore.com, Missourinet.com, U.S. News & World Report Gimme Candy The No. 1 Halloween candy for Missouri trick-or-treaters is the Milky Way candy bar, according to a survey conducted by CandyStore.com. That’s a departure from the national trend, which puts Reese’s peanut butter confections in the top spot. 725 Pounds That’s the weight of the pumpkin that won Nick Voss from St. Elizabeth a blue ribbon and bragging rights at this year’s Missouri State Fair. This is the fourth time in five years (with 2020 being the exception) that Nick has produced a state fair champion. Which Witch? According to a recent survey by U.S. News & World Report , witch costumes were the top choice for Halloween dress-up in Missouri, followed by dinosaurs and Spider-Man. Fall Spooktacular Here are some fun facts from our Halloween bag of treats. Explore It's Time To 5 Moonlight Madness - Downtown Village Square 6 – 8 & 13 – 15 " Blithe Spirit" - Presser Arts Center 17 ACCIS Fall Into Fashion - Audrain County 4-H Center 26 Girls' Night Out - Downtown Village Square October

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2 United Credit Union Tree Lighting - 802 E. Breckenridge 8 Christmas At Graceland - Graceland Museum, 501 S. Muldrow 8-10 " Little Mermaid" - Presser Arts Center 9 82nd Annual Christmas Evensong - United Methodist Church 10 Simmons Stables Old Fashion Christmas - 701 W. Boulevard 14 Presser Pipes Christmas Concert - Presser Arts Center

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Rost Landscaping (573) 445-4465

Superior Garden Center

Superior Irrigation

(573) 875-5040

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Enjoy a drive to see the Barn quilts

THREE DIVISIONS, ONE GOAL Quality i n every aspect.

Enjoy unique tours & Museums

Enjoy Riding on the Katy Trail

Ornamental FENCING and GATES can be more than just

functional. Made in the USA, aluminum fencing comes in a variety of stock styles and designs or can be fully customized. It is the ideal choice to complement a structure’s architecture and outdoor space while offering safety, boundary definition, and security.

Enjoy warm springs Ranch

2450 Trails W Ave, Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 445-4465 • rostlandscaping.com SERVING MID-MISSOURI since 1985

www.goboonville.com - 660-882-3967

15 / OCTOBER 2023

FIND DINING

Love American Style The Grand Cafe masters Midwestern comfort cuisine. STORY Chef Daniel Pliska ulinary explorers in search of American cuisine will find it at a cafe on picturesque East High Street in downtown Jefferson City. The Grand Cafe features Midwestern American cuisine served in a comfortable atmosphere. I first discovered the restaurant years ago when I heard through the grapevine that one of my former fine-dining line cooks at Mizzou’s University Club in Columbia had opened his own restaurant in Jefferson City. After a couple of favorable dining experiences, The Grand Cafe became my go-to restaurant whenever I visited Jefferson City, and it enjoys a loyal following among locals and other impressed out-of-towners. Owner Ben Huhman grew up on a farm in Williamsburg, Missouri, and received his formal training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. After traveling and working in San Francisco and Chicago, he returned to mid-Missouri, where he joined us for a short stint at the University Club. He left us to take over the executive chef posi tion at the Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield for six years. Then his entrepreneurial spirit took over, and he opened The Grand Cafe in July 2012. According to Ben, the restaurant has been going strong ever since. The Grand Cafe features inside dining and sidewalk tables along with a full bar. It is open for lunch and din ner. The dinner menu, which is enhanced with French techniques, is broken into categories that include appe tizers, small plates, and large plates. Some noteworthy dishes that piqued my interest are the Lamb Lollipops with garlic and rosemary sauce, duck breast with a soy and hoisin glaze, and the Steamers Pasta with mussels, chorizo, garlic, shallots, and herbs in a tomato sauce atop fettuccini. The desserts are made fresh daily in The Grand Cafe’s bakery across the street, and the C

day’s sweet meal-enders are listed on chalkboards. The kitchen, headed by Carlos Davis, also lists daily specials on those chalkboards and on the restaurant’s Facebook page. Among recent dinner specials were roasted sea bass with pearl couscous salad and beurre blanc sauce, garlic lemon seared scallops on a quinoa blend with red pepper puree, and the French classic Steak Dianne made with beef filet. The 16-ounce ribeye steak

From top: Steamers Pasta features mussels, chorizo, and a tomato sauce over fettucini. Mixed jam cocktails are a customer favorite. A casually comfortable dining area invites conversation. Roasted chicken is true American comfort food.

with soy ginger demi-glace and a cilantro chimichurri (a flavorful herb puree)was an interesting fusion of Asian and Argentinean flavors. Enticing entree salads and sandwiches are also offered as specials, mostly during lunch. I always appreciate restaurants that feature daily specials because it illustrates that the chef is creative with food and isn’t stuck on offering the standard menu. Ben speaks highly of general manager Kevin Thompson who, along with the duties of running the front-of-the-house operations, also heads up the beverage program that includes a comprehensive wine list. Kevin specializes in making his own liquors and infusions and uses them to create unique craft cock tails, such as the grapefruit margarita that uses infused tequila, and his mixed jam cocktails featuring black berry, raspberry, and elderflower flavors. “We are not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Ben says about The Grand Cafe. “We’re just focusing on simple foods and offering them in the best way we can.” With that time-tested philosophy guiding Ben’s busi ness, satisfied patrons couldn’t ask for anything more.

CHEF DANIEL PLISKA is a certified executive chef and author. He teaches culinary arts at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield.

Get an appetizing preview of The Grand Cafe’s daily specials at Facebook.com/thegrandcafejc.

THE GRAND CAFE

16 / MISSOURILIFE.COM

Patio Dining at numerous restaurants Boutiques with the latest fall fashions Kirkwood Farmers' Market Stores filled with Fall and Halloween items Historic Amtrak Train Station Walkable Area Kirkwood Performing Arts Center + Pumpkin Patch and Kids' Zone

Plan your visit today! www.DowntownKirkwood.com Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District

UNIQUE RESTAURANTS BOUTIQUE SHOPPING FARMERS' MARKET THE MAGIC HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Alpine Shop

Christopher’s & MaGift’s

Cornucopia

More than 15,000 items in our two-level store. Cookware, bakeware, fabric, and kitchen tools galore. The largest selection of Fiesta in the area. 30 varieties of bulk coffee and 40 varieties of bulk tea. Missouri-made white oak baskets.

Come experience why Alpine Shop has been Missouri's Home for Outdoor Recreation for 50 years! Featuring the area's largest selection of Patagonia apparel and gear. Bike • Boat • Camp • Climb • Ski • Snowboard • Trail

STLGift.com Christopher's - 127 E. Argonne Dr. 314-909-0202 MaGift's - 121 N. Kirkwood Rd. 314-758-3535 St. Louis's Premiere Gifting Destinations... Browse our stores with unique selections of products For the Body... For the Home... For the Memories... Shop In Store or Online 24/7

AlpineShop.com 440 N. Kirkwood Rd. 314-962-7715

The Magic House Cornucopia-Kitchen.com 107 North Kirkwood Rd. 314-822-2440

Imo's Pizza

STAGES St. Louis

Where fun and learning come to play! Take on the role of a veterinarian in a child-sized village, conduct experiments in a science lab, make your hair stand on end at the electrostatic generator and imagine yourself as part of the CITY SC team in our Soccer Training Center Exhibit!

Original St. Louis Style Pizza, since 1964. Sandwiches, salads, pasta, and ice cold beer. Celebrating 50 years! The Square Beyond Compare.

STAGES St. Louis proudly presents the grand finale of the 2023 Season in The Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Now-October 8).

ImosPizza.com 215 S. Kirkwood Rd. 314-966-3666

MagicHouse.org 516 S. Kirkwood Road 314-822-8900

StagesStLouis.org 210 E Monroe Ave. 314-821-2407

17 / OCTOBER 2023

MISSOURI GREEN LIFE

Green Grow the Buildings Missouri embraces sustainable construction. STORY Nate Birt

Green Building Council, describing home and commer cial building trends in the state. “This is being driven by climate change and the fact that building energy use represents 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, the increasing affordability of solar energy, polices that are driving builders to pay closer attention to building energy use, and federal funding that is targeted at both the residential and commercial building sector for reducing energy use.” Across the country, more home buyers and real estate agents are taking note. Half of all National Association of Realtors-affiliated agents report that they have helped clients with properties con taining green features, up from just one in three the previous year. For commercial properties, health and wellness considerations increasingly factor into the decision to build green, says Julie Peterson, director of US Green Building Council Market Transformation and Development with the organization’s Kansas City based Central Plains Community. “We spend nearly 90 percent of our time indoors, so it’s important to ensure that our homes, workplaces, and schools provide clean and healthy spaces for occupants,” Peterson says. “When it comes to indoor office spaces in particular, research has long shown that good air quality, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, and thermal control lead to greater productivity and employee retention.” Whether you are building a home, purchasing an existing commercial property, or undergoing renova tions, a variety of financial incentives are available for green upgrades, Peterson says. These include: • Energy efficiency incentives and rebates from major electricity and gas utilities such as Spire serving Kansas City and St. Louis, Evergy in Kansas City, and Ameren in St. Louis. • HVAC savings passed onto homeowners and com mercial building owners for installing more efficient systems, typically managed by HVAC contractors. • Various tax incentives via the federal Inflation Reduction Act, including those for improved energy efficiency at multifamily housing complexes, rooftop solar at office complexes, or electric vehicle charging station installation at retail centers. “In most cases, the incentives can be bundled together to make a variety of green building improve ments on a single project,” Peterson says. Those incentives, combined with increasing con sumer demand and improving technology, mean that Missouri’s status in the sustainable building industry is destined for strong and steady growth.

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Green building elements enhance the Jack C. Taylor Visitors Center at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. A custom-made scrim hangs from the ceiling, creating a quality of light akin to that found beneath a canopy of trees. Other features include rooftop solar panels, limestone and granite sourced from Ste. Genevieve, and a 50,000-gallon system for capturing rainwater for the plants surrounding the center.

issouri’s sustainable building ranking might not make many of its US peers green with envy—yet. But a growing cohort of homeowners and commercial building operators are seeing black thanks to construc tion that uses fewer resources, cuts energy and main tenance costs, and reduces neighborhood exposure to toxins. Missouri sits at No. 23 overall—right in the middle of the pack—in an October 2022 report on the best and worst states for green homes, according to data analysis by the insurance website PolicyGenius.com . It cites 38 green home incentives available to residential homeowners. Missouri can now boast of more than 282,000 homes powered with wind energy and nearly 17,000 homes powered by solar energy. Growth opportunity also abounds for Missouri’s commercial buildings, which use more than 23 percent of the state’s energy for cooling, heating, and ventila tion, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are seeing a strong focus on how buildings use energy and where that energy comes from,” says Emily Andrews, executive director of Missouri Gateway

HOPE GRIBBLE/US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL–MISSOURI GATEWAY CHAPTER

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Oct. 7–8 Rose Holland Trout Derby @ Montauk State Park

Oct. 21 Haunting at the Mill @ Montauk State Park

Oct. 28 Salem Rotary Mouse Races @ the Armory

Nov. 4 Casino Night @ the Armory

Scenic Drive

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BOOKS

Remains A new book of erasure poems invites readers to reconsider a historic document with origins in Missouri. REVIEW Evan Allen Wood

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rasure poetry is created by taking an existing text and deleting words, phrases, or individual letters in order to form a new piece of writing. In The Ferguson Report: An Erasure , published in August, poet Nicole Sealey uses the relationship between the new or found lines with their source material to tremendous effect. Sealey’s book cre ates eight new erasure poems using as a source the US Justice Department’s “Investigation of the Ferguson Police Department,” a document that was released in the wake of protests stemming from the shooting of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer in August 2014. The document, upon its release, made no shortage of national headlines and inspired nationwide calls for reform to policing practices. Now, nearly a decade after Michael Brown’s death and the protests that followed, Sealey’s book creates something new from the report. In Sealey’s book, the original text of the Justice Department report has been preserved, allowing the reader to see precisely which words, letters, and phrases were extracted to form the new text of the poems. Sealey’s chosen words and letters stand out in black text, gradually forming the lines of her poems, and lending a sense of discovery to the act of reading, which differs quite a bit from the usual way we consume language. Sealey’s poems confront their source material head on. These lines are replete with phrases readers will associate with the criminal justice system (“Anything you say can and will be,” or “Stop! Hands where I can see!”), including one poem that includes line after line of common phrases that include the word “force.” The poems also manage to wring the imagery of nature out of the report, creating some of the collection’s most astonishing lines, such as: “The animal,/out of nowhere, flees/seconds too late—a design/oversight assigned/to that particular beast.” The fact that the poems were assembled from a conspicuous historical document adds depth. The experience of reading them is rewarding both in isolation and in contrast to the document from which they were exhumed.

THE FERGUSON REPORT: AN ERASURE Nicole Sealey,

144 pages, poetry, hardcover, Knopf, 7 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches, $29.

THE PUBLISHER

Take A Road Trip to Sikeston

Stay for a day or the weekend!

@visitsikestonmo

Scan to start planning your trip!

Unique & famous restaurants

Historic Downtown District & fun fall events

Seasonal attractions & more!

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CoMo

The Montminy Gallery at the Boone County History and Culture Center The gallery recalls the artistic legacy of Tracy Montminy, a former University of Missouri art professor, and her husband, Pierre. Endowed by Tracy after Pierre’s passing in 1974, the gallery celebrates the diverse artwork the couple created and also showcases a remarkable collection that spans paintings, sculptures, and over 500,000 photographs. The Montminy Gallery upholds the vision that art can build bridges and foster a more equitable society. Visitors are invited to experience its fall exhibition, “Contemporary Modernism,” from September 23 to November 11, 2023. The exhibition features the captivating works of Daniel Eggart and Sharyn Hyatt-Wade. Dive deep into art's transformative power and join a community where creativity thrives and connections are forged across time and place. Open 10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Saturday | themontminygallery.org | 3801 Ponderosa Street | Columbia | 573-443–8936 North Village Arts District Columbia’s premier arts hub pulses with creativity and culture. Every first Friday of the month, the district comes alive in an art crawl known as First Friday. Stroll the nine-square-block area just north of Broadway and indulge in a walkable tapestry of art demonstrations, music, children's activities, and an assortment of refreshments. Enjoy free parking in lots and garages as you experience everything this vibrant community has to offer—including diverse artwork from talented creative professionals, galleries, dance studios, coffee shops, and more. The Arts District has proudly served to enhance Columbia’s quality of life since 2009 by upholding artistic diversity and excellence. Everyone is invited to experience this delightful monthly celebration full of original CoMo charm. First Friday takes place from 6 PM to 9 PM on the first Friday of each month | northvillageartsdistrict.org/first-fridays/ | 1019 East Walnut St. | Columbia | 573-442-2999 Bluestem Missouri Crafts Dive into the rich tapestry of Midwest artistry at Bluestem Missouri Crafts in Columbia. Every piece—whether blown, thrown, turned, welded, painted, formed, or woven—tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and distinct creativity. Bluestem’s collection is handpicked for its uniqueness and value. Experience the work of renowned national artists and emerging talent from Missouri and its eight neighboring states. These talented creatives are the heartbeat of Bluestem, which treats longtime gallery artists and fresh additions as extended family. Each artist's pieces undergo a rigorous jurying process, ensuring you take home nothing but the best. Visit Bluestem and discover a piece of the Midwest's artistry just right for your home or office. Open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 PM Sunday (go online for holiday hours) | bluestemcrafts.com | 13 South 9th St. | Columbia | 573-442-0211 meetcomo.com

Boone County History and Culture Center

North Village Arts District

Bluestem Missouri Crafts

BOOKS

Pride of Place Authors pay tribute to Missouri’s beauty and culture.

ENDLESS RIVER, Brett Dufer, 124 pages, poetry and reflec tions, Pebble Publishing, softcover, (6 by 9 inches), $18.95. This author of more than a half-dozen mostly guide books and head of his own publishing firm unleashes his creative muse, inspired by the Missouri River, on which he led guided tours for 15 years. From

He takes the history through present day and tells the stories of Missouri’s 27,000 indigenous people. The book should satisfy any reader who’d like to know more about this region's native people. 100 THINGS TO DO AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS BEFORE YOU DIE, Valerie Battle Kienzle, 161 pages, guide book, Reedy Press, softcover, (6 by 9 inches), $18. Written by a journalist whose extended family has owned a lakeside house in Osage Beach since 1981, this book is a handy resource to take to the lake. WALKING SOUTH CITY Jim Merkel, 192 pages, nonfiction, Reedy Press, hardcover, (8 3/8 by 11 inches), $21. News paper journalist and author of five books about St. Louis, Jim Merkel set out to walk South City block by-block and tell about its stories, its history, and its neighbors. The black-and-white photos on almost every page add to his descriptions of quirky places, restored areas, and the people who love their South City homes.

endless river dufur pebble publishing

R iVer endless

Brett dufur

the beautiful trick in “The Greatest Poem Ever Written,” to the emotionally moving “My Daughter and the Doorstep,” the book is organized by season and best savored one poem a day. Readers who love the Missouri River or anyone who enjoys poetry will appreciate this book, which would also make a lovely holiday gift.

INDIGENOUS MISSOURIANS, Greg Olson, 448 pages, nonfiction, University of Missouri Press, hardcover, (6 1/4 by 9 1/4 inches), $40. The author offers a new narra tive of indigenous people from thousands of years before Missouri became a state, telling how the native peoples here created innovations in pottery, farm ing, building, weaponry, and intertribal diplomacy.

THE PUBLISHERS

Are you writing a screenplay set in the Show-Me State? Submit your film or TV script November 1-20, 2023. Three winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the 10th annual Missouri Stories Scriptwriting Fellowship. Learn more at MoFilm.org/MoStories

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A NEW FINE-DINING EXPERIENCE TUCKED AWAY BENEATH THE OZARK MILL

Join us at The Garrison in the heart of Ozark, Missouri for an upscale culinary experience featuring shareable plates and high-brow cocktails. Situated right on the banks of the Finley River, the candlelit hideaway showcases the best of the Ozarks while celebrating its folklore, traditions and quirks. Indulge in fine foods including seafood, steaks, and curiosities such as bison tartare while sipping signature drinks inspired by the Ozark Mill’s intricate history.

There’s something special about a secluded lakeside getaway.

Scan below to catch a glimpse of autumn in the Ozarks and escape to the great outdoors at Big Cedar Lodge.

B ig C edar L odge B ig C edar . Com

r idgedaLe , mo (877) 520-7732

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Take in the gemstone-hued views this fall at Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve.

Explore the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail and the Cathedral of Nature and witness a colorful masterpiece in motion. t i ckets ava i lable at : topoftherock . com

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Experience a living kaleidoscope this fall at Dogwood Canyon. Explore nearly 10,000 acres of jewel-toned wonder at every turn with exciting outdoor activities like horseback riding, wildlife tours, hiking, biking, and more. Tickets available at: dogwoodcanyon . org

STORY Lisa Waterman Gray

These hotels combine hospitality with haunts.

They manifest as murmurs that beckon from empty parlors, footsteps that approach but never arrive, and shadows that pass through walls. The tantalizing possibility that ghosts are real has long fascinated brave searchers as they navigate the hallways of historic buildings. For hotels and B&Bs across the country, resident ghosts have proven to be good for business. In Missouri, multiple historic hotels and B&Bs deliver ghostly encounters along with terrific accommodations. A reservation at one of these properties may come with a disembodied voice, a haunting tune from an unseen piano, or an unexpected whiff of cologne. Gracious hosts at these properties promise a warm welcome and plentiful amenities, and if a ghost happens to float by, it will be a thrilling bonus to an already memorable getaway.

The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn, 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City, and The Elms Hotel & Spa have all found a successful formula by combining fine accommodations with a touch of spooky lore.

THE LEMP MANSION, THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA, 21C MUSEUM HOTEL

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remaining here might have participated in setting one of those early devastating fires. Near the basement lap pool, guests have encountered the spirit of an individual involved in an illegal speakeasy that operated at the hotel during Prohibition. There’s an apparition of a housekeeper wearing a 1920s-style uniform that appears to guests on the third floor. When people report a tug on their hair or see things thrown across the room, the staff attributes the mischief to a distressed female spirit who is looking for her child. There are unexplained noises too. But guests agree these spirits are harmless. ElmsHotelAndSpa.com

Excelsior Springs

St. Louis

The Elms Hotel & Spa at Excelsior Springs reports having several ghosts who roam the grand hotel. Great wealth couldn’t prevent tragedy for the family of beer barons whose spirits may still inhabit the Lemp Mansion. Their former home now hosts a restaurant, inn, and popular ghost-themed tours and events.

Following massive fires in 1898 and 1910, The Elms Hotel & Spa reopened in 1912. No deaths occurred because of the fires, but the stories that pour in from guests indi cate the hotel is haunted all the same. The Elms has long attracted rich and famous travelers, including boxer Jack Dempsey, President Harry S. Truman, and the notorious gangster Al Capone, who conducted all-night drinking and gambling parties at The Elms. Elaborate stone and woodwork, fancy floor tiles, and elegant light fixtures adorn the hotel’s public spaces and restaurant. The classy combination of historic details and modern amenities is present in all 153 deluxe guest rooms and suites. Relaxation is a house specialty and is practically guar anteed with luxuries like private jetted tubs, the proper ty’s spacious indoor or outdoor pools, and the treatments available at the 25,000-square-foot spa. But guests should come prepared for ghostly encoun ters, too. With more than 120 years of history, it’s no surprise The Elms has been the focus of plenty of para normal investigations, including a 2013 episode of the television show Ghost Hunters . In fact, guests can book a paranormal tour package, which includes an overnight stay plus two tickets to a nightly paranormal tour. There has been speculation that one ghostly presence

Travelers who book a stay in one of four beautiful suites at the 1860s Lemp Mansion will sleep where beer bar ons previously slept. After migrating from Eschwege, Germany, to St. Louis in 1838, John Adam Lemp opened a grocery store that also sold lager beer. Two years later, he closed the store and built the city’s first brewery. He died a millionaire in 1862. John’s son, William J. Lemp, purchased and lived in this three-story mansion while taking the helm of the family’s growing brewing empire. But family tragedy struck in 1901 when William’s favorite son and brew ery heir, Frederick, died mysteriously. Three years later, William died in a mansion bedroom from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tragedy continued. Once among the city’s wealthi est heirs, William’s daughter Elsa committed suicide in 1920. William J. Lemp Jr. shot himself after overseeing the brewery’s sale. His son, William Lemp III, died of a heart attack in 1943 at 42 years old. Finally, William Jr.’s brother, Charles, continued to live in the mansion until

THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA, THE LEMP MANSION

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