School and Community Winter 2024

location early to ring the bell. In 1947 the retreat was gifted to The Missouri State Teachers Association by E. T. Behrens, a cigar maker from Sedalia, Missouri. In 1929 Behrens had been told by his doctor that he had only six months to live. He moved to Shannon County, established a fishing camp along the Jacks Fork River, then lived to be eighty-one years old—the doctor’s diagnosis had been given when he was sixty three. Shortly before his death, he deeded the property to the teachers’ association which added structures and made improvements to complete the property as it is today. It remained open only to MSTA member teachers and their families until 2013 when it was transferred to The Friends of Bunker Hill, a non-profit organization which opened it to the public. The season currently consists of weekends in May, September, and October with Memorial weekend through late August being full time availability. Each year sees family reunions, weddings, club meetings, and other special gatherings at the ranch. Bunker Hill can offer almost everything — except television and phones — there are none in the cabins; there is no internet; mobile service is almost nonexistent! Visitors are often surprised to find that they don’t

miss them! The beauty and serenity of the place are enough. An idyllic afternoon during a visit is sitting in one of the old cane rocking chairs on the long porch of Behrens Hall, reading, or just watching the hummingbirds at the half-dozen feeders hanging from the eve. Or one may choose to sit at twilight, listening to the song of the river, and watch lightning bugs begin their nightly show.

At some point during their time at the retreat, most visitors will experience the feeling that the large sign in the dining hall is absolutely true — “Time Stands Still at Bunker Hill.” . This piece was awarded third place at the October 2023 Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

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