Feudin’and Fightin’ in the Ozarks

“Feudin’and Fightin’

in the Ozarks

”

A Civil War Tour to Southern Missouri and NW Arkansas

Thursday, April 5 – Saturday, April 7, 2018

Started off the night before turning my dog over to my son in Lincoln, IL (a halfway point).  Well it wasn't supposed to be this cold this time of year.  I was issued this name tag.

On the bus, Jeannie gave us the following quiz to loosen us up:
1.  The Lake of the Ozarks was created by damming what river
 2.  What city is the Missouri state capitol?
3. What would you call a person from Missouri?
4. In what Missouri museum would you find the world's larges pair of underwear?
5.  Mark Twain's boyhood hom is in what city?
6. What is the nickname for the state of Missouri?
7. Name tow food and or drink items invented at the 1904St Louis World's Fair?
8. Stubborn as a Missouri_______
9.  Invented in 1899 at St Joseph, Missouri...this food product makes it easy for people everywhere to have flapjacks and syrup for breakfast?
10. Missouri experienced a series of powerful earthquakes in late 1811 and early 1812.  What is the name of the fault along which these earthquakes occurred?
11.  How many states border Missouri?
12. Name them.
13. What are the large rivers flowing through Missouri?
14.  What Missouri city was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition? (actually IL)
15.  What types of attractions can be found in and around Hermann, MO?
I won't go on to the extra credit since this was only fun.

Our first stop was to pick up our local expert guide, Bill.

He also gave us an evening lecture in the hotel's conference room.  He would not take a stipend but rather asked for a donation to the park's restoration.

Wilson's Creek visitor's center:
  i  Field hospital "The soldier may forget the horror and blood of the battle but the cheerful happy scenes of the campfire he will never forget" ~ Private Carlton McCarthy, 2d company Northern VA.

 This was unusually embroidered Navy enlisted cap.

Anna Elizabeth Steele, John Ray's step daughter died by typhoid 1862.

I picked up a block of pressed tea brick in the gift shop.  It looks like the one on this site but was $32 instead of $36.  http://www.svtea.com/Teabricks/products/17/

Virtual tour (I wish I viewed this before the trip):
 https://www.nps.gov/wicr/learn/photosmultimedia/virtual-tour-stop-1.htm

Wilson's Creek in the spring lacked the leaves this time of year so it was much easier to see places that were pointed out to us.  Actually, we were told that many trees were invasive species and there would have been hardly any there having been used as building material and fireplaces.  There would have been cornfields.

Here's a picture of me at Bloody Hill at Wilson's Creek on stop number 6.  As you can see, this is the day that had the best weather.

Friday we headed for Pea Ridge (named after wild peas).  My phone was locked up so I didn't get many photos but wished I had gotten a picture of the reproduction 3/4 scale ambulance wagon in the visitors center like this one.

We were all grateful for Ranger Dave who took us through the park.  His description of what happened was easy to follow. He is a veteran of the Iraq War and still serves in the National Guard as a historian.

Here's a picture of me at stop number 5.

Here we are walking out to the east overlook of the battle field.  My pictures of the overlook seemed dark but you can click HERE to see better photos.

Here we are at the reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern. It was a focal point between roads and a section of the road was part of the Trail of Tears.   I'm next to the lady in pink on the right of this group photo.

This parking lot had only 2 memorials representing the union and confederates.  More pristine than Gettysburg with all the memorials.

Afterward we had lunch saw Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, AR.  It's mostly an art gallery but the guide knew our mission and catered a tour around early American.  Here she explained the hidden and political meanings of portraits.   I thought this was interesting picture of refugees.

 This painting was titled "War News from Texas" (click for background video) 1848 by Richard Caton Woodville.  She explained the hidden meanings.  I had to laugh when Francie thought there was a hidden meaning in the cup was a modern camera.  I didn't let her live it down. It even came up later when our reenactor at Pea Ridge had a cup hanging from his gear.

ceiling art.

 This art was huge and reminded me of the Colossal Colon only this was an alphabet.  It's called Alphabet/Good Humor  made of painted fiberglass and bronze (1975).

We also saw the Bachman-Wilson House there.  It's a Frank Lloyd Wright house much smaller than the one in Springfield.  Bedroom was so compact that it reminded me of a camper.  Our group admission sticker was good for 10% off in the gift shop ~ the most expensive gift shop I ever entered.  There was a fancy women's blazer with a tag of $1525.

Then went to the Cooper Chapel. Approaching the chapel gave me a dejavu moment like I'd seen this before.  Our guide explained there were others so maybe I saw on like it. The architect is Fay Jones and he built others.

 Here is Ann telling us about the history of the chapel.

 We had dinner at Fred's Hickory Inn.

Saturday morning we awoke to some snow on the ground at our hotel in Springfield, MO.  This is the view from the bus.  As we headed North-East on I-44, there was less snow.

 After a stop at Rolla we head for Arcadia, MO for lunch at the Abby Kitchen.  Oh and the smell from the bakery was wonderful.  This is a former Ursuline Academy turned bed and breakfast.  Very nostalgic.
https://www.arcadiavalleyacademy.com/
I notice that the stairway resembled a rectangular style known for pulling between the floors of stairs. I found an old function of that design HERE.   See the stairway at 2:42 on this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=153&v=m-WX3h8nVyY
Here's a history of the college.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHFw7dDzzTc
Afterward we went to Civil War Battlefield in Pilot Knob state park and earth works of Fort Davidson.

 Devil's Icebox is what the rock on the hill is called.  In the center of the fort is the crater made when the union left and blew up the remaining arsenal so that the confederates wouldn't get it.

 Our volunteer tour guide demonstrated his musket.  He explained that his love for this place goes way back to when he was a boy and played in this park. 

Our bus driver, Kevin, was excellent driver.  He was safe, had the latest technology, and made the best turns in places I never thought of.

I missed my little dog, Sophie, so my son sent me this photo.

I think she missed her little dog bed at his house that she usually falls over the edge (on purpose).

My Week

This rain is removing the hulls from the trees and soon the leaves will open.  However, since Easter is early this year, I will not see a flowering dogwood tree in time for Easter.  I think that the season is on the Orthodox calendar because Palm Sunday there will fall on our Easter Sunday. 

Poor Alan had plumbing problems at his house.  It's a bath and a half house and the toilets were removed for 3 days.  I don't know what he did but he said he'd rough it.  It  looks like my brakes and struts will cost more than Alan's Roto Roter job. 

 Wednesday I had a therapy dog visit at St John's Hospital.  I dressed her up in her Easter finest dress but took it off for the petting session.  It was a child's sundress modified.

On my way home, the oil light came on so it was time for a change.  Since it was 4pm, I stopped by One Stop Auto with Sophie in the waiting room.
I had my oil changed Wednesday at 4pm at One Stop. Friday I vacuumed my car and noticed an oil stain in the drive. Now I hadn't driven much since Wednesday because my car was overnight Thursday at Checkpoint for brakes. I took it back about the leak. Something about an aluminum valve. This happened last time I had the oil changed at One Stop.  Prior to this I went to Jiffy Lube but it's now closed.  So Friday afternoon I went back to One Stop. 

Thursday I got an appointment so I dropped off my car for brakes, rotors and struts.   I had to leave it overnight but got a ride to the UIS Vietnam Commemoration.

After the ceremony they asked for a group photo of the Vietnam Veterans and Vietnam era.  I wish I dressed up more but just back from exercise group and depended on a ride while my car was in the shop.

I think I look chubby at this angle

Sad part is that it's the same people showing up at these events.  We know they're out there because they wear a ball cap saying such but where are they at events?

I got a ride to Holy Thursday evening Mass.   I did something different and wore my black chapel veil.  Father washed the feet of the RCIA candidates plus a few.

Friday I was scheduled to help with the fish fry but just before I was supposed to go, I had a painful belly ache.  I tried to walk it out but the pain was too great.  Guess what? It was gone by the end of the fish fry.

Saturday I went to the 8AM beginner yoga class.  Brenda conducts this and our senior class.  More were there than our Thursday class.  Then I did a little shopping since it was still early in the morning.  The parking lots got full fast.  I got some things for Easter dinner and an exercise outfit.  I picked up a purple hyacinth for the flowers on the altar.  The flower wasn't opened when I bought it but another lady in the store reassured me it would open for Easter.  If it's the one I spied up there, it opened for Easter like she said.  I helped great the people as they came through the doors along with a few other greeters.  My feet were cold until about mid service. Of course, that meant the pews were full except for the middle.  I got a family to move for one more.  They had teens.  I noticed teen girl and boy with the "Pew Art" card.  I happened to have a 5 color pen in my pocket and offered it.  They smiled and rejected it. 

I watched the live Jesus Christ Superstar on TV.

It was still snowing in this picture but getting too dark to take a picture soon of my *flowering* dogwood tree on Easter.

Legend ties dogwood to the Easter story:
http://thetandd.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/legend-ties-dogwood-to-the-easter-story/article_ed48920b-f346-5651-9ea3-7c5ef118e0f0.html

My Week

Last summer I had trouble with the tendons in my right heal as a result of trying to overdo it on my physical therapy.  It was hard to do a yoga "down dog" stretch peddling the heal to the floor and I often I did it sideways.  It took a long time to heal. Not that it's healed, I realize that it has a name,
 Heal Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday morning routine tasks.  I went to the Lenten Meager Meal followed by stations of the Cross.  Often Father leads but he was unavailable so they were looking for a lector.  I arrived just as the prayer before our soup luncheon was said and was asked to lead the prayers at each station.  That was different and humbling.  Sister Judy attached the microphone and I read each station.   I felt honored to do this.  I think there were about 30 to 40 in our stations.

Wednesday I exercised and Britney had played Fireball after I sent the video. 

Thursday I went to this: 

Members Only Preview

“From Illinois to the White House: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, Obama”

March 22, 2018, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
As a member you are invited to this exclusive exhibit opening prior to the exhibit being open to the public.  In 2018, we welcome the exhibit “From Illinois to the White House.” This will be the centerpiece of the commemoration of the Illinois Bicentennial in 2018. The exhibit will tie  these four presidents to the state whose history, location and population make it a microcosm of American—and a perfect training ground for national leaders. The exhibit opens the public on March 23, 2018. The Member Preview Party will be held exclusively for our members on March 22, 2018 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Saturday I took Sophie to Petsmart

Saturday I looked forward to the presentation by Shelby Harriel, Forbidden, Hiden and Forgotten at the Illinois Military Museum.  I liked the way she tailored her presentation for Illinois.

A few pictures that I took:

 Sugar and sassafras

 Mark her co-host read a soldier's poem

She told us of a local girl know as the "French Drummer Boy", Jenny Clark (might be an alias).

This was also a rainy day and I expected a big crowd for the small room. Maybe the weather kept people home.  Still had a great turn out.  In fact, other areas of Illinois were packed with snow but here in Springfield we just had a hard rain.

Sunday was Palm Sunday.  As I got ready for Mass, the Rosary at Lourdes was on EWTN and it was snowing.  Mass opened with a beautiful song called "Senzenina" (What Have We Done?).  After Mass I went to a pancake and sausage breakfast for Honor Flight.

I made pot roast for Sean and myself.

I found this photo in my mom's photo that I hadn't seen.  It would have been taken at Tinker AFB where I was stationed from 1985-1990. Cousin Lowell Slider took out the red eye. I also found Alan with Mandy in the same lot.
I need to get some photo sheets next week because some are sticking together.



Have a joyous Holy Week.

My Week

Tuesday I brought a signed card to one of the members of our Silver Sneakers exercise group that suffered a stroke.  We missed him because he was a regular and hardly missed a day.  He seemed like himself with no slurred voice but he told me his memory has taken a toll and so did his vision.  He sometimes forgets his name. I wonder if he know who I was.   I didn't take Sophie to Reflections since they had the miniature therapy horses that day.   I took that day off from my TDI visit.  I had lunch with the ladies of the Womens Overseas Service League.

Wednesday I had an AMVETS meeting.  Thursday I went to the civil war round table.  The meeting was held at the newly opened "Books on The Square".  She talked about a civil war veteran, James Taylor, who was an amputee.

Friday I gave tours and during one group there was a distraction.  I was discussing the statue of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French that was the working model for the seated Lincoln in Washington DC.  I noticed movement on the face.  There was a stink bug beetle on his eye moving down his nose. Weird because it is the same color as the bronze statue. I can't give a good discussion of the statue with a distraction like that.  I had to remove it.  In the evening I helped with the American Legion Fish Fry in my green attire.

Saturday I met up with Amy in Bartonville to got to see Susan Marie Frontczak portrays Clara Barton in Chicago at the Eisenhower Library.  Eventually we'd like to portray Clara Civil War style followed by Clara Red Cross style so her presentation was inspirational.

 http://www.barnevents.info/events/2017/1/19/storysmith-presents-clara-barton
 Since we were there and the day was St Patrick's day, Amy drove to the green Chicago River.

On the way back we stopped at Cracker Barrel.  A neurotic woman made a scene at some young men just being seated.  Something about their behavior and perhaps involving some ice kicked at her.  They hadn't even been seated so how could they throw ice at her?  Manager asked that she come to him with her problems next time rather than affecting everyone in the restaurant.  Amen to that.

Sunday morning I read the first reading at Mass. Our photo from last week's Catholic War Veterans Memorial Mass was in this Sunday's bulletin.

Later I went to the Lincoln Home as part of Women's History Month.  I had to refresh my camp dress and script for Belle.

The troop of presenters

 

Major Belle Reynolds from Peoria, Illinois. She joined her Lt husband in 17th Illinois Infantry and they fought their first major battle at Shiloh. She was a nurse and earned her battle field promotion for saving soldiers who were wounded and would have died without her help.  I was first up on the program.


 

Harriet Tubman 

Buglar telling a young Lady how she could become a soldier. Must 4 front teeth in a row, 2 hands and feet to shoot with and march, be over 18, and you must cut or pin up that hair! 

Amy's video that I recorded sitting in the front row is here as Part 1.  I can't post part 2 for a week on a fee account limit.
https://vimeo.com/260691383