Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2017. Some information has been updated.
Legends abound about the true origins of gooey butter cake, with one common denominator—like toasted ravioli, it is purported to be a mistake of glorious proportions. Some believe a baker created the St. Louis original in the 1940s by adding the wrong amounts of ingredients—too much glycerin and not enough leavening—to what was supposed to be a deep butter cake, resulting in the gooey pudding-like filling. Others say shared recipes at union bakers’ meetings resulted in the quirky cake. Still others claim the rationing of sugar during World War II created the perfect storm for the gooey masterpiece. Most people can’t even agree on the decade. Whatever the provenance and whenever the start, St. Louisans take pride in—and eat a ton of—gooey butter cake.
But the affection for gooey butter cake, sometimes called ooey-gooey butter cake, isn’t limited to the Gateway City limits. What follows are some of our favorite locations to partake of the praiseworthy pastry.
Park Avenue Coffee, St. Louis
Park Avenue Coffee offers seventy-three varieties of gooey butter cake, which it touts as “The World’s Largest Selection.” These cakes include everything from cookie dough to Funky Monkey to piña colada. There’s also red velvet, candied almond, white chocolate raspberry, and the list goes on.
The company started in Lafayette Square, where siblings Dale Schotte and Marilyn Scull began baking their mother’s gooey butter cake recipe. Today, Park Avenue Coffee and its sister company, the Ann & Allen Baking Company (the founding siblings’ middle names), serve the cake from four locations in St. Louis and ship it to all fifty states and around the world.
In 2009, the company launched its Gooey Butter Cake Mixes. Food Network’s Food Feuds featured Park Avenue Coffee in 2010 and awarded it the Best Gooey Butter Cake distinction.
Tyler Cooksey, chief operating office, says the company sells about one hundred gooey butter cakes every day from its café locations, not including its online sales.
The owners of the bakery have their own legend about the confection’s creation. The wife of the man they consider the inventor visited Park Avenue Coffee in 2008 for her ninety-first birthday. According to Tyler, she said Park Avenue Coffee’s version of gooey butter cake is the best, next to hers.
Tyler says the legend Park Avenue Coffee has accepted as canon is that St. Louis Baker Johnny Hoffman was making a deep butter cake in the early 1940s when he added too much glycerin to the recipe and not enough leavening. He called his friend and fellow baker, Herman Danzer, and the two men worked all day to re-create his mistake.
“Herman’s wife, Melba Danzer, came into their shop,” Tyler continues. “When she tried it, she said, ‘It’s good, but it sure is gooey.’ This led to its name.”
ParkAvenueCoffee.com • Four locations: Cortex, Downtown, Lafayette Square, The Hill • 877-621-4020
Missouri Baking Company, St. Louis
Chris Gambaro doesn’t claim any ownership of gooey butter cake, though he does make a favorite among St. Louisans who visit The Hill—the neighborhood settled by Italian immigrants who originally made their home and workplace on the city’s highest point at the beginning of the late nineteenth century.
You can normally find Chris at Missouri Baking Company, the bakery his grandfather, Stefano “Stephen” Gambaro, opened in 1924 after journeying to America. Stefano came to Missouri to make Italian bread and éclairs for Garavelli’s cafeteria on DeBaliviere in Gaslight Square. Opened in 1917 by another Italian immigrant, Garavelli’s closed in 2013.
Chris and his sister, Camille “Mimi” Lordo, own and operate Missouri Baking Company today, and serve some thirty varieties of cookies and more than fifty pastries, along with stollen, Danish, cheesecake, cobblers, strudels, and—of course—gooey butter cake.
“I just use a coffee cake dough in an eight-by-eight-inch mold, butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and flour to hold it together,” Chris explains. His skill and imagination turn this simple recipe into ten different varieties, including eggnog, apple cinnamon, and cherry, depending on the season.
“The way we bake is the old-fashioned way,” Mimi says. “You just can’t hire that out.”
Facebook: Missouri Baking Co • 2027 Edwards Street 314-773-4122
Federhofer’s Bakery, Affton
Established in 1966 by Bill Federhofer, the bakery that bears his name is as much a staple of St. Louis as the gooey butter cake in which it specializes. In 2016, Federhofer’s Bakery celebrated fifty years of providing fresh, high-quality baked goods to the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Federhofer’s grandson, Tyler May, says his grandfather still bakes at the store each morning, using the same recipes he has used for fifty years.
Located at Gravois Road and Mathilda in the St. Louis suburb of Affton, Federhofer’s features a seemingly endless selection of freshly baked breads, coffee cakes, stollen, pies, and cakes.
Tyler says his grandfather’s recipe for gooey butter cake differs from many others because Federhofer’s doesn’t use cream cheese—a popular ingredient among gooey butter cake connoisseurs.
“We don’t use cream cheese and we don’t put powdered sugar on them unless the customer requests it,” Tyler says.
Federhofer’s offers five flavors of gooey butter cake, including turtle, chocolate chip, strawberry, and plain. The bakery makes about fifteen dozen a week, not including the forty dozen that go to Andoro & Sons Pizza for fundraisers.
FederhofersBakery.com • 9005 Gravois Road • 314-832-5116
Little O’s Old Time Soda Shop, St. Charles
Gooey butter cake has migrated to the west side of the Missouri River with Little O’s Old Time Soda Shop on Historic Main Street in St. Charles. The old-fashioned soda fountain, ice cream parlor, and sandwich shop has its own story about the origin of the gooey delight.
Soda jerks Shelley Swenson and Alli Mayfiel say the story is a tale of three bakers who ran out of options because of a lack of rations.
“The recipe is an old World War II recipe,” Shelley says. “When three bakers ran out of rations, they added powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar, so it gave it a gooey top. In typical St. Louis fashion, something happened to it.”
One of those legendary bakers was Bill Ozenkoski, who went on to operate three bakeries in the St. Louis area, says Shelley. His son, Brent Ozenkoski, started Little O’s. According to Alli, it was Bill’s wife, Christi, who had the idea for the shop, but the exact gooey butter cake recipe passes down only to the males in the Ozenkoski family.
Little O’s, now owned by Brett and Christina Thomasen, offers not only the gooey butter cake made with the coveted World War II recipe but gooey butter brownies (brownie base with goo on top), and gooey butter shakes (a vanilla shake with an entire slice of gooey butter cake whipped in smoothly).
Customers can take a seat at the old-time soda counter and sample rose rolls, old fashioned candies, glass-bottle sodas, milkshakes, handmade sodas with carbonated water and choice of syrup, egg creams, crème sodas, floats, ice cream sodas, and even Pokémon sodas with different flavors of phosphates that correspond with what the Pokémon character looks like.
Facebook: Little O’s Old Time Soda Fountain • 125 North Main Street, Suite 101 • 636-724-0978
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The Office debuts on NBC with Missouri-tied actors among the cast.
The Blufftop at Rocheport combines Les Bourgeois identities
Whether the latest addition is a brand expansion or a rebranding, one thing’s for certain: there’s now even more to experience with with three lodging and event rental options that make Les Bourgeois—that is, The Blufftop at Rocheport—an even more enticing destination. The Blufftop team has worked for a few years now to put the winery, distillery, bistro, restaurant, and lodging experience all under one umbrella: The Blufftop at Rocheport.
Meet the Artist And His Legacy Landscapes
Byron Smith’s family has lived in Boone County near Columbia for generations, and his landscapes express not only the beauty of the local architecture and countryside, but also the artist’s strong ancestral connections.
Growing a movement
What started as a simple trip to the grocery store has morphed into a calling for Tyrean “Heru” Lewis.
Find Dining: Appetite for history at The Ozark Mill
Just as the restored early 19th-century structure at The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms honors the community’s heritage, the lunch and dinner menus at the restaurant pay homage to regional foods and recipes.
March 22, 1913
Governor Elliot Major signs legislation officially recognizing the state flag, created by Marie Watkins Oliver, who became known as "Missouri's Betsy Ross."
Explore mystery and flavor in Kansas City
A murder mystery cocktail lounge, heart-themed art, New York-style pizza, and more in Kansas City. This is the City Scout report for April 2022, produced exclusively for missourilife.com.
March 20, 1811
Birthday of "The Missouri Artist," George Caleb Bingham.
Wildwood Springs Lodge Celebrates 100 Years
Wildwood is one of the last remnants of this piece of true Americana, even pre-dating Route 66. So do yourself and your family a favor and give them this iconic experience to remember for the rest of their lives.
March 18, 1948
Saint Louis University wins the national basketball championship. In the years before the NCAA Tournament and March Madness, college basketball's champion was crowned at the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
Blooming Beauty
There is an enchanted garden tucked away on a county road in southeast Missouri. Pinecrest Azalea Gardens makes a breathtaking and blissful first impression. My family and I visited the gardens for the first time just before Mother’s Day in May 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Come explore and discover Jefferson City!
Along with its historic portfolio, Jefferson City, Missouri has much to explore in the rolling hills that surround the incredible Missouri River. For those feeling a strenuous bike ride or a casual stroll, JCMO has activities for every level of outdoor enthusiast.
March 17, 1992
Columbia native Sam Walton is presented with the Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush. The Hickman High School and Mizzou alum founded Walmart in 1962 and had become the richest man in America by 1985.
March 16, 1964
Walt Disney meets with St. Louis officials to discuss plans for the Riverfront Square theme park. But his plans were met with resistance, particularly from August "Gussie" Busch Jr., who insisted that if a theme park were to be built at the site, Disney would have to sell beer
LIVING COLOR: The Henry Blosser House
Henry Blosser was three generations removed from his Swiss ancestors, but that didn’t stop the nineteenth-century land speculator from celebrating his heritage when he and his wife, Sarah, built their dream home in 1878 on 640 acres near the town of Malta Bend.
The Blosser family came and went, and time leeched away the color and life from the home. A restoration of historic proportions is now complete.
March 15, 1931
On this date in Missouri history, celebrations are held for the final section of Route 66 to be paved in Missouri. It was a big party in downtown Rolla, as an estimated 8,000 people turned out to commemorate the completion of Route 66 across Missouri.
March 14, 1835
On this date in Missouri history, legislators pass a bill which reads, “all free persons of color had to apply for a freedom license.” That law meant that not only did African Americans have to apply for freedom, but they also had to prove they met the requirements to be free, which was nearly impossible.
March 13, 1964
On this date in history: The Beatles made their first concert appearance in St. Louis. They appeared in Kansas City on September 17.
March 12, 1958
The Budweiser team of Pat Patterson, Ray Bluth, Don Carter, Tom Hennessey, and Dick Weber rolled the greatest series in bowling history, a record that stood for 35 years. On lanes seven and eight at Floriss Lanes (Warne at W. Florissant), they finished with a three-game total of 3,858 pins.
March 11, 1987
On this day in Missouri history, the Admiral riverboat opens again on the Mississippi River. The popular attraction along the St. Louis riverfront arrived in 1940 and stopped cruising in the late 1970s when it was grounded by the Coast Guard for structural weakness.
A Plant Killer Confesses
There are stories in the March/April 2022 issue of Missouri Life magazine that celebrate gardening, and frankly, that makes me uneasy. I’m afraid my proximity to successful gardeners might somehow blight their efforts.
March 10, 1963
On this day in history, Missouri’s Supreme Court ends deliberations on “Blue Laws,” which prohibit shopping on Sunday. According to the 137-year-old law, the only items that stores were able to sell were “articles of immediate necessity.”
INTO THE DEEP
Roaring River State Park is beloved for its trout fishing but named for its preternaturally turquoise spring, which flows from the base of a towering, U-shaped bluff. At the viewing platform, its shadowy mouth is hauntingly beautiful, dappled with light and the shadows from hanging ferns. On average, the spring produces an unfathomable 20.4 million gallons of water per day.
March 9, 1872
Ella Ewing, the “Missouri Giantess,” was born. She grew to be the world’s tallest woman of her time, reaching 8-feet, 4-inches.
March 8, 1836
The Missouri State Penitentiary gets its first prisoner. Wilson Edison made history as the first inmate to be checked into the new prison in Jefferson City. He had the place to himself for a week until inmate number two showed up.
March 5, 1946
Winston Churchill gives his "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College in Fulton. Churchill used the phrase "Iron Curtain" to define the division between Western nations and Soviet powers.
March 3, 1911
Jean Harlow, the original "blonde bombshell," was born in Kansas City. She was famous for pinup posters, movies, and her ability to make front-page news in Hollywood magazines.
David Rice Atchison: President for a day?
James Polk’s presidency ended on March 3. Zachary Taylor had been elected to succeed Polk. March 3 was on a Sunday and Taylor’s religious convictions would not allow him to swear the oath of office. Therefore, with Polk’s term ended and Taylor refusing to be sworn in, David Rice Atchison became president. (Or so it seemed.)
March 2, 1944
The Kansas City school board agrees to hire married women to teach. Though many women were already teaching, school districts across the state had barred married women from the jobs, so they could focus on duties at home. As of 2019, more than 80 percent of teachers nationwide were women.
City Scout: Kansas City art … and jellyfish?
"City Scout: Kansas City" is a monthly roundup looking ahead at events, noteworthy dining options, and more in the metro area.
St. Louis City Scout: Soccer, anyone?
St. Louis City Scout is a monthly roundup of some of the most noteworthy events and news in the city. In this edition of St. Louis City Scout: The Major League Soccer stadium under construction at Market and 20th streets in St. Louis City now has a name: Centene Stadium. St. Louis City SC and Centene Corp., based out of Clayton, made a fifteen-year deal for the stadium’s naming rights.
March 1, 1912
The first parachute jump from an airplane takes place in St. Louis. U.S. Army Captain Albert Berry made history when he got into an airplane, took off from Kinloch Field, and then jumped out over Jefferson Barracks Army Base.
February 29, 1932
Masten Gregory, "The Kansas City Flash," was born in Kansas City on February 29, 1932. As a driver on Europe’s top racing circuits during the sport’s deadliest years, Masten became known for high-speed bailouts when faced with a major crash.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
On the heels of a season halted by the COVID pandemic, the 2021 MINK League season was especially important as a comeback year, as the teams returned to action, staged promotions to entertain fans, and put some ready-for-prime-time, pro-level skills on display.
The MINK summer collegiate baseball league has six teams in Missouri and two in Iowa, taking care of the M and I in the league name. League Commissioner Ron Rodriquez is hopeful that, soon, the latter part of the league name, N and K, will again represent teams from Nebraska and Kansas.
February 28, 1983
The M*A*S*H finale ends with Missouri storylines. The television series was based on an award-winning movie directed by Kansas City’s Robert Altman and included local storytellers, from references to Independence, Mo.’s President Harry S. Truman and lead character Col. Sherman Potter reminiscing about his home in Hannibal.
February 27, 1851
On this date in Missouri history: Missouri lawmakers kickstart “Plank Road Mani.” The biggest, longest, and most planked road in America, the Missouri Plank Road, eventually stretched more than 42 miles, running from Sainte Genevieve through Farmington to Iron Mountain.
February 26, 2004
On this date in Missouri history: The Missouri Supreme Court rules that concealed weapons are constitutional.
Visit Sikeston for unique fun this spring
Sikeston, Missouri, knows how to put on a party, and the 9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Home Brew Competition at American Legion Park on March 14 more than fits the expectation.
February 25, 1955
H&R Block is founded in Kansas City by Richard and Henry Bloch. Their small tax preparation firm went on to become one of the largest accounting firms in the world.
Irish Fairy Cottages Emerge at Titanic Museum
BRANSON—Irish fairy fantasy cottages have taken root at the Titanic Museum and will remain visible to visitors during the attraction’s March tribute to the 187 Irish passengers and crew on the Titanic.
Explore St. Louis Selects Cat Neville to lead communications
Emmy-Winner Cat Neville is joining the Explore St. Louis team as vice president of communications on March 14, 2022. In this capacity, Cat will guide Explore St. Louis’ media relations and communications activities in collaboration with their marketing, sales and operations teams.
February 24, 1853
On this date in Missouri history, Lindenwood College is chartered as a women’s college. The university at St. Charles was incorporated by a special act of the Missouri Legislature as the Lindenwood College for Women, making it the oldest women’s college in the “West.”
Soulful Serendipity: Missouri Made
People who view the glass as half empty might be tempted to dwell on the negative repercussions of the pandemic. But those who view the glass as half full, however—like clay artist Katie Simmon—know the pandemic didn’t forever change the world without a little serendipity, too.
February 23, 1983
On this date in Missouri history, the Environmental Protection Agency announces its intent to buy all of Times Beach and evacuate the town. After concluding that all the land in the town was contaminated with dioxin, government agencies spent nearly $40 million to buy out the 800 properties.
February 22, 1918
Robert Wadlow was born in St. Louis. He grew to be 9 feet, 11 inches tall—the tallest man in recorded history.
New adventures await in Benton County
Benton County, MO is the place to explore and find new adventures this year. With access to two of Missouri's largest lakes—Truman Lake and the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks—it makes for a great family vacation and is only a short drive from most major cities. You’ll find no shortage of things to do with options for hiking, biking, golfing, dining, shopping, boating, fishing, camping, taking in history and events.
HISTORIC DESTINATIONS. THAT’S MY M-O.
Missouri is home to three stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail which tells the stories of people and institutions that sought equal rights for all.
February 21, 1915
The only crematorium west of the Mississippi was located in St. Louis. On this day the body of Frank James was cremated there so it could be kept in a bank vault until the eventual burial with his wife in Independence.
February 20, 2004
Albert Pujols signs a $100 million, seven-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. One of the top players of the 21st century and of all time, Pujols proved his value for 11 seasons, winning three National League MVP awards. But he shocked fans after the 2011 World Series title when he left St. Louis for a 10-year, $254-million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
February 19, 1980
On this date in Missouri history: The first Mardi Gras celebration is held in Soulard. St. Louis now has the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, trailing only New Orleans.
Big BAM preps for upcoming Route 66 ride
The 2022 edition of Missouri Life magazine’s Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri) will take place along Route 66 from June 12-18,starting in Joplin and ending in Eureka. More than 100 cyclists have already registered for the adventure.
February 18, 1859
The city of Pacific is incorporated after changing its name from Franklin. With two towns in the state called Franklin, there were issues with mail and train service, as both towns were right along the rails.
February 17, 1820
This date in Missouri history: The U.S. House passed the Missouri Compromise which meant that Missouri could become a state along with Maine.
February 16, 1847
On this date in Missouri history: The State Lunatic Asylum, now known as Fulton State Hospital, is approved to open in Fulton. Missouri legislators wanted to address the problems of housing and treating people with mental health issues, many of whom were dangers to themselves and others.
Chilling Auschwitz Exhibit Expands Hours
Union Station Kansas City has expanded the hours of its Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. exhibit for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning February and running through March 19, 2022. Union Station officials announced the expanded hours as a response to public demand. he exhibition features artifacts and materials—never before seen in North America—on loan from more than twenty institutions and private collections around the world.
St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Winners
St. LOUIS—A homeschool student from Granite City and a trio of homeschool students from Ferguson are the winners of the 12th annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. The $8,000 first place prize went to Aubory Bugg, vocalist and guitarist, and Trifecta, made up of Dennis Bailey, Eliot Bailey, and Ethan Ryan.
Missouri River Relief launches school initiative
Missouri River Relief is debuting its new “Missouri River Scientists” traveling trunk education program, partnering with Columbia Public Schools to launch the initiative.
Teachers at Columbia Public Schools will have the first opportunity to bring “Missouri River Scientists” into their classrooms as a fun new way to explore the recovery and management of the endangered Pallid Sturgeon.
Missouri Artist: Cutting Both Ways
You may not know the name, Fred Geary, but this Carroll County artist was a nationally important graphic designer in the first half of the twentieth century. He created an impressive body of fine-art woodcuts and wood engravings that are found in museums and libraries across the United States.
February 15, 1978
February 15, 1978 – St. Louis boxer Leon Spinks defeats “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, to win the undisputed heavyweight championship title in a split decision. It was only the eighth professional bout for Spinks.
February 14, 2010
Jamie McMurray of Joplin wins the Daytona 500. There have been a handful of NASCAR drivers hailing from Missouri, including the legendary Wallace family from Arnold, Carl Edwards Jr. from Columbia, Larry Phillips from Springfield, and Ken Schrader from Fenton, but McMurray is the only victorious at Daytona.
February 13, 1920
This date in Missouri history: The Negro National League is formed in Kansas City. The new league established teams across the Midwest and South, including baseball hotspots like St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City.
February 12, 1971
This date in Missouri history: Missouri native J.C. Penney dies at the age of 91. James Cash Penney was a Missouri business icon who changed the retail industry while also changing millions of lives around the world.
My Missouri Life
Missouri Life magazine's new editor-in-chief, Sandy Selby, greets readers through the My Missouri Life column.
I popped up from my nest of pillows and books in the back of the family station wagon and announced, “I’m going to live in Missouri when I grow up.” I made that declaration at age nine as my family traveled from our home in northeastern Oklahoma to Branson for a vacation.
Discovery Journal: Springfield
Very few businesses like 1984 still exist compared to the more than ten thousand pinball and video game arcades that were in the United States during the ‘80s. So, playing original pinball and video game machines in Springfield is a rare experience.
February 11, 1805
Birth of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the only child ever depicted on a U.S. coin. He was born to Sacajawea during the Voyage of Discovery with Lewis and Clark. Jean Baptiste came to St. Louis for his education. He had fantastic adventures in the western U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
February 10, 1841
On this date in Missouri history: Julia Soulard begins giving land to the city of St. Louis for use as a public market. Ownership of those two blocks was put into question with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but Julia was recognized as the owner after a decades-long dispute. The area gave rise to what today is Soulard Market.
February 10, 1841
Julia Soulard begins giving land to the city of St. Louis for use as a public market. Ownership of those two blocks was put into question with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but Julia was recognized as the owner after a decades-long dispute. The area gave rise to what today is Soulard Market.
February 9, 1844
After breakfast, 47-year-old Missouri Gov. Thomas Reynolds shut himself inside his office in the Governor’s Mansion and shot himself in the head. He won the governor’s office in 1840. Reynolds previously stablished a successful law practice in Fayette and served as Speaker of the House. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Jefferson City.
True/False Film Fest is back March 3-6!
T/F is excited to be back in downtown Columbia, MO for its annual festival. All weekend, a selection of the year’s best nonfiction films will be projected on screens throughout The District. And that’s not all—there will also be concerts, immersive art installations, and late night parties.
February 8, 1947
The first TV station begins broadcasting in St. Louis. KSD was one of only 13 TV stations operating across the country at the time.
February 7, 1882
Wilbur C. Sweatman was born in Brunswick, MO. Sweatman was an African American ragtime and dixieland jazz composer, band leader, and clarinetist. In the late 1890’s, Sweatman became famous for playing three clarinets at once.
The Tribes of Missouri Part 1: When the Osage & Missouria Reigned
Two groups with distinct cultures emerged from our region’s first residents to dominate this land. Worshipful and warlike on an untouched landscape, the Osage and the Missouria did more than live here. For centuries, they ruled.
February 4, 1893
Marble Cave gets national exposure on the cover of Scientific American magazine. Now called Marvel Cave, Missouri’s deepest known cave has a grand cavern so large that promoters inflated hot air balloons inside to showcase the size of the natural wonder.
February 3, 1846
This date in Missouri history: The “Bandit Queen,” Belle Starr, was born in Carthage, Missouri. She was probably the most infamous of all the pistol-packin’ mamas of those days.
City Scout: St. Louis
February in St. Louis: Indie bookstore opens, SLAM reopens, Mardi Gras time, and Steinberg Ice Rink's final weeks for skating.
City Scout: Kansas City
Missouri Life magazine presents City Scout: Kansas City, a recap of events and great eats in the K.C. area. This month: Mexican treats, German beers, an animated tour through jazz history, and more.
January 31, 1930
At the old Jail and Hanging Barn in Boonville, Lawrence Mabry climbed the 13 steps to the loft and was hanged for a killing in Pettis County. This was the last public hanging in Missouri.
January 28, 1981
This day in Missouri history: Rocky Sickman, a hostage in Iran for 444 days came home to cheering crowds and a return to quiet Krakow, Missouri.
January 27, 1908
This date in Missouri history: Magician Harry Houdini introduced his famous “Milk Can Escape” while performing at the Columbia Theatre in St. Louis.
Preserving the Disappearing Memory of Missouri’s Little Tuskegee
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that separate-but-equal facilities like schools were unconstitutional. This led to the closure of the school perched on the hillside in Dalton. After the 1956 school year, active Dalton students attended now-integrated schools in their hometowns.
Now seemed like a great time to gather memories of Dalton Vocational School from the shrinking pool of aging alumni. This podcast tells the story of Dalton Vocational School—Missouri's "Little Tuskegee"—in the former students' own words.
January 26, 1999
This date in Missouri history: One of the most famous guests in St. Louis history, Pope John Paul II, touched down at Lambert Airport for a 31-hour visit. The Pope was greeted by President Bill Clinton.
The enduring legacy of Hiram Young
The story is familiar, replicated by scores of people living and working in Missouri in the 1800s. It goes something like this: a person starts from humble beginnings, takes big risks in moving west to pursue new opportunities, starts simple and builds a trade or business, employs many people, offers essential products or services that make life possible, and in the end not only enjoys success but becomes a benefactor for the common good.
Those stories are common. What is rare is a person who was born into slavery and then did all those things, like Hiram Young.
Exciting new tree and shrub varieties for 2022
Here are a few great new tree and shrub varieties to look for in 2022.
January 25, 1835
This date in Missouri history. Planning work began on a road to connect Manchester with Jefferson City by way of Union and Mount Sterling. This road became well-traveled by horseback and stagecoach travelers. Today we call it Highway 50.
January 22, 1908
Today in Missouri history. Economist Henry L. Call was speaking at the Opera House in Monett. He told how economic panics could be avoided in the future. Tickets cost 15 cents and included a copy of Mr. Call’s newest book as a gift from the Monett Free Library.
January 24, 1968
This date in Missouri history. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra played its first-ever concert on the night after the St. Louis Theater was converted into Powell Hall, renamed for local businessman Walter Powell when his widow donated $1 million for it to be refurbished as the home for the symphony.
January 23, 1986
When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened its doors in Cleveland, its first class consisted of the stars who music historians considered the best of the best. St. Louis native Chuck Berry was among the first inductees, along with Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
January 21, 1826
This date in Missouri history: This was the last day to meet in the first capital building in St. Charles. All records were taken to Jefferson City by canoe.
‘You Can, Too!’ Celebrates Missouri’s Female Senators
Fifty years after Mary Gant became the first woman elected to the Missouri Senate, a record number 11 women now occupy nearly one-third of the 34 seats in the Senate chamber. That history is the fulcrum of a new book, You Can, Too! Journey to the Missouri Senate, presented by Missouri Humanities Council and published by Missouri Life Media.
Find Dining: Beyond Spätzle, Schnitzel, and Strudel
The contemporary German restaurant Affäre is centered in the Crossroads Art District, not far from the Power and Light District in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Co-owned by the native German couple Martin and Katrin Heuser, Affäre is an innovative German restaurant that features seasonal, locally raised and grown ingredients.
Great Reads
True-crime thrillers, scandals and canine adventures are vying for your springtime reading pleasure.
Henry Blosser House and Barn photo slideshow
The Henry Blosser House and Barn near Malta Bend had been abandoned and neglected for years when new owners Dr. Art and Carolyn Elman stepped in to preserve these architectural treasures. The project, led by acclaimed interior designer Kelee Katillac, took years of painstaking effort by a team of preservation experts. The result is a masterpiece where conscientious conservation and spectacular design intersect.
January 16, 1919
This date in Missouri history. A tragic day for Missouri’s wineries and breweries: Alcoholic drinks were prohibited across the nation. Then came stills in the hills.
January 15, 1889
The Missouri Reform School was founded at Boonville. (Its existence would be used as a common childhood threat for generations to come.)
January 14, 1906
On this date in Missouri history: The University of Missouri played its very first basketball game defeating Central Methodist. The overall record that year was 10-6 including two wins over Kansas.
Imagining Missouri: The Show-Me State in 2221
Why bother with imagining the future at all? The future is a place to project our hopes, along with our doubts and uncertainties. We invite you to imagine the future as you’d most like to see it, and to think about what Missourians living in the present day can do to reach that imaginary destiny.
January 11, 1865
Since Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not cover Missouri, the state’s Constitutional Convention voted on this day to abolish slavery in Missouri. Missouri was the first former slave state to do so.
Make Toasted Ravioli at Home
This quick and easy recipe for St. Louis style toasted ravioli is perfect for your next party or potluck.
WINTER GETAWAYS: THAT’S MY M-O.
Looking to get away and explore some natural beauty this winter? Look no further than Missouri! Whether you prefer a cabin, treehouse or villa, Missouri has accommodations for any interest or budget.
January 5, 1905
This date in Missouri history: Employees taking down the World’s Fair in 1905 discovered the fine qualities of the snow-covered hill in front of what is now the St. Louis Art Museum. It proved to be a great place for toboggans. Today’s sledders look for every opportunity to use Art Hill for the same purpose.
Q&A: Why Special Olympics Missouri is so much more than sports
Like most staff members at Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO), Crystal Schuster wears multiple hats, juggling duties from managing the medals and awards stand at events to being a key part of SOMO’s fundraising team. SOMO supports programs and athletic competition for nearly seventeen thousand Missouri athletes with intellectual disabilities. Now in her sixteenth year with SOMO, Crystal’s primary role as development director is working with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
5 cool state parks to explore this winter
Missouri’s ninety-two state parks and historic sites provide opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round, from camping and hiking to bicycling and horseback riding. But some of Missouri’s parks offer unique experiences best enjoyed in cold weather. The bugs (and crowds) are gone, the vegetation has gone dormant, and maybe, just maybe, there’s snow on the ground. Here are five cool Missouri state parks for winter exploration.
Southern Classics: The Kozy
Bloomsdale is a small town of about five hundred. It’s thirty minutes northeast of Farmington, but The Kozy, 710 Highway 61, and its sister restaurant, ninety-five-year-old Dew Drop Inn serve around fourteen thousand customers a month.
January 4, 1917
Theaters in Columbia were showing “motion pictures” and a campaign against showing these silent dramas was being carried on by the women’s organizations of Columbia and of the University. A vigilance committee to discourage the showing of the plays had been appointed and the fraternity men were organizing to oppose them.
January 3, 1903
A merchant in Ozark County reported that the drought had destroyed the grain and vegetable crops and some families were “subsisting almost entirely upon acorns.”
January 2, 1932
In Brookline near Springfield, the Young Gang shot six police officers dead. Six gang members were involved as well as two other gunmen. One of those was believed to be “Pretty Boy Floyd.” When finally cornered, the gang shot themselves rather than surrender.
January 1, 1939
Landlords in Butler, Pemiscot, New Madrid, and Dunklin counties evicted hundreds of sharecroppers (black and white) who then moved their possessions onto the roadways of Highways 60 and 61.
Ride With Us on the Katy Trail in October 2022
This year we're bringing our cross-state ride, Big BAM, to the Katy Trail! We'll kick off in St. Charles on October 6, then camp in Hermann, Jefferson City, Boonville, Sedalia, and finally end in Pleasant Hill on October 11.
December 30, 1949
The May Company announced the construction of the Southtown Famous-Barr, a massive, three-story department store being built at the corner of Chippewa Street and Kingshighway Boulevard in south St. Louis.
December 31, 1928
Marlin Perkins, host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and director of the St. Louis Zoo, was bitten by a Gaboon viper and became one of only a few people to ever survive such a bite.
Memoir-in-Progress: The fish fry
The story about a New Year’s Eve spur-of-the-moment fish fry with fifty or more people showing up at our house is one of those “I remember when” trips down memory lane that might have faded road signs, considering the trip goes back an eon or two to December 31, 1974.
I remember when …
City Scout: St. Louis
St. Louisans may not have visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads this Christmas and New Year's season. Instead, dreams will be filled with artisan toasted ravioli.
City Scout: Kansas City
A wine festival, winter hikes, photography exhibit, and more are all set for the Kansas City metro area. Check out the opportunities!
December 28, 1848
The steamboat Amaranth arrived in St. Louis carrying cholera. The city was bulging with people waiting for Spring so they could head west in the 1849 Gold Rush. The cholera spread quickly and one out of every ten people in the city died.
December 27, 1926
Charles Lindbergh was turned down by his boss, William B. Robertson, for help in financing his solo Trans-Atlantic flight. He already had $1,000 from Albert Bond Lambert. The Post-Dispatch also turned Lindy down, but business leaders Harry Hall Knight and Harold Bixby would say yes.
December 26, 1878
A carrier of the US Mail said that he was near Rocheport on this day when two men with drawn pistols stopped him and forced him to drink a bottle of whiskey before he moved on. (What do you think?)
December 25, 1898
W. J. Catron of Neosho lived above the Big Spring. On this morning he went to get a bucket of water and stepped off his porch onto a sheet of ice. He slid head-first to the bottom of his hill and then off the bluff falling 12 feet to the path below, landing on his head. No serious injuries but a bad way to start the day.
December 24, 1881
Jolly old Jesse James dressed as Santa Claus for his two children, Jesse Jr., age 6, and Mary, age 2. It was to be Jesse's last Christmas.
December 23, 1852
The first train ran on the first railroad west of the Mississippi River, the Pacific Railroad of Missouri from St. Louis to Cheltenham, a distance of five miles. (Cheltenham is now known as the Dogtown Neighborhood and is right across from the zoo.)
New faces join Missouri Life team
Missouri Life magazine has added three new members to its staff to bring readers a look at the people, culture, artwork, food, and stories that define the Show-Me State.
Asphalt unsealed: The farm at Finley Farms
Passing by a familiar corner on one of this southwest Missouri town’s major thoroughfares, Ozark residents may wonder how anyone ever managed to turn an old street into bountiful gardens.
December 22, 1953
George Olds, editor of Springfield’s weekly news journal, Bias, commented on an unexpected impact of manufactured artificial Christmas trees. He claimed that back in the “primitive days,” when you told someone you had bought a Christmas tree, no one asked, “What color was it?"
December 21, 2012
This date in Missouri history: Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar, and others predicted that on this day, 12-21-12, the world would end. (Congratulations if you are reading this!)
December 18, 1916
Birthday of actress, singer, and pin-up girl, Betty Grable from St. Louis. Lloyds of London insured her legs for $1 million.
December 17, 1931
C.C. McCallon’s clothing store in West Plains was robbed by Ma Barker’s gang. It was noted that they took over $2,000 worth of clothing and only the latest fashions.
December 16, 1875
This date in Missouri history: The steamboat Alice Gray exploded her boiler and sank at Rocheport.
December 15, 1951
The mayor of St. Louis approved plans to appoint 5,000 auxiliary police officers to help in the event of nuclear attack. Their jobs would be to patrol devastated areas.
WINTER FUN: THAT’S MY M-O.
Hi, friends. Mo here. If you're starting to get restless, you're not alone. Even if temperatures are dropping, you can always find your M-O in Missouri. Getting outside is one of the best ways to conquer cabin fever. Here are some of my favorite places for a wintry mix of fun and fresh air
December 14, 2005
The Taum Sauk Reservoir collapsed sending a fifteen-foot-tall wall of water and mud into the valley below and destroying the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.
Listen to the Second Episode of Mo’ Curious by Missouri Life!
In our second episode, we delve into the history of communes and utopian communities in Missouri.
Missouri’s North Star
Explore nature, visit art galleries and museums, and eat plenty of pancakes in Kirksville.
December 13, 1798
This is the birthday of Joseph Rutherford Walker, one of the greatest of all the westward explorers and a Missourian from Independence.
December 12, 1938
Missouri’s “separate but equal” policy was struck down in the U.S. Supreme Court and Lloyd Gaines was admitted to the University of Missouri Law School.
December 11, 1919
Robert Pankey of Eldorado Springs was a model youth. He was said to never swear, smoke, or touch liquor. But, on this day, he held up the Bank of Washburn and took $12,850.
O Little Town
The 2021 Christmas Country Church Tour, set for December 16-17, encompasses more than thirty churches in tiny hamlets, villages, and towns spread across Perry, Bollinger, Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau counties in southeastern Missouri, and one in Kaskaskia, Ill. All but three of the church buildings are more than 100 years old; three churches recently celebrated their 200th anniversaries. Each church on the free, self-guided driving tour is staffed with volunteers eager to share information about the church’s history and traditions.
December 10, 1932
The St. Louis schools were overcrowded and the school board blamed the depression. They said the kids couldn’t find jobs so they were staying in school.
The man in the red suit
Stephen Johnson portrayed Santa Claus for about three decades before retiring from dressing as the jolly old elf three years ago. The Jefferson City man, now sixty-eight, sat as Santa since the 1980s.
Cannabis is medicine
When asked what he would say to someone who is hesitant to try cannabis as medicine, James J. said, “Give it a shot! It will surprise you how much it can help. Cannabis is better for your health versus being on meds.”
December 9, 1897
The Lebanon Rustic Republican reported that President William McKinley had received a barrel of big red apples from Absalom Nelson of Lebanon.
Art Along The Rivers
What do a 1,000-year-old Mississippian figurine, a 1910 photo of three young boys at work and the plans for the building of the St. Louis Arch have in common?
They’re all part of a diverse exhibition offered by the Saint Louis Art Museum. “Art Along the Rivers: A Bicentennial Celebration” marks Missouri’s 200th year of statehood by bringing together more than 150 objects (including the figurine, photo and plans) from around the confluence region surrounding St. Louis.
Maple & Main: Music for Buffalo’s boom
By the time Jacquelyn Strickland takes the stage at the back to introduce the evening’s featured musicians—two singer-songwriters, one from Massachusetts, one from Wisconsin–she has already greeted everyone who walked in the front door. And when the lights go down and spotlights shine on Jaquelyn’s son, singer-songwriter and guitarist Lyal Strickland, then on visiting artists Grace Morrison and Camela Widad, the audience is rapt, listening for almost two hours to every note and word.
Shining Times: Missouri’s Fur Trade Story
Fur played a vital role in the early Anglo settlements. It was animal pelts, not tobacco, that the early Virginia colonists first exported. The North American fur trade had a tremendous impact on exploration, colonization, and international politics.
December 7, 1941
George A. Whiteman from Sedalia was shot down as his plane took off from Hawaii. He became the first pilot killed in World War II. Whiteman Air Force Base near Sedalia is named in his honor.
December 6, 1875
Birth of Albert Bond Lambert, the eighth balloon pilot in America and the person who bought, cleared, and leveled a flying field that is now an international airport at St. Louis.
December 3, 1990
This date in Missouri history: Schools and businesses closed while families stocked up on supplies. This date was predicted to see a gigantic earthquake along the New Madrid Fault. Nothing happened.
December 2, 1913
On this date in Missouri history: St. Louis Mayor Kiel signed an ordinance establishing a zoo in St. Louis in Forest Park. The idea was almost killed because of a lawn-mowing dispute.
Big BAM 2022 Early Bird Registration Ends Soon
Ride America’s historic Route 66 across Missouri in June 2022! You’ll ride along historic sites and iconic points of interest as you meander from Joplin to Eureka. You will experience the beautiful scenic Ozarks and pastoral countryside as well as passing along wineries and breweries and true Americana at its best!
City Scout: Holiday Festivities in K.C.
An abundance of decorative, tasty, and educational festivities are on top in Kansas City during this holiday season.
December 1, 1911
This date in Missouri history: A new town with 25 houses was springing up in Taney County. The town called Camp Glover was for workers on the new hydro-electric dam.
Artist: Wit and Wonder
I drive down a rural country road in Callaway County toward the home and studio of artist Jane Mudd. Jane lives with her husband Tom in a log home deep in the woods, about seven miles from Fulton. I turn up the driveway to the Mudd’s home and notice that the recent rain has left the countryside lush and beautiful. “You caught us dancing!” Jane laughs as I approach, stepping into their outdoor room with a million-dollar view of a verdant valley surrounded by Callaway County’s wooded hills.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
The 2021 Mayor's Christmas Tree ornament, "Festive Friends," was designed by Hallmark Artist Crista Couch. The laser-cut, bell-shaped design features three penguins, a snowman, and a cardinal decorating a Christmas tree with lights.
November 30, 1915
This date in Missouri history. Henry T. Smith was crushed while quarrying stone for the new Missouri Capitol Building.
Protected: True/False Film Fest is back March 3-6!
T/F is excited to be back in downtown Columbia, MO for its annual festival. A selection of the year’s best nonfiction films will be projected on screens throughout The District and the University of Missouri campus all weekend. And that’s not all—there will also be concerts, immersive art installations, and late-night parties.
November 29, 1918
This date in Missouri history: They had a pie supper at the Perkins School in Manes, Mo. The 21-year-old teacher, Joe Todd, was shot clean through. There was no suspect; the teacher recovered.
November 25, 1911
This date in Missouri history: Walt Disney’s legendary cartoonist, Paul Murry, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. Murry drew most of the Mickey Mouse comic books.
Fishing memories: Perfection on the water
“Fishing’s not just about catching, it’s about getting out and enjoying the outdoors. Catching fish is a bonus.” Granddad had many sayings like these that helped form a foundation that directly influenced my path in life. I’ve often wondered who—or what—would’ve come of me without that influence so early on. Fishing and life are one in the same if you asked me. The lessons learned on the water most definitely last a lifetime.
November 24, 1921
This date in Missouri history. The state’s Attorney General’s Office determined that, while women were now allowed to vote and hold official positions, they could not serve on juries because being a jury member was not an official position.
St. Joseph: More than just a stop on the Pony Express
St. Joseph is home to iconic places, including Jesse James’s home, the Pony Express birthplace, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp. History flows through this town where museums tell the stories of this westward jumping-off point and where new stories are beginning.
November 23, 1791
Philanthropist John O’Fallon was born on this day. He established the O’Fallon Institute which is now Washington University.
November 22, 1963
This date in Missouri history. Famous-Barr announced it had selected a site at Lindbergh and the Rock Road for a $10 million shopping center. An item on page four of the Globe-Democrat mentioned that President Kennedy was in Dallas.
Missouri’s Most Extreme Adventures
Experienced adventurers show us around five of the state’s most extreme outdoor experiences.
November 21, 1980
Who shot J.R.? One of the most-watched TV moments in history takes place as 53 million Americans tune in to CBS to watch Dallas, which also starred Jim Davis, the patriarch of the Ewing clan, who grew up in Edgerton in Platte County, Missouri.
November 20, 1983
On this date in Missouri History: The made-for-TV-drama, The Day After, captivated audiences while showing the fictional destruction of Kansas City.
Discover the 2021 Best of Missouri Life Awards
The 2021 Missouri Life readers' choice awards are here!
November 19, 1981
This date in Missouri history: The Rolling Stones' Tattoo You tour played in front of 18,700 raucous fans at the old Checkerdome in St. Louis.
Simply Sweet: Missouri’s surprising cinnamon roll heritage
A good cinnamon roll is not only evocative of the globe; it’s rooted in a spice that has traveled the world and delighted bakery customers for centuries.
November 18, 1818
This date in Missouri history. A group of citizens calling themselves the Smithton Company purchased from the government the land which is now Columbia, MO.
Missouri silo mysteries, sounds, and sights
An old roofless silo stands in the south field of my Missouri hay farm. While the exact circumstances are a mystery, neighbors say the silo lost its roof over forty years ago. Nothing is left of it now except for the bare ends of rebar exposed on top.
November 17, 1876
This date in Missouri history. The Audrain County Republican reported that Mr. David Crockett of Audrain County killed 341 rats in his corn cribs. Note: The writer wonder's, "Why did he wait so long? How could he have allowed 341 rats to be living in his harvested corn?"
Holiday Magic. That’s my M-O.
Hi, friends. Mo here. ‘Tis the season for memory-making moments in Missouri. Whether your holidays are low-key or filled to the brim with activities, I can help you find a holiday activity that fits your M-O.
St. Louis Jewish Book Festival Binds Community
From a futuristic St. Louis where technology clashes with Jewish tradition to a story inspired by real high school students who stood up against an assignment asking them to defend the Holocaust, the forty-third annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival brings together a variety of authors and stories.
Relics: Stars and Stripes Museum and Library
Since the first Stars and Stripes was printed in Bloomfield in 1861, the Department of Defense designated Bloomfield as the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes newspaper. The Missouri Stars and Stripes was printed only once during the Civil War. It wouldn’t see publication again until World War I, when it was an eight-page weekly. Publication stopped after WWI, then for the first nine months of World War II, it was restarted.
Sudwerk Brewing Co. wins top brewery awards
As the beverage sponsor for Big BAM on the Katy Trail—the Bicycle Across Missouri event hosted by Missouri Life magazine—Davis, Calif.-based Sudwerk Brewing Co. already had strong Missouri ties. Sudwerk ownership includes two University of Missouri-Columbia alumni, two Missouri S&T-Rolla alumni, and three others from the St. Louis area. Sudwerk distributes in California, Nevada, and Missouri.
November 9, 1861
The Stars and Stripes, the famous newspaper for those serving in the military had been printed the night before and was distributed on this day for the first time.
November 8, 1923
On this date in Missouri history, Jack Kilby was born in Jefferson City. He grew up to invent the integrated circuit—and changed the lives of every American.
Hope from Soap
he lack of opportunities after high school for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and the abundance of unhealthy skincare products in the United States are two issues close to sammysoap managing member Karen Copeland’s heart.
November 7, 1791
This date in Missouri history. A new church in Les Petites Cotes (Village of the Little Hills) was named San Carlos Borremeo on this day. The village around the church changed its name on this day also. It was named for the church and called San Carlos de Misury. In 1803 it was changed to St. Charles.
November 6, 1984
This date in Missouri history. Missouri voters approve the Missouri Lottery, turning out in droves to pass Amendment 5, which repealed a section of the state's constitution that prohibited a lottery.
November 5, 1855
This date in Missouri history: It was a day of prayer and fasting to honor the victims of the Gasconade River train disaster of four days ago. Thirty-four people died and many were injured when the bridge collapsed and took the dignitaries into the swollen river.
November 4, 1921
On this date in Missouri history. Evangelist Billy Sunday told a crowd at the St. Louis Coliseum, “The world is going to hell so fast you can smell the smoke as old Satan stamps his foot on the accelerator.”
November 3, 1926
This date in Missouri history: Airmail pilot Charles "Lucky Lindy" Lindbergh survived his fourth parachute jump. His plane ran out of fuel over Bloomington, Illinois.
November 2, 1948
This date in Missouri and U.S. history: The Show-Me State's Harry S. Truman was elected president.
Horses Who Heal
Sunny Oak Equine Assisted Activities at Rocheport helps children reach their full potential.
November 1, 1921
Missouri History Today: A new Missouri Law went into effect under which children were no longer allowed to drive automobiles
Picturing Native Missourians in the Era of Statehood
Iconic images of indigenous Missourians conceal a complex history.
October 31, 1900
Robert Calvin (Cal) Hubbard was born in Keytesville, Missouri. He spent his life in sports and is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Football Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
October 30, 1895
Sixteen children from the Orphan Train found new families in Nodaway County on this day.
October 29, 1949
First Daughter Margaret Truman was the featured soprano soloist with the St. Louis Symphony at Kiel Opera House. She received four curtain calls and sang two encores.
October 28, 1884
Near Independence, Mrs. John Oliver walked into a closet where her husband stored blasting powder. A spark from her pipe ... you can guess the rest.
October 27, 1911
Republican Governor Herbert Spencer Hadley proposed that prisoners in county jails be permitted to work on the new cross-state highways in exchange for shortened jail sentences. Hadley served one term was Missouri's 32nd governor (1909 to 1913).
October 26, 1909
A massive crowd gathers on the Cape Girardeau riverfront as President William Howard Taft’s flotilla arrives on the Mississippi River for a visit.
Persimmons: Missouri’s Finest Fruit
Part native fruit and part pioneer weather forecaster, the American persimmon ripens this month around the state.
Cannabis is Medicine
Joan did some research about medical marijuana as an alternative and decided she wanted to give it a try. She was raised in Missouri, but at the time, lived in Indiana. She decided to move back to Missouri when her home state legalized medical marijuana.
Joan got her medical card in November 2019 and has been medicating with cannabis ever since.
October 25, 1999
On this date in Missouri history, a plane crash claims the life of Springfield professional golfer Payne Stewart.
October 24, 1962
This date in Missouri history: Schools in Missouri are practicing emergency plans in case of a nuclear attack as the Cuban Missile Crisis heats up, affecting businesses and schools across the state.
October 23, 1992
This date in Missouri history: Two men wearing stocking masks and white overalls rob a Brinks Security guard at United Missouri Bank at 10 South Broadway in downtown St. Louis, stealing nearly $1 million in a still-unsolved crime.
Back roads and willows: Rising star reflections
Country music powerhouse Tyler Filmore, who performs under the stage name Filmore, would be the first to admit that he has everything he has ever dreamed of in Nashville. He has established a career there that has already snagged him a slew of hit songs. He is also surrounded there by family, friends, and his wife. But there is something missing.
October 22, 1858
This date in Missouri history: The first eastbound Butterfield Overland Stage passed through Springfield on its return trip from San Francisco.
October 21, 1942
The Ha Ha Tonka Mansion, built on the cliffs high above the Niangua River, catches fire, leaving behind the ruins that are still visible near Camdenton.
October 20, 1803
The U.S. Senate approves the Louisiana Purchase that adds more than 800,000 acres of land – including what would become Missouri – to more than double the size of the United States.
October 20, 1803
This date in Missouri history. The U.S. Senate approves the Louisiana Purchase that adds more than 800,000 acres of land – including what would become Missouri – to more than double the size of the United States.
October 19, 1955
This date in Missouri history: The Globe-Democrat reported on the new Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. The commander said the building was constructed in such a way that water used to fight any fire would not harm the vital records. The documents were all burned or destroyed by water a few years later.
Life on the Run: Riding With the Younger Brothers
In the stories told about them during their careers the Youngers were often cast in the classic Robin Hood mold. It was an image they worked hard to cultivate, but it was only half true. They did steal from the rich but, as biographer T.J. Stiles wrote, “There is no evidence that they did anything with their loot except spend it on themselves.”
Eight Statues in Missouri
Our statues help us understand our history, and ourselves.
October 18, 1926
Legendary St. Louis Chuck Berry was born on this date. Berry wrote music for many groups, including The Beach Boys and The Beatles. Paul McCartney once said, "If 'Rock and Roll' didn’t have a name, we’d have to call it 'Chuck Berry music.'”
Inside Walt Disney’s Life in Marceline
Very little remains of the once massive cottonwood tree Walter Elias Disney called his “Dreaming Tree.” The coarse, woody debris is an anchor tying a small town in Missouri to the pioneer of the American entertainment industry.
Q&A: Back Tail Customs
When Jesse Epple isn’t skateboarding, he’s creating something unique out of wood in his at-home workshop. Over the past few years, he’s learned how to combine both passions. He creates custom wood pieces in the heart of Columbia with scrap wood and recycled skateboards.When Jesse Epple isn’t skateboarding, he’s creating something unique out of wood in his at-home workshop. Over the past few years, he’s learned how to combine both passions. He creates custom wood pieces in the heart of Columbia with scrap wood and recycled skateboards.
WINE DOG: Take pride in Missouri’s wine
Regional pride is real; I share it. I take perverse pleasure in correcting people who assume that I live in some coastal wine mecca. I often mention my experiences when I give talks around the world about the wine market.
October 17, 1917
October 17, 1917. This date in Missouri history. Search crews begin going through the rubble after the Kansas City Stockyards fire.
October 16, 2000
Today in Missouri history: Gov. Mel Carnahan dies in a plane crash near Hillsboro.
October 15, 1969
Protests against the Vietnam War erupt at college campuses across the nation – including at the University of Missouri-Columbia – during Moratorium Day.
October 14, 1985
One of the most famous radio calls in baseball history happened when St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith hit a game-winning home run against the L.A. Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium, prompting the great Jack Buck to announce, “Go crazy, folks, go crazy!”
October 13, 1887
On this day in Missouri history, the Priests of Pallas parade, a week-long festival that was a remarkable sight and attracted big names to the city for decades, debuts in Kansas City.
Ambiguity and atmosphere
Missouri art lovers may know Doug as the former director of the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art in Sedalia. Doug helped found this extraordinary museum, where visitors may be surprised to find world-class works by artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Richard Diebenkorn, and Robert Motherwell. Doug was a close friend of the museum’s namesake, Dr. Harold F. Daum, who had amassed an impressive art collection over the course of many years. Harold asked Doug to help plan a museum founded on this collection, and the artist oversaw its development from 1999 until its opening in 2002.
Dia de los Muertos: It’s not ‘Mexican Halloween’
Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday typically celebrated November 2, is the day souls of the dead, as the tradition goes, return to visit their living family members. The holiday has deep roots running back to Aztec and Mayan cultures more than three thousand years ago, with modern branches throughout Latino, Hispanic, and other cultures worldwide.
Timing is key with landscape maintenance
If you have thousands of dollars invested into your outdoor living space, it’s important to have a maintenance plan in mind. The life expectancy of a landscape changes drastically based on how it is maintained.
Tasty Eats, Done Dirt Cheap
8 Great Places for Inexpensive Eats in Missouri
October 12, 1964
Today in Missouri History: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a major speech in Missouri to thousands of students, faculty, and staff at Saint Louis University inside the West Pine Gymnasium.
October 8, 2006
Missouri History Today: Eloise: The Animated Series debuts, displaying the work of St. Louis native Kay Thompson.
October 11, 1991
St. Louis actor Redd Foxx, named one of TV Guide’s “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time,” dies of a heart attack on the set of The Royal Family.
October 10, 1937
The Ozarks Empire Fair begins its inaugural seven-day run on a spot near the Springfield Zoo, ending its 30-year history as a traveling exhibit.
October 9, 1944
The St. Louis Cardinals win the Streetcar Series against the St. Louis Browns.
October 7, 1954
The first of the Pruitt-Igoe homes are ready for families in St. Louis, but by 1976 – after officials realized the public housing project was an abysmal failure – all 33 homes were imploded.
BONESHAKER: The Saga of the Butterfield Overland Mail
The Butterfield Overland Mail route traversed prairies, mountains, deserts, and valleys on its way from St. Louis to San Francisco.
October 1, 1812
The first meeting of the general assembly of the Missouri Territory took place, which named the five original counties: St. Louis, St. Charles, Sainte Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, and New Madrid.
The County That Almost Left
A haven for summer tourism, McDonald County boasts beautiful Ozark scenery.
Q&A: Jeff Houghton, Host of The Mystery Hour
Meet Springfield’s favorite late-night talk show host.
New Cambria House Spans Centuries, Many Generations
Like most old houses, a two-story home built around 1890 in New Cambria has layer upon layer of stories—both the kind you tell and the kind you build.
All About Apples
Here is your compendium of apple orchards, foods, drinks, and events across Missouri.
The Ozark Mill Plans Four-Day Grand Opening
Located on the banks of the Finley River in the heart of Ozark, Missouri, Finley Farms is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property to create a sprawling gathering place featuring farm-forward restaurants, a coffee shop, vibrant event venues, a riverside wedding chapel, and an urban farm.
Laughing Waters
Ha Ha Tonka State Park at Camdenton offers more than 3,700 acres to explore.
Le Cottage Beckons At Boonville Luxury Lodging
Boonville Luxury Lodging’s Le Cottage provides a cozy, French cottage experience, complete with the amenities and ambience that keep guests both soothed and energized.
Getting MO Peace
It’s been a wild eighteen months. Many shifted work and home lives around during the pandemic in an effort to keep others safe. Now as more people are vaccinated, and as case numbers decline and establishments continue to open up, we should all feel relieved, right? Not exactly, says Dr. Arpit Aggarwal of MU Health Care.
Expect the Unexpected
Find hidden treasure at Central Methodist University in Fayette.
Beyond Bulgogi
Yi’s Korean Restaurant offers an array of dishes in the heart of Nixa.
The Mediterranean Diet in Missouri
Registered dietitian nutritionist, Tori Eaton, shares helpful tips on how to successfully follow the Mediterranean diet.
Everyday Life on the Way of the American Genius
A bike ride across Highway 36 reveals wonder in the minutiae of Missouri.
Book Review: French St. Louis
A new book seeks to broaden our understanding of St. Louis’s legacy
A Unique B&B
You could be the new owner of the Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast in Ethel, Missouri.
Stay in a 125-Year-Old Farmhouse
The Weber Farm has been in the family since 1892, and now you can book a reservation at the property.
Cannabis is Medicine
One man suffering from anxiety and depression finds relief.
A Weston Getaway
Historic charm awaits in Weston.
Beyond the Stage Lights: Meet Branson Performers
Hitting it big in Branson is a passionate pursuit.
An Art Fair, Homecoming Festival, Taste of St. Louis, and More
Attend an art fair, Taste of St. Louis, a homecoming festival, and more in the Gateway City.
September 3, 1897
Sally Benson was born on this date in St. Louis. She wrote a book that became the basis for Meet Me in St. Louis. She went on to write other screenplays including National Velvet, Bus Stop, and Anna and the King of Siam (The King and I).
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Hare and hounds hot air balloons lift off in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
September 2, 1821
St. Ferdinand's Catholic Church in Florissant was consecrated. St. Ferdinand is the oldest Catholic Church between the Mississippi and the Rockies.
A Latino Arts Festival, Urban Hikes, An Arcade, and More in Kansas City
Dine on a historic streetcar, take an urban hike, celebrate Latino art and more in KC.
The Best Medicine
Missouri researchers and physicians find their way to medicine’s cutting edge.
August 28, 1820
Missouri's first statewide elections were held. Alexander McNair was elected Governor. Missouri was still one year away from officially becoming a state. Read our story about Missouri's first territorial governors here.
August 26, 1831
Leading St. Louis citizens, Thomas Biddle and Spencer Pettis fought a duel on Bloody Island. They fired at five feet and both were killed.
August 25, 1928
Franklin/Jefferson County serial killer, Bertha Gifford, was arrested in Eureka, MO. She is believed to have killed seventeen people of all ages. Known as a wonderful cook and a caring person, neighbors called her the Good Samaritan.
Wakeboarding at Lake of the Ozarks
How I learned to wakeboard at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Outdoor Wonders: 19 Conservation Areas
Explore these 19 conservation areas across the state.
August 24, 1833
Columbia took its first step toward becoming College Town USA on this date. The very innovative Columbia Female Academy was founded.
August 23, 1880
This the birthday of Jesse Clyde Nichols, the visionary developer who created Kansas City's beautiful Country Club Plaza.
Gobblers Roost Reenvisions the Steakhouse Experience
Take a trip outside of Nevada, Missouri to try this restaurant that specializes in mouthwatering steak and only opens its doors on weekends.
Kansas City’s Master Furniture Maker
Matt Castilleja creates world-class bespoke furniture in the heart of Kansas City.
August 20, 1888
With the death of Nat Kinney, the Bald Knobbers of Southwest Missouri were finally suppressed. Read more about the Bald Knobbers here.
August 19, 1877
Several noted scientists expressed interest in recent reports of a "sea serpent" sighted in the Mississippi River at eastern Missouri. It was described as 30-feet-long with dark scales, a head like a dog, and a mouth like a pelican.
August 18, 1960
R. Buckminster Fuller designed something he called a geodesic dome and placed one in the Missouri Botanical Garden. Calling this one a "Climatron" he explained that it would last for a while but was not a permanent structure. It has been there now for over 50 years and seems able to stand for many more.
Three Delicious Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these three delicious recipes.
Find Dining: Pogolino’s Pizza in Festus and De Soto
Pizza, wings, and salads at Pogolino’s keep customers coming back for more.
Relax on the Current River
Visit The Landing, Big Spring, and The Blue Heron Restaurant in Van Buren.
Tacos Are Calling at Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant in Kennett
Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant serves up artful dishes in a casual environment.
Emily Newell Blair, Missouri’s Suffragette
100 years ago in August, women got the right to vote. This woman helped make that happen.
August 17, 1927
Having arrived in town in the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh dedicated the new Municipal Airport in Kansas City. A crowd of 25,000 was on hand.
August 16, 1817
The first duel between lawyers Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Lucas was fought on Bloody Island near St. Louis. At 30 paces both men were wounded.
August 15, 1904
76 year old Geronimo was roping calves at the World's Fair on this day. He did very well and got a good round of applause from the audience.
August 14, 1936
It might have been a good idea to sleep on the porch or in the park. On this day the temperature in Kansas City was 113 degrees.
August 13, 1801
On this date the “Mother of Kansas City” was born. Bernice Therese Menard Chouteau and her husband Francois Chouteau came from St. Louis to establish a trading post in 1821. They were the first white settlers in what is now Kansas City.
August 12, 1927
Country music legend Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains on this day. He worked for years in Springfield on Radio and TV.
August 11, 1872
An astronomer predicted that a comet was coming and would hit St. Louis. Many people panicked and many left town. Young boys added to the problems by standing on street corners and occasionally yelling, "Here she comes!"
Suicide Prevention in Missouri
The Missouri Institute of Mental Health has launched projects related to suicide prevention.
August 10, 1932
An 11.2 pound meteorite broke into pieces and hit Cass County, MO.
August 9, 1869
Birthday of Annie Malone, the founder of Poro University, Annie Malone Children's Home, and a cosmetic empire that made her America's first black millionaire. This St. Louis resident helped thousands of black women to earn financial security. Read more about her in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.
Simple Small-Town Living
Rocheport offers peace along the Missouri River.
August 8, 1978
Military personnel and others in the Belton area watched a UFO spend 45 minutes in the air above them. Local air bases followed it on radar.
Reasons Rescue Ranch
Unwanted and neglected animals find sanctuary and purpose at a Christian County ranch.
August 7, 1862
Anti-Irish rioting was sweeping through St. Louis. For three days local toughs roamed through Irish neighborhoods to keep the Irish-Americans from voting. Ten people died in those three days.
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Caving in Columbia
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers trails, caves, and more than two thousand acres in mid-Missouri.
August 6, 1828
Andrew Taylor Still was born. He invented Osteopathic medicine and started A.T. Still University in Kirksville.
August 5, 1919
On this day the people who had been presenting outdoor musicals and operas in St. Louis voted to make the productions permanent and the St. Louis Municipal Opera (the MUNY) was born.
A Bevy of Surprising Burgers
Nine mouthwatering finds that veer from the norm.
August 4, 1936
On this day Helen Stephens, "The Fulton Flash" dominated the competition and got the gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
August 3, 1901
Automobile owners were protesting against the eight mile per hour speed limit. They claimed that autos could be safe up to 15 miles per hour.
The Power of Music
Music therapy offers a creative form of healing.
August 2, 1932
Birthday of Lamar Hunt who founded the K.C. Chiefs, the A.F.L., Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun and much much more.
Scenes from Seven Parks
A Visual Tribute to Missouri’s State Parks and Historic Sites.
July 30, 1877
On this day the St. Louis County Council raised the drinking age from 16 to 18.
July 29, 1904
The International Association of Ice Cream Makers credit Syrian immigrant, Ernest Hamwi, with using his wafer-like pastries to hold a scoop of ice cream on this day. Thus, the ice cream cone was born at World's Fair in St. Louis. He called it a World's Fair Cornucopia.
July 28, 1881
Governor Crittenden offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who could help in the arrest and conviction of the James Gang.
July 28, 1849
Committee of Health declared the great cholera epidemic was over. At least 8,423 people died in St. Louis but countless others died along the Missouri River Valley to the west.
The Tip of My Kayak
Take a peaceful trip around the coves at Table Rock Lake near Branson.
July 26, 2013
The two sides of the new Stan Musial Memorial Bridge across the Mississippi were joined in the middle on this day in St. Louis.
The First Episode of Mo’ Curious by Missouri Life is Here!
In our first episode, we explore Missouri's geologic history stretching back billions of years to the formation of the Ozark Plateau. Hear from experts as we journey through geologic time to better understand the way that our geologic landscape has shaped the way we interact with our state today.
Queen of Bluegrass
Rhonda Vincent could have moved away from Missouri many times, but home kept calling her name.
July 23, 1904
This was the reported date when some say the ice cream cone was created and seen for the first time ... at the St. Louis World's Fair, of course.
July 22, 1925
St. Louis police arrested 179 people in raids on stills and speakeasies. Jennie Buttee of Dagett Street told police she didn't even know there was 5000 gallons of mash in her basement.
July 21, 1865
On the square in Springfield, Wild Bill Hickok killed Davis Tutt in what many consider the first true western showdown.
July 20, 1969
Where were you? Most Missourians were at their TV sets watching Neil Armstrong step out onto the Moon.
July 19, 1820
Missouri's first Constitution was adopted at the temporary capital in St. Louis.
July 18, 1993
The Mississippi River crested at 46.9 feet in St. Louis which was 3.7 feet higher than the previous record. Water flowed past the Gateway Arch at the rate of 7.5 million gallons per second.
July 17, 1917
Phyliss Ada Driver was born on this date. From her home in Webster Groves she performed and became a regular at the Gaslight Square where she was known as Phyliss Diller. She went on to fame with Bob Hope and others.