Historic Homes at Weston, MO

Historic Homes at Weston, MO

Northwest Trails

Six historic homes await you at Weston, Missouri: McNair Home, 720 Fourth Street Built in 1906, by William Calvert, this three-story, adapted four-square home was considered a retirement home in the “city.” Mr Calvert was a polished gentleman farmer and an...
Watkins Woolen Mill in Clay County, MO

Watkins Woolen Mill in Clay County, MO

Northwest Trails

More than 100 years ago, the Bethany plantation, now part of the Watkins Mill State Historic Site, was a bustling center of activity for rural communities in Clay County, MO. In its heyday the plantation owned by Waltus Watkins included an elegant home and a...
Hand-crank Makes for a Unique Antique

Hand-crank Makes for a Unique Antique

Squirrel Cage Jail

Unusual “squirrel cage” jail, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also serves as a visitors’ information center in Gallatin, MO. Only 3 of its kind left in existence Octagon jail structure housing 8 “pie-shaped” cells Hand...
Hyde Mansion Bed and Breakfast of Trenton, MO

Hyde Mansion Bed and Breakfast of Trenton, MO

Northwest Trails

Rescuing a mansion that had been sitting empty for 10 or 12 years seemed natural to Robert and Carolyn Brown of Trenton. The two, who are in real estate themselves, learned the Hyde Mansion was for sale through another real estate agent and decided to look at the...
Elms Resort: Where Presidents and Gangsters Stayed

Elms Resort: Where Presidents and Gangsters Stayed

Northwest Trails

On election night, Nov. 2, 1948, President Harry S. Truman paid a surprise visit to The Elms Resort in Excelsior Springs to escape the mounting tension surrounding his close race with Thomas Dewey. But today, you don’t have to be in a presidential race to enjoy...
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Northwest Trails

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the focal point of all the buildings and activities of Conception Abbey/Seminary College. It stands as a monument of the dreams and religious fervor of the forebearers of the monastic community of conception, and the early...
Keeping the Values of Life Simple

Keeping the Values of Life Simple

Amish of Jamesport

Missouri’s Amish center their lifestyle on family. Note: Although this first was published by the Associated Press, 1987, much of the information is still relevant today. Photos shown were added after this article’s initial publication. Down a dirt road...
Differences Between Amish and Mennonites

Differences Between Amish and Mennonites

Amish of Jamesport

Here’s a brief comparison and contrast: AMISH — The Amish separated from the Mennonite fellowship in 1693 in Europe. They felt the Mennonites of that time were failing to practice things they believed were needful. Their leading minister was Jacob Ammann...