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Published Jul/Aug 2005 |
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Missouri, the Show Me state, has lots of famous residents to show off, from the past and present. these three sites shine a light on dozens of notable citizens who are legends in their fields.
By Julie Failla Earhart |
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 isiting venues that relate to well-renowned Missourians makes a great theme for a short summer road trip. History and trivia buffs–or families tired of the theme park route–will come away with new nuggets of knowledge. Load up the car and check out our three suggested sites that honor dozens of famous Missourians. Hall of Famous Missourians Located on the third floor rotunda of the Capitol in Jefferson City, The Hall of Famous Missourians celebrates 24 of the state’s architects, pioneers, artists and leaders. Sculptors William J. Williams and Sabra Tull Meyer, a native Missourian, created bronze busts that depict the history of Missouri. Among the Missourians honored in the hall are: David Rice Atchison (1807-1886), whose claim to fame is his one-day term as president of the United States. James Polk’s presidency ended at noon on a Sunday and his successor, Zachary Taylor, refused a Sunday inauguration. Atchison, as the Senate’s president pro tem, became president by right of succession. His hometown of Plattsburg has a monument that honors Atchison erected near the town hall there. Walter Cronkite (1916) reported on such historic events as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the 1960s assassinations, the moon race, Watergate and President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Cronkite’s father had a dentist office near St. Joseph, and a replica is located in the Patee House Museum in that city. Clown Emmett Kelly (1898-1979) is best known to circus fans as the hobo “Weary Willie.” For 55 years, Kelly wore the greasepaint and made us laugh. He was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1989. Each April, his hometown of Houston, Mo., hosts a festival that includes a parade, vendors and clown college. Merchant James Cash Penney (1875-1971) was born on a farm near Hamilton. Founder of the retail giant, J.C. Penney Company department stores, Penney opened his first store, The Golden Rule, using that same philosophy. The J. C. Penney Museum and Boyhood Home are located in Hamilton. Saddlebred horse trainer Tom Bass (1859-1934) lived most of his life in Mexico, Mo., where he trained horses for the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt. The American Saddlebred Horse Museum is in Mexico, where Bass’ trophies and memorabilia are displayed. He also helped to organize Kansas City’s first horse show, the American Royal, which has its own museum. This year, the American Royal National Championship will be Nov. 15–19, which will be preceded by a host of other shows, contests and events in September and October. To see all of the busts, visit the Missouri Capitol building, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It is open to the public free of charge. Missouri Sports Hall of Fame The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield is a don’t-miss attraction for anyone on a sports themed road trip. Missourians, as well as heroes who played on Missouri teams, are in the hall. Exhibits about the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and Cardinals football teams– along with collegiate football–are found on the first floor. The second floor is host to a wide array of exhibits including one that focuses on sprinter Helen Stephens (1918-1994). Dubbed “The Fulton Flash” after her hometown, Stephens never lost a race in her career. She participated in the 1936 summer Olympics, beating the favored Germans twice. After her victories in Berlin, she played professional baseball and softball. From 1938–1952, Stephens owned and managed a semi-professional basketball team. A pair of running shoes and a jersey is on display. Visitors will find the Sho-Me Baseball Camp Theater on the second floor, an exhibit dedicated to America’s pastime, including a section about baseball’s home run hitters. Missouri Sports Attic is a large collection that includes hundreds of photographs, signed jerseys and other items devoted to those athletes and team members who are Missouri natives, like boxer Leon Spinks and football’s Grant Wistrom. In the tennis section, visitors will read many fascinating tales of the game’s early days, including information about Dwight Davis (1879-1945), the St. Louis native for whom the illustrious Davis Cup is named. One of the newest displays is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Racing Display. Visitors can see trophies and racing suits from such top drivers as Rusty Wallace, who is retiring after this season, and the late Larry Phillips. Also included is the largest collection of miniature gas-powered tether cars from the Henry Lightfoot Collection. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is located at 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive in Springfield. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday– Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. St. Louis Walk of Fame University City, in the Loop neighborhood along Delmar Boulevard, is home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Created in 1988, the ever-increasing outdoor exhibit of more than 110 stars and plaques embedded into the sidewalks between the 6200–6600 blocks celebrates the city’s rich and diverse heritage. The display is the brainchild of Joe Edwards, who owns several businesses in University City. From literature’s Pulitzer Prize winner Maya Angelou to the first woman elected to statewide office, Harriett Woods, the expedition is a trip down memory lane. Each stop along the walk provides a brief synopsis of the inductee’s life and the impact of that life on America’s cultural heritage. Categories include acting/entertaining (Kevin Kline); literature (Tennessee Williams, 1911-1983); art and architecture (Mary Engelbreit); music (Chuck Berry; Scott Joplin, 1868-1911); broadcasting (Dave Garroway, 1913-1982); science/education (Marlin Perkins, 1905-1986); journalism (Elijah P. Lovejoy, 1802-1837); and sports (Dick Weber, 1929-2005). With such an array of renowned Missourians and related attractions, you’ll wish summer were longer in order to experience the best of the Show Me State. Julie Failla Earhart is a contributor from St. Louis, Mo. |
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