The Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the El Camino Real Markers on Friday, March 10. MSSDAR Missouri Trails Chair Lemira Parks organized the event. El Camino Real is the oldest public road in Missouri and was the main line of travel from New Madrid to St. Louis.
Centuries ago the road was traversed by Native Americans in their expeditions and by the French and Spanish and early pioneers. In later years, it was the first post road and telegraph road west of the Mississippi and the main highway in this part of the state for military usages during the Civil War.
There were a number of important settlements along El Camino Real. Kimmswick was the site of a ferry crossing established by Jean Baptiste Gomache. Ste. Genevieve is the oldest settlement in Missouri followed by St. Louis and then New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, and “Little Prairie” which is Caruthersville today. Perryville was important due to being near a salt springs. Sikeston, Benton, and Rock Levee (Scott City) were also important stops along the Royal Road or King’s Highway.
The marking of this trail was a labor of love for Mrs. Jennie Kochtitzky and the Old Trails Road Committee of MSSDAR. In 1914, Mrs. Kochtitzky discussed the mapping out of the trail and the plans for marking the route. In 1915, discussion of the cos of marking ad the hope of getting money was evident. MSSDAR was sure this would happen, but a fire at the Warrensburg Normal School (University of Central Missouri) caused the allotted funds to be redirected. Other MSSDAR funds were applied to the cause and three Missouri red granite boulders were purchased for $100. The three markers purchased were sent to New Madrid, Sikeston, and Rock Levee (Scott City). Two more boulders were purchased and placed at Caruthersville and Benton. By 1917, four more boulders had been purchased to be placed at Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Ste. Genevieve, and Kimmswick.
The ceremony held at the Benton El Camino Real marker was hosted by the Crowley’s Ridge Chapter of Dexter and the Chalk Bluff Chapter of Campbell. Attending from the Crowley’s Ridge chapter were Glynda Bates, Shirley Richards, and Shirley Carney, Treasurer. Attending from the Chalk Bluff Chapter were Lemira Parks, Ann Polsgrove, and Martha Fine.
Photo and article submitted.
Dexter, Missouri - For the Love of Pageants will host a Miss Flip Flop into Summer Pageant at the Dexter Pioneer Days on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. located at 1503 W. Business 60 just behind EZ Buildings (Old Walmart Parking lot) and next to Ultimate Flooring & Paint.
Age Divisions are for girls only: Baby Miss (0-9 months), Wee Miss (10-23 months), Tiny Miss (2-3 years), Little Miss (4-6 years), Petite Miss (7-10 years), Junior Miss (11-13 years), and Miss Flip Flop into Summer (14 years and up).
Entry fee is $25 if pre-registered. Day of the pageant it will be $30. Casual attire plus your favorite flip flops or sandals. Registration begin at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
This is a non-glitz pageant. No excessive hair or make-up. Standard pageant walk. There will be a Queen and two alternates in each division. Queens will receive a trophy and crown. Alternates will receive a trophy. All scores are final and no refunds.
Registration fees may be sen via PayPal to williamsp@bernie.k12.mo.us or contact Paige Williams at (573) 421-1396.
2017 Dexter Pioneer Days will be held on Friday, March 31st and Saturday, April 1st from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 2nd from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Crafters will be there on Saturday only. Living History Encampment will be there rain or shine with lots to do! Shoot a bow, throw an atlatl or tomahawk, see live turtles, feel pelts and furs of Missouri and the candy cannon at noon and 3 on Saturday! Don't forget the fantastic old fashioned foods!!
Sikeston, Missouri - The 4th Annual Sikeston Women's Show will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the City of Miner Convention center.
The Convention Center is located at 2610 E. Malone in Miner.
Need a little spring added to your decor? This unique women's trade show features wonderful hand-made items, crafts, health and beauty, home decor, jewelry, boutique wear and much more!
The admission is only $2.00 each with proceeds going to help the Girls Scouts "Save Camp Latonka!" campaign. What a great organization to give to that helps young ladies become responsible and caring women in our community.
There will be more than 60 vendor booths for women to shop!
A Spring Fashion Show will be at 11 a.m. along with FREE Health Screenings all day and a Girl Scout Cookie Treat Hour at 1 p.m.
You can also register to win a 3-night stay at an all-inclusive couples resort in Jamaica!! Donated by 1st Class Travel.
For more information and follow them on Facebook click HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Ecumenical Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed w/General Store will be Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Center in Dexter.
The meal includes corned beef and cabbage, parsleyed potatoes, cornbread, homemade dessert and a drink for $8.00. Carry Outs are available and FREE delivery with a minimum order of 10 meals. Children six and under eat for free.
"There will be homemade and handcrafted items, baked goods, breads, pies, cakes, honey, BBQ sauce, pecans, and more at the General Stored," stated committee member Karen Stevens. There may even be some entertainment between 11 - 1 p.m. if everything goes as planned.
This event is sponsored by 14 Stoddard County Churches: Broadwater Church of the Brethern, Dexter Evangelical Free Church, Dexter First Assembly of God, Faith Lutheran, First Christian Church, DOC, Bernie Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Catholic, Sadler's Chapel United Methodist, First Baptist Church, First Nazarene Church, Risen Church, and Southwest Nazarene Church.
All proceeds will go to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission, Stoddard County Children's Home, Meals on Wheels/Stoddard County Nutrition Center, and Stoddard County ARC.
For ticket information call (573) 624-6995 or email to mworley@ldd.net or show up at the door! Make checks payable to Ecumenical CBC Meal.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting for new business DexMO Diagnostics, LLC located at 1025 Arvin Road on Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
DexMo Diagnostics, LLC specializes in Non-DOT and DOT Drug Screenings, DAN and Genetic Testing, Wellness Testing, Infidelity Testing Cancer Markers, Breath Alcohol Testing, general Blood tests, Patient Direct Lab Testing, and more.
Their hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and they also have after hours available. Call (573) 614-7474 for more information.
Owner is Derek Renfroe. Follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Shown in the photo from left to right are Terry Battles, Alderman, Rex Renfroe, Yvonne Renfroe, Derek Renfroe, Madison Renfroe, Alisha Trammell, Nick Renfroe, and Hillary Starnes, Executive Director of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce.
