Several stories in the pages of the California Democrat throughout 2016 stood out above the rest. Although there is not space to review all of them, or even touch on the terrific variety of articles and reports which appeared in the newspaper, the synopsis of a few are included in this week's edition. The first perhaps is the most interesting to the older residents.
Old Heck horse comes home
When it became known that the Heck Saddlery Horse was coming home, the excitement mentioned was probably an understatement for many long-time residents of California. Remembering from childhood the life-size model horse, some of those "youngsters" who remember looking at or sitting on the horse were excited.
The 126-year-old horse, a model for saddles and more made at Heck Saddlery, stood in the display window across from the county courthouse from 1890 until sold in 1973.
Fundraising continues to obtain funds to pay for the nearly complete restoration job. "Heck" will be displayed in the window of the Historical Society building on High Street.
Flint knapping near Wooldridge
The 25th Osage Knap-In was held north of Wooldridge in May, where it has been held for the last 10 years. Those interested in primitive weaponry and workmanship gathered, some to connect with history and ancestors. Others, because they want to be able to make their own weapon and ammunition.
Participants from several states demonstrated techniques of "flint knapping," making arrowheads, spear points, drills and stone knives, showing off items offered for sale - points, kits and some primitive-style weapons.
The atlatl took a more visible role this year, since the Central States Atlatl Championship was held with the event. The atlatl, used to bring down game as large as mammoths, is a very primitive weapon. An Atlatl is a thrower and a light spear called a dart.
4-H, FFA chapters cure hams
As every year, members of more than 25 Central Missouri 4-H and FFA clubs descended on Burgers' Smokehouse on Jan. 9. Fresh hams were chosen to cure for consumption or to show in fairs.
Students picked out hams and began the curing process at Burgers.' The "cure" (a mix of salts, brown sugar and black pepper) was applied, hams rubbed down with it, then wrapped and hung on a rack. Just in time for entering hams at the area fairs, the curing process is completed and the hams ready.
Burgers' Smokehouse, 4-H and FFA help keep knowledge of preserving meat without modern technology. Such meat curing has been done for at least 4,000 years, in southern Europe and parts of southern China. Settlers from Europe brought the practice to the United States.
Pavilion brings family outdoors
Jen and Mike Kruse and family have long enjoyed spending time outside, working or relaxing, weather permitting. Several years ago, a flat area adjacent to the driveway of the house just west of Tipton became a family gathering place, starting with a campfire site and logs for seating.
A fire pit replaced the campfire. Benches shaped from logs replaced the actual logs for those enjoying the fire. Still, it was only "weather permitting." Jen Kruse began searching for a means to provide more comfort for relaxing to read or just enjoy the outdoors. She wanted to add to the ambiance of the home, and have something unusable even when the weather "didn't permit."
The search for ideas went as far as Kansas City and St. Louis. When she decided on something resembling a Japanese tea room, the search changed. In February 2016, Mike found something he thought she would like. A 10-by-12 foot pavilion, built in Kentucky, was for sale in Tipton. It was just what she wanted.
With the fire pit and benches gone, there is what Jen refers to as a Mennonite version of a Japanese tea room. Propane patio heaters and a propane fire pit make it better than a tearoom. The original structure has had Japanese-style additions. Hanging baskets are around the roof edges and grass surrounds it. Planters, a birdhouse and other metal decorative items have been added. Solar light units are at the entry and around the outside. Padded benches and a pair of patio chairs make the area more enjoyable for Mike, Jen and children Kayleigh and Zavannah to read, or just relax. Entrance gates keep unwanted dogs from using the comfortable seating.
Always evolving, with plans for a patio in back, and the eventual addition of an outdoor kitchen with a large outdoor fireplace, it may never actually be finished.
Women in Ag Conference
The 12th annual Mid-Mo Women in Agriculture Conference, themed "Farm to Table," drew about 230 people to the California High School facility in March.
Rural safety was the topic of Gary Moore, safety coordinator with the Missouri Center for Education Safety (CES) and retired Missouri Highway Patrol officer. He presents "Active Shooter" training for schools. Main points of school safety training are appropriate for anyone to practice, any place, and result in more safety if practiced in rural areas. Situational Awareness was emphasized for everyone to be aware of their surroundings, the people around them and how they might be acting. Moore recommended taking notice of anything that "Just Doesn't Look Right."
Notice everything - a stray backpack in an odd place, a different car or truck on a rural road, or anything different and report it to someone in authority. Maybe it's nothing, but it could be important. Basically, Moore recommended everyone look out for their neighbors.