A pleasant country highway takes you north of Kansas City, and passes through a quietly growing town. Smithville Missouri emerged in the wild Midwest prairie in 1822, when Humphrey and Nancy Smith arrived. They were both from New York and seemingly resettled in Missouri to help see the territory become a free state. Humphrey was a strongly verbal opponent of slavery, thus garnering the nickname “Yankee Smith”. The couple tenaciously endured the violent hatred and physical attacks of many neighbors. They were once dragged out of their home at the midnight hour by 15 men and savagely beaten. Can you imagine the horror of their 8 children witnessing such a thing? For the safety of their family, they eventually moved to the anti-slavery territory of Iowa. But what incredible determination to stand against the hellacious industry of enslavement. Now that is the true definition of “grit” of the Old Wild West.
You can imagine my delight when I pulled into the historic district and spotted a building from the 1800’s bearing Humphrey’s name. I was eager to meet the owners, who had honored the Smiths. David and Tiffany own Humphrey’s Bar & Grill. They are impassioned chroniclers of the Smiths’ story. It is thrilling to listen to them regale the tales with such vibrancy. They have done Smithville a great homage in spotlighting their noble past. Be sure to study the murals done by Steven Bohall and the photos with descriptions on the walls.
It is quite a destination place. They even bring in astounding local bands, like one of my favorites – Hatch.
Come and enjoy a visit with David and Tiffany, good comforting food, and fun live music. It makes for a perfect evening.
While in town, explore the rest of the fascinating historic district. Definitely see the flood level line from the 1960’s. I am standing in front of it in the first photo. Thankfully, the Corps of Engineers built Smithville Lake to help with the continual flooding problem. And that is a real treat to the region. Go and see its beauty and create fun memories at the swim beaches, campsites, marina, trails, and picnic shelters. Huge kudos to Smithville for this lake for us all to enjoy.
Back on the historic square, I visited the Not Too Shabby Boutique, where Alicia (the owner) and I chatted about the history of her building, while I perused her lovely shop. It makes me happy when proprietors know the story of their Victorian establishments. Discussing it while shopping heightens the experience. Ask Alicia about the still-active Freemason Order upstairs. Very interesting.
I stopped into Cornerstone Coffee for a yummy Chai tea Frappe, as my personal greeting to the approaching Autumn.
Leeah, the owner, showed me the Cannonball Safe that has remained in the building ever since it was a bank many, many decades ago. I had never seen anything like it. See what interesting discoveries you can make by stopping into each store on an historic square!
Jean’s Flower Shop is so serenely charming that you would never know it used to be a saloon in the 1920’s. Pete Bowen’s Saloon. I bet that held some zesty stories. A saloon in the Roaring 20’s: the era of flappers, F. Scott Fitzgerald, prohibition….
I finished my day in Smithville at Chops BBQ. I ordered a salad and received a very generous plate with their Ranch dressing made in-house. Then I topped it with their own sweet BBQ sauce. Heaven!
I will return to Smithville often. It has dropped a magnet in my heart. I hope you, too, will come visit this extra special spot on the earth.