Can you guess whose famous grave lies behind me, in Kearney Missouri?
Jesse James. The scandalous outlaw. I noticed there were pennies sprinkled on his headstone. What a curiosity. I wonder why.
As this is a Midwest travel blog that highlights history and genealogy, I went straighht to the Kearney Historic Museum, where I was welcomed by Liz. It is a tidy, well-presented museum. They do not house regional archives here, but they did rescue several Kearney Commercial Bank ledgers that were scheduled to be disposed of. They are dated 1887 – 1918. So, if your ancestors banked here during that era, you could see their accounts in these books.
Plus perusing a town museum gives you the feel of how your grandparents lived. Docents will tell you personal stories of the town. Liz said that the townfolk didn’t much like Jesse James. He was truly a mean guy. Liz said he stole her grandfather’s horse. Not nice.
I was getting hungry, so I walked around the corner to the D’Creamery, where they serve meals and all kinds of treats. I had a light and flavorsome salad. The cafe has a cheerful ambiance. As an extrovert, I was soon in a conversation with the 2 gals at the table next to me. Anita and Linda are locals who told me about the First Baptist Church just down the road. It dates back to the mid-1800’s. And guess who was a member? Mr. Jesse James himself.
I knew all subliminal arrows were pointing me to the Jesse James Farm and Museum. I just kept bumping into him everywhere I went. It wasn’t far from town, but the drive was lovely as it took me into the country.
Elizabeth Beckett is the director of the museum. She is infinitely knowledgable. She took me downstairs to their archives, where they hold historic and genealogical information. It is all well indexed, so anything can be easily found. They have an enormous collection of files. If you want to research, just contact them and make an appointment.
Behind the museum is Jesse James’ childhood home and farm. It is visited by people from around the world. Jesse still holds a fascination.
The gift shop has fabulous books. I always ask for books written by local authors, because they well-know the area and townsfolk. Elizabeth pointed out these books as having been written by local authors.
The authors are both attorneys, so they have written from a unique perspective about the gangsters. I have a friend who is a lawyer. His life career revolves around the written word, henceforth he is an astute, engaging writer. We often encourage him to author a book. People who build their lives around words create the best publications.
As I left the museum, the Autumn air chilled me, so I knew it was time for my daily traditional Fall hot cocoa. I asked maps for a nearby coffeeshop and it directed me to Paisley Perk Coffee.
Was I in for a treat! Not only was the interior charming (and ambiance is huge for me), but the cocoa was superb. I couldn’t decide whether to sit up in the loft or the back courtyard. Both were luring with a promise of peaceful comfort. I chose the courtyard, because it was gently draped with white lights.
The gal who made my cocoa told me the shop next-door was owned by the same gentleman who owned the coffeeshop, and since it was in an historic house, I was excited to browse it.
The manager of the boutique told me the house was originally the town doctor’s home and medical practice office, in which he also performed surgery.
Each room of the house offers gift items, artistically arranged. It is an enjoyable experience to shop here.
The kitchen displays cuisine gifts.
The bedrooms offer decorating pieces.
I can’t wait to come back and see it at Christmastime. I will definitely be doing my Christmas shopping here.
Kearney perfectly presents its parallel of infamous history with its modish lifestyle. It is a natural melding of the past with the current. They coexist with a sense of appreciation for each other. They have done it right. I tip my hat to you, Kearney.