Saturday in Camden Point

Early in the day I went and visited with Lindy Waldrop. She moved to Camden Point recently, meaning within the last twenty years. We talked about some art projects she is working on such as her ceramic rocking horses and some beautiful paper invitations that she is making for a store is Leavenworth, KS. We talked about our craft and gave each other some new ideas. She had to run some errands in Kansas City, and my next stop was to visit the Barn Artist’s show just west to Camden Point.

The Barn Artist’s show takes place on the property of Bill and Marsha Hankins. They have a beautiful barn that has been renovated into a horse stable/living space. It’s really beautiful. Every few months of late they have been having this show to support local artists in ceramics, painting, photography, metalworking, wood carving, and more. Bill Hankins is a photographer and wrote the book Landmark People, which partly inspired this project. There is a section of the book that is about my Great Grandfather, R. J. Asher, that Bill and I talked about today. He said that Grandpa had many stories to tell and that Bill could have written an entire book on him alone. He and Marsha are really good people, and very gracious hosts. Marsha Hankins:

For more information on some of the artist’s whom participated: http://farmsteadlifestyleevents.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-coming-barn-artists.html

Kathy Truders is one of the Barn Artist’s that I saw at the show. She lives southwest of town and makes raku-fired ceramics, mostly with horse themes. We talked about her process a little and then went upstairs to talk about some of Bill Hankin’s work. She had scene a new piece called Creek Mosaic and just had to show it to me. We looked through the rest of his prints that he had taken here in Platte County and talked about some of the places featured, and what memories they brought to mind.

This is Kathy Truders:

Next to Bill’s photos were Jerry Kuhn’s. He used to work for the local newspaper and was at quite a few of my High School events documenting what we were doing for the entire county to read about. Cathy and I saw that one of his photos was of a veteran’s funeral in Weston that was attacked by the no-good Phelps’s and their crazy followers. Luckily, the good people of Weston realized what was going on and made a blockade between the family and these intruders. Jerry caught a snapshot of three local men holding up their hands in protest and a seven-foot American Flag preventing the Phelps crew from getting near the cemetery. Here is a link to the story on Fox 4 news: http://www.fox4kc.com/wdaf-cjsadell-funeral-westboro-church-protest-110610,0,575122.story

This got us all shook up, but then I recognized a picture of Ralph Shackleford, a veteran of WWII and great friend to all in Platte County. Kathy and I both know Ralph, he taught me how to ride a horse! Ralph is one of the great treasures of Platte County. I’ll have to visit him and write more later. In the mean time, check out this cool website about Ralph: http://connections.smsd.org/veterans/ralph_shackleford.htm

He can still wear this uniform!!

After visiting with the Barn Artist’s I went to another little venue in Camden Point called Willow Bend Designs. Karen Seckel was my Elementary School Principal, and now she is a good friend. She and Charlotte Johnson, an elementary teacher, run a temporary holiday shop out of the Camden Point Community Center. I usually try to find something to get my Mom and Grandma for Christmas while I am there, but just wasn’t in the mood to buy this year. I think that I would rather make something instead, but don’t ruin the surprise!

Charlotte and Karen:

I saw Dorothy Deal when I was coming out of the Camden Point library. She was my Sunday School Teacher growing up at the Camden Point Christian Church, and one of the kindest hearted women I have even known. She says that she is disappointed that there is not much more to Camden Point than the library, bank, and post office. I asked her what she remembered, and she said, “Well, of course the Asher Grocery Store, the hardware store, and the gas station.” Great Grandpa owned the grocery store. As a child I can just barely remember the hardware store. I can remember when they had chicks in a water tub in the spring and Mom would not get any because our border collie, Rip, would eat them. I asked Dorothy about the gas station located in Camden Point. She said that Ray Flemming owned the station when he first moved to Camden Point, and someone else ran it before him.

Stories of Camden Point

Do you have any stories of Camden Point that you would like to share??? If you come across this blog and would like to share anything this is my open invitation. I'll even type it up for you if you just tell me what you want to say.

Jokes from Brocious

At the Halloween parade Brocious told Mary and I a few jokes.

Lizard and Monkey were sitting in a tree in the middle of the jungle sharing a joint. Lizard got thirsty and told Monkey he was going down to the river to get a drink, laughing the whole way. At the river he met Crocodile and told him what a funny sight Monkey was getting high in the tree. Well, Crocodile just had to see this. So Lizard and Crocodile headed back to the tree and Crocodile looked up and said, "Hey!" Monkey nearly fell out of the tree in his surprise and looked down at Crocodile, exclaiming, "How much did you drink!"

He also told us about a few pictures that he had drawn. One was of a bunch of dinosaurs howling at the moon, "Someone had to teach the coyotes how to howl at the moon."

Brocious also told us about a series he had drawn based on old time carnivals, one was of a horse being shot out of a cannon, instead of a man. Another was of a pool of water diving into six inches of man at 50 feet!

Genealogy and Ancestry: Easier than it sounds!

I went to a genealogy workshop a few weekends ago and learned a few things about researching my family history.

Basic Geneology:

1. Prepare- go to your library, take a class, check the house for old family records

2. Gather- interview relatives and take notes, gather family records and photos, and preserve your find

3. Organize- complete a generation chart and a family group sheet, these family trees can be filled out for free on various genealogy websites

4. Research- keep good standard records, check State Vital Records, Federal Census Records, Military Records, Immigration and Naturalization Records

5. Share your information with your family and others who might be a relation you don't even know about!!

Some good websites to check out:
www.familysearch.org
www.rootsweb.com
www.usgenweb.com
www.cyndislist.com
www.mcpl.lib.mo.us.genlh (Mid-Continent Public Library)
sos.mo.gov/archives (Missouri Archives)
archives.gov/genealogy (National Archives)
worldgenweb.org
ancestry.com (free access at most libraries)
ellisisland.org
castlegarden.org

Another great database is the Midwest Genealogy Center, in Independence, MO. (www.midwestgenealogycenter.org)

The First Asher's in Platte County

Here are some interesting tidbits that I pulled from a book written in 1885, called History of Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri. If you had ancestors here back then it is a really good resource. Robert D. is my Great, Great, Great Grandfather. William is his dad.

Since 1823 there was a settlement on the Clay County side near Barry, a trading post. William and his son Robert Asher and their families had houses on the Platte side, called Second Creek, along with 18 others. In 1836 Government authorities issued a peremptory order for them to move out—abandon their claims, farms, houses, everything; troops from Ft. Leavenworth followed up the order by expelling those who were not prompt to go. Robert’s house was one of three houses burned by the soldiers. Less than a year later the land was opened for settlement. (541-2 Hist. Clay & Platte)

Robert D. Asher

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Smithville)

The subject of this sketch is a man well known to the people of this portion of Missouri, for his whole life has been passed within the boundaries of this and Clay counties. He was born in the latter county September 14, 1831, and in early youth worked upon the home farm. His father, William Asher, a Virginian by birth, was born in Culpepper county, October 17, 1771, and in 1815 moved to Madison county, Ky., where he followed the cooperage business. Coming to Clay county, Mo., in 1828, he remained there until 1836, when Platte county became his home. At the time of his death, in 1845, he was farming. His wife, Lucinda Clayton, to whom he was married in 1813, was born in Spottsylvania county, Va., in 1772. The father was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812, and in his farming operations met with average success. His wife was a member of the Christian Church. Robert D. Asher was one of three children, the others being Eliza, who died in infancy, and William C., born December 16, 1816. He went to California in 1849, and engaged in the hotel business. Robert D. grew to manhood here, and on January 18, 1857, was married to Miss Mary E. Russell, a native of Henry county, Ky., born April 15, 1836. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Asher’s parents are connected with the M. E. Church. She died June 25, 1881, leaving six children living and four deceased. Those living are: William C., in Clay county; James R., in Platte; John R., in Clay; Nan P., born November 7, 1868; Anna V., born April 20, 1872, and Thomas J., born May 15, 1875. Mr. Asher’s second marriage occurred December 15, 1882, to Lydia A. Hinton, of this county, born May 15, 1848. They have two children Willie and Louis E. Mrs. Asher’s father, John Hinton, originally from Fleming county, Ky., moved to Platte county, Mo., in 1844. Shortly before leaving his native place he had been married to Miss Eliza Cox, of that locality. The former was in the Mexican War, and also in the late civil strife on the side of the Union. Mr. Asher is a member of the Christian Church. He commenced in life for himself in 1859, and since that time has been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil. He own 120 acres of land, well improved and stocked, and is in a comfortable condition, notwithstanding he has met with reverses. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Asher’s parent are connected with the M. E. Church. (923 Hist. Platte & Clay)

Weekends in Camden Point

Every weekend I have been trying to do something connected with Camden Point and the people who live there.

October 16^th 17^th: On Saturday, my neighbor and I went to a local art’s festival in Camden Point called Farmstead. I was inspired, and another friend of mine even got me into a workshop where I learned how to use the soldering iron and make my own soldered jewelry.

My best friend’s Nana died. I took it upon myself to help run the funeral on Sunday and be there to support her in any way possible. It’s funny how in a small town you end up going to so many funerals that by the time you are 21 you can practically run one… But, I suppose that I have been to just as many weddings and baby showers, so it kind of evens things out.

On the 18^th: I went out and took photos of Camden Point, including both the old and new cemeteries.

October 23^rd & 24^th: American Royal Livestock Show time. Mom is the Superintendant of the Sheep and Goat shows. With help from her family and friends we are able to support a world-renowned show where local Platte County livestock is shown with the best from across the US.

October 30^th & 31^st: Mom and I went to a geneology workshop and learned a few tips on how to look up our family history. That has helped me a lot with this project.

My neighbor and I went into town on Halloween and watched the children’s costume parade. We talked to some of our other neighbors and enjoyed cookies and hotdogs afterward. During the celebration I listened to my dear friend, Brochius, tell jokes.

November 7^th: I had some friends from my Green Sculpture class at KCAI come up to the farm for a visit. We had a monumental holiday breakfast courtesy of Mom. Then we toured the farm and the town Camden Point. I told them all about it’s history and we had a pretty good time.

Next Weekend: Open Season and the Barn Artists!!

Camden Point History (Dates and Things)

To be a little more familiar with Camden Point here are some dates that might be good to remember:

Prehistory- Cave Dwellers and Mound Builders rule the land

Before the Immigrants from Europe- Missouris- then come the Osages, Sac and Foxes, and Iowas

1836 –Platte Purchase bought from the Iowas, and Sac and Fox Indians for $1500

1837, December 31 –Platte County organized, fastest settled county in the Platte Purchase, largest hemp producing county in the US, Green Municipal Township established (that’s were Camden Point is!)

1839, January 1 –Platte County officially established

1842 –Camden Point Christian Church established, present church built in 1846

1844, October 12 –Camden Point Baptist Church established, 1844 Great Flood, yet good hemp production year

1848 –William Kincaid, the schoolmaster, established the Camden Point post office, and thus the Camden Point

1848 -Female Orphan’s School established, closed in 1928

1857 –Military Academy ran until the Civil War in 1861

1858- Platte County Fair established by the Platte County Agriculture and Mechanical Association

1864, July 13 –Civil War battle just north of Camden Point (Confederates -3 killed, 3 more murdered after being taken prisoner) (Union -4 killed, 11 wounded), Union burning of 20 houses in Camden Point that night, a memorial now stands in honor of the dead Confederates established in 1871

1867, October 12 –Lodge No. 169 of the Ancient and Accepted Mason chartered and still running

1888, December 20 –Camden Point is an incorporated village

1889 –Camden Point Bank established

1899 – town was booming with 26 businesses

1913- the Interurban railroad was established half a mile from Camden Point, it closed in 1933

1920 –Camden Point Public School established

1958- Interstate 29 is built from Fargo, ND to Kansas City, MO

1960 – town became a 4^th class city

Living in Camden Point

This is my new blog, which is all about living in the small town of Camden Point, MO. I have lived here my whole life, and am a fourth generation Camden Point native; not to mention being the sixth generation in Platte County, where Camden Point is located.

This blog is all about Camden Point and how my family came to be here. I hope you enjoy it and are able to learn something from it.

Thanks for reading,

Alex

“(Camden Point) can be justly proud of the high standards of morality and integrity of its people. May there always exist the fine little town of Camden Point.”