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Springfield - Part 1
Hold the Keys to the Mansion
Written by: Janet Pope
Visit Springfield, Missouri to stay in a Mansion and see the history, attractions, caves and animals.
"Here are the keys to the Mansion." What a great line! It's one of those statements you hope you'll hear once in your life. It ranks up there with, "Honey, I think we just won the lottery" or "Sweetheart, remember the stock I bought in an underwear factory in Puerto Rico? It just went through the roof!" OK, so the last one seems like a long shot, but I live in hope.
Anyway I never thought I would hear "Here are the keys to the Mansion," but I did on our adventure to Springfield, Missouri. We were standing in a Bed and Breakfast called "The Mansion at Elfindale," and we were impressed!
The Mansion, designed in a Victorian Style with an Italianate influence, was built in 1892 and fully restored in 1989. It boasts 13 large suites each with a full "claw footed" bath and period decoration.
We entered the spacious foyers complete with 14-foot tin ceilings and were greeted by Bobby, one of the managers. The Mansion is currently owned by the Cornerstone Church of Springfield and sees the B & B as part of their mission opportunity.
Bobby showed us around the Mansion, filling us in on its unique history. The O'Day family as a monument to their wealth built it. Fifty stonemasons from Germany were hired to work on this 27,000 square foot little "home." It took 3 years to complete and originally had 35 rooms and 7 baths.
Sadly, the O'Days divorced shortly after the Mansion was complete. Mrs. O'Day received the property in the divorce settlement. Then the historical adventure began -- from Mrs. O' Day who cultivated a fine example of Victorian Gardening, to an order of Roman Catholic nuns who added a residency building and chapel, to a potential safe house for the Shah of Iran, and finally to what was its distained purpose: restoration and community presence by the Cornerstone Church in 1990. The chapel is used for weddings, and the residence building has been transformed for use as Christian educational classrooms and outreach programs. The O'Day house was renovated and opened to the public in 1992, as a Bed & Breakfast.
So here we are, Donald and I, standing in history. Bobby proudly showing us the grand ballroom, the dining room and our beautiful room, the Veranda, and that's when the magic moment happened. He handed us the keys and with a hint of a smile, he said, "Here are the keys to the Mansion!" It was indeed a special moment.
To describe each room would not do them justice. Our room, the Veranda, was done in a pink floral style and afforded us the pleasure of a patio overlooking the present main entrance. The room has a pocket-door entry with period piece furniture, including a "fainting" couch and a settee.
Breakfast at the Mansion proved to be as elegant as the surroundings. While classical music played in the background, we were served a full breakfast as pretty as any picture. Juice, muffins, toast, fruit and cereal were laid out. The main breakfast consisted of omelettes, fresh toast or pancakes all garnished with bacon, sausage and fresh fruit.
Our stay here at the Mansion was by no means just a place to rest our weary heads; it was an experience of tranquility and elegance. Pat, the general manager, took the time to show us the adjacent chapel and explained how working here was not her job, but her "Mission." Spirituality was an ever-subtle presence manifested by the Bible in each room opened to a welcoming passage.
If you are anywhere near Springfield, if you just love B&Bs, or think you know all about B&Bs, then plan for a stay at "The Mansion at Elfindale," and you, too, will receive the keys to the Mansion.
Speaking of Springfield, we discovered so much to see and do there. Our first adventure was off to see the Fantastic Caverns. These limestone caves are filled with history, dating back to the 1800s where Native Americans used them as a source of shelter. In 1867, 12 very brave and non-traditional women explored the cave and left their names etched in stone. For a period of time, the caves held a speakeasy where traditional Ozark music was played. Then other country music stars such as Buck Owens and Ray Price would actually perform on a stage in the cave, drawing huge crowds.
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Entrance to Fantastic Caverns | |
In the mid 60s, renovations took place, and Fantastic Caverns began. It is the only cave with a guided tour in a jeep. Kirk Hansen, the PR director, told us they also have a "science research program designed to preserve longevity of the business." In other words, Fantastic Caverns plans to be around for a very long time. With over 3700 caves in Missouri, Fantastic Caverns is trying to be unique. It is a great family attraction with trails to the river, easy access to all areas, and many picnic spots.
Next, we headed off to our lunch spot, a real "Steak n' Shake" on the famous Route 66. During the Dust Bowl Days, Route 66 was the first interstate "highway" blazing a path from Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 gained its notoriety in the 60s with a TV show of the same name. The jingle was "Get your kicks on Route 66." The first Steak n' Shake was opened in Illinois in 1934, with the grill area right out front. Their slogan is "In sight, it must be right!" We decided to try their "signature" steak burgers and potato soup, both of which proved to be delicious.
Now that we were full, we headed over to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum administered by Jean Coday. Ms. Coday, a retired principal, schoolteacher, current director, was a wealth of knowledge. Laura Ingalls Wilder came to this area in 1894, primarily for a milder climate. She and her husband, Almanzo, had their crops previously wiped out twice by insect problems. Being farmers, they came here to grow apple trees and to raise chickens, goats and Morgan Horses. If you have read any of the "Little House Books," which were written from this house, you know Laura had a hard childhood with dangerous and difficult times. She wrote about life a being "a long story filled with sunshine and shadows." The house in Springfield was called "The Rocky Ridge Farm," and she began to journal her life at age 65. It is said Laura was adept at describing things in great detail, since she had always done so for her blind sister, Mary. Laura was also very independent in nature, and her books tell of her many frontier adventures in a historical context.
On the grounds, there are two houses to tour. One is the first house owned here by Laura and Almanzo, built in 1894, with the kitchen as the oldest room and other rooms having been added on. The second house is the "Rock House" built in later years by their only daughter, Rose, a journalist. Rose was as independent as her mother, if not more so. She lived a "Nellie Bly" type of life: traveling around the world, writing many news stories, books, biographies and having adventures. She had been married for a short time, and then divorced. I found her life just as fascinating as her mother's.
After living in the Rock House for a short time, Rose taught Laura and Almanzo to drive, and then she moved them into the newer house, as she went off to continue her travels. Our tour guide told us so many people, especially those from the Ozarks, like to visit this place since it's like "visiting your grandmother."
For dinner, we ate at a local restaurant with a big city atmosphere, named Chardonnay. This upscale dining spot was opened in October of 2001, and adds a trendy feel to its Springfield neighborhood. The motif of the restaurant is done in a style reminiscent of Monet with huge painted wall murals and unique lighting designs.
Our dinner was outstanding with 5 stars given by us for both taste and presentation. My husband, Don, enjoyed the lamb chops, and his empty plate was a testimony to their flavor. I did not do as well on my pork chops, but not because of taste. The spirit was willing, but the body was weak! My pork chops looked more like little pork roasts - add to this: garlic mashed potatoes and the grilled vegetables -- and it all proved too much to finish. This place is a great nightspot with not only good food, but also live music on the weekends. There are also 2 banquet rooms and a large balcony for dining outdoors. It was a great meal with a definitive Manhattan flair. Our 1st day in Springfield had something for everyone.
Read part 2 | Read part 3
Read our story on Branson
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