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Springfield - Part 3
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.
After another fortifying breakfast at "OUR MANSION," we set off to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. The visitor's center gave us an introduction to the first Civil War battle in the West fought on this very site. They used a movie, exhibits, and a lighted battle map. We learned, in 1861, there was a battle between the northern forces and the southern supporting Missouri Guard, with much of the battle, taking place on John Ray's front cornfield. In the ensuing battle, 537 died, and over 1500 were wounded. The surrounding area of over 1,000 acres, at that time, were prairie and farm fields with 8 families living within the immediate battle site. Ray's house was the only one left when the battle was over. On the morning of August 10, 1861, John Ray saw the start of the battle and got his family into the cellar for protection. Ray watched the skirmishes from his front porch, and when the battle was over, his house was taken over by the troops and used as a hospital.
The house can be toured and our guide told us about the original items still left, one of which was the bed. The 1st Union General to die in the battle was General Lyon. He was laid out in this bed.
Besides the house tour, the battlefield itself can be toured by walking or driving. There are car tapes that can be purchased in the visitor's center for a detailed narration. Sections of the park are also open to recreational use by bikers, joggers, and horseback riders. It is interesting to note the exhibits and the Ray house are ADA compliant, so all may view the battle site.
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General Sweeney's Battlefield | |
Continuing the history theme for the day, we traveled a short distance to General Sweeny's Civil War Museum. Donald, my husband, is really the history buff of the family. He had already done his own research on General Sweeny, and besides learning his background, Don was interested to learn the General is buried in the Green Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York! We introduced ourselves to Dr. Sweeny, a retired physician and a distant relative of General Sweeny. I was impressed to learn the museum is privately owned by Dr. Sweeny and recently opened in 1991. I was further amazed to see the vastness and professionalism of his collection and displays. He told us his purpose or mission for the museum is to illustrate and document the Civil War in the West.
"Much more has been said about the war in the South and the North, but not much was covered on the war in the West," said Dr. Sweeny.
The museum represents over 40 years of researching and collecting Civil War memorabilia ranging from flags, uniforms, weaponry, diaries, photos and battle artifacts. There is even an exhibit on the role of the medical profession in the war.
As Dr. Sweeny spoke to us, I realized this was a man filled with history, a walking historical textbook. This man was passionate about his subject, and Donald was not only fascinated, but also impressed. He told us about his first acquisition at age 12, when he purchased a Colt Pocket Pistol for 25 cents.
Donald had been unusually quiet for a long time, trying as best as he could, to soak up all this knowledge, when he blurted out "I think I have some additional information on one of the exhibits." After Dr. Sweeny caught his breath, Don showed him some research papers he brought with him from Brooklyn, proving the date of General Sweeney's death listed in the museum was actually incorrect. Well now there was no stopping the conversation between the two of them! If they had a cold drink and two easy chairs, I do believe Don could have stayed the night.
This local museum is a true treasure to the Springfield Community. What impressed me more than the actual collection was the fact that one man collected it.
We were trying to keep a schedule, so I really had to pull Don out of the museum and we were off to the Precious Moments Chapel Center in Carthage, about a 45-minute drive. I was anxious to see this since I have a small collection of the figurines.
I must admit I was a little disappointed! This complex reminded me of Graceland. I appreciate Elvis' music, but when you visit his home, it seemed a little too commercialized. The Precious Moments Chapel was not the peaceful, simplistic and spiritual haven I had envisioned. For my taste, it was more of a large colorful art gallery with little resemblance to a true chapel. There was no central altar to focus on, but a very large mural of the artist's rendition of heaven. There were no pews to sit and offer a silent prayer, but just a large expanse of space in order to view the murals. I did enjoy the museum and the gift shops, and Don enjoyed the ice cream parlor! But unless you are a true Precious Moments fan, of which there are obviously many, I would not take an hour's drive to see this attraction.
Our host, Susan Wade, took us from here to a Springfield experience called "Firefall". Held at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport. On the Saturday before the 4th of July, the town is treated to a daylong festival culminating in a fireworks extravaganza. Entering the grounds, Susan told us the estimated crowds could number 60 to 70,000. Arriving around 6pm, we set up chairs by the crest of the hill on the outskirts of the crowd. We were just in time to hear Lorena Prates and her 5-piece western band, followed by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The music was wonderful.
We strolled the grounds and bought our mandatory sausage sandwich and French fries. I couldn't help but notice a huge amount of red, white and blue clothing, flags and families. Three generations of family members dotted most of the blankets. I was touched by the overwhelming patriotism when a tribute to September 11th came on the large video screen for all to see. We were treated to a few more area bands, and the weather was delightful as the sun set over the Ozarks.
The highlight of the night was a 30-minute firework show accompanied by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. It certainly rivaled Macy's display in New York City. Besides the fireworks themselves, I was also impressed with the orderliness and friendliness of this large crowd that swooped down into this Springfield arena for this event.
Today, we had another great day in Springfield. Apparently, in this town, not only can you get the key to the mansion, but the key to family fun!
Read part 1 | Read part 2
Read our story on Branson
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