February 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

February 1998

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in February of 1998.

The following are excerpts from an interview published in the Oak Springs Enterprise by Rachel (Nixon) Gates with Paul Gates, Manager of the Oak Creek Mill and Market, regarding planning efforts by The Bevins Trust, the McDonald Conservancy, and related entities up and down Oak Creek in the near future and in the long range:

“Based on the feedback we constantly receive from both our local and visiting customer base, several projects are now in various stages of development, Paul Gates explained. The Bevins and McDonald interests are also looking “outside the box” at opportunities that may be there that no one has yet recognized by visiting other sites around the country, even around the world, for ideas. The Internet has certainly begun to make this much easier, of course. I’m talking to you here, today, in hopes of giving the community some additional insights into some of things we are working on, recognizing that most of them are still in early stages of planning and development.

“Apportioning land along Oak Creek, owned by The Bevins Trust, through donations to the McDonald Conservancy, is an ongoing project. Roughly, all of the land on either side of Oak Creek, from the National Forest boundary on the north, just south of the county line there, to the south county line, is involved in this process. The challenge is to develop the proper mix of public and private use of that land both for now and into the future. Preservation and maintenance of the ecosystem is an over-riding concern. We hope to eventually have trails on both sides of Oak Creek, accessible to the public, with some, but limited, crossover opportunities.

“My most recent project, Paul Gates continued, is the possibility of putting in a Par-3, nine hole golf course, on the west side of Oak Creek from just above the Mill, down the slope and possibly around the Pond. Integrating this with the proposed Conservancy Trails systems and nearby other private developments is now being worked through with all persons and entities involved. The grant proposals submitted on behalf of the McDonald Conservancy currently being reviewed are a key element in those discussions as well, of course.

“The final major piece of this puzzle appears to be the desire of the families involved to create a residential housing development on original McDonald farm land just to the south of the Pond and Creek, that would also tie in from the west to the Bevins Stables and Trail Ride location, which is also the headquarters of the Bevins Agricultural Operations. These are complex projects, but it feels like we are beginning to see the long-term “light at the end of the tunnel” on this integration of ideas. While much of the detail work must necessarily be done “behind closed doors,” we do want the community to be aware of the outcomes being sought. That is why I’ve been authorized to talk to you about it all, today. I hope this has been useful.”

Locals:

Big Thunder Lodge was advertising weekend specials for couples through the months of February and March.

Oak Springs Food Village ran a series of ads for their new fresh fruits and vegetables department through the month.

Social Notes:

Matt and Susan Winslow returned from a week of vacation that they spent skiing and relaxing at and around the Breckinridge area of Colorado.

The Valentine’s Day Dance at the Oak Springs Country Club was well attended and a good time had by all, according to several reports. The local band, Swingtime, was especially appreciated.

Cop Shop:

Three juveniles were arrested, booked, and remanded to the custody of their parents following discovery of their involvement in a series of recent break-ins and acts of vandalism in the downtown Oak Springs area, along Main Street, police said.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

January 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1998

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in January of 1998.

At the January meeting of the Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society the following new officers were elected:

President: Rhoda Offutt

Vice President & Program Chair: Mona Evans

Secretary: Penny Nixon

Treasurer: Lisa Flanders-Howell

Membership Chair: Sarah Flanders

Immediate Past President: Brian Kirk

Rhoda Offutt reported on sales of the “American Centennial” book that had exceeded expectations, but there were still copies available for those interested. She also encouraged all members to continue to look for old documents about the community and local families in unusual, as well as the usual, places.

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The Jensen & Watkins Construction Company held an Open House on Wednesday, January 7th, to celebrate the First Anniversary of the Company. The notice in the paper reminded the community that Gary Jensen had been in residential construction in the community for more than ten years. His nephew, Trace Watkins, had come to Oak Springs to join him, just over a year earlier. It was on this date in 1997 that they had officially opened business as the company we know today, located on the west side of State Highway 37 about 2 miles north of the intersection with State Highway 24. Watkins, in his early 30s, had been in construction work in the Kansas City area for more that ten years, as well. The company specializes in single family residences, duplexes and four-plexes.

Locals:

It was learned that Paul Gates, Manager of The Oak Creek Mill, had presented a proposal to The Bevins Trust to build a Par 3 Golf Course on the slope from just above the Mill down to and around the Mill Pond below the Mill. Each tee would be located above the green and hole below on five of the nine holes proposed. He was said to have presented the plan as a compliment to the 18-hole golf course on the west side of Oak Springs at the Country Club, not as competition. He felt that both local and visiting golfers would support both courses.

Lori Winslow confirmed to our reporter that she had met with Gary Jensen and Trace Watkins at the Jensen & Watkins Construction Company office on north Highway 37 northeast of Oak Springs regarding possibly creating a housing development on Bevins Trust land south and east of the Mill Pond, running parallel to Oak Creek as it exited the Mill Pond. It would be designed to integrate with the proposed Par-3 Golf Course, the kayak/canoe portage and serve as a direct link to the Bevins Stables and Trail Ride facilities from the west. It was known that several Bevins family members had talked of building new homes, and it appeared this development might meet those and other local needs. Winslow also confirmed that she had been involved with a residential housing development group in Los Angeles before her move to Oak Springs. She had enjoyed that work, and believed some of what she had learned there could be incorporated into a development here in the valley.

Social Notes:

Trace Watkins, of the Jensen & Watkins Construction Company, created a bit of stir at the local McDonalds last Thursday when a teenager mistook him for the country music singer, Trace Atkins, and set off quite a ruckus. Watkins was a bit embarrassed by the attention, but admitted to this reporter that it had happened to him before, in Kansas City, in years past. He said he preferred to think of himself as resembling his uncle, Gary Jensen, his business partner. But, he added, he really didn’t have much control over what others thought when they saw him, and, admitted it was flattering.

Cop Shop:

A total of four vehicles abandoned on public roadways in the valley following the January 15 blizzard were ticketed and towed to the police compound area. This occurred only after owners had not retrieved their vehicles themselves in a timely manner.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

December 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

December 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in December of 1997.

Town Merchants again ran weekend specials both weekends before Christmas for the benefit of the entire community. Local citizens have become accustomed to and appreciate the efforts made by the local merchants to meet their holiday needs.

The Town Council awarded the Cable Contract for the community to Ozarks Communications, Inc. (OCI). President of OCI, Matt Winslow, said that his company is dedicated to getting service to all interested residential and commercial customers as soon as possible. The OCI Internet infrastructure is already in place and will also carry the cable signals. Specific information will be provided to customers as each segment of the community is made cable ready. Orders can be placed online, by telephone, or by stopping by the OCI office, he added.

The Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society at their monthly meeting announced that new officers would be elected at the January meeting. Several new committee chairs would also be sought, so members were urged to think about which positions they would be willing to fill for the coming year.

Locals:

The annual Bevins Trust Christmas Dinner for employee families was held on Friday afternoon, December 12. Eligible employees and their families were fed and entertained in assigned shifts again this year at the Heritage Room of the Homeplace Country Inn, so that all work assignments could also be covered. Santa Clause appeared at each shift with gifts for the children aged 12 and under. This is an annual event for the Bevins Trust affiliated companies that reached across the community in its impact. All participants welcomed this event as a fine company benefit.

The United Methodist Church Choir presented Handel’s Messiah on Sunday evening at the church with standing room only for this fine seasonal concert.

Social Notes:

Christmas eve candlelight services at the United Methodist Church were each well attended this year, as has been the custom. By holding services at 8, 10, and midnight, each individual and family can attend a service that meets their needs and fits with their family traditions.

Family Christmas dinners were hosted by, among many others: Matt and Susan Winslow, Harry and Sarah Flanders, Peter and Shiela Gates, Travis and Laura Inman, Bart and Linda Bevins, and Don and Linda Kirk.

Cop Shop:

A total of only five DUI charges were made following several Christmas parties at the Oak Springs Country Club this December, down from nine the year before.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

November 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

November 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in November of 1997.

We spoke with Peter Bevins, managing director of the McDonald Conservancy recently about the latest activities with the Conservancy. He first wanted to send out a public Thank You to Lyle Cunningham and a group of volunteers he began organizing over the summer and the ‘work days’ they conducted during the fall. Peter said these activities were so important for the non-profit organization. This fall, work days have been devoted to ‘creek bank’ cleanup, brush clearing along the expected walking path along the Oak Creek, and clearing brush and small trees from the pasture near the corner of State Highway 37 and the Mill Road. Records are kept, Peter pointed out, of all volunteer activities conducted and the number of hours of each. These can generally be applied, at some point, as ‘in-kind’ contributions that often are valuable in grant applications for matching funds.

The second major activity work for the Conservancy had been on-going planning for the use of the lands donated under the Land Trust laws. The directors each needed to become fully aware of what could and could not be done with the land, to meet legal requirements as well as to manage the land environment most effectively and efficiently within the Conservancy guidelines. Some of this planning activity also included identifying additional potential directors and others who could provide positive guidance.

Finally, but no less important, had been grant writing, Peter added. Each of the directors had been involved in this, as volunteers, as well. Ronny Cox, with the Natural Resources office in Rolla, had also been very helpful in on-going technical assistance on some of the grants, he noted. Several small grant applications had been submitted along with one large grant application to a special fund administered by the State National Resources Department. Peter said there were really very few eligible candidates for this grant, at this time, and he really hoped they had done all of the right things to earn it. Receiving the grant would be a real boon to the community, he added, in terms of additions to recreational activities as well as environmental contributions.

Locals:

The annual Bevins Trust Thanksgiving Turkey Day for employee families held on Sunday afternoon, November 23, was another big success. Eligible employee families each picked up their frozen turkey plus a sack of fixings. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and a social time prior to the actual distribution of goodies. This has become an annual event for the Bevins Trust affiliated companies that reached across the community in its impact. All welcomed this event as a fine benefit.

Social Notes:

Reverend Clarice McCauley baptized baby C.P. Ogden at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 23. His parents are Christopher and Nicole Ogden. Also attending the service were grandparents Don and Linda (Ogden) Kirk, Bart and Diane Bevins, and Jack and Mona Evans. Great-grandfathers present were Doc Evans and Lyle Cunningham.

Cop Shop:

A disgruntled former city employee was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for “keying” 3 cars sitting outside City Hall late in October. He has arranged to make restitution in lieu of jail time.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

October 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

October 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace.” Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in October of 1997.

The 11th Annual Arts and Crafts Show fund-raiser held on Saturday, September 27, was a huge success again this year. We spoke with Mona Evans, Chair of the Planning Committee, on Monday following the Show. Mona thanked all the people who came to the show and especially the members of her planning committee who made the whole event possible. She was careful to point out that the prime beneficiaries of the community wide event were the charities: Breast Cancer Awareness and HIV/AIDS Awareness programs benefiting needy members of the community again this year. Mona pointed out that all booth spaces for crafters had been rented out, both on the grounds of the Homeplace Country Inn and on the grounds of the Oak Creek Mill and Mill Market. 3 more artists had accepted invitations to the juried art show this year, another new record number, and those sales added to the new fund-raising total in 1997. She did add that a few copies of the full-color program for the art show were left for purchase, at the Oak Springs Enterprise, for anyone interested. All proceeds would go to the charities.

The Oak Springs Country Club was hosting a Halloween themed party for members on Saturday evening, October 25.

The Community celebration of Halloween would be on Friday night, October 31; from 6 to 8 p.m. Parents were urged, along with all of their children, to observe these hours. October 31 will be a new moon, so, it will be very dark during the night. People were urged to use care in all of their activities.

Locals:

Christopher and Nicole Ogden became the parents of their first child, a son, on October 15. They named the boy Carter Palmer Odgen, but he will go by “CP” - keeping up the naming pattern heritage of his father, Christopher. CP is the fourth generation with the initials C and P. Grandparents are Linda Ogden, Bart and Diane Bevins, and Jack and Mona Evans. Great-grandfathers are Doc Evans and Lyle Cunningham.

It was learned that Reverend Clarice McCauley had married Don Kirk and Linda Ogden in a private ceremony at the Methodist Parsonage on Sunday afternoon, October 26. Brian and Jennifer Kirk stood up with the couple as they took their vows. When we talked to Don, he said they just decided it was time to get married, quietly. He added that they would be at home at her house. He also mentioned, that after some remodeling, Brian and Jennifer would be moving into the condo that Don and Brian had shared, earlier.

Paul Gates, Manager of the Oak Creek Mill and Mill Market, and Julie Barnes, Activities Director at the Big Thunder Lodge, each attended the Fall Tourism Conference in Rolla, October 16-18.

Social Notes:

Matt Winslow, Christopher Ogden, Travis Inman and Raynor Crimmons attended the University of Missouri Tigers football game at Faurot Field, in Columbia, on Saturday, October 4, against the Iowa State Cyclones, battling for the Telephone Trophy. The home team was victorious 45-21. The happy fans returned home safely.

Paul Gates was the escort for Julie Bares at the Halloween themed party at the Oak Springs Country Club on October 25.

Cop Shop:

It was reported that 3 cars sitting outside City Hall had been ‘keyed’ on Tuesday, October 28th. No information was available at press time on possible suspects.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)