I don’t like to visit a town for just one reason. Take, for example, Hartville, Missouri. If I’m going to spend time in this county’s capital, I want to do more than see the courthouse and historical society. I asked some pals of mine if they’d like to take a hop into Hartville and see what we could find and have lunch, too.
I’ve been to Hartville several times during the past decade, since it’s the county seat of my domain. I’d been to the courthouse for obvious reasons – but not in the courtroom as a defendant. I’ve made the list for jury duty, too. I just never got into the courtroom. One Memorial Day, I went to the special dedicated area, the “Lest We Forget” memorial, on the courthouse grounds to commemorate Wright County veterans and especially, the ones who died in the line of duty.
I saw on Facebook where the Wright County Historical Society had gone through an extensive renovation, and decided it was time to see that attraction, as well.
My friends and I arrived in Hartville mid-morning. Since the Historical Society hadn’t opened (It opens at 10 a.m. on Fridays, and stays open till 4 p.m.), we headed down the street to the local thrift store (and food pantry). We always like to spend time “picking” through junk, whenever possible, and this place – it is loaded to the ceilings. After spending some time (and money) there, we headed to the Historical Society.
One of my friends immediately noticed a beautiful portrait of her ancestor, a former doctor in Wright County. We enjoyed looking through the displays, including a hair wreath made by Lillie James Newton in 1898, and presented to her teacher, Ella N. Palmer Plumlee at Plumlee’s retirement. Newton wove locks of hair from the girls in Plumlee’s class, and the boys made the frame. Plumlee had been a teacher in Wright County rural schools for 18 years.
Another display showed rifles carried in the Civil War, a war that impacted Hartville in January 11, 1863, when the Battle of Hartville saw the Confederates – led by Brig. Gen. Johns S. Marmaduke meet the Union army, led by Col. Samuel Merrill.
It’s been called a “chance” meeting, since Marmaduke’s troops had just attacked Springfield and were headed toward Rolla for provisions, while Merrill’s troops were on their way to Springfield to fortify the Union presence there. They met seven miles west of Hartville, had a little skirmish and then, both armies hightailed it to Hartville. The Confederates claimed the ridge where the famous Steel Mansion now sits (circa 1890). The Union positioned itself on the hill over by where the high school stands today.
According to a source at the Historical Society, cannon balls went back and forth, with several of them landing in the holler – which is also the town of Hartville proper. The museum exhibits a display of cannonballs and other notable items found after the battle. It also has a small display in the back room featuring items found by metal detectors throughout the years, relating to the Civil War battle.
If you’re interested in the history, “The Historical Marker Database” website tells a good account of the battle. You can also drive out to see the marker.
Local artist Jimmie Marler painted three murals that depict the Civil War in Hartville, which are easy to admire from the sidewalks.
After spending time in the museum at the Historical Society, which is also a wonderful resource for genealogy if your family has lived in Wright County, we popped into Indian Creek Antiques across the street. The store is set up like another museum, with tasteful collections of antiques and memorabilia at reasonable prices. It’s worth a stroll through.
Finally, we felt pangs of hunger and fortunately, the Country Kettle Café is located across the street from the antiques store. We enjoyed fried fish and shrimp lunch specials, and frankly felt tempted by the selection of homemade pies – but just didn’t have the room. Note to self: put half of the entree into a takeaway container, and enjoy a piece of coconut cream pie.
The drive to Hartville is lovely, too, with hills and hollers, farms and barns along with sweeping vistas from hilltops. If you are interested in another stop – and it might be along your way to Hartville, or worth a drive out – check out Rosewood Farms, which feature Grandpa Joe’s Chocolates. A family owned business, it offers more than 100 varieties of chocolates, caramels, fudges, and toffee. It also has delicious coffee, and a gift shop.
