Wine country
On the road to wine country
Several years ago, I inadvertently discovered the little town of Marquand, Mo. in Madison County. I was recently reminded of this little town by an email from the town's dynamic mayor, Denny Ward, a man who has almost single-handedly begun a restoration of the tired old town. He sent me a story for the NSC, inviting all of us Stoddard Countians to the grand opening of the Durso Winery, now under new management.
Marquand, a town of about 145, was well on its way to oblivion, when a tornado added insult to injury and swept through the village in 2005, wreaking havoc. The storm took the top off the historic old Homan Hall, a brick building with double-thick walls.
Today, Homan Hall has been restored, largely due to the efforts of the mayor and Patricia Gilmore, a local engineer. The ground floor now holds antique shops, while the top floor has been converted into a dinner theater. I think the theater area can seat about 80-100 at the round dinner tables they set up for the occasion. I'll find out more on Friday, July 22, because I'm going to get tickets for the mystery theater that's coming then.
My friend and I spent the afternoon in Marquand last Saturday, first eating lunch at the Durso Bistro and Winery, recently relocated into the replica of the Buckhorn School, and then touring the town. I had the best house salad I've ever eaten and a delicious chicken kabob. My friend had the bistro burger. As we ate, musician Rocky Tucker played oldies on the keyboard. Our hostess told us that the cook, Rebecca Pointer, was once the head chief for the Washington State Senate. Will wonders never cease??
Just as surprisingly, Marquand has an art gallery which displays the work of local artists! This month's exhibit is devoted to Patton, Mo. artist Kathy Breitenstein, who specializes in watercolors. Beautiful!! Her studio, called "The Long Way 'Round," is located at her home at Evensong Farm.
Another tourist attraction, which is usually open for tours during the August Pioneer Days' celebration, is the old hotel, where railroad men stayed for a nickel a night. Mayor Denny Ward bought and restored the hotel, and--believe it or not--he lives there, among all the quaint furnishings. He dresses in period costume and conducts the tours himself!
I've been trying to decide which of the many photos to post, since I can only post one--and that simply does not do the town justice! Maybe I'll take several days and post one a day. If Ken Steinhoff (capecentralhigh.com) or James Baughn (Pavement Ends) sees this blog, they're going to berate me for not learning how to use the format that allows more photos! Hey, listen, guys, I'm doing the best I can with the wits I have left!
Comments
- -- Posted by Dexterite1 on Wed, Jul 6, 2011, at 8:40 PM
- -- Posted by swift on Sat, Jul 9, 2011, at 11:38 AM
- -- Posted by TNWT on Tue, Jul 12, 2011, at 7:14 PM
Respond to this blog
Posting a comment requires free registration:
- If you already have an account, follow this link to login
- Otherwise, follow this link to register