This blog article is dedicated to my beautiful (inside and out) 32-year-old, niece Aeriel Noorhana Celeste Corson New, who earned her heavenly wings on February 1, 2022.
After leaving New Franklin last July on my trip to New Mexico, I headed to Blue Springs, MO for a long-awaited visit with Aeriel and her family before settling in for the night at a Blue Springs Airbnb. It never crossed my mind that this would be the last time I would see her. I love you, Aeriel. You hold a special place in my heart.
After a restful night’s sleep, I got up, skipped breakfast, and headed out to meet my guides, Sarah and Alec Poff for a whirlwind tour before I got back on the road.
The article is mostly pictures as I did not take the time to record or write down any of the information shared by Alec and Sarah; thus, a return trip is in order.
Alec and Sarah Tucker Poff
Jackson County Historic Truman Courthouse
The office of Harry S. Truman.
West entrance
Andrew Jackson
A trip to Independence, MO is worth your time and money.
Having followed the Santa Fe Trail many times over the past seven years as I travel to and from New Mexico, the trip in 2021 was especially special as it was the 200th Anniversary of the Trail, the first international commercial highway. The trail starts in old Franklin, MO, not Independence, MO, as I originally thought. The 900 plus mile trail ends in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Once Spain succeeded, and Mexico was free to trade, the trail opened up.
The Santa Fe Trail (Map courtesy nps.gov)
South Howard County Historical Museum
My first stop was the South Howard County Historical Museum, operated by the South Howard County Historical Society. The museum is located in the historic downtown district of New Franklin, MO, at 110 E. Broadway. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4:00 p.m.
Spending just one hour in the museum with Treasurer Jacque Schaller, South Howard County Historical Society, and multimedia storyteller Sarah Tucker Poff and her husband, Alec Poff, left me eager to learn more about the Santa Fe Trail. Realizing that I should have arrived earlier in the day, I mentally made plans for a return trip and to allocate more time for exploring.
New Franklin, MO
Storyteller, Sarah Tucker Poff
My hostess Sarah Tucker Poff is a retired school teacher, a historian, and a talented storyteller. Poff is extremely knowledgeable about the Santa Fe Trail, and what she does not know, she has the resources to find the answer. In the picture below, Poff is sitting on ‘The Rock,’ which acknowledges the Santa Fe Trail according to www.missouri2021.org. The rock also recognizes three other trails – Lewis & Clank, Boone’s Lick Road, and Katy Trail. The rock was placed in the middle of the street by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1909.
Santa Fe Trail Storyteller, Sarah Tucker
Clink Clink
What was traded on the trail? It was easy to figured out the necessities, but was surprised when Jacque mention the Missouri Mules. The Spanish-bred mules were brought back to Missouri from Santa Fe. The sale/trade of the mules were profitable for the traders. A couple of interesting facts about the Missouri Mules. The mules were used in WWI and WWII because of their hardy stature and they are Missouri’s state animal.
“The Rock”
Jacque shared a familiar story illustrating the success of the Santa Fe Trail. “When Becknell rode into old Franklin, he opened his saddlebags filled with coins, and silver rolled into the streets. They had changed $300 worth of trade goods into $6000 of silver coins. Becknell made his second trip in 1822, taking wagons with $3000 of trade goods and returning home with $91,000 of silver. The third trip was made in 1824, taking $30,000 of goods, returning with $180,000 of silver and $10,000 worth of fur pelts.”
The Rock
New Franklin
There are many exhibits in the museum that tell the story of Franklin and New Franklin. The following photos illustrate a few of the exhibits, just enough to get you excited to visit and learn more about the history of the Santa Fe Trail. I left wanting to learn about the other three trails, the river and railroad era, the Native American Indians, and the settlers that called this region home.
The photo below hangs in the museum, giving a brief synopsis of the demise of old Franklin and New Franklin’s beginnings.
The beginnings of New Franklin, MO.
Blacksmith exhibit
Jacque emphasized the importance of the blacksmiths on the Santa Fe Trail.
Blacksmith Exhibit
Country Schools
The rural schools in Howard County. Included in the exhibit is a map showing the location of the schools, plus photographs of all the schools. Jacque noted, “Only a handful of schools are left.”
Schoolhouse Exhibit
Missouri River
Time for a geography lesson. The Missouri River cuts through the Missouri landscape, from west to east, before dumping into the Mississippi River. Imagine crossing the river in the early 1800s.
The Santa Fe Trail was the first international commercial highway in the country, then came river travel. The first trip on the Missouri River was in 1826. Jacque explained that all the replicates of the riverboats were made by a local man who has since passed away.
Courtesy Google Maps
River Travel Exhibit
Franklin: Mother of the Santa Fe Trail
On Highway 5, we stopped at Franklin: Mother of the Santa Fe Trail monument as we headed out of town. The monument honors William Becknell, Father of the Santa Fe Trail; Josiah Gregg, a doctor who traveled the Santa Fe Trail; Kit Carson, the frontier legend; Ezekiel Williams, Godfather of the Santa Fe Trail; Millie Cooper, a local legend; and George Caleb Bingham, the “Missouri Artist,” who all called “old” Franklin home. (www.missouri2021.org)
Flying the red, white, and blue
The visit to New Franklin, MO, left me with more questions than answers. As a want-a-be historian, travel blogger, and reporter, that is good.
I can’t wait to hear more stories about the trail.
Have you ever considered including a visit to a livestock auction in your next travel itinerary? Maybe you attended an auction when you were a child and want to relive your childhood memories, or does the auctioneer’s chant draw you in? Is meeting new people or just sitting around and catching up with friends appealing? Or it might be the tasty food served at every auction. In the Midwest, livestock auctions are weekly, so you should not have difficulty finding one to attend.
Welcome to the Leary Angus Farms auction
Every March, Richard, and Donny Leary host a bull auction on their family farm just minutes outside Caledonia, MN. It was cool and breezy outside, but inside the pole barn, it was toasty warm and filled with positive energy and the familiar earthy smell of hay and cattle. The Learys provide attendees with a free meal – Angus burgers, beans, chips, cookies, and a drink. Prepared and served by the local cattleman association.
Father and son
The auction begins
The auction, a well-orchestrated performance, promptly started on time. After a brief introduction, the bulls were brought in one at a time while the auctioneer described the bull’s features to encourage high bids. Then the fast pace bidding starts, the bull is sold, the bull goes out the other door, and the next bull comes in.
2022 Leary Livestock Auction, Caledonia, MN
The catalog
The auction catalog is a must-read, even if you do not plan on purchasing a bull. The catalog shares the farm’s history. In this case, the Leary family has been raising Angus cattle for 77 years. The highlight of the catalog is the detailed description of each animal and its picture.
The auction catalog is a must for serious bidders.
The auctioneer
The auctioneer, Seth Welshaar, sets up high on the auction block, so every attendee can see him and he can see every attendee.
One dollar bid, now two, now two, will ya give me two?
The ringman
The ringmen, also known as bid spotters, are scattered among the spectators. It is difficult to take one’s eyes off the ringman, also known as the bid spotter. A professional spotter puts on a lively performance that leaves you in awe of each precise move he makes with his hands and arms. Don’t let the ringman’s unexpected jumps or his loud, firm voice that yells, ‘yep,’ scare you. It is easy to watch a ringman’s performance for hours.
My fall color palette consists of brown, mauve, rust, wine, clay, army green, mustard, and butterscotch. Hum! This may be why autumn is my favorite season, or it could be because I don’t like the sun glaring down on me, or the hot weather summer brings.
Autumn colors also make for great pictures. The following is a collection of my favorite fall pictures taken last fall during the COVID-19 pandemic. All the pictures were taken within five miles of my home in the Hesper, IA area of the driftless region.
Northeast Iowa Farm
A century Iowa farm with a traditional three-story white house and red barn located east of Hesper on 380th Street made for the perfect picture. Notice the pheasants’ photobombing the photo.
See the two pheasants!
Happy Cows
This herd of cows eagerly ran up to the gate to see what I was up to. Look at that beautiful Iowa valley behind them! The farm is located east of Hesper on 380th Street.
The girls are posing!
Rollercoaster Road
Take time to check out the views in your neighborhood. Even though I have driven this road over and over throughout the years, I never saw this view until last fall.
Looking west toward Hesper on 380th Street!
Traditional Iowa Farm
This farm is owned and managed by a Sunday school classmate of mine. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful farms in the area. It is artistically pleasing to the eye as it has depth, thanks to the rolling hills of the driftless region and the variety of elements – trees, cornfields, two-story white farmhouse, white barn, metal building, silo, windmill, and a variety of other outbuildings. This farm is located at the intersection of Locust Road and 380th Street in Winneshiek County.
An Iowa farm!
Scenic View
This view overlooks Mabel, MN from beer point, as named by Mabel-Canton High School students. I love the fence and dried grasses that frame this picture.
The 69th Annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days Parade of Tractors kicked off the four-day festivities with over 200 tractors making their way from Hesper, IA, a hamlet of fewer than 100 people to Mabel, MN, a village of 823 residents.
The Parade is Starting
Mabel Grenadiers Band
Leading the way is the local Grenadiers from Mabel, MN, a staple in area parades.
The Blue Ford Tractor
Ford 3000
The only blue Ford tractor in this year’s parade stood out among the red, green, orange, and yellow tractors.
Red, White, and Blue
John Deere 2520
The red, white, and blue adorned many entries.
Multi-Generational Entry
Farmall 300
This entry tugs at my heart – a grandpa and his grandson.
Parade Characters
Quite the character.
Wagon Rides
A favorite fall activity among farmers in the driftless region is hayrides, so it is no surprise that locals take advantage of parades to enjoy wagon rides.
The Next Generation
What is your favorite color of tractor? Red, yellow, green, orange, or blue.
Cleans-Up Real Nice
A class act.
Women Drivers
Kandace Dahl, Hesper
Women have always driven tractors on the farm, now more and more of them are showing up in the Parade of Tractors.
Date Night
Date Night
A couple spending the evening on a John Deere tractor.
Tractor parades are a common occurrence in my neck of the woods, so make plans to attend one. If you are invited to take a wagon ride, make sure to say yes.
The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days celebration is the first weekend after Labor Day each year; the Parade of Tractors kicks off the weekend festivities on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. in Hesper.
