VOA of IL Summer Cruise to St. Joseph’s Missouri  

On Friday July 9th after a quick meet up in Oglesby, IL, Viper club members made our way toward Hannibal, Missouri. We stopped for lunch at Motorheads Bar and Grill in Springfield where we met up with Viper Club member Peggy and her Yellow Viper. After a tasty lunch and saying our goodbyes to Peggy, it was off to Missouri. Next stop was the Big River Train Town and Karlock’s Kars & Pop Culture Museum in Hannibal, MO. It was a HOT day but we all enjoyed looking at the trains, cars, and pop culture memorabilia. 

We settled into the hotel in St. Joe’s later that evening and then had dinner at an old-fashioned Supper Club: Fredrick Inn SteakHouse. Everyone enjoyed a fun evening of great food, drinks, and laughter. 

Saturday started with a visit to the St. Joe’s Patee House Museum and the home of Jesse James. Some of our Viper Friends rode the indoor carousel while we all looked around at the memorabilia and collections. There was something neat to see around every corner including a full-size train! We toured the Jesse James home he lived in when he was killed. Jesse James was shot in the back of the head while adjusting a needlepoint picture on a ladder in his home. On April 3rd, 1882, Jesse James was shot and killed by Robert Ford, who turned on him for the reward money.  However, his friends were arrested instead and then later pardoned by the Governor. The original needlepoint and hole from the bullet was still on the wall! 

Then with a short walk to the Pony Express National Museum, we were treated to a video and exhibits about the run of the Pony Express. The first riders started in April 1860. It was an amazing part of the United States history that lasted only a short while. The pony express was discontinued in October 1861. While there is no official record, various sources note approximately 235 young men risk their lives to provide a source of faster communication for our country.

After a nice lunch, we were joined by a couple more viper club members and we continued on to a visit to the St Joseph Museumand Glore Psychiatric Museum.  We were given a history lesson on the various treatments for mental health. This award-winning Museum houses a nearly 145-year-old history of the state hospital and centuries of mental health treatments. 

 On Sunday, we got an early start and drove about an hour to the birthplace of Jesse James where we learned all about The James Family and visited the original burial site. Jesse James was born in Kearney, Missouri in 1847. There is a lot of history written about this Notorious outlaw, bank robber & train robber. Did you know there are 47 movies made in honor of Jesse James? From the 3 Stooges to an award-winning film starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck

Zerelda, Jesse’s mother, was a shrewd businesswomen who sold tickets to see her son’s grave for 25 cents and for 25 additional cents you could have a rock from the grave site as a souvenir. Luckily, there was no shortage of rocks just down the path by the river.

 After a pizza lunch, we drove through the Museum Hill Historic District of large mansions and visited the St. Joe’s Cemetery, while a couple of our Viper Friends headed over to the Remington Nature Center. The Mount Mora cemetery was established in 1851 and is the oldest cemetery in Saint Joseph Missouri. It is known as the burial place of the wealthy and powerful. The large mausoleums and architecture was hauntingly beautiful. 

On Monday we headed home! Some of the club members went back through Hannibal and others headed straight home. It was a great trip and we learned a lot about the history of Jesse James and Saint Joseph Missouri. As always there was a lot of fun driving, lively conversation, and laughter. Although it was hot, the rain mostly stayed away except for at night. We all enjoyed each other’s company and can’t wait for the next trip. Special Thanks to Bonnie Buckman for setting up this great trip!