We took a little scenic detour on the way home. Alexander had mentioned he would like to go back to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and show us a few of the sites. We were driving home and happened to pass right by the turn off, and much to Zach's dismay... one more stop was added to our trip. I am so glad we stopped. I love this state park. These first pictures are of the water tower that supplied the water for the Ha Ha Tonka Castle. We had to trek quite aways up the wooden steps to get to the top of the tower. I thought it was well worth the trek, even if it left me a little shaky. I'm a wimp. Don't you just love the shot of the guy's back... they were being a little difficult... didn't want to be models... to bad for them.
This group of pictures includes pictures of the stable/carriage house. I wish you could tell how large this was... The stable alone was larger than most modern homes.
Here are some shots of the ruins of the Ha Ha Tonka Castle. It is truly amazing. Just a little history... The castle was the dream of Robert McClure Synder,a wealthy Kansas City businessman. He visited the area in 1903 and was so impressed he purchased Ha Ha Tonka Lake, the Spring, and more than 5,000 acres in Camden County in 1904. He immediately began constructing roads and making extensive improvements. He envisioned a private retreat with a European-style castle, with a center atrium rising three and one-half stories to a skylight. Snyder also planned an 80-foot-high water tower, greenhouses, and a carriage house. He once said, "Here I will spend my leisure, secure from the worries of business and the excitement of city life. I will fish and loaf and explore the caves of these hills, with no fear of intrusion." Construction began in 1905 only to be halted a year later. Unfortunately he did not live to see his dream realized. His tragic death in 1906 was one of Missouri's first automobile fatalities.
His obituary in the Kansas City Journal on Oct. 29, 1906, said, "He maintained ideals for which he was recognized, never failing to accentuate the importance of family values. In a personal message to his son Robert Jr., he encouraged him to "lay down for yourself principles of truth ~ of honor ~ of self respect ~ and of unselfishness ~ and do not violate them ~ thus will your life be a success and a pleasure to you and everyone who knows or meets you." It was said that Snyder's business dealings were honorable and his name was synonymous with commercial integrity. His tragic death brought an end to his dream, however his sons finished building their father's dream, though not quite as elaborately as originally planned. The entire interior was gutted by fire when sparks from a chimney ignited the roof. The stable burned the same day. The water tower was burned by vandals in 1976. Only ruins remain... but they are lovely and you can still imagine the splendor.
His obituary in the Kansas City Journal on Oct. 29, 1906, said, "He maintained ideals for which he was recognized, never failing to accentuate the importance of family values. In a personal message to his son Robert Jr., he encouraged him to "lay down for yourself principles of truth ~ of honor ~ of self respect ~ and of unselfishness ~ and do not violate them ~ thus will your life be a success and a pleasure to you and everyone who knows or meets you." It was said that Snyder's business dealings were honorable and his name was synonymous with commercial integrity. His tragic death brought an end to his dream, however his sons finished building their father's dream, though not quite as elaborately as originally planned. The entire interior was gutted by fire when sparks from a chimney ignited the roof. The stable burned the same day. The water tower was burned by vandals in 1976. Only ruins remain... but they are lovely and you can still imagine the splendor.
These are picture of the Natural Bridge, 70 feet wide, spans 60 feet, and reaches more than 100 feet in the air. It is located in the State Park and can be reached by a half mile trek through the woods. Alex of course climbed to the top of the bridge. Zach had on flip flops (and designer shorts - he might have been a girl in a former life... jk) so he wasn't able or willing to climb up. You can see I was red faced just by all the walking and climbing. Brent snapped this oh so flattering picture of me. It's my proof I actually made it... It was gorgeous and certainly worth the effort. What a beautiful end to a truly wonderful family vacation.
1 comments:
I totally wanted to see this place! Oh well, theres always another time!
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