Fair Grove, a small town of only about 1300 folks, sits about 14 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. It is a town built upon roots, family, and heritage.  The town came to be around 1850, and it is said that a school was the first thing to be followed by a church.  This interests me because, as for the times I have traveled there, family, school, and religion seem to make up the prominent core values that stick out in this town.  The history is rich  starting with the local mill, Wommack Mill (seen in the picture above).  This picturesque mill was built in 1883 by Joe Hine and John Boegel 33 years after the town was founded. The mill is the town’s oldest standing structure and is a real sight of beauty coupled with the sense of deep history.  The town was also known for its corn and wheat farms and blacksmithing played a major role as well- both remain prominent in the city. 

The town today is still small, there are not many small farms or blacksmiths left, and the mill is a historic museum of sorts.  The feeling of community lingers on here.  This little town reminds me of core values, and, although the town is somewhat conservative in its politics, religion, and general viewpoints, I am often reminded of balance when coming here, as all of us together with all of our views and ideals make up the dynamics of our country.  This small town is certainly very meaningful to me, and I often think that if I had a “sister city” like you see in airports mine would be Fair Grove, Missouri.  Truly a lovely place it is, and I am happy that my family now has roots there and that I will forever be connected to it!

To find out a little more on Fair Grove click here…