St. Jo Stories
Greg Wood
I just got back from a quick trip to St. Joseph, and I’m looking forward to going back when I’m not on a schedule and have more time to look around. Here are just three glimpses into fascinating stories told there:
1. Walter Cronkite was born in the same house that Hanging Judge Isaac Parker lived in for many years.
2. The Patee House Museum tells the story of this National Historical Landmark that began its life as a hotel and was also the headquarters for the Pony Express. The owner of the Patee Hotel tried to sell it right after the Civil War by selling lottery tickets to win it, but the last 100 tickets hadn’t sold. He bought those tickets himself, and he won his hotel back. (My professionally skeptical editor’s mind wonders about that! But Patee House Director Gary Chilcote says he had a good reputation and was trusted to have won it fair and square.)
3. Oh yeah, the Pony Express. The horses were ridden from the stables down the street right up into a mail room next to the lobby of this historic hotel. The Pony Express turns 150 next year. Stay tuned for stories.
I’m definitely going back when I have time to move through the exhibits at my own pace. If I caught this many fascinating stories on my fly-by tour, I know I’ll be rewarded by taking my time.
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Danita Allen Wood is editor-in-chief and co-owner of the magazine, along with her husband, Greg Wood. They bought and revived the magazine in 1999. Since then, it has won multiple awards from the International Regional Magazine Association, including Magazine of the Year in 2008. Danita will share her journeys around the state, some of the behind-the-scenes stories about making the magazine, and reflections on life in Missouri.
