Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 03:49:10 pm CDT News Tribune
Osage Bluff out of the way, but not far away
OSAGE BLUFF, Mo. - Although the appearance of this Cole County community has changed greatly since it originally was settled, it is still a favored place that many call home. And, it appears to be growing.
Hazel and Kenny Braun have lived in Osage Bluff for about 40 years. It's where they raised their family and where they plan to spend the rest of their retirement years.
The Brauns, like many other residents in the Osage Bluff community, enjoy living in the community.
“Beautiful new homes are springing up all along Route B right through town,” Hazel said. “Osage Bluff is not a dying community. I liken it to a new subdivision along the much traveled highway.”
Although the community doesn't offer a lot of amenities, it isn't far from neighboring towns. Osage Bluff is located on State Route B, about four miles from Wardsville and about 12 miles south of Jefferson City.
The history of Osage Bluff dates as far back as 1885, when it claimed a population of 100.
John Jacobs, one of the earlier residents, purchased a one-room, 19-foot square log cabin that he later converted into a store.
Before opening the store, Jacobs' residence was accessible only by climbing a ladder from the gable-end and going back down another ladder into the building. At night, he would pull the ladders and close the entrance.
According to the 1976 history book about Cole County, industry in the Osage Bluff area was scattered throughout the surrounding area and was not in any type of pattern. Jacobs served as postmaster, blacksmith and merchant.
A second general store also operated in Osage Bluff. It was owned by C. Killman. There also was a sawmill and a wagon shop.
In 1888, Jacobs' son, Bill, constructed a new store about three miles from his father's establishment.
By the turn of the century, the community witnessed few changes, but there were additional businesses. Mail routes had become a daily affair and Bill Jacobs was serving as the postmaster.
Carpenters and blacksmiths were plentiful in Osage Bluff in the early 1900s. A flour and grist mill was operating along the banks of the Osage River, where it was powered by water. Wheat harvested during that time was taken to the mill. Children kept horses moving over the wheat, which lay on the ground under roof.
A school building was built in 1905 at the cost of $700.
Two town barbecues were held to raise funds to cover the cost of the building. The old log school building still stands in Osage Bluff. The building is located on the Braun property where it is used as a workshop.
The Jacobs' general store remained in the Jacobs family for many years before it was sold to the Hirschman family in 1924.
The building remained in existence until May 13, when it was demolished.
Osage Bluff out of the way, but not far away
OSAGE BLUFF, Mo. - Although the appearance of this Cole County community has changed greatly since it originally was settled, it is still a favored place that many call home. And, it appears to be growing.
Hazel and Kenny Braun have lived in Osage Bluff for about 40 years. It's where they raised their family and where they plan to spend the rest of their retirement years.
The Brauns, like many other residents in the Osage Bluff community, enjoy living in the community.
“Beautiful new homes are springing up all along Route B right through town,” Hazel said. “Osage Bluff is not a dying community. I liken it to a new subdivision along the much traveled highway.”
Although the community doesn't offer a lot of amenities, it isn't far from neighboring towns. Osage Bluff is located on State Route B, about four miles from Wardsville and about 12 miles south of Jefferson City.
The history of Osage Bluff dates as far back as 1885, when it claimed a population of 100.
John Jacobs, one of the earlier residents, purchased a one-room, 19-foot square log cabin that he later converted into a store.
Before opening the store, Jacobs' residence was accessible only by climbing a ladder from the gable-end and going back down another ladder into the building. At night, he would pull the ladders and close the entrance.
According to the 1976 history book about Cole County, industry in the Osage Bluff area was scattered throughout the surrounding area and was not in any type of pattern. Jacobs served as postmaster, blacksmith and merchant.
A second general store also operated in Osage Bluff. It was owned by C. Killman. There also was a sawmill and a wagon shop.
In 1888, Jacobs' son, Bill, constructed a new store about three miles from his father's establishment.
By the turn of the century, the community witnessed few changes, but there were additional businesses. Mail routes had become a daily affair and Bill Jacobs was serving as the postmaster.
Carpenters and blacksmiths were plentiful in Osage Bluff in the early 1900s. A flour and grist mill was operating along the banks of the Osage River, where it was powered by water. Wheat harvested during that time was taken to the mill. Children kept horses moving over the wheat, which lay on the ground under roof.
A school building was built in 1905 at the cost of $700.
Two town barbecues were held to raise funds to cover the cost of the building. The old log school building still stands in Osage Bluff. The building is located on the Braun property where it is used as a workshop.
The Jacobs' general store remained in the Jacobs family for many years before it was sold to the Hirschman family in 1924.
The building remained in existence until May 13, when it was demolished.
1 comment:
Sounds like you live in a very neat place!
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