Hulston Mill
Although
Hulston Mill Park has been heralded as a trail rider's
paradise, in recent years it is actually a complete
family recreational facility in the broader sense.
In addition to providing camping accommodations, flush
toilets and a shower, the park features tables for
family picnics and other outings, antique playground
equipment for children, and a nature trail for both
hiking and trail riding within the confines of the
fifty-acre park. Features also include a rustic
amphitheater made of hewn native logs, a covered bridge,
antique farm equipment, three historic log cabins (such
as the original Dade County Library), and of course; the
stately old Hulston Mill which today has been
refurbished and is now operable.
The Park is under the management of the Dade County Historical Society headquartered in Greenfield, MO. Hulston Mill is located two miles east from State Road EE on County Road 92, two miles North of 160 Highway, seven miles east of Greenfield. It stands today just a few miles from where it was erected in 1840. The construction of Stockton Lake mandated that the mill could no longer exist at its original location on EE Highway where the road crosses the Sac River. The Dade County Historical Society, in an effort by concerned citizens, was formed in 1967 to save the mill from both structural demolition and historical oblivion.
While Hulston Mill Park was still in its stages of early growth another Dade County citizen, well-known equestrian enthusiast Paul Wilson of Everton, Missouri was envisioning an equestrian trails system along the shoreline of Stockton Lake. Wilson summoned friends, regional equestrian groups, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) with the intent of making his dream a reality. The Department agreed to assume management responsibilities for the required land from the Army Corps of Engineers and over a period of time designated the wilderness area for equestrian access. As a result, there are some fourteen miles of beautiful scenic trails at the Hulston Mill Conservation Area, which traverse the Sac River and south Stockton Lake shorelines. The trails are rated from moderate to challenging for navigation on horseback. In cooperation with the trail effort the Dade County Historical Society agreed to provide a trailhead for the reserve at Hulston Mill Park. The equestrian trail riding community has naturally become one of the park's greatest means of support.
Hulston
Mill Park is home to numerous organized
events each year of which the majority
are equestrian related. In January
of each year, the park is the site of
the Annual Klondike Classic Trail Ride.
On Memorial Day weekend it serves as
home to the Paul Wilson Memorial Trail
Ride and in October visitors from all
walks of life attend the Annual Hulston
Mill Historic Fall Festival. In
addition to Dade County Historical
Society sponsored events, several other
regional organizations feature activities for public attendance
throughout the year. CMH Hospice,
The National Kidney Foundation,
One Missing Link, and the Stockton
Shrine, all host yearly benefit trail
rides at Hulston Mill Park. Many
non-equestrians are usually in
attendance to enjoy the cookouts and
evening musical entertainment at the
events.
All events are listed on the park bulletin board near the center of the park and on the Hulston Mill web page at www.dadecountymohistoricalsociety.com. The Park also is reserved at times for weddings, family reunions, and other private activities although these seldom interfere with normal campground operations.�Whether on visits the park as an equestrian trail rider, history buff, or just one desiring a place to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature in a quiet peaceful setting, Hulston Mill Park provides a wide range of leisurely opportunities.�For more information about Hulston Mill Park contact the Dade County Historical Society at brenda@dadecountymohistoricalsociety.com
Opera House - Dade County Community Theater
Visitors to Greenfield see the square lined with brick buildings built in the 1880's - with bricks made in the Greenfield Brickyard.�The Opera House, which opened in 1888, called the "Jewel of the Square" is still used for the summer productions of the Dade County Community Theatre. Watch the calendar for announcements of upcoming productions!
Stockton Lake
Stockton Lake offers beautiful scenery with three hundred miles of unspoiled shoreline and 25 acres of clean clear water. This lake is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Wildlife is abundant along the shoreline and varies depending on the time of year you visit. You can see deer at the waters edge, turkey crossing the road and geese raising their young along the shore. Bald eagles are frequently sited, having made Stockton Lake their home.
Stockton is the perfect
family lake. There is something for
everyone. Water-skiers and wake boarders
can usually find a protected cove through the
day and always in the evening. Fishing is
great and Stockton has become one of the best
walleye fishing lakes in the Midwest.
Stockton Lake is rated one of the top 10 sailing
lakes in the United Sates. Steady breezes
and open water make for great runs up and down
the lake. There are many campgrounds around
the lake and surrounding area for those
of you that want to be one with
nature.
Over thirty years ago on June 8 & 9, 1974 when Stockton Lake was only 4 years old a group of sailors held a race with 123 sailboats.�That race was named the Governor's Cup and has become an annual event on Stockton Lake.�What began as a one day race has turned into a 2 to 3 day Regatta and social event.�In the new, Orleans Trail Conference Center, there is a beautiful cabinet made by Joe and Bunny Lane.�The Governor's�Cup fleet trophies are there, as well as the first Governor's Cup trophy given in 1974.�Hanging next to the trophy case is a wonderful proclamation from former Missouri Governor Bob Holden regarding the heritage of the race and the lake.
The
tradition and heritage of the Governor's Cup continue
each October. Mark your calendars and check the
Lake Stockton Yacht Club web site for dates and events:
www.stocktonyachtclub.com
Our area
is growing, but it is a long way from being crowded and
overpopulated. The clean clear water makes those
refreshing dips on a hot summer day quite enjoyable.
We are very proud of our lake and hope you will come and
enjoy it and our Ozark hospitality.
For more information on Stockton Lake, visit the Stockton Lake Association website: www.stocktonlake.com
Veteran's Memorial
The Dade County Veterans Memorial on the Dade
County Courthouse Lawn in Greenfield features
the names of over 3000 veterans from the Dade
County area.
Each Memorial Day weekend join area citizens for a veteran's memorial
service. Take the opportunity to thank a
veteran for your freedom!
Dade County Historical Society Museum
Take a step back in time at the new Dade County Historical Society Museum.�There you will see fashions from days long ago.�Men and ladies hats, a wedding dress from over 100 years ago, a dress worn by Mrs. Hunter when she was presented to Queen Victoria, all can be seen at the museum.
Photos and photo albums of
long ago are also on display. You will see hand-woven
throws, old wheelchairs, bookkeeping machines, an old
cloth floor covering, and an old-fashioned rug beater.
You will find postcards from the early 1900s, with
pictures of beautiful buildings that no longer exist.
Barbwire collectors will enjoy seeing samples of several types. Come see the old microscope, still in very fine condition. This collection was recently donated by Mrs. Rosalie Wells.
There are many old documents of interest, such as old phone books, yearbooks, letters, and so much more. See vintage valentines, handmade cards, and a purse with a story to tell.
If you shopped in Greenfield in the past, you would probably have seen the old cash register pictured below at Rubenstein Store.�
The museum is located at
429 West Water Street in Greenfield. If you have
questions, would like to visit the museum or have items
that you would like to donate or loan for display in the
museum please call Brenda Craig at 417-637-0258.
