When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to get out of small town America. Twenty-five years later, I long to be back.
Last year, Robert and I decided to plant ourselves in Caplinger Mills, Missouri. It’s a tiny, unincorporated community just 10 miles north of Stockton. You may ask “Why on earth Caplinger Mills?” This is where my grandparents and my parents grew up. We still have family property there and it just feels so good to come back to where my family roots are.
Just a half mile of where we live, is Caplinger Mills Bridge. I don’t know why, but that bridge is just special to me. I feel at peace when I walk around the river and the bridge. It’s a great place to clear your thoughts.
It was built in 1895 and is now a walking bridge where you see fisherman daily. I remember as a kid, even though it was condemned, driving over it to get to Grandma’s house. As a matter of fact, I remember watching my Mom painting the condemned sign on the bridge. I think it is cool that there used to be a power plant from the early 1900s to 1954 that powered all of Stockton. I had no idea how much of a bustling little town it was in the 1920s until Dad told me recently.
While the bridge has sparked my interest in local history, walking around on all the family property conjures up so many memories. Memories like walking to the creek with Grandpa and catching crawdads. Running terrified from the car to the house as I was being chased by the goose. Home-made play-dough. Mini blackberry pies. Picking strawberries. Playing in the dirt pile.
This spring, all the daffodils my Grandmother planted so many years ago are really filling my heart with joy. For Easter, I just had to pick a big bouquet and keep it on my desk.
I have a new found interest in learning more and exploring more of the surrounding area. Robert and I make it a point to drive the dirt roads I haven’t been on in years. Actually, I think we have explored many roads of Cedar County that I’ve NEVER been on before.
With the hustle and bustle of working and having to be in town to grow our business, it is well worth the hour and half drive to get back to the peacefulness of home.
