July 31, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

Arthur Simmons: American Icon of the Horse World- A Daughter’s Memories

Art Simmons driving Fine Harness Champion Papillion,
Photo by McClasky

Arthur “Art” Simmons’ passion for horses, and the incredible success of his dedication to being the best at showing, training, and breeding them, earned him the status of “legend” in his own lifetime. His life, which almost spanned the entire twentieth century, was a rags to riches saga of a young man working eighteen-hour days and unceasingly soaking up the knowledge of elder horsemen. In Arthur Simmons: American Icon of the Horse World, Jane Simmons offers an insider’s look into the early life of Art Simmons, as well as the stories of countless famous Saddlebreds. This first volume contains over 700 historic images of family, friends, stables, famous horses and notable horsemen. Since his death in January 1995, recognition of Simmons' life and work continues to grow. Now, Simmons Stables (located in Mexico, Missouri), including the family’s home, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

August 21, 2008, 7:00 p.m

Dave Para and Cathy Barton: A Tribute to Bob Dyer

Dave Para, Cathy Barton and Bob Dyer (l-r)

Robert “Bob” Dyer, a respected historian from Boonville, Missouri, passed away in 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy of not only nonfiction, but poems and songs. Calling himself a “songteller,” Dyer became known for creating memorable balladry largely about Missouri subjects. Boonville folk musicians Dave Para and Cathy Barton were long-time friends of Dyer and worked closely with him on a number of recordings, concert performances, school residencies and workshops. They will present a program of some of his best-known songs about the Missouri River, the Boonslick region and its denizens and legends. The duo has studied and presented traditional and contemporary folk music from Missouri and the Ozarks for thirty years. Their dynamic performances feature instrumental work inspired by the local fiddling scene and vocal music drawn from a variety of sources and subjects.

September 18, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

Missouri Caves: A Utilitarian Legacy

The state of Missouri boasts more than six thousand caves in an unbelievable variety of sizes, lengths and shapes. In Missouri Caves in History and Legend, H. Dwight Weaver takes readers deep underground to shed light on how caves contributed to the settlement, social, economic and cultural development of Missouri. Weaver describes how these underground places were used for burial sites, moonshine stills, hideouts for Civil War soldiers and outlaws and even as venues for underground dance parties in the late nineteenth century. He explores the early uses of caves for the mining of saltpeter, onyx and guano; as sources of water; for cold storage and as livestock shelters. Today, explorers prowl this underground world in search of knowledge and to protect endangered species. Included in the book is an overview of cave resources in twelve regions, covering all the Missouri counties that currently have recorded caves.