Fair Haven Park's rich history continues

Upkeep of the park is a challenge at Fair Haven Park on Highway C, a few miles from Walker, but a small group of dedicated volunteers work hard to keep the park, more than a century old, in good condition for the enjoyment of anyone who'd like to use it. Above is the entry to the park; at left is the site of a spring. Events benefiting the upkeep of the park are scheduled throughout the year. Upcoming events include a breakfast to be served Sept. 25 from 7-10 a.m., and a chili and soup supper to be held Oct. 16 from 5-7 p.m.

On Aug. 8, 1885, a town was laid out at the site of some mineral springs along the western line of Bacon Township in Vernon County, Mo., by the owner of the land, Mr. J. W. Connely. The town was named Connely Springs. The name was later changed to Fair Haven.

For more than 60 years of that time, an annual celebration brought a large number of people to Fair Haven Park for three days in early August. The picnic was accompanied by a carnival. It was the principal attraction of the year for the area. One of the main attractions, to the children especially, was the horse-drawn merry-go-round.

The Kessler Tent Show was a special feature at the picnic each year with out of town talent presenting entertainment for the whole family and admission was 10 cents. People came in covered wagons and camped in the park. The hotel also served many guests as there were 20 rooms to accommodate the celebrants.

Site of a spring.

It was not unusual for people to stay in the hotel until they found their homes in the area. The people didn't have to worry about having water to drink as there were five springs and the water was considered to be very healthy. Analysts have determined that the water in each spring is of a different character. If one did not find water from one place suitable to his constitution he did not have to move, he could just change springs.

In the early days there were two stores, a mill, post office, blacksmith shop, a grade school, church, and a hotel. A tabernacle was constructed on the south side of the park, which was used for home talent plays and also used for the first worship services before the Presbyterian Church was built. A blind man whose surname was Steele was one of the early ministers. Tent meetings were often held in the park. Sunday school was held each Sunday afternoon with an attendance of around 150. Sunday was a day for visiting in the park at Fair Haven. Large crowds came and sat round the pagoda listening to the local band and enjoying the fellowship of friends.

A small, but dedicated group, Otilla and Robert Fox, Larry and Anita Nichols, Judy and Al Williams, Orville and Linda Moore and the pancake chef, Neil Gerster, are making the effort to keep the Fair Haven community alive. They are keeping the Fair Haven Park open, and neighbors gathering together in the old-fashioned way. A breakfast has been held each of the summer months with the last one to be held Sept. 25 from 7-10 a.m., and a chili/soup supper to be held Oct. 16 from 5-7 p.m.

All proceeds going to the upkeep of the park.

A modern building has been constructed which will seat upwards to a hundred in warm weather, kids still swing in the park and there is a permanent merry-go-round--self-propelled. Due to the Amish in the area, there is usually a buggy or so in sight as well as the automobile, so maybe this park has come full circle. And the spring still bubbles and has been cleaned for drinking as well.