When we travel, we thoroughly enjoy tucking in some sites that are off-the-beaten path. Our last getaway included a couple of quirky stops. Both are located near George Washington Carver National Historic Site in southwestern MO (near Carthage). Did you know that a small appliance museum sits in the sleepy town of Diamond? It does and it's the largest in the world! Appropriately named, The World's Largest Small Appliance Museum is an unbelievable collection of toasters, percolators, shavers/razors, hair dryers, popcorn poppers, irons, mixers, waffle irons, lamps, hotplates, fans and much more!
Everything is the personal collection of Richard Larrison who has spent decades acquiring it. He has traveled near and far to purchase the items and for a long time kept them in his basement. When he outgrew the space, he moved the treasures to a local facility. In fact, the museum is located in the back of the western wear store. Free of charge, people are invited to poke through the space and enjoy Mr. Larrison's collection. There is a donation jar and we were happy to make a deposit in an effort to keep this fascinating place going!
In this age of fast and convenient everything, it was so interesting to make this stop and see all 7,000 of Mr. Larrison's antique appliances! The museum is vey well organized with each piece tastefully on display. Cases line the walls and there is not a speck of dust or smudge on anything. The appliances themselves are clean, polished and highly presentable. If you happen to be in the area, check it out. Call ahead to make certain they are open and don't be surprised when the proprietor, himself, answers the phone. He happened to be out farming his fields the day I called and we had a delightful conversation. I only wish he had been at The World's Largest Small Appliance Museum when we toured because we would have loved to meet him in person.
From there, we traveled to nearby Red Oak II. It was delightful strolling through the past in this open air museum. Lowell Davis, who is the mastermind, grew up down the road in the town of Red Oak and left the area when he grew up. After many years, he returned to his hometown only to find it abandoned. He purchased a nearby farm and with its vast acreage, his idea began growing. Bringing in authentic buildings and vehicles, Red Oak II began to unfold.
Off Route 66, this 1930s village offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while walking past multiple buildings. Some residents actually live in some of the homes and there is only one building (Mr. Lowell's art studio) open to the public. A lovely new banquet center is now across the road from Red Oak II and I believe that it promises to bring more visitors to the general region. The dairy truck above is actually from their property.
How about you? When you go on a trip do you like to incorporate some off-the-beaten-path "quirky" stops? If so, we will see you on the roads less traveled!
Happy weekend! I wish you all blessings on Father's Day!