GINGER BLUE, Mo. -- Along the banks of the Elk River sits the village of Ginger Blue, believed to be named after a Native American chief who lived in the region during the 18th century. In 1915, railroad tycoon Charles O. Williams built a resort lodge there for city folk who were looking to "return to nature." By 1920, train cars full of visitors from Kansas City, Wichita and Tulsa were pouring into the small town to escape big-city stresses and relax. In conjunction with the river, nearby caves and local "healing" sulphur wells, tourism fueled the area for the better part of the century.
As transportation and modern medicine progressed, visitors became less frequent and, after the original Ginger Blue Resort was destroyed by a fire, the southwest Missouri hot spot was left smoldering.
Over the last decade, the population has nearly tripled with 61 residents currently inhabiting the 0.26-square-mile area. Now, exactly 100 years after the first structure was built in Ginger Blue, motivated locals hope to see continued growth and, eventually, to revive the once-booming resort town to its original grandeur.
Lynn Mosby has had an intimate relationship with the village of Ginger Blue for as long as she can remember. As a child, Mosby was close friends with Janie Smith, grand-daughter of Norman and Janie Smith who owned and operated the Ginger Blue Resort in its hey-day, from 1944 until 1969. She remembers the delight of swimming with her friend in the chlorinated pool and eating in the dining room overlooking the river, awe-struck by the grand antiques in the parlor, the organist playing lively music and the glamorous people always coming and going.
"I knew that they were from a different world," Mosby remarks, recalling her childhood encounters with the inn.
At the age of 14, she became even more intimately acquainted with the inn when she was offered employment and quickly went from being served to doing the serving. Just the same, she was content to marvel at the building's architecture and stand within its walls.
Years later, when the resort closed and those very walls burned to the ground, her passion for Ginger Blue was anything but extinguished.
Soon after, she and her husband, William Mosby, purchased the very same home where, as a child, Lynn had spent afternoons with her beloved playmate, Janie. Paying homage to the original Ginger Blue Resort, the Mosby's renovated the undistinguished property into a stunning bed and breakfast. Modeled in Old World style with European architectural influences, the new Ginger Blue Inn stands as a testament to the village's rich history of elegance while remaining a modern attraction within the community.
Ideally, Mosby would like to see more area business-owners working together to empower each other instead of looking at each other as competition.
"The more things in a town, or village, it becomes known for that." she says. "Like flea markets or antique shops."
By drawing visitors to the area, the local economy is inevitably energized and the whole community benefits. In addition to Mosby, a number of other residents are working to restore the resort town.
Rod Lett purchased the property where the landmark Ginger Blue Resort stood and plans to begin constructing lodging on the site in the near future.
Along U.S. Highway 59, adjacent to the location of the original inn, Ken and Denisa Douthit have carved out Elk River Floats. Nestled along the banks of the Elk and featuring all the luxuries of an upscale hotel, it offers the outdoorsy experience without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Kevin and Ellen Arnold operate The Cabins at Ginger Blue. Located off historic Old Jefferson Highway, these lodgings are reminiscent of the rustic beginnings of the village. Situated on 10 serene acres overlooking a pond, the property immediately induces thoughts of years gone by, with thoughts of cane pole fishing and afternoons spent beneath a shade tree.
The village still possesses all of the natural charm that once drew visitors in from across the Midwest, these residents agree. Combined with new homeowners in the area and the range of visitor accommodations, Ginger Blue has the burning potential to thrive once again.
Community on 07/22/2015