Sunday, September 5, 2010

Hidden in plain site



As I was saying, Mayberry has several treasures hidden in plain site. The stance amongst locals is to be dismissive and then defensive when mention is made of local attractions. Granted, many of our treasures may be weak compared to what's available in New York or Mumbai, but occasionally we can hold our own. Locals just don't care to admit it.



Hidden on the edge of a local park is the American Kennel Club's Museum of the Dog. A local industrialist, in the golden age, prior to the recent one, purchased a thousand acres of land on what was then the far end of the gravel road, miles past the last rail station, for use as a hunting ground.

He built a comfortable brick home (first photo) added stables, kennels and greenhouses to make his visitors welcome. Upon his death in his estate donated the house and land to the county for use as a park. For years the house sat empty, as a search for useful tenants was conducted. In 1985 it became home to the museum.



Over the years the AKC has thrown a bit of money at the house, expanded exhibit space and added conference and meeting rooms. Almost every dog trainer in town, uses the facility for classes. The cache of the name adds respectability.







Several years ago, we held my daughter's wedding reception there. The facilities are top drawer, the site is secluded yet readily accessible, there is room to spread out and an outside band doesn't disturb the neighbors.





If you are into dog art, memorabilia and books, this is the place.

Toad

9 comments:

Shelley said...

Sounds like my kind of place!

Martha said...

I didn't know there was an AKC Museum of the Dog . . . and so close! The other way we have the Greyhound Hall of Fame! Here's to Canines and the Heart of America!

dovecote Decor said...

Hi Toad: Where is Mayberry? That is a lovely old building. I will spread the news on The Museum of the Dog. An American Sporting Art Museum is opening in Middleburg!
Best,
Liz

Jules said...

A Museum of the Dog....how utterly delicious!

house things said...

I like the roof on the museum. And, those windows or dormer things, too.

SouthernProletariat said...

Re your daughters reception, would you then say they were "putting on the dog?" oy!

Forgive me, I couldn't help myself! I will now take myself and my bad puns and go slink away in shame....

James said...

I would love to spend some time there.Looks like a beautiful reception.

Toad said...

Dovecote, Mayberry is a much a state of mind as a real place, in Eastern Missouri, a bit upstream from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers

Anonymous said...

I love that building, front and back, classic elegance, a beautifully tailored suit of clothes. The ceilings must be sky high. A beautiful venue for your daughter's wedding reception, I wish I were there right now instead of here where it will probably be in the high 90s today [and tomorrow, through Halloween and possibly Thanksgiving too]. And by the way I see you put away your seersucker for the season, right on cue, such a stud. Happy Labor Day to you and yours, sir.