It's Membership Time!

It's once again time to renew your membership! Ralls County Historical Society runs entirely on donations, and your support is greatly appreciated. You can click the PayPal button to the right to pay online, or you can mail your membership dues to Ralls County Historical Society, PO Box 463, Perry, MO 63462. Again, thank you!

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Missouri Mule Museum Dedicated in Perry on Mule Appreciation Day

PERRY, MO — A large and steady crowd gathered in downtown Perry on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for Mule Appreciation Day and the official dedication of the Missouri Mule Museum. The celebration took place on a cool fall day, drawing visitors of all ages to honor Missouri’s state animal and the rich history it represents.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, several mules wandered Main Street while Gary and Debbie Hodges’s mule team—George and Sam—pulled their elegant white carriage, offering rides to attendees. The festive atmosphere reflected both pride and gratitude for the community’s newest cultural attraction.

At 1:00 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally dedicated the museum. Perry Mayor Megan Branstetter welcomed the Missouri Mule Museum to the Perry community, followed by Perry Chamber of Commerce member John DiMaria, who cut the ceremonial red ribbon.

During the ceremony, Stephen Foutes, Missouri’s Director of Tourism, spoke warmly of visiting his grandparents in Perry as a child. Ralls County Historical Society President Ron Leake reflected on the importance of the mule in Missouri and Ralls County history, and he thanked Jim and Jeanie Gay for their vision and work in developing the museum. Jeanie Gay, museum curator, honored her parents, Gene and Elsa Chipman, and recognized descendants of Richard Kohl, the Chipmans’ mule partner. Four members of the Kohl family attended and were acknowledged during the ceremony.

The Missouri Mule Museum features exhibits telling the story of the important role the mule has played in the history of Missouri and the nation. Gay noted that the date of the event was significant: on October 25, 1785, George Washington received a prized Spanish jack named Royal Gift from King Charles III of Spain. That gift helped launch mule breeding in America, laying the foundation for the strong, hardworking mules that became essential to agriculture and industry. Two centuries later, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 26 as National Mule Day, and in 1995, the Missouri Legislature designated the mule as the official state animal.

The museum, located in a restored historic building on Main Street, also houses the Ralls County Historical Society Library in its south end. Purchased in October 2024, the former Western Auto building was refreshed through the efforts and donations of Jim and Jeanie Gay. New flooring, repainted walls, and a restored tile ceiling highlight the building’s 19th-century character while providing a welcoming, updated space to showcase the museum and library.

Visitors expressed admiration for the displays, which include artifacts and information about Missouri mules, as well as donated items from the University of Missouri Veterinary Clinic. The Ralls County Historical Society Museum, located across the street, was also open and well attended throughout the day.

Several community volunteers—Sandie Storm, Mary Jackson, Patti Tinsley, and Mary Wasson—helped make the event a success. Activities included a “Walk Through Challenge,” which encouraged guests to explore exhibits and answer questions for a prize; pumpkin decorating for children; a mule-themed cookie contest; and a mule cutout photo station.

“The museum is a way for people to realize and honor the importance of the mule in our history,” said Jeanie Gay, curator of the Missouri Mule Museum.

The Missouri Mule Museum, located at 114 E. Main Street in Perry, is open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. through November.

2026 Wall Calendar Featuring Photography of Brad Stinson Available for Pre-Order

Ralls County Historical Society (RCHS) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the 2026 Ralls County Wall Calendar, showcasing fifteen striking photos of Ralls County captured by local photographer Brad Stinson. Stinson has generously donated the use of his images to support the Historical Society.

“The calendar is a beautiful way to celebrate our shared heritage month by month,” said Delores Woodhurst, Vice-President of Ralls County Historical Society.. “Brad’s photographs highlight the places and seasons our community loves, and each purchase helps us continue Preserving, Celebrating, and Honoring Ralls County’s rich history.”

Calendar orders will be taken until November 21, 2025. The price is $20 per calendar, and shipping is available; the shipping fee is paid by the buyer. To order, please contact Delores Woodhurst (dvwoodhurst@gmail.com, 573-248-7445) to reserve your copy. The order form is available online at https://drive.google.com/file/d/183a7R_gflpPilKF7xnSAMTBtOJrte1su/view?usp=sharing. Payment can be made by cash, check, or online via PayPal. Calendars will be available in early December and make great holiday gifts.

RCHS is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving local artifacts, sharing community stories, and educating future generations about Ralls County’s past. Learn more at rallscohistoricalsociety.com.

Ralls County Historical Society To Celebrate 50 Years with a Birthday Bash and Lasagna Fundraiser
“Preserving, Celebrating, Honoring”

Ralls County Historical Society invites the community to join in celebrating its 50th birthday at a special evening of food, fun, and fellowship on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mark Twain Regional Development Council Multipurpose Building, 42440 Delaware Lane in Perry, Missouri.

The evening will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with a delicious Lasagna Supper, featuring homemade lasagna, salad, green beans, bread, desserts, and drinks. Meals will be available for dine-in or carry-out, and free-will donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go toward supporting the ongoing efforts of the Ralls County Historical Society to preserve and share the rich history of our county.

At 7:00 p.m., the fun continues with a live auction featuring a variety of donated items from community members and local businesses. Proceeds from the auction will also benefit the Historical Society’s projects and programs.

Event organizer Delores Woodhurst shared, “Fifty years is a wonderful milestone for RCHS. We’re so grateful to the people of Ralls County who have helped us preserve, celebrate, and honor our shared history through the years. This celebration is really a thank-you to everyone who’s been part of that journey.”

Community members who would like to contribute to the event—by donating lasagna, desserts, auction items, or volunteer time—are encouraged to contact Delores Woodhurst at 573-248-7445 or dvwoodhurst@gmail.com.

Come hungry, bring a friend, and help Ralls County Historical Society celebrate 50 years of “Preserving, Celebrating, and Honoring.”

For more information, visit rallscohistoricalsociety.com.

Minutes from October 15, 2025, RCHS Meeting

Ralls County Historical Society Minutes

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Perry City Hall

Perry, MO

Ron Leake, Delores Woodhurst, Brad Stinson, Ann Guymon, Carolyn Trower, Alice Dye, Susan Bedford, Jeanie Gay, Mary Jackson, Andrew Bartisan, and Ben Akers attended the October meeting of Ralls County Historical Society on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Perry City Hall.

Project Updates:

2025 Membership Drive: Jeanie Gay, treasurer, shared a membership update. To date, we have received 13 business memberships, 25 family memberships, and 25 Membership runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Membership dues enable RCHS to continue preserving, celebrating, and honoring our county’s rich history. We are very thankful for the individuals, families, and businesses that continue to support our work.

Monroe County Historical Society Fall Banquet: Alice Dye of Monroe County Historical Society (MCHS) shared a flyer with details of their upcoming Fall Banquet. MCHS’s Fall Banquet will be Monday, October 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Henderson Hall, 115 First Street, Monroe City, Missouri. The event will feature a catered pork loin dinner, a guest speaker, a raffle of a quilt and quilt rack, and displays by local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at the MCHS, located at 124 West Caldwell in Paris, Missouri, or by calling 660-327-1831. The cost is $30 per ticket. RCHS will share the flyer on our Facebook page to help promote the event.
State Registration: Jeanie Gay made a motion to change RCHS’s registered agent for the State of Missouri Nonprofit Corporation’s registration to Delores Woodhurst. Mary Jackson seconded. Motion passed.
All Time History: Andrew Bartisan shared information about a project he and several others are working on, which is known as All Time History. All Time History is a social experience designed for kids interested in history. Designed to mirror historical society operations, members can discover the inner workings of a museum, socialize with like-minded individuals, and share common interests. Users will not only partake in games and challenges within the program’s server on Discord, but can also participate in real-life events put on by local museums. Bartisan will return to a future meeting to share updates on the project's progress and discuss how RCHS can collaborate to ensure the most accurate experience. For questions about All Time History, please contact Bartisan at alltimehistory25@gmail.com.
Fort Mason Project: No update
Center Depot: The Center Depot was a stop on the Ralls County Honor Flight SXS Ride that was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The event, which raised funds to provide Honor Flight experiences for Veterans, was enjoyed by nine flights of riders, each with 20-25 side-by-sides. The depot was open to allow anyone who wished to do so to come inside and learn more about the depot and Ralls County’s railroad history. Sharon Lake is organizing a Bourbon Tasting experience at the depot in the future.
Missouri Mule Museum: Jeanie Gay shared information about Mule Appreciation Day, which will be held in downtown Perry on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., culminating in a dedication of the Missouri Mule Museum (MMM). The event will bring mules and mule enthusiasts to downtown Perry. Visitors to the MMM will be able to complete a Walk-Through Challenge to learn more about Missouri’s state animal, the mule. There will be pumpkins for youngsters to decorate, and cookies for all to enjoy. Missouri Tourism Director Stephen Foutes will speak briefly at the dedication, which local dignitaries will also attend. Jeanie has several specific volunteer needs, and if you are interested in helping to make the day a success, please give her a call at 573-721-1412. Jeanie shared the new brochure for the Missouri Mule Museum (MMM), and she also shared that over 200 individuals have visited the MMM since its opening in May 2025. Many states have been represented, and patrons have been generous. The RCHS library is located with the MMM, and Jeanie shared that inquiries at the library range for wanting to know directions to Brush Creek Cemetery to family research inquiries to information about Ralls County geography and history.
Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed to staff the museum in Perry and the depot in Center, keeping them open to the public.
Perry Bank Restoration: No update
Ralls County Seal Design Contest: Delores contacted Chrissy Strode to let her know that her design was selected as the contest winner.
Preserving County Documents and other artifacts: No update.
Donations: RCHS appreciates any donations of abstracts and yearbooks. We are especially interested in scanning any yearbooks from Rensselaer, Ilasco, or other county schools.
Current Research Requests: A Facebook follower would like to share information with anyone who is researching the family of George Campbell Hays & Sarah Dillard Collins of New London. The Hays family arrived in Ralls County about 1830 & George died at New London in 1880. The follower’s husband’s ancestry traces back to George's son, Edgar Clinton Hays. He was born in 1838, married Margaret Harrison, practiced medicine in Hannibal & died there in 1901. This individual has quite a bit of information to share and hopes someone might be able to provide photos of this family. To get this individual’s contact information, please contact Delores Woodhurst (dvwoodhurst@gmail.com or 573-248-7445).
Ongoing Projects
- Adult History Preservation: If anyone would like to conduct interviews with a senior citizen or be interviewed, please contact Delores Woodhurst or Carolyn Trower.
- John Ralls Donation: Documents from the donation are being transcribed. Transcribed documents can be found at RCHS’s website: https://www.rallscohistoricalsociety.com/research-spotlight/john-ralls-documents.
- Calendar: Brad Stinson shared a thumb drive of his photography, and Delores will use these images to create the 2026 calendar.
- Student Internship Program: We currently have ten student interns. Delores will email the students soon to set up dates and times for volunteer opportunities.
Payment of Bills with Receipts: None were presented
Brownlee Grant from SHSMO: The final report for this $500 grant was submitted on September 19, 2025. RCHS is appreciative of this grant opportunity funded by the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Financial Information as of 9/30/2025: Ending balance $47,676.57
President’s Update: Ron thanked everyone for the work they continue to do for RCHS.
Public Outreach Opportunities
- RCHS’s 50th anniversary will be in January 2026. RCHS will celebrate this event with a lasagna supper fundraiser in January. The event will be held January 17, 2026, at the Mark Twain Rural Development Corporation’s multipurpose building, located just north of Perry. Donations of lasagna, desserts, paper products, auction items, and time will be needed to make this event a success. To help, please contact Delores Woodhurst.
- October 25, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m. A meal is served on a free-will donation basis, accompanied by music. The public is welcome to attend.
- October 26, 2025: ILASCO Holy Chapel Mass, 9:00 a.m.
- November 19, 2025: RCHS Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Perry City Hall.
- November 22, 2025: Perry Pop-up Holiday Market, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in downtown Perry
- November 22, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m.
- December 5, 2025: Christmas in ILASCO, 5:00-8:00 p.m., ILASCO
- December 5, 2025: A Visit from LaBefana of Italian Folklore, 6:00-7:00 p.m., ILASCO
- December 17, 2025: RCHS Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Perry City Hall
- December 27, 2025: Oak Hill School Gathering, 6:30 p.m.
- January 16, 2026: Area Historical Society Meeting at Missouri Mule Museum, 10:00 a.m.
- January 17, 2026: RCHS Golden Birthday Bash and Lasagna Fundraiser, 5:00 p.m.
- January 21, 2026: RCHS Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Perry City Hall

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Our next meeting is November 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Perry City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and we hope that anyone interested in preserving, celebrating, and honoring the history of Ralls County will attend.

Schneider Presents to RCHS

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum Shares Exciting Updates at Ralls County Historical Society Meeting

Mark Schneider, Development and Marketing Manager for The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, was the guest speaker following Ralls County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on June 18, 2025, at Perry City Hall. Schneider, whose background includes more than two decades in local media, shared a variety of initiatives designed to engage the public with the life and legacy of Mark Twain. He also shared developing and marketing techniques that other agencies can use to build their audience.

Schneider spoke about James, a 2024 novel by Percival Everett that reimagines Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. He also touched on Making the Mark, a gallery program showcasing regional talent, and Spirits and Sarcasm, an event that combines Mark Twain’s love of whiskey and his sarcastic sense of humor.

A highly anticipated event at The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is the June 29, 2025, book signing by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, whose latest biography, Mark Twain, has generated considerable excitement. Chernow is the author of several books, including Alexander Hamilton, which was later turned into the Hamilton musical. Tickets for the program sold out quickly, underscoring strong community interest. CBS Sunday Morning recently filmed a feature on Chernow’s upcoming visit, interviewing Mark Twain performer Jim Waddell and local youth ambassadors Tom and Becky. The segment is expected to air in July.

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home, built in 1844 and undergoing restoration since 1912, remains a cultural cornerstone in Hannibal. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including the popular Music Under the Stars Concert Series, which is held on the campus of The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in downtown Hannibal each Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. during the summer. On July 24, Candace Ivory will perform. Ivory is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and Missouri Arts Council–approved touring artist known as the "Queen of Avant Soul." Ivory’s latest project is a tribute to blues legend Memphis Minnie, and her performance is expected to draw locals and tourists alike.

Schneider emphasized the power of storytelling in history and marketing. “People respond to stories,” he said. “They want to know why something matters, not just how old it is or how much it cost.” He encouraged local historical organizations to collaborate, focus on meaningful narratives, and identify their target audiences to build engagement.

The Ralls County Historical Society (RCHS) strives to “preserve, celebrate, and honor” the history and people of Ralls County. RCHS’s next meeting is Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Perry City Hall, and the public is invited to attend. A guest speaker will again present a program at 11:00 a.m. To become a member or learn more, visit RCHS on Facebook (Ralls County Missouri Historical Society) or their webpage (rallscohistoricalsociety.com), or contact Delores Woodhurst (573-248-7445 or dvwoodhurst@gmail.com).

RCHS member Sandie Storm enjoyed the program presented by Mark Schneider, Development & Marketing Manager for The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum on June 18, 2025.

Brad Stinson Shares Ralls County Through His Lens

Brad Stinson was the guest speaker following the Ralls County Historical Society’s monthly meeting on August 20, 2025, at Perry City Hall.

A longtime resident of Ralls County since 1974, Stinson served as Ralls County Sheriff from 2020 to 2024. During his time in office, he often carried his camera while traveling the county, capturing images of churches, farms, barns, wildlife, creeks, and the rolling scenery that makes Ralls County unique. At the meeting, he shared a collection of these photographs, many of which were taken with his personal drone, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives.

His presentation featured sunrises and sunsets over rustic barns and historic churches, wildlife in motion, and the many waterways that wind through the county. Stinson reflected on how much he enjoyed serving as sheriff, particularly the conversations he shared with Ralls County residents. Growing up as a pastor’s son, he found special meaning in photographing local churches.

The Ralls County Historical Society extends its thanks to Brad for sharing his photographs and reminding us all of the beauty that surrounds us here at home.

Lasagna Supper 2023 a Success

Thanks to the support of the entire county, the Ralls County Historical Society’s lasagna supper fundraiser was a success. This was an opportunity for those in attendance to renew or begin their membership to the Historical Society.

After supper, Ron Leake, president of the Historical Society, shared an overview of projects that the Historical Society is currently working on. After thanking the many volunteers and donors that worked to make the event a success, Ron handed the program over to John Wallace to begin the auction.

These amazing ladies were some of the individuals that baked the donated food and served it at the 2023 Lasagna Supper.

Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to the auction:

Bill and Judy Heim, East Edge Express
Debbie Hodges
Tara Comer, Ralls County Collector
Ralls County Groovy Gardeners Master Gardener Group
Richard and Janet Berry
Linda Hodges
Michelle Keil, Gateway Realty
Luke Mitchell, High Point Land Company
Bailey Beef Company
Shirley Levings, Arlington Antiques
Corey and Alex Fry, The Junction
Delores Woodhurst
Marie Lawrence and Judy Heim
Sharon Wright, The Flower Shoppe
John Lake, Brian Hodges, Junior Meuhring, Ralls County Commissioners
Brandy Flynn, Ralls County Clerk
Gina Jameson, Ralls County Circuit Clerk & Recorder

The feature item of the evening was a painting of the Ralls County Courthouse. The painting will be on display at the museum, and the owners’ names will be shown alongside the painting. Below is the list of this year’s proud co-owners of the painting.

Ernest Nelson Harlow Family
Raleigh Roy Diffenderfer Family
John and Sharon Lake
Brian & Linda Hodges
Scott & Ashley Hodges
Brian & Delores Woodhurst
Beinhoff Funeral Home
Bill & Judy Heim
John & Mary Wallace
Charlie & Mary Sue Mitchell
Shawn & Michele Keil

If you want to be involved with the Historical Society, please send an email (rwleake@aol.com) or get in touch with Ron Leake (573-248-6147), Linda Hodges, Sharon Lake, Carolyn Trower, or Delores Woodhurst. We are hoping that volunteers will continue to spend time organizing the museum and keeping it in good condition. We are always in need of volunteers to be at the museum during the summer hours when it is open. Also, it’s not too late to become a member of the Ralls County Historical Society. Individual, family, and business memberships are available. A membership form is available on our website (rallscohistoricalsociety.com).

Ralls County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Ralls County Historical Society is a 100% volunteer-run organization that relies on fundraisers, membership dues, and donations to provide ongoing services to the entire county. All money raised by the Ralls County Historical Society is used to continue to preserve and share local artifacts and our county’s history.

Click here to see all photos and videos from the 2023 lasagna supper!

We appreciate your support!

One way to support the Ralls County Historical Society is to become a member. Click here to print out a membership form, or if you prefer, click here to complete the form online. Payments and paperwork can be mailed to the following address:

Ralls County Historical Society

PO Box 463

Perry, MO 63462

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ron, Sharon, or Delores.

Physical Address:

Ralls County Historical Museum

105 East Main Street

Perry, MO 63462

Missouri Mule Museum & Ralls County Historical Library

114 East Main Street

Perry, MO 63462

Mailing Address:

Ralls County, Missouri Historical Society

PO Box 463

Perry, MO 63462

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