Red Oak II, Missouri – A Stroll Through the Past
Nestled a few miles northeast of Carthage, Missouri, and a stone’s throw from the iconic Route 66, lies a place that defies simple categorization. It’s called Red Oak II, and while it might appear at first glance to be a ghost town, a relic of a bygone era, the reality is far more nuanced and captivating. Red Oak II is more than just a collection of old buildings; it’s a living, breathing testament to one man’s vision, a tribute to a past that refuses to be forgotten.
The story of Red Oak II is inextricably linked to the life and artistic vision of Lowell Davis. Davis, a renowned artist often dubbed the "Norman Rockwell of Rural Art," spent his childhood in the original Red Oak, Missouri, a small agricultural community located about 18 miles northwest of the present-day Red Oak II. Like countless other rural towns across America, the original Red Oak experienced a gradual decline in the years following World War II. As the allure of urban centers grew, people began to migrate away from the countryside, leaving behind a dwindling population and a sense of fading prosperity.
After spending several years away from his hometown, Davis returned in the 1970s to find it a mere shadow of its former self, a ghost of the vibrant community he remembered. This experience deeply affected him, igniting a desire to preserve the memory of the town and the simpler way of life it represented.
The genesis of Red Oak II began in 1987. Davis, by then residing on a farm near Carthage, felt a powerful urge to transform his land into a living monument to his childhood home. What was once an empty cornfield would soon become a canvas for his artistic vision. He embarked on a remarkable project, acquiring homes and businesses from the original Red Oak townsite and other nearby rural communities that had also fallen into decline. These structures, often dilapidated and neglected, were carefully dismantled, transported to Davis’s property, and painstakingly restored to their former glory.
Davis’s creation, Red Oak II, quickly took shape, evolving into a unique blend of art installation and historical preservation. It was more than just a collection of old buildings; it was a carefully curated environment designed to evoke the atmosphere of a small, rural Missouri town in the mid-20th century. Red Oak II stands as a tangible representation of Davis’s deep affection for the past.
Davis himself described his creation as "a combination of a painting and a sculpture, and it is just made from things that someone else threw away." This statement encapsulates the essence of Red Oak II – a repurposing of discarded remnants of the past into a vibrant and meaningful work of art. The meticulous attention to detail, the careful restoration of each building, and the overall layout of the town all contribute to a powerful sense of authenticity. Red Oak II is a testament to the beauty and value that can be found in the overlooked and forgotten.
Today, each building within Red Oak II is privately owned, adding another layer of complexity and character to the town. Davis himself resided in the Belle Starr house, a structure with a colorful history, as the infamous lady outlaw had spent part of her childhood there. He also owned several other buildings within the town. Following Lowell Davis’s passing in November 2020, his legacy lives on through the dedicated individuals who own and maintain the other properties in Red Oak II. These properties include private residences, charming stores, and museum-type exhibits, each contributing to the town’s unique and immersive atmosphere.
A stroll through Red Oak II is like stepping back in time. The town boasts a diverse array of structures, each with its own story to tell. The iconic Phillips 66 station, a relic of the golden age of automobile travel, stands as a reminder of Route 66’s significance in American history. The old schoolhouse evokes memories of simpler times, when education was a cornerstone of rural communities. The feed store, the diner, the town hall, and the jail all contribute to the town’s authentic character.
Two buildings held particular significance in Davis’s life: the blacksmith shop, where his great-grandfather plied his trade, and the General Store, run by Davis’s father, where he first discovered his passion for sculpting and painting. Both of these buildings were carefully moved from the original Red Oak townsite, preserving a tangible link to Davis’s personal history.
Adding to the town’s unique charm are the numerous Davis sculptures and antique vehicles scattered throughout the property. These elements, frozen in time, create a captivating visual landscape that transports visitors to a different era. Every detail, from the weathered facades of the buildings to the vintage gas pumps at the Phillips 66 station, contributes to the immersive experience of Red Oak II.
Visiting Red Oak II is a journey of discovery, a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the artistic vision of Lowell Davis. It’s a place where history comes alive, where the stories of rural America are preserved and celebrated. It is a true American treasure.
Directions to Red Oak II: From Carthage, Missouri, take MO-96 east for approximately one mile. Turn north onto Road 130 and continue for about two miles until you reach Kafir Road. Turn right (west) onto Kafir Road. Red Oak II will be located approximately 3/4 of a mile down the road on the south side.
Contact Information:
Red Oak II
Carthage, Missouri
417-237-0808
http://www.redoakiimissouri.com/index/index.html