We started off with a tour of the governors mansion. It was beautiful. On the back porch, there is a display that is in the shape of the house with one Christmas ornament from each family that has lived there. There were several large marble fireplaces and portraits of each of the first ladies. It was built in 1871 for $75000!
Next, it was off to the capital building. There were several school there and even though our guide had a microphone, you really couldn't hear him. One of the most interesting parts was a room painted by Missouri native, Thomas Hart Benton. Very interesting, he was hired to paint the "Social History of the State of Missouri". His painting included everything from slavery to people being persecuted for religious beliefs to a baby being diapered. People didn't like it and wanted him to change it. He refused saying that he had gone all through the state observing people and listening to their stories and the mural reflected what they had asked him to paint.
After that, it was off to the supreme court. Michael and another boy were used as examples to show how the court of appeals works. The story was this other boy had paid Michael $20 to do his chores and Michael kept the money and didn't do it. The boy went to court and won and Michael appealed to keep the money.
Our last stop allowed us to watch a vote in the house. Our group was also introduced by our representative Tim Flook. (personally, if that was my last name and I ran for anything, I think I'd have to change it since it would be a "fluke" that I won). He sat for a photo and also provided us with pizza for lunch. The teachers said that this was the first time lunch had ever been provided~it is an election year.
Enjoy the photos. I didn't get to take as many as I wanted. With so many people there, I kept a very close eye on the kids I was in charge of. I would love to go back when there aren't so many people and really have time to look around.
Hitting the road.
Govenors Mansion.
Capital.
"I lost"?
His class.
