I took to the road this week on a one-day adventure, that included Mary Jo, Wilma, Anne and Cyndy. We piled into my car and headed to Kimmswick, the little river town snuggled amongst tall trees and rolling hills about 30 miles southwest of St. Louis.
The iconic Blue Owl at Kimmswick was started 33 years ago this week.
Old and restored buildings dot the idyllic, laid-back town just outside of Imperial. To put the place in perspective, it measures a quarter mile square, has 56 households, and a population of 157.
We lunched at the Blue Owl and walked off the effects of their decadent desserts with a stroll through the town’s many shops. (More on that Levee High Pie late.) But first let me give you a bird’s eye view of the diminutive town on the Mississippi.
Kimmswick: It’s a Feeling
Kimmswick is more of a Norman Rockwell scene than a pristine Walt Disney theme park village. It’s a work in progress and that’s a good thing. The tiny town reflects a bygone era so well, that I wouldn’t be surprised to see Opie walking along a path with a fishing pole over his shoulder.
It’s hard to get lost in Kimmswick, but in case you do, there’s frequent signage to show you the way. Stroll in any direction along the picturesque streets to take in the many well-stocked, cottage-like stores.
Quaint, Quiet and Historic
Kimmswick came into being in 1859, when Theodore Kimm, a German dry goods merchant bought the acreage and gave it his name. The population skyrocketed to 1,500, including mostly wealthy St. Louis families and immigrant stonecutters, who benefited from the nearby rock quarries.
At one time, there were four schools, two train stations, flour mill, lumber mill and brewery. Success was largely due to the town’s location near the railroad and river. But with the arrival of the automobile and highways, Kimmswick lost its advantage and its population.
In 1969, St. Louis heiress Lucianna Gladney Ross moved to restore the town and it has since become a thriving slice of yesteryear for its many visitor.
Left to right: Wilma, Mary Jo, Ann, Jean, and Cyndy enjoy porch dining, where tables are decked out with floral centerpieces, lace tablecloths, and blue-patterned serving plates.
Owner Mary Hostetter started baking out of her house in 1984 to support her family. The next year she had orders for 30,000 Christmas cookie—a task she completed by working 20-some hours a day for 3 weeks, using only her home oven.
Mary Hostetter: An Incredible Success Story
“Some day people will be standing in line to eat at my restaurant,” Mary Hostetter beamed confidently to Lucianna Gladney Ross, who spurred the restoration of Kimmswick. Mary, a divorcee with two young daughters, had a thriving home baking business. But she had no experience running a restaurant busines, when she acquired the old building in Kimmswick, where several others restaurants had failed. Lucianna smiled, patted Mary on the hand, and wished her luck.
Fast forward 33 years this week. After starting with 5 employees and the goal of serving 30 a day, Mary now has 75 employees and serves 300 a day and more on weekends. One of her daughters, Kim, is now vice president and general manager and a grandson works in the business as well. All work alongside their employees each day.
Lucianna Gladney Ross is commemorated with a photo on the fireplace mantle in a room Mary calls “Lucianna’s Tea Room.” Mrs. Gladney Ross lived long enough to “see people standing in line” to eat at the Blue Owl.
The Blue Owl Menu
Mary Hostetter says, “Our mission is to provide a wonderful home cooked meal and fabulous desserts in a quaint and charming atmosphere, with warm and friendly service in a home setting.” One meal and you know she’s stayed true to her mission.
The Reuben Sandwich on marble rye
Fried Chicken with the trimmings!
Broccoli Soup and House Salad
The Levee High Pecan Apple Pie
Now getting back to that pie I mentioned earlier. The Blue Owl is home of the Levee High Pecan Apple Pie featured on the Today show, Oprah, the Travel Channel and Food Network. And no wonder it gets such grand kudos! The culinary masterpiece contains 18 Golden Delicious apples and weighs ten pounds!
Levee High Pies were named after the Flood of ’93, that forced the evacuation of the restaurant. These pies would surely be a novel addition to any Thanksgiving meal. (Pie in back row on left is $99.95 online and the non-caramel next to it is $94.95.)
Blue Owl pies, cakes, and pastries always bring smiles.
A slice of Levee High Apple Pecan Pie is packed with goodness.
Take a Steamboat to Kimmswick
On Thursday, October 4, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company will offer a trip aboard the Tom Sawyer steamship, leaving St. Louis at 9:30, lunching at the Blue Owl and returning by motor coach to St. Louis by 4 or 5 p.m. that day. The price is $80 each way.
Kimmswick’s old boat dock at Hoppie’s Mariner is made of barges. It’s an important refueling spot for those traveling the 6,000 mile “Great Loop” of intracoastal waterways.
A river view of the Anheuser Estate, a legacy to the town from Fred and Mabel Anheuser, owners of the original E. Anheuser Brewery. Open for tours on Thursdays and by appointment on Saturdays.
Kimmswick on the Mississippi River: a peaceful getaway for urbanites looking for a break from heavy traffic and bustling streets.
Blue Owl. Corner of Second and Mill St., Kimmswick, 32 miles SW of St. Louis off Hwy 55. Open: Tue-Fri 10a-3p. Sat-Sun 10a-5p. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Owner/Operator: Mary Hostetter.
Kimmswick Festivals and Events: Apple Butter Festival; Strawberry Festival; Halloween Witches’ Night Out, and an annual 5K run. Christmas Parade and Open House, Christmas Festival & Cookie Walk.
