Just a few blocks south of Interstate 44, the song of cicadas muffles the drone of passing cars. Here the pace of life slows.
The town barber comes to work on his day off to give his grandson his first haircut… just in time for Sunday service. Across the street, two flag pole stores decked with stars and stripes compete for the title of most patriotic. Down the way, Diana’s Diner serves up comfort food and conversation from the crack of dawn until just after sunset. Amidst it all, kids are free to roam the tree-lined streets, open fields and scattered woods.
This is St. James, Missouri, population 4,057.
A jaunt through tall grass, deep woods and over slyly hidden trip wires leads to Billy and Elizabeth Scheider’s favorite swimming hole.
PHOTO BY DIANE CHOPLIN / MPW.60