When was the last time you saw a Crap Duster?

Well, today was my chance to visit some different sights that I found on Roadside America in and around Carthage, MO.  I decided to go to the most distant one first.  It was listed as a George Washington Carver Talking Bust.

It turned out to be located in a National Monument.  Initially, I had no idea I was so close to a National Park Service site.  That�s always a plus in my estimation, and of course, another stamp in my passport book.  I have to admit that I didn�t remember too much about George W. Carver, so this was a very good learning experience for me.

Born a slave during the Civil War, Carver went on to become famous for his teaching abilities at Tuskegee University, and his scientific work resulting in over 300 uses for peanuts.  I won�t go into all the details about his inspirational life.  Suffice it to say, if you are ever in the Joplin, MO, area, a trip to this Monument will be well worth your time.

Next up on my agenda was a city park in Carthage.  There were several busses of elementary students on a field trip while I was at the Monument, and that also held true for my visit to the park.  Kids everywhere!

I had stopped at the park to see the bronze statue of Marlin Perkins.  I remember the Mutual of Omaha program, Wild Kingdom, so well that he hosted that I couldn�t pass up this chance.  Marlin was born in Carthage, so he is a favorite son of the city. 

I was lucky to get a shot of the statue in the midst of all the kids moving from station to station, but a man in a raccoon cap and deerskins kept them away long enough for me to take a picture or two.  Seems today was �Famous American Day� for this school district.  Besides Johnny Appleseed, with the coonskin cap, I also recognized Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman giving talks to the hordes of what I�m guessing were fifth graders.

Then it was on to more trivial pursuits in Carthage.  I got a kick out of this elevated �Tire Changing Woman� display for a tire shop downtown.  Yep, �It ain�t no wonder his wives left him�!

Last, but not least, on my iconic Carthage list was the Crap Duster.  If you�ve been around many farmland areas, you know what a crop duster is, but a Crap Duster?

Here it is.  A flying manure spreader!  By the colors, I�m wondering if it�s a John Deere Aerial Fertilizer Depositor?  Sure wouldn�t want to be under it as it dropped its load�

I had an enjoyable time today thanks to Roadside America.  My next stop will be an overnighter just north of Kansas City.  Hope the weather holds.

Thanks for stopping by� talk to you later,  Judy