Bonniebrook Historical Society and the Rose O'Neill Club
Rose O'Neill fans, Kewpie enthusiasts, and regional historians have taken interest in the the recent preservation and reconstruction of Bonniebrook Park, Rose O'Neill's former home just north of Branson. But the history of the Rose O'Neill Club and the Bonniebrook Historical Society spans a quarter of a century.
The International Rose O'Neill Club was founded in 1968 by Pearl Hodges, who became the organization's first president. Hodges was instrumental in planning a three-day festival called Kewpiesta, still held each April in Branson. The purpose of the festival was to honor Rose O'Neill, educate the public about the artist's history, and promote cultural arts in general (Goodin & Williams 11). The festival continues, and each April thousands of people flock to Kewpiesta, some of them ardent Kewpie collectors and others curious onlookers.
In 1972, Lois Holman took over the presidency of the IROC. Holman is credited with several accomplishments during her tenure, including writing the constitution, setting up an organizational structure for state affiliate groups, and establishing the Rose O'Neill Memorial Fund and a scholarship fund. Affiliate groups now exist in Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Arkansas, Japan, Norway, India, and several other international countries (12).
Holman's efforts in promoting the international organization and the local Rose O'Neill Club extended beyond her first term as president, though she served as president of IROC again in 1978. During and after the interval, she coordinated club activities, arranged press releases and media coverage, and handled correspondence for the local club. She was also instrumental in the successful performance of "Rose and the Lions," a play written by Bob Gibbons based on part of Rose's life, at the old Owens Theater in Branson.
The Bonniebrook Historical Society grew out of the activities of the IROC and the local club. Founded in 1975, the Society set out to raise money in homes of rebuilding and restoring Bonniebrook. Rose's father, Patrick O'Neill had homesteaded 172 acres in 1893, building the estate for his family. Throughout the remainder of her life, Rose stayed at Bonniebrook periodically and eventually retired to the solitude of her the woods in 1937 until her death in 1942. The house had burned to the ground in 1947.
The Society's efforts took shape in three phases, according to Holman, who served as president of BHS in 1984, the year that reconstruction began. Owners of the property and estate, Clay and Jean Cantwell placed the home on the National Register of Historic Places this same year.
The first phase involved cleaning up the grounds and laying out the foundation and footwork based upon photographs and information shared by people who were familiar with the original mansion. Bob Gibbon, a Springfield architect, was instrumental in this stage. The house was then constructed as close to the original as possible.
Stage two, begun in 1991, involved adding doors, windows, painting, and wiring. One quarter of the house was wired during that year. Stage three engaged the Society in finishing the interior and furnishing the estate. The grounds were also planted with native landscaping. The majority of the restoration was completed in 1993, allowing for a centennial celebration of the O'Neill's homesteading.
Of course, no restoration could have taken place without creative fund raising efforts. Among other ventures, the BHS sold small packets of soil from Bonniebrook for $25, along with deeds of ownership stating the soil was authentic and the bearer was partial owner of the estate.
BHS has leased the estate and property for 99 years from the Cantwells. Provisions within the lease demand construction be completed and maintained for public benefit. Jean Cantwell's interest in the project has resulted in numerous articles in area publications, most of which are assembled in the Lyons Memorial Library, College of the Ozarks.
Bonniebrook, now opened for tours and visitors, contains a museum, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Through the ardent efforts of such locals as the Cantwells and Holman, the park has grown in its attraction to Branson tourists.
Among Holman's contributions to preserving the Kewpies and their creator is her book, Rose O'Neill: Kewpies and Other Works, published in 1983. Much of Holman's work is reproduced again in All My Kewpies, published by Bob Rantz in 1993. Kewpie fans can contact either Holman or the BHS for more information on Kewpiesta or Bonniebrook.
All My Kewpies is still available (pictured below). Contact Lois Holman, 417-334-3273, for information on obtaining a copy, or send your request via mail: Lois Holman, 309 Walnut Lane, Branson, MO 65536.
Works Cited
Goodin, Vera Jane and Vereca Williams. All My Kewpies. Branson, MO: Bob Rantz, 1993.
Photograph of Bonniebrook, courtesy of Gaye Lisby, Branson Living magazine
Image of book cover, courtesy of Lois Holman
