Hams Prairie is an unincorporated community near the site of Callaway County’s first county seat.
Location
Located in south-central Callaway County in Twn 46N, Rng 9W, Sec 26. Hams Prairie is halfway between Fulton and Mokane on State Highway C. The USGS co-ordinates are: Latitude 38° 76’ 86” N Longitude 91° 91’ 96” W.
Settlement
Hams Prairie was named for the Rev. John Ham, a Methodist minister who came to Callaway County in 1815, five years before the county was established. He carved his name on a tree at the edge of the prairie in 1816, according to A Short History of Callaway County by Ovid Bell.
The first county seat was a little more than a half-mile north of Hams Prairie, and court was held in the tavern home of Henry Brite from 1821-1826. Brite called the place Elizabeth in honor of his wife.
The town of Hams Prairie was laid out and settled shortly after the county seat was moved to Fulton in 1826. Elizabeth ceased to exist, and nothing remains to mark the site today. However, in the Nation’s bicentennial year of 1976, some foundation stones of the Brite’s Tavern were used to make a marker that recognizes the part this area played in our history. The small monument was placed beside Route C in front of the Hams Prairie Store by the Handy Helper's 4-H Club. A plaque on the front of the monument tells the story behind the first court in our county.
Growth
The population of the village proper has remained stable for many decades at around 40-50 people. However, the surrounding area has shown steady growth due to its proximity to Fulton and the nearby Ameren Missouri Callaway Nuclear Plant, which went online in 1984. Another reason for the population increase is its location in the South Callaway R-II School District.
Economy
The first notable business established in Hams Prairie was a general store built in 1908 by W. Scott Payne. The store remained the only real business in the town for most of the remainder of the 20th century.
Most people would agree that any discussion of Hams Prairie history should include a mention of Dr. W. O. Payne. One of the last of the “country doctors,” Doc Payne practiced his craft for 54 years from his little office, which was located just down the street from the general store. Locals from all around the area remember that he carried a bottle of penicillin and a syringe in his coat pocket. He would pull it out, administer the shot, and — without bothering to change the needle — give a dose to the next patient. He also carried a bottle of pills that always rattled in his pocket along with a tin of black salve for minor cuts and bruises. Doc Payne served the surrounding community until his death in 1961.
Today
As of 2019, the owners of the Hams Prairie general store are Ken and Lea Willenberg. They have operated it continuously since 1986. An addition was built on to the east side, which provides a comfortable dining room for their small restaurant. It is a popular gathering place that draws regular customers from miles around.
Hams Prairie Auto, a garage and tire-repair shop, was established in 1996. The owner, Craig Ewing, moved the business there from Fulton. Although the business began as a car-detailing enterprise, Ewing expanded it to include car inspections, mechanic work, and repairing and selling tires.
Across Highway C from the garage is the Looney Toons Daycare Center. It was started in 2007 by Bonnie Vandeloecht to provide child care for working parents. She relocated the business from her home’s basement to its current location due to a need for more space. She is licensed by the state to serve up to 54 children and remains at near-capacity most of the time. Bonnie planned to retire in 2020 and turn the business over to new ownership.
Next to the daycare is Fire Station No. 4 of the South Callaway Fire Protection District. Several members of the community remain active on a volunteer basis to provide services to their neighbors under the direction of Fire Chief Jeff Wallendorf and Assistant Chief Chris Pfau. Recent improvements include the addition of living quarters in the building.
The large grain bins that dominate the Hams Prairie skyline are the center of a farm operation run by the Elley Brothers. And located just to the north of the bins is probably the main backbone of the community: the Hams Prairie Christian Church, which is the only church in town.
The church was organized originally in 1864. In 1884, a new building was erected at the cost of about $1,600. It stood for more than 120 years until it was vacated in January 2007. The congregation moved into a newly constructed gymnasium until the new sanctuary was opened in 2010. Today, the church serves a congregation of nearly 200 people with two services on Sunday mornings. It also offers an online streaming service so people can watch live from the comfort of their homes. Active programs at the church include children's Bible clubs, various senior activities, and mission outreach.
Hams Prairie is a vibrant yet laid-back, friendly place where people can go to socialize, visit, worship, and enjoy life in a slower-paced, rural setting. This is typical of communities all over Callaway County, which makes our Kingdom a special place to live.
Compiled January 2021
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