History is this town’s only industry
For travelers heading north on State Route 15, Bethel is just a wide spot in the road. But those who take the time to stop at this village an hour west of Hannibal discover a unique chapter of Missouri history. Here the 135 residents roll out the welcome mat for visitors during festivals held throughout the year. Stop by any time though and you can immerse yourself in the history of what was once a successful religious colony.
Bethel can trace its origin back to 1844, when Prussian-born preacher Wilhelm Keil established a religious commune on the banks of the North River. Keil’s theology taught that people should live communally, sharing everything with their neighbors. In Bethel that meant doors weren’t locked because what you had belonged equally to your neighbors.
Under his direction, the colony prospered. By 1855 it had a population of 650 and 4,700 acres of farmland. While agriculture was the primary source of revenue for Bethel, its residents brought many skills that made the village self-sufficient. Near the riverbank businesses sprouted, including a gristmill, tannery, blacksmith shop, brickyard, vineyard and distillery.
In 1848 Keil built himself a three-story mansion called Elim, which still stands. Its second floor included a large ballroom, where the colonists often danced all night long. He grew medicinal herbs on the third floor.
Nearly everything the colonists built was made to last. Today 30 historical buildings remain, with many open to visitors during Bethel’s festivals. A self-guided walking tour leads visitors year-round.
Keil’s religious and utopian ideals were threatened by the coming of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. Watching outsiders who didn’t share his vision move into the area, he looked for a secluded location for a new colony.
In 1850 he led a group of his followers west from Bethel on the Oregon Trail. Originally his son, Willie, was tasked with leading the wagon train but he died just before the trip began. His father had him placed in an iron coffin filled with the colony’s whiskey and brought him along on the 2,000-mile trip. Keil would establish a new colony in Aurora, Oregon.
Bethel would continue to function as a commune until Keil’s death. When the colony disbanded in 1883, its members each received a share of its considerable holdings in proportion to their contributions.
The village continued to be a hub of commerce and agriculture for many years. But slowly its population shrank as larger cities in Shelby County grew. Its historical buildings became private dwellings or small shops such as drug stores, grocery stores, a bank and other retail businesses.
In 1970 interest grew in preserving Bethel’s past. The Bethel Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places that year. Elim was added to the register a year later, followed by Hebron, the colony’s meeting hall, in 1978. Repairs made at this time ensured the character of Bethel would remain for future generations.
Bethel, which is served by Macon Electric Cooperative, has always attracted artists who practiced traditional crafts. Blacksmiths, potters, weavers and other artists have found their muse in its setting. That helped prompt the many festivals that have brought visitors to Bethel for decades.
“Our markets and our Outdoor Festival, whether they make 10 bucks or a thousand, it’s all intended to go back to restoration and repair,” says Larry Smoot, a member of Historic Bethel German Colony Inc., the group that works to continue Bethel’s unique heritage. “We’ve had just enough people that genuinely care about the history. I think that has made all the difference. In a lot of towns like this there’s no one who cares enough to put in the time.”
For many years Bethel was home to the World Sheep Festival, which literally brought shepherds from all over the world to the tiny village. While the sheep festivals ended, another Bethel tradition continues today in its Youth Fiddle Camp held annually in June. This event brings master fiddlers to Bethel to pass on their skills to a new generation. In spring and fall Bethel hosts a Colony Market, which brings craftsmen, antique vendors, food, drinks and music to the village.
Coming soon is the Wildlife & Outdoor Expo on Aug. 26. This event is a nod to the many outdoor activities that draw sportsmen to the area. Typically, vendors of all kinds of outdoor products set up at the colony’s red barn. One highlight is the free 3D archery contest, which takes place on a challenging wooded range near the river. Other highlights include a BB gun range, youth archery, turkey calling contest and many outdoor-related seminars.
“Hunting and other outdoor activities are very popular in this part of the country,” says Larry, a director for Lewis County Rural Electric Co-op and chairman of the expo. “It is our hope that this expo will offer something for the entire family. We want to offer interesting things to see, education on a variety of outdoor topics and entertainment for everyone.”
Bethel’s festivals wrap up in December with “Christmas in Bethel.” One highlight of this event is a glimpse into colony life through tours of many remaining historic buildings.
Whether you come for a festival or to eat at the Fest Hall, which serves food seven days a week, Bethel is a step back in time you won’t find anywhere else in Missouri.
For more information call 660-284-6493, visit www.historicbethel.org or follow Historic Bethel German Colony on Facebook.