Stump Speaking Returns To Champ Clark Home
Politically minded folks - and those with a sweet tooth - have again been extended an
invitation by the Champ Clark House.
All guests need to bring is themselves and a lawn chair. Hosts will provide the rest. Stump
Speaking is a tradition at The Champ Clark House (Honeyshuck).
The one-time home of Speaker of the House Champ Clark provides a fitting setting for
candidates, local and otherwise, to address the public.
Ted Jackson, president of Champ Clark Honeyshuck Restoration Inc., says invitations
have been sent to the 56 candidates on the primary ballot. Replies are coming in daily.
"Several of the state office candidates are planning to be here," Jackson said, "and I've
heard from three of the candidates from Clark's own seat in the House from Missouri's
Ninth Congressional District."
Organizers will deliver an actual Pike County-harvested stump, suitable for the candidate
stage. And one by one, they will be able to speak their peace, just like candidates like
Champ Clark did years ago. Unlike Clark and his contemporaries and forebearers, today's
candidates will have benefit of a microphone and PA system.
But more than the formalities, the day provides a time to partake in an equally
deep-rooted American tradition: the ice cream social. Ice cream, cakes and summer-time
desserts will be delivered to the home's wraparound porch. And guests will be welcome to
take up a plate and scoop, and enjoy. Drinks will also be provided.
Before, and after candidates take the stump, they will have ample time to informally mingle
with voters in the shade of the honey locust trees.
Stump speaking at The Champ Clark House is a truly unique happening. It's a forum found
few other places in the state, and nation. In fact, it earned attention in a recent edition of
Missouri Life magazine, complete with a photo from the 2006 edition of the event.
And it's all free. The ice cream, the cake, the lemonade, and the candidates'
presentations, all of it, is being offered at no charge. Guests are welcome to donate to the
house museum. The Champ Clark House is funded purely from contributions.
Prior to the event, the house museum will be open for tours. Recent years have seen the
final rooms completed, and recent acquisitions have bolstered the house's holdings.
People who haven't stopped by for a while might be surprised at what they see.
One lucky person will walk away with a framed print of George Caleb Bingham's "County
Election". It is the companion piece to "The Stump Speaking", which was given away
through the 2006 promotion. The winner of the 29-by-23 artwork will be drawn at the
conclusion of the event.
The print will be professionally framed at Frames Etc., Bowling Green, which donated its
services.
Where and When Stump Speaking will be Sunday, July 27. The Champ Clark House is
located at 207 East Champ Clark Drive, Bowling Green. The ice cream social portion of
Stump Speaking begins at 1:30 p.m.; stumping begins at 2:15.
Local candidates are allotted five minutes to speak. State and national candidates, and/or
their proxies are given 10. Historic Perspective Renowned Missouri artist, Thomas Hart
Benton captured the scene of a stump speaking in a mural inside the Missouri capitol. The
candidate is Benton's father; the courthouse is Pike County's; and in the background is a
portrait of Champ Clark.
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Stump Speaking Moves From Honey Shuck
Wet Weather Forces Annual Political Event To Bowling Green Schools
Because of this weeks wet weather and it's effect on ground conditions, the annual
Candidates' Stump Speaking and Biennial Ice Cream Social is being moved.
The annual event will be held this year at Bowling Green High School in the commons
area outside the gymnasium.
The start time will remain as scheduled, Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
If anyone needs more information, contact Ted Jackson at (573)324-5224 or cell,
(573)470-9988.