Area Entertainment: Bonniebrook Historical Society holds open house

On Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bonniebrook Historical Society held its annual open house. This event is held in conjunction with the International Rose O'Neill Club Foundation's Kewpiesta. Kewpiesta has been held in Branson since the late 1960s. Hundreds of Kewpie and Rose O'Neill lovers have flocked to Branson to celebrate, educate, buy, sell or trade all things related to Rose O'Neill. 

Why Branson you may ask? Great question! Well, many locals and tourists, are unaware that Bonniebrook was the beloved Missouri home of Rose O'Neill, creator of the Kewpie doll. Bonniebrook, is located nine miles north of Branson in Walnut Shade, off of Highway 65.

The property boasts of a three-story Victorian home replica of her original home, built in the late 1800s, fine art gallery, Kewpie museum and gift shop. The Bonniebrook Historical Society a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization owns and operates this historic property.

During Kewpiesta every year, the Historical Society holds an open house. This includes free admission for tours, raffles, silent auction items, a bluegrass jam and delicious refreshments. This year an estimation of over 250 visitors attended this wonderful event. All proceeds from the silent auction and gift shop sales will benefit the Historical Society for upkeep on the property.

If you missed this year, then mark your calendars for Saturday, April 17, 2027. If you can't wait until next year, come by and see Bonniebrook for yourself. 

Museum hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., April-October. Every third Saturday of the same months, there is a bluegrass jam that is free to the public.

Bonniebrook is located at 485 Rose O'Neill Rd., Walnut Shade. Phone 417-561-1509; website: roseoneill.org .

I will do an in depth look into Rose O'Neill in the future, so stay tuned. She has an amazing story.