Mossy News
10-28-2002 -I have an idea I wanted to toss out about having a winter weekend at the cabin where members from all the families could get together at a time where it wasn't just for work. It would give us the opportunity to get to know each other a little better. We probably all have a few stories we could share around the fireplace over a scotch, beer, or soda. I think it would probably work best for it to be the men getting together as it is the winter and the upscale facilities are out of order at this time. Considering that father/sons would probably put up with sleeping in the same bed, I could see the potential for at least fourteen of us getting down there together. You could perhaps stretch it to a few more with fold up cots or "real men", willing to sleep on the porch. My brother Bob, might even get his miniwini down in the yard to accommodate a few more people. At any rate, send me an email and let me know if your interested in an integrated member weekend at Mossy this winter. Even though I would like to see a nice size group join in and do this, I would enjoy doing it even if with only one other member. johnhotze@mossyspring.com
10-14-2002 - I talked with Jack Hotze today & he came up with what I think is a terrific idea to think about for Mossy's 100th year anniversary next year. He suggested that we approach Jim Laughlin and see if in our celebration of the Pulaski Rod & Gun Club's centennial, he would consider selling us a couple more acres adjoining the existing two acres the club now owns. Any additional expansion of the clubs property would be great but Jack & I think the ideal addition would be a couple acres to the East of our existing two. This would probably add the rest of the yard including the old Collier house. I believe that the clubs existing property is a rectangle with the Eastern side of the rectangle running approximately 20 or 30 feet East of the walk bridge and starting close to the spring branch. I think it runs straight up through the middle of the yard past the boats and just to the east of our out buildings to the fence in back of the old outhouse.
If we could get two acres adjoining our existing East boundary, the East side of the these two new acres would probably start about the corner of the lower field and run up in back of the old Collier house. As Jack indicated, it would be great to expand the cabin property a couple of acres in any direction that adjoins our existing two acres. We both feel that the East expansion would be the best. If we got Collier's old farmhouse in the deal, it could be fixed up so that a few more people could stay at Mossy on any given trip. It could also be torn down and the land used for something else but I personally would be for preserving it with a real farmhouse look and feel but perhaps modernizing the inside facilities. Jack thinks that Laughlin might be willing to consider an offer from the club to celebrate its centennial anniversary by doubling the two acres we now have. If necessary, the deed could put some restriction on the use of the land we would purchase as to not encumber Laughlin's cattle business operation. I can't really see that a restriction would be necessary though. Jack thinks that $1000 an acre would be a fair offer for this area of Missouri, however the farmhouse could run the cost up depending on its condition. It would be great to purchase that addition but Laughlin might not want to let go of that area of his ranch. jkh & jbh
9-17-2002 - The "Mossy News" section of this website is where I suggest we put any news about plans for next years work weekend, plans for cabin or grounds improvement, special events, anniversaries, guest info, etc. Are we going to plan anything special for Mossy's Centennial next year? jkh