Blodgett hosts Kelly Grade School field trip

BLODGETT, Mo., (KBSI) — More than 60 second graders from Kelly Grade School visited Blodgett on March 7 to learn about the town’s history.

The students were particularly interested in Blodgett’s reputation as the “watermelon capital of the world” in 1901, which is reflected in paintings on the museum walls.

During the tour, the students saw a replica of the Iron Mountain steam engine and heard stories about the town’s watermelon industry, including how Mr. Marshall transported 1,000 boxcars of watermelons to St. Louis.

The students also visited a vault built in 1900, which was used to store money from the watermelon sales.

Local resident Blake Wade, who continues the tradition of growing and selling melons, was also recognized during the visit.

The field trip was praised for the students’ attentiveness, politeness and consideration, giving hope for the future of community values.