Documenting the Past for the Future: A Community Storytelling Project

Life in our rural communities has always been woven from everyday moments: harvests and homecomings, Sunday dinners and schoolyard games, laughter on front porches, and stories shared around kitchen tables. These memories and traditions are worth preserving.

 

At the Recess Inn, we’re honored to continue the work of local storytellers like Warren “Jack” Lee, Jim Hill, and Terry Simmons by gathering stories about life in Ethel and the surrounding communities, past and present.
 

We invite you to be part of Documenting the Past for the Future. Share a childhood memory, tell us about a memorable local person, or reflect on how life here has changed (or stayed the same). However big or small, your story matters.

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How to Share Your Story

Share as much or as little as you’d like about growing up or living in our area:

• Tell your own story: Write it down, record it, or call us for a conversation.

• Interview someone: Ask an adult family member or friend about their experiences and submit their responses in writing or as an audio recording.
   

Before interviewing someone, explain that their story may be preserved or shared through the Recess Inn’s Documenting the Past for the Future project. You must have their permission to submit it, and they should choose how their story may be used.

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Questions to Get You Started

Answer one question, several, or tell your story in your own way.

• What was your family like growing up?

• How did you and your friends spend your time?

• What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

• What family or community traditions do you remember most?

• What was your hometown (Ethel, New Cambria, or another) like when you were growing up?

• Where did your family shop? What were some staples you bought? What did you produce yourselves?

• Were you involved in any clubs, churches, or organizations as a child?

• Tell us about a song that brings back a strong memory.

• What invention changed your everyday life the most?

• What were your favorite radio shows, TV shows, or books?

• What’s the first major news story you remember living through?

• What school(s) did you attend, and what was it like?

• What’s a small decision you made that ended up having a big impact?

• Tell us about someone you looked up to in your community.

• What life surprises stand out to you most?

• What advice would you give to future generations in your community?

• Is there anything else about your life or life in your community you’d like to share?

• What is something about yourself that many of your neighbors don’t know or that you wish you could share?

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How to Submit

Please include your name and a little about yourself or the person you interviewed.
 

• Mail: Recess Inn, PO Box 3, Ethel, MO 63539

• Email: samantha@therecessinn.com

• Online: Select one of the question links above to submit an answer through our online form.

There is no deadline; stories are welcome anytime.

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Sharing Photos

Photographs are welcome but not required.
 

Email digital photographs to samantha@therecessinn.com or text them to (660) 500-1313.

We’re also happy to scan printed photographs; contact us to coordinate.
 

Please include the names of the people pictured, approximate dates and locations when known, and a brief caption for each photograph. Do not submit a photograph unless you have permission to share it.

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How Your Story May Be Used

When you submit your answers, you can choose one of two options:
 

1. Recess Inn Archive Only: Your story will be preserved in the printed project materials available at the Recess Inn but will not be shared publicly online.

2. Broad Sharing: Your story may be quoted or summarized in public print and digital materials, including the Recess Inn website, social media, exhibits, publications, and promotional materials.
    

You may request that your name not be published. Please remember that details within a story may still make the people involved recognizable.
 

Submitted stories may be combined with others to help illustrate life in different communities and time periods. The Recess Inn may select, edit for clarity or length, or decline to publish submitted material. Disrespectful, hateful, or harmful content will not be included.
 

Participation is voluntary, and no monetary compensation will be provided.