Twelve Mile Creek Emporium | Small Business Sunday

Photo courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today, I'm going to be sharing a location that holds a special place in my heart.  This is Twelve Mile Creek Emporium, Wine Cottage, and Bed and Breakfast in Caledonia, Missouri.  Twelve Mile Creek is a family owned business with something for everyone.  Not only do they offer the amenities in the title, but they also offer home decor, freshly made meals, baked goods, and locally made products of all kinds.   

     In addition to the wonderful business itself, Twelve Mile Creek resides in a historic landmark.  This building goes by names such as the Fisher/Fischer Home, Caledonia Wine Cottage, the Ramsey House, or simply The Big Yellow House.  Whatever you may call it, this is a location with history to the brim, and a big story to tell.

Walnut Staircase, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     The Big Yellow House was constructed in 1824 by Jacob Fischer, making it one of Caledonia's oldest standing structures.  Over time the building has served as many occupations, but was originally built as a stage coach stop and inn.  Coaches would pull to the front of the building, where passengers would exit onto the same stone walkway that serves Twelve Mile Creek customers today.  During this time, travelers and stage coach drivers would frequently lodge in the inn's twelve original rooms.  

     When built, the inn consisted of two separate structures.  The front, rectangular portion of the building was for lodgers,  and the structure behind served as slave quarters.  Tunnels ran from either side of the inn to the slave quarters, with a third tunnel extending to the creek.  These tunnels can still be seen from the basement. The two structures were joined together some time around 1860, to form the home we all recognize today.  Though this isn't the only unique feature of the home.  The Fischer House is home to a continuous, three-story walnut staircase, the only one of its kind in the Ozarks.  The property also houses the 2nd oldest persimmon tree in Missouri, which still drops persimmons seasonally!

Quarantine Room as of today, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     As one of the homes many purposes, it was overtaken by the Union Army in the American Civil War, and turned into a hospital.  The hospital treated both Union and Confederate soldiers from The Battle of Pilot Knob, saving many lives that day.  A room on the third floor of the home was converted to a quarantine room for contagious patients, with a hole being cut from the door to serve the patient's food through.  The lock and hole in the door still exist today.  Along with saving the lives of soldiers, the home also served as a stop on the underground railroad.  Slaves were led through the tunnels, northward to freedom. The Fischer House treated and freed many men, women, and children, who likely wouldn't have survived if it were not for the Big Yellow House and it's gracious owners.  

Product sold at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Over time, the Fischer House served as a residence to several families, leaving many with fond memories of the home and its tenants.  Before it became the booming business we know now, the Fischer House had fallen in disrepair.  I had the pleasure of touring the home before the Allen's (the current owners) just prior to their purchase of the property.  I must say, it was heartbreaking to see this landmark in such condition.  Though we have Pamela, Roger and the rest of the Allen clan to thank for single-handedly saving this historic property.  This family has put blood, sweat, and tears into this home, bringing it back to life.  Myself, along with many others have so much admiration for what the Allen family has put into not only the Fischer House, but the Village of Caledonia.

 California Spaghetti Salad served at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Though the best part of this national treasure, is that it's for sale.  After years of hard work, the Allen family is ready to retire.  Pamela says "The time has come for us to find the perfect caretaker for this historic beauty. Retirement beckons us and we would like to heed that call!  If you think you have what it takes, give us a look.  Possibilities are only as far as your imagination allows. Price is negotiable as to what you want it to be for you!"  If you are interested in making the Fischer House your own, you may call Twelve Mile Creek at 573-779-1238, or pay a visit at 128 S State Highway 21, Caledonia, Missouri 63631. 

Wine selection at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Thank you all very much for reading, and I hope this landmark excites you as much as it does me.  Perhaps you will pay a visit, or even find your next home, or business.  I also want to thank Pamela Allen for allowing me to use her photos for this post, and always being so kind during my visits to Twelve Mile Creek.  I hope you tune in to the blog again soon!

Love,

Jennie