Common Threads

Rockaway Beach, MO - Population 864 (at last count) founded on the shores of the White River in Taney County Missouri. 600 acres of land was purchased by a Willard Merriam as news of the imminent construction of the Powesite Dam made the area attractive for the establishment of a resort community. Although the history of the community is abundant and rich, the one notable fact that overshadows everything is that Rockaway Beach was the resort destination "Powerhouse" of the midwest from the 20's through the 60's and even into the 70's. Gradually Branson Missouri was to take the top billing as the tourist hot-spot leaving Rockaway Beach in the shadows. Eventually leaving it only in the fond memories of those who visited there for decades.

My story of Rockaway Beach begins in the early 70's when the bumper cars, arcades, go carts, batting cages and other entertainment venues were still in operation. I would say, not quite thriving anymore, but certainly relevant. Fast forward to 2011 when we purchased our first small resort/cabin property in Rockaway Beach. As renovations were nearing completion, we began receiving inquiries to rent our little cabins. To my surprise, close to a third of the people that booked a stay with us had a story of coming to Rockaway Beach YEARS ago! The stories were everything from family reunions, to honeymoons to summer vacations to class trips. BY FAR....the most dominant reason people came to Rockaway was on a Class Trip.

By now (2017) I have heard hundreds of stories about visitors who were here on their class trip or some other reason and had wonderfully fond memories of our town. I have been thinking of a way to allow ll those former visitors to not only connect in some fashion, but also share their favorite stories of Rockaway Beach with others.

SO..........Your part......... Please consider adding your story of Rockaway Beach by emailing it to me. I'm asking for your permission in advance to re-publish it in this blog (giving you credit for your story of course) Please send 2 or 3 pictures if you can. (no more that 3 pics with each story) I also ask your permission in advance to add you to our subscriber list so you can receive updates when other stories are submitted.

This could be REALLY fun......AND who knows, It may even spark a few Rockaway Reunions!

Please email your submission to: conquest18@gmail.com include your name and 2 or 3 pictures related to your story!

If you haven's subscribed, please do so to the right side of this page.

If you know others with Rockaway stories to tell, please connect with them and encourage them to submit a story as well.