Even though Rose O’Neill has been gone for eight decades, her life lets her live: Across generations, continents, and in the Ozarks, where the world-famous artist and Kewpie creator felt most at home. That place is Bonniebrook, a tucked-away oasis in Taney County that O’Neill called home for much of her life. Rose O’Neill, an artist of international fame, had long connections with the Ozarks. Her home, which was dubbed Bonniebrook, was one of her favorite retreats — and it’s a place visitors can explore today, too. (Courtesy of the Bonniebrook Historical Society)
“Why do I live in the Ozarks?” she was quoted as saying in 1938 in the Kansas City Star newspaper. “Really because I loved the rugged, rascal beauty. Besides, I have a spiritual affinity for ‘Bonnie Brook.’” Although she frequently left the region – for work, or extended stays at her other homes in places like Italy and New York City — the oasis lovingly named for its crystal-clear, rambling stream is where her heart lived, and it is where her body has remained since she died in 1944.
Bonniebrook is located near Day, a small, defunct community in rural Taney County. O’Neill’s family moved to the Ozarks in the late 1800s and built the sprawling mansion. Located just along Highway 65 between Branson and Springfield, it’s hidden in the middle of plain sight. Visitors can tour the home – not the original, which burned in 1947 and was rebuilt through dedication and donations in the early ‘90s – museum, and gift shop. But it’s also in need of help. About 30 years after it opened, the historical site needs some big-ticket upgrades to continue keeping O’Neill’s legacy alive.
“We're having to rack our old ways and brains to try to reach the younger crowd and pull them in here,” says Connie Pritchard, president of the Bonniebrook Historical Society, who recently took over from longtime leader Susan Scott. “It's exciting, but it's also stressful at the same time because we do have a lot of needs.”
- Rose O'Neill at Bonniebrook - where creativity and nature intertwine. Source: springfieldmo.org
Rose O’Neill’s life began in June 1874 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. As a young woman, O’Neill went to New York City with a stack of sketches and successfully proved her skill. She brought her self-taught drawing skills to New York City at 19 and quickly became known for her illustrations in popular magazines such as Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Home Companion. By her early twenties, O’Neill was nationally known, setting the stage for the creation of the universally beloved Kewpie dolls in 1909.
The Kewpie dolls expanded beyond toys into a range of products, marking O’Neill as a millionaire and America’s highest-paid illustrator in the 1920s. Beyond her commercial success, O’Neill was an advocate for equal rights along both gender and racial lines, using her influence and Kewpies in creative protests for women’s suffrage. O’Neill’s fearless advocacy and groundbreaking role as a female artist in the early 20th century are commemorated at Bonniebrook, the very place where she found inspiration and solace.
- Bonniebrook: The cradle of Rose O'Neill's Kewpie dolls and her advocacy for women's rights. Source: springfieldmo.org
Bonniebrook wasn't simply a home; it was a source of infinite inspiration for Rose O’Neill. The lush, sprawling estate nurtured her creative spirit, providing the perfect backdrop for the birth of the world-famous Kewpie dolls. Despite owning properties in Italy, New York, and Connecticut, Bonniebrook remained her favorite retreat. Her attachment to Bonniebrook reflected her unconventional life, the beauty of its seclusion offering a sanctuary not only for her but for friends and fellow creatives who were drawn to its tranquility and its owner’s generosity.
In 1947, three years after O’Neill’s death, Bonniebrook tragically burned down, leaving behind only memories and a legacy awaiting revival. Driven by an unwavering dedication to preserving Rose O’Neill’s remarkable life and contributions, the Bonniebrook Historical Society took upon the monumental task of reconstructing her home and studio. Thanks to their efforts, a new generation of visitors can now experience the restored beauty of Bonniebrook, reimagined from photographs and memories, a testament to O’Neill’s enduring influence and the community's commitment to honoring her legacy.
- The reborn Bonniebrook - a testament to the dedication and historical preservation. Source: springfieldmo.org
Today, Bonniebrook stands as a beacon for admirers of Rose O’Neill’s work and those inspired by her life. Visitors are welcome to explore the rebuilt home, museum, and gift shop, where the spirit of O’Neill’s creativity is palpable. The efforts to preserve Bonniebrook underscore the challenge of maintaining such a historic site, with volunteers working tirelessly to secure the future of this cultural gem. Support from the public, through visits, donations, and spreading the word, is crucial in continuing to celebrate and preserve Rose O’Neill’s incredible legacy for future generations.
The historical value of Bonniebrook extends beyond its physical beauty, embodying the pursuits, achievements, and resilience of Rose O’Neill. It is a place where history, art, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks converge, offering visitors an immersive journey through the life of a creative genius. Whether through participating in seasonal events, joining the Bluegrass jams, or simply walking the trails, there are numerous ways to connect with O’Neill’s legacy and contribute to the ongoing preservation of this enchanting site.
