When you first drive into Union, Mo. from Hwy. 47, and after crossing the Berbeusse River, the first thing that catches your eye, is that the whole town is in a valley. I call it a Valley because as your coming down that steep incline on 47 the sigle view you get is tha tyou are on a pure descent. Just on the other side of the 'hill' where the descent begins; that is, the top of the hill, is where 'the college' is located. The college, known as EAST CENTRAL COLLEGE is a small community college. Union depends alot upon ECC to keep its educational goals high. Alot of stuents are from the surrounding towns.

Well were coming down the hill on 47 and we get to the bottom of the hill. Before you get there you see the old familiar golden arches of McD's and just before it a 7Days Inn. The 7Days has just opened no more than three years now. It keeps quite busy. It is a very economical place to stay, though not the cheapest in union. Though it and Central are the two only who take overnight boarders. Central is 'Downtown' Union. More about Central later in these posts.

THE GENERAL FEEL OF UNION Just a little about the overall atmosphere of Union. It is a very quaint and country town. It reminds you of a farm commuity, though that is not the case. If you are from California it is like the small suburban towns surrounding Los Angeles; if you are from Louisiana, it could be described as 'bayou country' or 'on the river.' Actually Unio is the County seat for Franklin County.Most people of a population of around 7000 are from Union area; still, other are from as far as England or Germany and the Asian Countries. I've met one Jewish family here only.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS

I wouldn't call people here overly friendly, but I wouldn't call them rude.The rudest can be friendly at times. I like to use the word reserved. I mean kids can walk on teh street and they have alot of festivals here throughout the year that attract alot of people, but mostly in the Spring and Summer months. Most of hte people are very religious. I mean there are at least 12 denominations here in Union. From the Baptist 'up on the hill,' to the Cathoilics 'down by the Old Vets' building probably spans a good 100+ years or so.

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