There are acres of corn growing in the Missouri Bottoms near Treloar, but one ear stands above all the others.On Thursday, Aug. 9, an American elm was carved into a giant ear of corn at the Treloar Mercantile.Dan Burkhardt, new owner of the historic mercantile, said the elm began its life about the time the Katy Railroad came to town in 1896. After more than 100 years gracing the property, Burkhardt had to make the difficult decision to take it down due to its demise.“We decided to turn the stump of the tree into a tribute to one of the main reasons the railroad and the town of Treloar prospered for many years,” said Burkhardt.Bill Spradley from Trees, Forests and Landscapes in Kirkwood took down the tree, leaving a 12-foot stump. Thursday, a crew from The Wood Den in Festus brought three men and 10 chain saws to carve the giant ear of corn.Ryan Meyer, owner of The Wood Den, is known for more than 160 custom chain saw carvings in the St. Louis area.“I began carving with a chisel in the Marine Corps almost 30 years ago to kill time,” said Meyer. “If it’s (the project) is out of wood, we do it.”Meyer said he received a concept plan from Burkhardt, then described to his team the approach. Carvers Garrett Coleman and Matt Seitz joined Meyer to transform the giant stump into a work of art.Seven hours later, Meyer and his crew finished the ear of corn. The sculpture will be allowed to weather for the time being, but may be painted or stained in the future.Visit www.wood-den.com for more information on chain saw carving, rustic furniture, name logs, onsite carving and rustic wedding rentals.The Treloar Mercantile is currently undergoing renovation. Burkhardt said he will announce his plans for the building later in the fall. Burkhardt also owns the Peers Store which is open each weekend from noon-4 p.m. through October, featuring live music, art, merchandise and snacks.

A crew from The Wood Den, Festus, turns a 12-foot stump into a corn sculpture Thursday, August 9. The stump of the American Elm tree is located at the Treloar Mercantile, recently purchased by Dan Burkhardt. The sculpture is a tribute to the farming history of the area. Pictured, from left, are Matt Seitz, Garrett Coleman, and owner, Ryan Meyer. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden

Carver Garrett Coleman from The Wood Den of Festus adds a few more details to the corn sculpture located at the Treloar Mercantile. The American Elm, over 100 years old, had died in recent years. Owner Dan Burkhardt hired Ryan Meyer and his crew to create a tribute to the Treloar Missouri Bottom area with a giant ear of corn. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden