Missouri Nudists Defend Their Lifestyle

Nudist Campers Defend Lifestyle, Say They Make Good Neighbors


By Mike Bush

(KSDK) - The sign at the entrance to the Forty Acre Club says it's a family camp. Here you'll find the things you'd find at any camp. A pool, a basketball hoop and tennis courts.

"We have all the outdoor activities and we can get out, take our clothes off and be ourselves," says Forty Acre member Pete Edge.

The camp which welcomes all ages, is not far from Lonedell and has been around since 1950. "We've always had a super relationship with our neighbors. We've never had any problems," says Edge.

When the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Board approved a permit for another nudist resort earlier this week, there was outrage. "He's not welcome there, and he's not going to be welcome there, and there will be no peace as long as he's there," said resident Juanita Perkins.

But neighbors of the Forty Acre club tell us they don't know what all the fuss is about. "They have their ways and we have our ways, and we keep within the law and we both get along great," said Sonny Ramsey.

"They're keeping to themselves on their property," added Brian Lindke. "They purchased the land and they should be able to do what they want on it."

"If you think being nude means something bad, then it's your job, your responsibility, to find out what it's about before you put people down," says Forty Acre member Denita Edge.

The Forty Acre Club has some permanent residents and regular guests, according to the membership director. There are people from all walks of life. "We are different," says Denita Edge. "We aren't bad different, we're just different so we're a big family out here."

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