Annie Fisher

Annie Fisher (1897-1938) 

Annie Fisher was a talented cook and caterer. She first made a name for herself by winning awards at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Many said her beaten biscuits won the gold medal. Eventually, Fisher started her own catering business, and her self-described “real old Missouri style” cooking, which featured beaten biscuits and country ham, soon earned rave reviews. Fisher had an extensive collection of silver, china and linen to serve more than 1,000 people. Fisher owned 18 houses and built one of the most luxurious homes in Columbia. She was one of the city’s wealthiest citizens – white or Black – due to her hard work and shrewd business mind. She also built Fair Oaks, a popular dining club in the area, owned real estate and a farm, where she raised hogs to make her famous country hams.