In September, I attended the Missouri Photo Workshop (MPW). For 67 consecutive years, MPW has been documenting small-town America throughout the state of Missouri. This year, MPW came to Perryville, and I was accepted as a student. During one week, we are tasked to find a narrative story and photograph it. It starts with an introduction. Then ask. Dig. Ask again, dig some more. Students are taught by faculty who include accomplished editors, professors and photojournalists. Those faculty push us to really understand the people we photograph and the stories in front of the lens. Below is the story that I made.

STORY SUMMARY – “Recipe for Friendship” – Brothers Paul and Joe Hoeckele, born 20 months apart, are not only third-generation owners of Hoeckele’s Bakery, but they are also best friends and neighbors. Described as “independent individuals who live a simple life,” they understand the necessary ingredients to sustain a friendship and business that last a lifetime.

Joe Hoeckele (left) and Paul Hoeckele (right) hunt in the forest that spans their family’s 600-acre farm. Avid hunters since childhood, they most often hunt for squirrel, rabbit and deer.

Paul (right) reaches into his Polaris Ranger for hunting equipment, while Joe walks behind the vehicle. When not working, the brothers prefer to spend free time in the solace of nature.

Paul and Joe clean two squirrels in a creek that runs through their farmland. Each year, they hunt squirrels (along with other animals) and use its meat for food.

At their family bakery, Paul (right) tosses a piece of dough (used for donuts) to his brother Joe. Each night they prepare about 300 pounds of dough for their signature donuts, in addition to pastries, breads, cakes and others goods.

A patron exits the Hoeckele’s bakery, an establishment that has been in operation since 1937. The bakery opens at 3:00AM – typically to a line of faithful patrons.

Joe (right) and Paul (left) take out garbage that was generated from one night of baking. The brothers normally work night shift from 11PM to 7AM, sometimes longer on weekends.

Paul (left) and Joe (right) pause in their Rangers to discuss morning plans. The brothers feel at home in nature, while their physical houses are more for their wives.

In a shallow creek on their farm, Paul and Joe join a group of friends and co-workers. During warmer months, they set up a table and canopy in the water to play cards and keep cool.

Paul and Joe play poker and drink beer with friends and coworkers. Their unique tradition started several years ago while camping during summer heat.