Caleb Patterson, 4, rests beneath a flatbed trailer during a church picnic held near Plato, Missouri, in 2012. Plato is the "mean center of population" for the United States. That means, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it's the place "where an imaginary, flat, weightless and rigid map of the United States would balance perfectly if all residents were of identical weight."
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Caleb Patterson, 4, rests beneath a flatbed trailer during a church picnic held near Plato, Missouri, in 2012. Plato is the "mean center of population" for the United States. That means, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it's the place "where an imaginary, flat, weightless and rigid map of the United States would balance perfectly if all residents were of identical weight."
Benjamin Hoste
A map of the United States shows Plato's location. Photographer Benjamin Hoste has visited the town at least nine times in recent years.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
A map of the United States shows Plato's location. Photographer Benjamin Hoste has visited the town at least nine times in recent years.
Benjamin Hoste
Brandon Davis cuts brisket during a church picnic in Plato, which has a population of only 109.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Brandon Davis cuts brisket during a church picnic in Plato, which has a population of only 109.
Benjamin Hoste
Money sits on the table after Herb Lindsay and Leon Mace finished their morning coffee at a nearby convenience store.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Money sits on the table after Herb Lindsay and Leon Mace finished their morning coffee at a nearby convenience store.
Benjamin Hoste
Local resident Bob Morgan holds up one of the many walking sticks he carved himself. Morgan, a World War II veteran and cowboy, was building barns and bending metal into his 80s, Hoste said. He passed away in August at the age of 89.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Local resident Bob Morgan holds up one of the many walking sticks he carved himself. Morgan, a World War II veteran and cowboy, was building barns and bending metal into his 80s, Hoste said. He passed away in August at the age of 89.
Benjamin Hoste
An American flag flaps in the wind during an ATV Rodeo in nearby Roby, Missouri.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
An American flag flaps in the wind during an ATV Rodeo in nearby Roby, Missouri.
Benjamin Hoste
A hornet nest collection resides in the corner of Debo McKinney's ad hoc museum. His private barn has a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles and unusual items.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
A hornet nest collection resides in the corner of Debo McKinney's ad hoc museum. His private barn has a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles and unusual items.
Benjamin Hoste
Shalyn Steinbrink and Dylan Daeis in the woods on Hartzog Farm.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Shalyn Steinbrink and Dylan Daeis in the woods on Hartzog Farm.
Benjamin Hoste
Boots on fence posts is a regular occurrence in Missouri, Hoste said.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Boots on fence posts is a regular occurrence in Missouri, Hoste said.
Benjamin Hoste
A stuffed Kodiak bear from Colorado is on display in McKinney's Plato home.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
A stuffed Kodiak bear from Colorado is on display in McKinney's Plato home.
Benjamin Hoste
Verba Alkiri stands outside Roby Christian Church shortly after Sunday service.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Verba Alkiri stands outside Roby Christian Church shortly after Sunday service.
Benjamin Hoste
Balloons float into the sky after being released following the annual Roby Parade to benefit the local firehouse.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Balloons float into the sky after being released following the annual Roby Parade to benefit the local firehouse.
Benjamin Hoste
Viktor Arrington works on a car in his auto-repair shop.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Viktor Arrington works on a car in his auto-repair shop.
Benjamin Hoste
Ceramic lawn ornaments sit in front of Arrington's garage.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
Ceramic lawn ornaments sit in front of Arrington's garage.
Benjamin Hoste
A lone truck sits along Highway 32 just outside Plato's border.
Plato, Missouri: Population 109 —
A lone truck sits along Highway 32 just outside Plato's border.
Benjamin Hoste