<![CDATA[Springfield-Greene County Local History]]> <![CDATA[Fire Trap!]]> The Steigner Hotel, also known as the Planters' House, burned in 1896.  Its burning caused great excitment since Adam Rief was temporarily trapped in the burning building.  The hotel had been built in 1867.]]> <![CDATA[Founding of Springfield]]>  For the 1931 Springfield City Directory, the Chamber of Commerce added an early history of Springfield and many statistics.]]> <![CDATA[Last Ride of the Frisco]]> Area residents scrambled to take one last ride on the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway.  Some of their experiences are given in this newspaper article published in 1967.
]]> <![CDATA[Spanish Land Grant Claims]]> Spanish Land Grant claims were used by an unscrupulous real estate salesman from Ohio to sell bogus land deeds in Barry County in 1869. ]]> <![CDATA[St. Luke M. E. Church ]]> A history of St. Luke M. E. Church, on the north side of Springfield, is told in this article published in 1927.
]]> <![CDATA[Puzzling Tombstone]]> Was there a cemetery on the Springfield Public Square?  This 1933 newspaper article speculates about the possiblity after workmen found a tombstone.
]]> <![CDATA[Horton's Quarry]]> Due to a low demand for gravel in the 1930's, Horton's Quarry ceased pumping water from their digs.  Water began to fill the quarry creating a lake that covered a full block.]]> <![CDATA[Lincoln School]]> The old Lincoln School, on the corner of Washington and Central streets, was to be used as a community center for woman's work projects in 1935.]]> <![CDATA[Fairground Racers: Part 2]]> How did Mark Martin, Dean Roper and Rusty Wallace, former Ozark area racers, fare in the 1983 Daytona 500?  Read part 2 of Fairground Racers. ]]> <![CDATA[Fairground Racers: Part 1]]> Former Springfield Fairground Speedway racers meet again at the Daytona 500 in 1983.  That race included Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace and Dean Roper.
]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Caverns]]> Is there a cave under your house?  A 1954 article discusses much of the folklore surrounding Springfield area caves.
]]> <![CDATA[Rusty Wallace, NASCAR Hall of Fame]]> St. Louis, Missouri native Rusty Wallace will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on February 8, 2013.  Before his national success, Wallace was a regular competitor at the Fairgrounds in Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[Bombs 1954]]> In 1954 a boxcar full of military ordnance that had stopped in Springfield caught fire and exploded, sending some unexploded shells into the surrounding neighborhoods.  This article describes the clean up and the fate of the dangerous projectiles.
]]> <![CDATA[Kenny Rogers]]> One of the best known singers in both country and pop music, Kenny Rogers performed a concert in Hammons Student Center on July 19, 1981.]]> <![CDATA[Battle of Springfield ]]> The Battle of Springfield's 150th anniversary programs and exhibits begin Tuesday, January 8, at 6:30 p.m. with the program "Quinine and Courage: Marmaduke's Raid on Springfield" presented by William Piston and John Rutherford.  Click "read more" to see a complete list of programs and exhibits.]]> <![CDATA[Battle of Springfield Events]]> January 8-13, 2013 the Library Center is presenting several events or exhibits relating to the Battle of Springfield.  Here is a brief history of the Battle of Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[Christmas Stockings]]> Mrs. Wade Bradley knitted 77 Christmas stockings to share with friends and family. This 1971 article gives the history of why people hang stockings at Christmas.]]> <![CDATA[Holiday Lights]]> A description of some of the holiday light displays in Springfield in 1967, including the newly annexed Parkcrest addition. ]]> <![CDATA[Lucius Rountree Home]]> Lucius Rountree's landmark home is featured in a 1954 article.  In addition to the history of the house, Luclie Morris Upton also gives a history of the Rountree family, one of Greene County's earliest settlers.]]> <![CDATA[St. John's]]> A sneak peek at the new St. John's Hospital from Bias Magazine, July 15, 1952]]> <![CDATA[Clara Smith Steichen]]> Springfield native Clara Smith Steichen was an eyewitness to World War I.  She and her husband lived in the French countryside when war erupted in the summer of 1914.  ]]> <![CDATA[Over There: Missouri and the Great War ]]> Over There: Missouri and the Great War is a statewide digitization project that will document Missouri's WWI history.  The Project's blog will keep you up-to-date on the progress of the site, "this-day-in-history" items, programs and ways to share your own WWI memorabilia. ]]> <![CDATA[Fold3 History & Genealogy Archives]]> Good news.  The Library now offers Fold3 to genealogy and history researchers.  Fold3 has census records, state records, city directories and historical primary source documents from pre-U.S. Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War and more.]]> <![CDATA[Captain Paul Frey, WWI]]> November 11 marks the ninety-fourth anniversary of the end of World War I.  Commanding Springfield’s own company of troops in France was Captain Paul Frey, Company C, 130th machine gun battalion. ]]> <![CDATA[Halloween Night 1893]]> Mounted Police officers kept Halloween pranks to a minimum in Springfield in 1893.  Aurora, however, was visited by hobgoblins and Brownies who left many obstructions in the form of horse and cow pens built in the streets.]]> <![CDATA[The Stockton Spirit]]> The haunting of a Stockton drug store dram shop is retold in an 1875 Springfield Weekly Advertiser article. ]]> <![CDATA[Buck Nelson, Part 2]]> Last week we left Buck Nelson entering a space ship in Howell County in 1956.  Read on for the conclusion of his adventure. 
]]> <![CDATA[Buck Nelson, Part 1]]> Buck Nelson, of Howell County, recounts his trips to Mars, Venus and the moon.  This 1956 newspaper article also gives messages from space travelers, including Buck's 5th cousin, Bucky.]]> <![CDATA[First Murder]]> The murder of John Roberts by Judge Charles S. Yancey, considered the first murder in Greene County, and the murder of Judge H. C. Christian by Jacob Thompson are taken from histories of Greene County available online. ]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Cracker Factory]]> A fire, believed to have started in an oven, destroyed the Springfield Cracker Factory in 1885.  Firemen were able to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring warehouses.]]> <![CDATA[Charles McAfee]]> A biography of Judge Charles B. McAfee is just one of many biographies that can be found in our digitized collection on line. ]]> <![CDATA[Bolivar, 1851]]> Bolivar, Missouri is described in an 1851 newspaper article, especially the businesses on the square.  This article is from the Southwestern Flag newspaper.  The Local History department has recently acquired a copy of the microfilm.]]> <![CDATA[Drought 1934 and 1936]]> The drought of 1934 is discussed by weatherman C. C. Williford in 1936.  ]]> <![CDATA[Wilson's Creek 1961 Centennial]]> An article about the Wilson's Creek Battlefield 1961 Centennial describes the many exhibits, programs and demonstrations that were available at the battlefield and in Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[Walnut Grove Cannon]]> A fourteen year dispute between the Walnut Grove Community Club and the Greene County Courthouse over a Civil War era cannon was settled in favor of Walnut Grove in 1926.
]]> <![CDATA[Summer of 1954]]> July 14, 1954, the official temperature taken at the Springfield Municipal Airport was 113 degrees.  Weatherman C. C. Williford said "If man, beast and bird can survive the day, they've got it whipped."  
]]> <![CDATA[Music at the Fair]]> Have you been to a concert at the grandstand of the Ozarks Empire Fair?  Five thousand people attended the Alabama concert on a Monday afternoon in 1981.  Eight hundred more stood in line after the concert to meet the band.]]> <![CDATA[Chautauqua Story Hour]]> During the 1910 Springfield Chautauqua, Miss Helen Roberts Perkins, delivers a passionate plea to Springfield to establish a kindergarten in Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[New Hospital]]> A tuberculosis hospital was added to the Greene County Farm in 1926. This hospital was for persons considered incurable. Those not diagnosed as incurable would go to the state sanitarium in Mount Vernon.]]> <![CDATA[Alphabet Mack]]> A biography of Alphabet Mack, the nickname of Judge John W. D. L. F. Mack, one of the early settlers of Greene County.]]> <![CDATA[Secretarial Training ]]> The Springfield Vocational-Technical School began classes for secretarial training in 1963.  The twelve week course included typing, shorthand, business English and record keeping.]]> <![CDATA[1850 High School]]> Apparently the South-West High School in 1850 was so well known that no information about its location or its teachers were given in an article that appeared in the South-Western Flag newspaper.]]> <![CDATA[Fire Department Horses]]> In 1917 the Springfield Fire Department decided to sell their horses in favor of motor hose wagons.]]> <![CDATA[Mark Martin]]> Mark Martin was a frequent competitor at the Fairgrounds Speedway in the late 1970s.]]> <![CDATA[Ely Paxson's Telephone]]> Ely Paxson was installing his own telephone lines between his home and business in 1884.]]> <![CDATA[Bed Bugs]]> The 1850 Springfield South-Western Flag newspaper gives a recommendation for the killing of bed bugs...but not one we would use today!]]> <![CDATA[Early Movie Theaters]]> A look back at the early movie theaters in Springfield by N. J. Cunningham, who was the oldest motion picture operator in 1927.]]> <![CDATA[Arnold Palmer]]> Arnold Palmer smashed the Twin Oaks County Club record in 1963.]]> <![CDATA[Barbershoppers' Chorus]]> Springfield's Barbershoppers' chorus competed in a contest in Washington D. C. in 1954. ]]> <![CDATA[Smith-Glynn-Calloway and Smith Clinic]]> Smith-Glynn-Calloway and Smith Clinic advertised the opening of their new location in 1926.]]> <![CDATA[Archives on the Road]]> If you have been meaning to look at old documents at the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia, Rolla, Kansas City, or St. Louis, wait no longer.  The SHSMO manuscript, book and microfilm collections will be available for use at the Duane G. Meyer Library at MSU.]]> <![CDATA[The Conspirator]]> Join us for a screening of "The Conspirator," rated PG-13, about Mary Surratt, the first woman executed by the U.S. government following her arrest for conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln.  Read T. H. B. Dunnegan's experience in St. Louis after Lincoln's assination. ]]> <![CDATA[Ozark Day Trips]]> <![CDATA[Pickwick Stage Corporation]]> Springfield has a connection to this years Big Read book, Dashiell Hammett’s "Maltese Falcon" through one of its early bus services, the Pickwick Stage Corporation. 
]]> <![CDATA[World War I Program]]> Commemorating the 95th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I, Local History associate Michael Price will discuss life in Springfield during the Great War Monday, April 2, 6:30 p.m. at the Library Station.]]> <![CDATA[Jail Break]]>  A jail break at the Greene County jail in 1883 led locals on a lively race around the downtown area.  The local newspaper editor gave an interesting tongue- in- cheek essay of the events.]]> <![CDATA[Johnny Cash]]> Johnny Cash and the Carter family played at the multipurpose center at Southwest Missouri State University [now known as MSU] in March of 1977.  June Carter and her family lived in Springfield and performed at KWTO in 1949 and 1950.]]> <![CDATA[Shrine Carnival 1923]]> The annual spring Shrine Carnival attracted more than 5,000 persons in 1923. It was located at Clay Avenue and Central Street.]]> <![CDATA[Ghost Trains]]> A reminiscent look back at short line railroads in Southwest Missouri.]]> <![CDATA[1979 Daytona 500]]> The 1979 Daytona 500 remains one of the most famous races in NASCAR history.  Read a short synopsis of the race and find a link to a history of the entire 1979 NASCAR season.]]> <![CDATA[Louis Armstrong at the Shrine Mosque]]> Louis Armstrong played two shows at the Shrine Mosque in 1953.  He and Benny Goodman were touring together that year. Benny Goodman could not make the concert but his orchestra did.]]> <![CDATA[Tourist Camp]]> The Chamber of Commerce was largely instrumental in establishing Springfield’s Free Tourist Camp in the early 1920's.  It was located east of the Historic City Hall.]]> <![CDATA[Campbell's Deed to Springfield]]> John P. Campbell deeded 50 acres to Greene County to start the city of Springfield as the county seat.  Campbell's daughter, Sarah Rush Owen, contended that moving the courthouse off the square would cause the property to revert to the Campbell heirs.  ]]> <![CDATA[New Traffic Signals in 1925]]> Front-page news in 1925 was the new traffic signals in Springfield on the Public Square and at the intersection of St. Louis Street and Jefferson Avenue.  The Chief of Police advised drivers to "keep their heads up and look where they are going".]]> <![CDATA[Snavely Field]]> Springfield was becoming the center of regional airplane travel in 1921 due in part to Snavely Field.  The landing strip was located south of Phelps Grove Park.  This field was later replaced by the McCluer Municipal airport on East Division Street, now known as the Downtown airport.]]> <![CDATA[Websites Worth Knowing]]> A grab bag of regional online research tools for genealogists and historians.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Diary 1960]]> Springfield Diary 1960 -- excerpts from a look back at happenings in Springfield and surrounding areas.]]> <![CDATA[Water Company]]> Springfield City Water Company had a picnic at Valley Lake, now known as Valley Water Mill Park, to show off the "new" extensive landscaping and improvements in 1925.  The intention was to attract tourists and picnic parties.]]> <![CDATA[The Modern Library]]> So many library patrons were interested in the history of the Springfield Public Library that the Republican newspaper printed a brief history of the institution called The Modern Library. 
]]> <![CDATA[Rockbridge Road]]> An article from the Ozarks Mountaineer describes the Rockbridge Road that connected Springfield with Arkansas.]]> <![CDATA[Last House Razed]]> The last of the old houses in the Springfield business district, the area around the square, was torn down in 1938 to add a larger lot to the Herrick Motor Company.  It was located on the south side of College Street and was 60 feet east of Main Street.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Mayors]]> Researchers have requested information about Springfield mayors over the years.  Here is a list of mayors and, if known, their political affiliations.  This photograph is of Sempronius H. Boyd, sixth mayor of Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield Railroad]]> Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield Railroad was absorbed by the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad in 1924.  A short history and future plans for the line appeared in the Springfield Republican.]]> <![CDATA[Veterans Day 1941]]> One of the largest Veterans Day (then Armistice Day) celebrations in Springfield occurred on November 11, 1941.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Library Association 1866]]> A newspaper article from the 1866 Springfield Missouri Patriot gives a description of how the newly opened Springfield Library worked.  
]]> <![CDATA[Roller skating]]> 1951 Roller skating at the Roll Arena.  A Bias magazine article about the "good clean healthful fun" of roller skating, its impact on Springfield and the professional skaters who started at local rinks.
]]> <![CDATA[1944 World Series]]>
The St. Louis Browns faced the St. Louis Cardinals at Sportsman Park in St. Louis in the 1944 World Series.]]> <![CDATA[Old Matt]]> John K. Ross died in Springfield in 1923.  He was often considered to be the person that Harold Bell Wright based his character 'Old Matt' in his book, The Shepard of the Hills.]]> <![CDATA[Alma, Mo. ]]>
The town of Alma in Christian County once promised to be a flourishing lead mining center but ore bearing veins “pinched out” and the camp and town disappeared.
]]> <![CDATA[Water Tower on Glenstone]]> A photograph of the water tower on Glenstone Avenue taken during construction was published by Bias magazine in 1951.]]> <![CDATA[Buffalo Bill Cody]]> Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show came to Springfield in October of 1900.  It took fifty train cars to haul the tents, seats, horses, wagons, cooking outfits, teamsters and helpers.  A parade from the train station down Boonville Avenue entertained everyone.   ]]> <![CDATA[Betty from Springfield]]> A photoplay, titled 'Betty from Springfield', featuring local Springfield people and views was shown by the Kiwanis Club in 1922 at the Princess Theater on Commercial Street.  Three hundred people attended.
]]> <![CDATA[Sequiota Fish Hatchery]]> An announcement of the building of the Sequiota Fish Hatchery appears in the Springfield Leader in 1920.  Sequiota Park later became a destination stop on the Chadwick Branch of Frisco Railroad.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield's Progress in 1909]]> A patron found this article, "Springfield's Progress in 1909", listing the progress of businesses and public works in the Springfield Republican.  Newspapers often made reports of this type to attract new businesses to the area.]]> <![CDATA[Harry D. Durst]]> Bias magazine published an in-depth biography of this Springfield mayor, Spanish-American War veteran, lawyer and grocer in 1951.]]> <![CDATA[Edwards Cabin, Wilson's Creek Battlefield]]> A log cabin, donated in 1973, is used to mark the location of Sterling Price’s headquarters, located near the base of “Bloody Hill" at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.]]> <![CDATA[Lyon's Headquarters]]> General Lyon's headquarters was located in a home owned by John S. Phelps on College Street just west of Main Avenue.  This recent  photo shows the location formerly occupied by Lyon. ]]> <![CDATA[Old Landmarks on the Public Square]]> This 1883 newspaper article talks about the old frame buildings on the southeast corner of the Public Square as they were being torn down and who built them and what they were used for.
]]> <![CDATA[Parkview Concert Band Record]]> The Parkview concert band recorded an album to raise money to travel to the New York World's Fair in 1964-1965.  The 1965 Parkview Viking Log yearbook states, "At the request of Governor Warren E. Hearnes, the band will represent its school and state at the New York World's Fair on Missouri Day".]]> <![CDATA[Old Normal School Torn Down in 1916]]>   The old Normal school was torn down in 1916.  It was estimated that well over a million bricks were used to build the structure.  This interesting news article about why it was torn down was found by one of our patrons.]]> <![CDATA[A Wreck on Route 66]]> A wreck near the Rail Haven Motor Court in 1952 as reported in Bias magazine.  The wreck occured in the intersection of St. Louis and Glenstone and "by a miracle no body was killed".]]> <![CDATA[Franz Sigel in Springfield]]> Early Civil War events in Missouri occurred far from the Ozarks, but the turbulent times soon engulfed the relatively quiet Springfield region.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Union Stockyard 1951]]> Springfield Union Stockyards had to expand in the 1950's.  Livestock trading was so brisk that on one day, 3,700 cattle and 1,400 calves were handled and the "hog house" had to be expanded by 10,000 square feet. ]]> <![CDATA[Marvel Cave]]>   In 1921 the Springfield Leader published that a Branson drug store owner had found a new lake in Marvel Cave, an Ozarks attraction for many years.  Several Springfield men went to explore the new lake and were disappointed due to their lack of equipment but left a wonderful description of the journey.]]> <![CDATA[Oronogo Tornado 1883]]> Joplin and Carthage went to the aid of Oronogo, Mo. after the town was hit by a tornado in May 1883.]]> <![CDATA[Memorial Day 1933]]> The Memorial Day observances of 1933 are given in the Springfield News & Leader.  In addition to ceremonies at the National Cemetery in Springfield many churches and organizations were having services or ceremonies in Greene County and surrounding communities. ]]> <![CDATA[1911 Indianapolis 500]]> Ray Harroun earned a place in racing history on May 30, 1911, when he won the first Indianapolis 500, making front page news of the Springfield Republican Newspaper. ]]> <![CDATA[Biography of Edward Martin Shepard]]> A historical sketch of Edward Martin Shepard from the Drury College Bulletin, June 1934.  Dr. Shepard, a teacher at Drury College, had died April 28, 1934.  Dr. Shepard was instrumental in establishing the Springfield public library.
]]> <![CDATA[Children's Home]]> The Springfield Children's Home was nearly ready for occupancy in February of 1912, but 20 inches of snow delayed the finishing touches.]]> <![CDATA[The Lyon Monument Association]]> The Lyon Monument Association held a meeting in 1865 to raise money by subscription to erect a monument to General Nathaniel Lyon on the Wilson's Creek battlefield.]]> <![CDATA[Baldwin Theater]]> After the Baldwin Theater burned, its corner stones were used as gateposts in the fence of the Will McDaniel farm on South Campbell.]]> <![CDATA[First Congregational Church ]]> The First Congregational Church, which began in 1868-69, was the focus of a Bias magazine article in 1952 after the church burned.  It tells the history of the church in photographs.]]> <![CDATA[Jesse James Spared Him]]> An account of a brush with the notorious Jesse James while he was contemplating the robbery of the Granby Mining Company, reprinted in the Christian County Republican in 1899.]]> <![CDATA[Preston Mill]]> The razing of an old mill at Preston in 1968, long a landmark in the community, inspired a nostalgic comment by a member of a pioneer Hickory County family.
]]> <![CDATA[Red Foley]]> Red Foley came to Springfield in 1954 to try to establish Springfield as the capital of the hillbilly music world.]]> <![CDATA[Creator of "Hall's Index" Passes]]> <![CDATA[Wild Bill Hickok]]> Reminiscences about Wild Bill Hickok from a resident that knew him while he lived in Springfield.
]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Timeline]]> A reproduction of a Springfield timeline by Edward M. Shepard that appears to be a working copy for an article Dr. Shepard had published in the Missouri Historical Review in October 1929.  Many issues of the Missouri Historical Review are now available on line.]]> <![CDATA[Civil War Pension]]> In 1889, eyebrows are raised when a member of the pension examining board is given a pension for wounds received during the Civil War.]]> <![CDATA[Jamie McMurray]]> The history of auto racing is full of exciting finishes and surprise winners. Few are more compelling than Jamie McMurray’s victory in the 2010 Daytona 500. A native of Joplin, Missouri, he was a regular competitor at I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri, in the late 1990s.]]> <![CDATA[Louis Houck]]> Louis Houck, a railroad pioneer in Southeast Missouri, was also a noted historian.  This map shows what he believed to be early Native American trails and warpaths throughout the state of Missouri, including the Virginia Warriors Path and the Osage Trace that ran through Greene County.]]> <![CDATA[1912 Snow]]> The Springfield Leader reports on the snow that was the "deepest in history of city".  Stranded street cars and snow and ice falling from buildings were major concerns.
]]> <![CDATA[Cow in Court]]> Cow in court...well not exactly. The cow was missing after being sold, mortgaged, sold again, returned to the original owner and generally being looked for by a number of people, including the court. Presumably she was laying low.]]> <![CDATA[Larry Phillips]]> Ozarks racing legend Larry Phillips won hundreds of races in a forty year career. Phillips is the only five time national short track champion and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. A biography of Larry Phillips will be released this month.]]> <![CDATA[Girl Scout Cookies]]> Girl Scout and Brownies cookie sales are covered in a 1952 Bias magazine article.  Money raised was used for the girls' summer camping program, with special emphasis on acquiring a camp site near Springfield. 
]]> <![CDATA[Library Preserves Papers]]> After a fire at the News-Leader in 1947 the Springfield Public Library took steps to insure that the only existing consecutive files of the newspapers were not at risk.]]> <![CDATA[Book your New Year]]> Still trying to think of the perfect New Year's resolution?  Why not join the Library Center's Civil War Book Discussion group.  The group will meet January 24, 2011 to discuss Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.]]> <![CDATA[Lines Music Fire 1951]]> A photograph of a fire that threatened the Colonial Hotel and virtually destroyed the building at McDaniel and Jefferson Streets in 1951.  The building housed the Pineboard Drug Store and Lines Music Company.]]> <![CDATA[County Poor Farm]]> The county poor farm, also known as the Alms House, was sold in 1890 and moved to a location West of Springfield.]]> <![CDATA[A Frisco Christmas]]> The Frisco Railroad's Christmas gift to their customers in 1889/1890 was half price excursion rates with the minimum rate of fifty cents!]]> <![CDATA[Springfield's Flag]]> Springfield's first flag was hand stiched by Mrs. Phoebe Hensley, secretary of the Commercial club in 1938.]]> <![CDATA[1918 Chicken Ordinances]]> In 1918 the Springfield police department instituted a campaign against chicken owners who allowed their fowls to run at large.]]> <![CDATA[Spanish Mystery Stone]]> Many families have lived on portions of the Wilson’s Creek battlefield through the decades.  Perhaps no individual has been more interesting than Dick “Dixie” O’Connor, who bought a farm near “Bloody Hill” in 1950 and created the Spanish mystery stone.]]> <![CDATA[Pioneer Life of 1833, Part 2]]> The second part of an article written by John H. Miller and reprinted in the Springfield Farm Club News, January 5, 1933.]]> <![CDATA[Pioneer Life of 1833, Part 1]]>  Pioneer Life of 1833 was written by John H. Miller in the late 1800's and was republished in 1933 in the Farm Club News. Early manufacturers and businessmen, vigilante justice, the jail on Boonville and more are described in this first part. The second half of the article will be published next week.
]]> <![CDATA[Star Shower]]> The 1833 Star Shower and its effect on Greene county residents is recounted in the History of Greene County, Missouri 1883.  The star shower, or meteor storm, was an unusual display of the annual Leonid Meteor shower.]]> <![CDATA[Dickerson Park Zoo]]> History and early descriptions of the property that would become the Dickerson Park Zoo.]]> <![CDATA[Missouri's Own World Series]]> The 2010 World Series begins on Wednesday, October 27 when the Texas Rangers meet the San Francisco Giants.  That date also marks the 25th anniversary of Game 7 in Missouri’s "I-70 Series" between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals. ]]> <![CDATA[Hallowee'en 1909]]> The Springfield Republican claimed that "Evil Spirits" were stalking Springfield and Greene County.]]> <![CDATA[Winoka Lodge]]> Winoka Lodge...summer home or murder scene?  Rumors persist that this property is haunted by the spirits of Girl Scouts that were murdered here.  Research tells a different story.]]> <![CDATA[Wolf Man]]> Mrs. Speakman, widow of a Mr. Speakman of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, alleged in her pension application that her late husband received an injury in the [Civil War] service that brought on mental delusions of a peculiar kind...he thought he was a wolf.]]> <![CDATA[Buried treasure]]> Interesting discovery on the farm of J. M. Greer in 1899.]]> <![CDATA[Tex Cobb]]> Noted boxer and actor, Randall “Tex” Cobb, competed in two boxing matches in Springfield. His first appearance was against Frank “Gator” Williams at the Shrine Mosque on March 21, 1987.]]> <![CDATA[Historical Telephone Numbers]]> Should you find an old Springfield document or a newspaper in the attic that has no dates but does include a phone number, this week's blog entry may help you narrow down the years that it was created.
]]> <![CDATA[The Camp Sweeny General Orders, Rolla, 1861]]> The Camp Sweeny Spy, published in Rolla, Mo. in 1861, gives great insight into the daily life of a Civil War camp.  This publication was issued by Company K and D of the Third Regiment, U.S. Reserve Corps of Missouri.]]> <![CDATA[George Brett]]> George Brett visited Springfield and signed autographs in 1984.  One of the most accomplished players in baseball history, George Brett played for the Kansas City Royals from 1973-1993. ]]> <![CDATA[Queen City]]> The Queen City of the Ozarks is the nickname for Springfield.  However, when it was crowned with this name is shrouded in the mists of time.  Springfield is not the only Queen City in the United States.]]> <![CDATA[Coat of Arms]]> Looking for your family's coat of arms?  It may not be as easy as you think.  Here is more information and links to heraldry websites.]]> <![CDATA[Doling Park 1906]]> Doling Park 1906 - A newspaper article that describes the many improvements to the park, how the fish hatchery works, the trials of finding the perfect theater troop to play the summer season and how the "irresponsible hoodlums" are being kept out.  ]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Fair 1858]]> Did you win a prize at the Springfield fair this year?  We found a newspaper article that describes some of the prizes available at the third annual Southwest Agricultural Society Fair in 1858 and a brief description of the upcoming fair in Bolivar in 1859.]]> <![CDATA[Bloody Hill]]> The 149th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek will be observed on August 10, 2010 at the Wilson's Creek  National Battlefield.  Here is an article about the acquisition of the land by the National Park Service from the Wilson's Creek Battlefield Foundation.]]> <![CDATA[Iron Mountain Railroad]]> To give you an idea of early travel connections, we are reprinting an advertisement from the Missouri State Gazetteer, 1860, that gives arrival and departure times for the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad and the stagecoach connections you could make to points in the Southwest.
]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Area Baseball Teams]]> A list of historic Springfield area teams and a colorful account of a game between the Springfield club and the Ozark Invincibles in 1900.]]> <![CDATA[Fred Wines, Part 2]]> In a letter in the Missouri Weekly Patriot, Reverend Wines proposes to leave the books and money he has collected to Springfield for the establishment of a library and a Library Association.  An article in the Missouri Patriot reports on it's progress the next year.]]> <![CDATA[Fred Wines Part 1]]> One of the most prominent men in Springfield, Missouri during the Civil War was Reverend Frederick H. Wines. ]]> <![CDATA[Fourth of July 1887]]> The Springfield Republican printed various articles about the Fourth of July celebration, including a description of the fireworks display in the square and who was hurt at other demonstrations.]]> <![CDATA[California Emigration]]> Emigration from Southwest Missouri to California was reported in the Osceola Independent and reprinted in the Springfield Mirror newspaper in 1856.]]> <![CDATA[Southwest Missouri State University Pool in 1952]]> It wasn't as crowded as the public pools, but the Southwest Missouri State University pool was busy enough in the summer of 1952.]]> <![CDATA[Fellows Lake]]> Fellows Lake is one of two lakes that supply Springfield with water.  Find more Information about Fellows Lake from this booklet published by the Springfield City Water Company [now a part of City Utilities]. ]]> <![CDATA[George Foreman]]> When George Foreman fought in Springfield in 1987 he was beginning a career comeback that would lead him to a world championship in 1994.]]> <![CDATA[Bill Holland]]> Bill Holland, winner of the 1949 Indianapolis 500, won a sprint car race at the Springfield fairgrounds in 1959.]]> <![CDATA[Nelson Mill]]> Nelson Mill, owned by John 'Peg Leg' Nelson, was a large water mill on the James River just over the Greene County line.  Built sometime before the Civil War, it was destroyed by fire around 1910.]]> <![CDATA[The Chadwick Line]]> The closing of the railroad line to Chadwick, Mo., in 1933 gives rise to memories of the first sight of a steam engine and the mysteries of the telegraph.
]]> <![CDATA[Tiny Town]]> What do you do when home sales are slow?  Have a home show.  In 1919 and again in 1925 Springfield builders offered prize money to local school children for the best scale model homes they could build.  Contractors, material suppliers and home furnishing companies set up booths around Tiny Town to encourage sales. ]]> <![CDATA[Harry Truman Visits Springfield in 1952]]> Harry Truman Day is May 7 this year.  An article in "Bias" magazine describes Harry Truman's visit to Springfield in 1952 for the 35th Division reunion at the Shrine Mosque.  Truman served in the 35th Division during World War I.]]> <![CDATA[Razing of the Old Elms Hotel]]> Take a look at former homes on St. Louis Street before the razing of the old Elms Hotel in 1954.  In the late 1800's the property was the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Rathbone, a descendent of Thomas Keet.]]> <![CDATA[1910 Springfield Chautauqua]]> April 22-25 the Library is having a Chautauqua. To get an idea of what Chautauqua's were, read this article about one day of events in 1910.]]> <![CDATA[Will Rogers]]> In 1924, Will Rogers stopped briefly in Springfield on his way to Oklahoma to visit relatives.  This month, Will Rogers will again stop in Springfield as Doug Watson portrays Will Rogers at the Library chautauqua. ]]> <![CDATA[Last run of the Frisco High Line ]]> Last run of the Frisco High Line railroad.  A look back at passenger service to Clinton and Kansas City in 1954, just before the service was closed down.]]> <![CDATA[Caves and Hobos]]> Caves along the banks of  the White River were utilized by hobos as "hotels", according to a 1917 article in the "Springfield Republican".
]]> <![CDATA[Two Important Pioneer Roads]]> Two important early roads in the Ozarks, the Wilderness and Pioneer roads, are described in a 1960 article from the Ozarks Mountaineer.]]> <![CDATA[Boy Scout Indian Dance]]> This year marks the 100th anniversery in the United States for Boy Scouts of America.  In 1952 local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts banded together to form an Indian dance troupe.]]> <![CDATA[Frisco Bananas]]> Back when bananas were big business, the Frisco railroad would speed them and other produce to their destinations in record time.  Find out how carefully the bananas were packed and shipped from the Gulf coast.]]> <![CDATA[1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry]]> 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was one of the earliest African-American regiments organized during the American Civil War.  Five hundred slaves liberated from Missouri formed its core.]]> <![CDATA['Black Families of the Ozarks']]> "Black Families of the Ozarks", a compilation of materials documenting the long history of black families in the Ozarks, is now available online. 
]]> <![CDATA[Exemption in the Civil War]]> A newspaper's tongue-in-cheek advice on how to get out of war service in 1862.  Wonder if it worked?]]> <![CDATA[The Pythian Home of Missouri]]> The Pythian Home of Missouri, an article found by one of our patrons, describes the future Pythian Castle, whose contract was awarded to a Bethany, Mo. company in 1911.]]> <![CDATA[Bridges of Greene County]]> Who used to decide on the safety of bridges in Greene County?  In 1914, county court judges and surveyors inspected several bridges for needed repairs and replacements.  A link to a historic bridge database will let you look up bridge information.]]> <![CDATA[Auto Polo 1933]]> In 1933 an Auto Polo fund raiser for the American Legion promises crashes, overturns, spills and collisions at State Teacher College, now known as MSU.  Auto polo followed the general rules for pony polo, using stripped down Model A Fords.]]> <![CDATA[Harry Young and Ollie Crosswhite]]> Harry Young and Ollie Crosswhite had encounters in 1926, six years before the Young brothers massacre in January of 1932.  In that shootout, six police officers were killed.]]> <![CDATA[Book Boss]]> Springfield got a new head librarian in 1952.  Vivian Maddox gave an interview to the Bias magazine about her family, her schooling, her accomplishments and some plans for the Springfield library.]]> <![CDATA[Swearing Off]]> "Swearing off" or making New Years Resolutions is discussed in the Springfield Express and the New Orleans Bee newspapers.  Apparently, keeping resolutions has always been difficult.]]> <![CDATA[A Christmas Tree Talk]]> An example of shape or concrete poetry in newspapers.  These seemed especially popular near Christmas time.  This one is adorned with exclamation marks for candles.]]> <![CDATA[Springfield Christmas Parade 1952]]> Springfield Christmas parade 1952, photographed for Bias magazine.  Instead of the usual pictures of floats, they decided to photograph the crowd instead.]]> <![CDATA[283rd Field Artillery battalion, US Army Reserve]]> 283rd Field Artillery battalion, US Army Reserve in 1952]]> <![CDATA[Steamboats on the White River and the Osage River]]> Steamboats made the news in Springfield newspapers- The steamboat Lucy Wing on the White River in 1847 and a new steamboat was launched at Osceola on the Osage River in 1890.]]> <![CDATA[Secrets of a Turkey Grower]]> "It sure is a relief when you get that Thanksgiving crop on the market." Secrets of a turkey grower are revealed in a 1951 article about Bill Barrett's turkey raising operation near Springfield. ]]> <![CDATA[Amelia Earhart, Part 2]]> When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, it was remembered that her father briefly lived in Springfield, while working for the Frisco.]]> <![CDATA[Amelia Earhart, Part I]]> Amelia Earhart visits Springfield, Mo. in 1931 in an experimental autogiro.  One year later, she was given the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for her non-stop solo transatlantic flight.]]> <![CDATA[Haunting of an Ex-Moonshiner, Part 2]]> In 1959, Gerald H. Pipes interviewed Newt and Alice Bruffett.  This extensive news article has been divided into two parts.  Part 2 covers Newt's moonshining career. ]]> <![CDATA[Haunting of an Ex-Moonshiner, Part 1]]> In 1959, Gerald H. Pipes interviewed Newt and Alice Bruffett.  This extensive news article has been divided into two parts.  Part 1covers Newt and Alice's scary encounters with haunted houses.]]> <![CDATA[Ghosts in the House]]> A chilling tale of a haunting in the Cassville, Mo. area and what a witch doctor recommended.
]]> <![CDATA[The Legend of Springlawn Farm]]> Springlawn Farm, usually called the Albino Farm by thrill seekers, has been the center of many legends.]]> <![CDATA[Dr. William K. Hall]]> Dr. William K. Hall has been indexing the Springfield newspapers for many years.  The result is an invaluable tool for genealogists and researchers.]]> <![CDATA[The Old City Cemetery]]> The Springfield Old City Cemetery near Campbell and State Streets was relocated in the 1800's...or was it?  ]]> <![CDATA[Charivari]]> Charivari or Shivaree were a loud and noisy way to welcome young newlyweds to their home.  Enough noise was generated to have laws restricting "chivarees" in the Springfield city limits.]]> <![CDATA[Old Central High School]]> The old Central High School building at Jefferson and Olive streets was razed in 1910 to make way for the Frisco office building.]]> <![CDATA[Early Description of Springfield, Mo.]]> An unflattering account of Springfield, Mo. in 1835 and how the locals got even with greenhorns. ]]> <![CDATA[The Ray House]]> One of the most prominent attractions at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is the Ray House, a silent witness to the bloody battle there on August 10, 1861.]]> <![CDATA[Frank James at the Fair]]> Frank James fires shots; causes stampede and escapes from Greene County jail.  An interview in 1898 at the Fair.  ]]> <![CDATA[Floating on Ozarks Rivers]]> Books and websites that can help you prepare for floating down the beautiful streams and rivers in Missouri and Arkansas
]]> <![CDATA[Gravestone Preservation Workshop]]> Knox County, TennesseeSaturday, July 25, 2009.  Jon Appell, gravestone conservator, will conduct a gravestone preservation workshop at the historic Squibb Cemetery.]]> <![CDATA[Antique Ordinances]]> The Library Center has a copy of the Springfield, Mo., 1887 City Ordinances that regulate the shooting of firecrackers and disposal of melon rinds and other fruit.]]> <![CDATA[What You Can Find in the Local History Department]]> If you are planning a trip to Springfield, Missouri, this article will give you an outline of materials available at the Local History and Genealogy department at the Library Center.]]> <![CDATA[Ghosts on the trolley]]> Ghosts on the trolley lines in 1892.  What started as an editorial against tellers of ghosts stories seems to have sold papers because two more grisly tales followed soon after.]]> <![CDATA[Family Pets in 1901]]> The importance of family pets in the early 1900’s is illustrated in an obituary of the Dameron family’s pet horse.]]> <![CDATA[Gospel for Bloomer Girls]]> Alternative religious services for bicyclists proposed in St. Louis’ Forest Park area in 1897.]]> <![CDATA[Walking…the thing to do since 1862]]> The healthful benefits of exercise is nothing new as seen in this newspaper article titled “Walking” from The Morning Herald, St. Joseph, Missouri, July 4, 1862, page 1
]]> <![CDATA[Workin' on the railroad]]> A newspaper article about the Hall family of the Frisco Railroad could inspire you to search for your family members.]]> <![CDATA[UFO’s in the 1800’s]]> Were they balloons, experimental zeppelins, political forums, newspaper hoaxes or people from Mars?]]> <![CDATA[A Look at Both Sides of the Civil War]]> A review of A History of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas: Being an Account of the Early Settlements, the Civil War, the Ku-Klux, and Times of Peace by William Monks, and the Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand: The Renowned Missouri Bushwhacker.]]> <![CDATA[How many Springfields?]]> <![CDATA[Daniel Boone and his son Nathan Boone]]> Hunters, trappers, surveyors, road builders, businessmen and much more the Boone family played vital roles in the pioneering of the American frontier.]]> <![CDATA[The Baker Observatory in Webster County, Mo.]]> Friday, April 3, 2009 the Baker Observatory is open to the public for NASA Observing night.]]> <![CDATA[Tracing your Civil War Ancestor, Part 2]]> We compiled a list of web sites you may find useful for researching your Civil War ancestor. The list includes general sites, sites for individual states and a few sites that require payment to access.]]> <![CDATA[Shipping Parcel Post in 1918]]> In the good old days you could ship anything, any size, by parcel post from chickens to children.  Fortunately, shipping children didn't catch on.  The Springfield Republican reports one of the early deliveries by the new motor trucks in 1918.

]]> <![CDATA[Flax]]> Cotton was scarce in Missouri during the Civil War. 
This newspaper article offers an alternative to cotton
for the Missouri farmer.]]> <![CDATA[Auto Racing in the Ozarks]]> Racing season has begun.  Gear up by taking a look back at some famous drivers that visited Springfield, Mo. at the Fairgrounds Speedway. ]]> <![CDATA[Desegregation of the Springfield-Greene County Library]]> This desegregation milestone occurred in Springfield fully seventeen years before the passage of The Civil Rights Act of 1964. ]]> <![CDATA[Don't Do It Girls]]>

An 1860 era etiquette lesson from a Virginia newspaper reminding girls and ladies who should and, more importantly, who should not be the recipients of their photographic likenesses.

]]> <![CDATA[Land of Lincoln]]> February 12, 2009, marks the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.  To commemorate the anniversary, publishers are releasing a greater than normal amount of books about our 16th President.  One of the best new titles is Land of Lincoln:  Adventures in Abe’s America by Andrew Ferguson. ]]> <![CDATA[The ice storm of 1924 and the big sleet of 1848.]]> from USAsearch.govThe ice storms of 1924 and 1848 are reminiscent of the 2007 and 2009 ice storms.  Newspaper microfilm, available at the Library Center, and The History of Greene County Missouri, available online, give insight to how our ancestors dealt with severe weather.

]]> <![CDATA[A Texas County Missouri Love Story]]> Springfield Missouri Leader , November 24, 1925, page 1.
Names of Towns in Texas County Suggest Romance.  An enterprising newspaper reporter used many of the unusual town names in Texas County to create a rather odd romance.]]> <![CDATA[Air Fare Costs in 1930]]> Springfield Municipal airport manager announces reduced air fare prices in this article from the Springfield, Missouri Press.]]> <![CDATA[The Ice Crop]]>
"Farming" in the dead of winter could bring a nice profit in the summer months of 1888 according to an article from the Springfield, Mo. Herald.]]> <![CDATA[Medal of Honor Recipients]]>
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States Government. Several local soldiers have received the honor.]]> <![CDATA[Silas Turnbo Manuscripts]]>
From Big Chief tablets to the World Wide Web: Stories of wild animals, families, civil war and other realities of the lives of Ozarks pioneers can be found online.]]> <![CDATA[Young Brothers Massacre]]>
The most lawmen killed in one day before 9/11 is the subtitle to the Bruce Davis book, We’re Dead, Come On In. January marks the anniversary of what came to be known as the Young Brothers Massacre.]]>