Springfield-Greene County Local History

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fred Wines Part 1

One of the most prominent men in Springfield, Missouri during the Civil War was Reverend Frederick H. Wines.

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.

California Emigration

Emigration from Southwest Missouri to California was reported in the Osceola Independent and reprinted in the Springfield Mirror newspaper in 1856.

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.

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].

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.

Bill Holland

Bill Holland, winner of the 1949 Indianapolis 500, won a sprint car race at the Springfield fairgrounds in 1959.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

283rd Field Artillery battalion, US Army Reserve

283rd Field Artillery battalion, US Army Reserve in 1952

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ghosts in the House

A chilling tale of a haunting in the Cassville, Mo. area and what a witch doctor recommended.

The Legend of Springlawn Farm

Springlawn Farm, usually called the Albino Farm by thrill seekers, has been the center of many legends.

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.

The Old City Cemetery

The Springfield Old City Cemetery near Campbell and State Streets was relocated in the 1800's...or was it?

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.

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.

Early Description of Springfield, Mo.

An unflattering account of Springfield, Mo. in 1835 and how the locals got even with greenhorns.

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.

Frank James at the Fair

Frank James fires shots; causes stampede and escapes from Greene County jail. An interview in 1898 at the Fair.

Floating on Ozarks Rivers

Books and websites that can help you prepare for floating down the beautiful streams and rivers in Missouri and Arkansas

Gravestone Preservation Workshop

Saturday, July 25, 2009. Jon Appell, gravestone conservator, will conduct a gravestone preservation workshop at the historic Squibb Cemetery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gospel for Bloomer Girls

Alternative religious services for bicyclists proposed in St. Louis’ Forest Park area in 1897.

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

Workin' on the railroad

A newspaper article about the Hall family of the Frisco Railroad could inspire you to search for your family members.

UFO�s in the 1800�s

Were they balloons, experimental zeppelins, political forums, newspaper hoaxes or people from Mars?

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.

How many Springfields?

Springfield is a popular name in the United States. There are at least 34 towns and cities that share this name.

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.

The Baker Observatory in Webster County, Mo.

Friday, April 3, 2009 the Baker Observatory is open to the public for NASA Observing night.

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.

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.

Flax

Cotton was scarce in Missouri during the Civil War.
This newspaper article offers an alternative to cotton
for the Missouri farmer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ice storm of 1924 and the big sleet of 1848.

The 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.

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.

Air Fare Costs in 1930

Springfield Municipal airport manager announces reduced air fare prices in this article from the Springfield, Missouri Press.

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.

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.

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.

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.