The Great Cobra Scare and Small Business Resource Fair Sept. 25 at the Library Center
Today, The Great Cobra Scare of 1953 reads like a Keystone Cops adventure. When some 10 cobras were mysteriously released from their crate outside a Springfield pet shop, entire neighborhoods were on edge, police organized a snake-wrangling posse, and the health director rumbled through the city in a truck blaring “snake-charming music.”
Cobras were found underfoot, under houses; discovered by children and cornered by the family pet. No one was injured, but 10 cobras ultimately met their demise at the hands of hoe- and rock-wielding citizens – and one died in captivity at the zoo.
The Great Cobra Scare of ’53 made international news, and their mysterious escape remained a mystery for decades.
If you want the real story from Springfield’s lighter side of history, come to the Library Center auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, when Brian Grubbs, Local History & Genealogy Department manager, presents The Great Cobra Scare of ’53.
While you’re there, check out the Great Cobra Scare of ’53 exhibit created by staff and on display in the Local History Department.
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The library is a go-to place for many entrepreneurs and dreamers to research their new business ideas, funding and potential competition.
So it’s natural that the library has partnered with the Small Business Majority to host the Small Business Resource Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Library Center. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event is free but registration is required; call 616-0706.
Learn about local resources and services available to help you start, operate and expand your business. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the start-up phase or a small business in growth mode, the event will offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
From 9 a.m.-noon, attend short presentations in the auditorium by local business support agencies for information on low-cost/no-cost resources available to you and your business. Sessions include financial literacy, credit building, microloan programs, angel investing, rural programs and grants, and business assistance. From noon-2 p.m., network and visit one-on-one with support agencies in the Library Center concourse.
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