Renumbering the Streets
The 1941 annual tax assessment renewed the interest in renaming and renumbering Springfield streets to reduce inconsistencies.
Local History - Articles
Wizard of Oto
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Omar Palmer, sometimes called the Wizard of Oto, was a healer, perhaps a doctor, who moved to the Ozarks for his health. He ended up helping and healing in the Oto, Mo. community.
Lights in Buffalo, Mo.
Illuminating idea: Buffalo, Mo. residents vote on electrifying the city, 1911.
William Weaver
The obituary of William Weaver, an early pioneer of Greene County, recounts his full life.
Heavy rain falls downtown
Springfield's unusual rain patterns are described in this 1927 news article.
Toe and Bump Fishing
In 1919, Senator [Solomon E.] Bronson explained toe fishing and bump fishing to his fellow senators as they debated a fish and game bill.
Local History Newsletter
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If you would like to receive a new quarterly e-newsletter, History Footnotes, which will include upcoming events, event recaps, new collections, donations received and local history book release information, click here.
Black Culture Week 1981
Rufus Walker, Vance Jenkins, and David Hutchinson share a laugh at a dinner in honor of Black Culture Week in 1981.
Spiritualist Camp Meeting
Springfield hosted a two week spiritualist camp meeting in 1919. One of the 'stars' of the show was the well known professional medium, Cora Richmond.
Fireworks permits
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A permit and the supervision of a city fireman and policeman were required to shoot fireworks in 1931.
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GLO Center opening
The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks, GLO, opened in 1996. The center, on Commercial Street, was to be a place for gay men, lesbians, and their friends and families to gather for social activities and support.
The Bank of Billings
A short history of the Bank of Billings was given by John K. Hulston in 1989.
Dial phones comes to Springfield
Southwestern Bell Telephone and Springfield newspapers announce the switch from manually operated systems to dial telephones in 1949.
Marblehead Quarry
A rock quarry on National was purchased by the city and turned into a city dump in 1918. This dump was later filled in and became the Commons at Jordan Valley.
The Delaware Spirit
Have you heard the Native American ghost stories centered on the James River? This 1916 newspaper article tells the legend of Red Fox, a Delaware Nation man, and why he may still be seen at his campsite near the Delaware Ford.
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