Table Rock Treasure
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Is there buried treasure under Table Rock Lake? One of several legends is recounted in this News-Leader article from 1958.
Local History - Articles
Ash Grove Fire 1894
Ash Grove's Main Street and surrounding areas were swept by fire in 1894. This detailed account lists the business' and homes burned.
Hoosgow on wheels
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Road gangs of the past were manned by inmates of the Greene County Jail. Prisoners were transported to work areas in a portable "hoosgow". This article from 1920 describes how the vehicle was used.
Ancestry from home
For a limited time, Ancestry Library Edition, is available to you at home. Use this handy guide to start researching your genealogy using this popular online resource.
Online sources for Local History and Genealogy
Missing your research time at the library? Try some of the online databases and collections available at home.
Phoebe Couzins
Phoebe Couzins spoke for women's rights in Springfield on May 2, 1870. The following year she would become one of the earliest female law graduates in the United States.
Explore Historical Images
FamilySearch’s new website interface makes finding your family's records easier.
Carrie Nation's notebooks
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Carol Erwin of Reeds Spring recalls her experience when Carrie A. Nation visited her family.
Tinymites Party
Three thousand children attended a Tinymite party at the Gillioz Theater in 1928. The event included a trio of local ukulele musicians.
Pension Vouchers
If an ancestor received a pension payment in the early part of the 1900’s they were required to have a notary public sign a voucher that was then sent to a payment agent. Pension Payment cards, 1907-1933, are available online.
A plan for unemployed boys
Despite city ordinances against letting cows roam, downtown Springfield had "an army" of cows roaming South Jefferson, Elm and Cherry Streets.
Jimmie Driftwood
Jimmie Driftwood, widely known folklorist and singer, visited May Kennedy McCord in 1958 at her Springfield home. Lucile Morris Upton recorded some of his history in a long article for the News-Leader.
Municipal Christmas Tree 1923
The Springfield Traction Company donated 4,000 round-trip streetcar fares so that Springfield school children could attend the municipal Christmas tree celebration.
Racing
The Fairgrounds Speedway hosted one of the most unique races ever held at the historic speedway in 1958.
World War I Veterans Fundraiser
In order to raise money for disabled soldiers from the First World War, several Springfield groups sold "tags" for people to wear.
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