The Library

World War I Veterans Fundraiser

Published November 8, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

In order to raise money for disabled soldiers from the First World War, several Springfield groups sold "tags" for people to wear. 

State Normal School Halloween 1909

Published October 29, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

The State Normal School, which would later become MSU, gave a Halloween party that was attended by three hundred people in 1909.

Local History and Genealogy Department's new look

Published October 24, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

The Local History and Genealogy Department has new carpet and a new layout!

Blue man of Spring Creek

Published October 13, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

If you have seen a giant of a man covered in hair so black that it looks blue, you are not the first. A 1924 newspaper article gives the account of the Blue Man who had been spotted off and on in Douglas County for sixty years.

Willa Stewart

Published September 26, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

Willa Stewart, a Springfield native, performed for many opera companies in London, Rome, Vienna, New York and Chicago, and often performed concerts in Springfield.

Ozarks Genealogical Society (OGS)

Published September 3, 2019

Bookmobile 1954

Published August 23, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

The Bookmobile in 1954 made many stops to keep children and adults supplied with books during the summer months.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Published July 31, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

A short introduction to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Harry Blackstone

Published July 12, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

Harry Blackstone, master magician, entertained guests at the Colonial Hotel while waiting for his car to be repaired. He and his wife had a minor car accident on their way to Texas. They were then on to Hollywood to make a movie.

Spanish War Veterans Observe Flag Day

Published June 7, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

The United Spanish War Veterans, Ozark Camp No. 9, urged all Spanish-American War Veterans to display the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day, 1908.

1880 Census

Published May 17, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

Newspaper articles give interesting background on the 1880 Federal Census; including the amount of pay enumerators received.

FAA building

Published May 3, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

Hank Billings, author, and Betty Love, photographer, give a behind the scene glimpse of the Springfield Airport in 1961. 
 

The Green Book

Published April 5, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

For many Americans, the 1950's were a golden age of driving. For African Americans, travel along Route 66 was a challenge that required them to pack their own provisions because they could not count on receiving goods or services, regardless of how much money they had.

Rothermel Mill

Published March 22, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

A short history of the Greene County Roller Mill that was later known as the Rothermel Brothers Milling Company.

Kilties

Published February 24, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

What did it take to be a Kiltie? This short article covers some of the requirements sophomore girls needed to meet to become a member of the marching group in 1953.