The Library

Carrie Nation's notebooks

Published February 26, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

Carol Erwin of Reeds Spring recalls her experience when Carrie A. Nation visited her family.

Tinymites Party

Published February 16, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

Three thousand children attended a Tinymite party at the Gillioz Theater in 1928. The event included a trio of local ukulele musicians. 

Pension Vouchers

Published January 31, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

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

Published January 17, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

Despite city ordinances against letting cows roam, downtown Springfield had "an army" of cows roaming South Jefferson, Elm and Cherry Streets.

Jimmie Driftwood

Published January 3, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

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

Published December 20, 2019 Submitted by: Renee

The Springfield Traction Company donated 4,000 round-trip streetcar fares so that Springfield school children could attend the municipal Christmas tree celebration.

Racing

Published December 3, 2019 Submitted by: Michael

The Fairgrounds Speedway hosted one of the most unique races ever held at the historic speedway in 1958.     

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