Carrie Nation speaks at Drury
Saloons and spiritualism were spoken about by Carrie Nation on the campus of Drury College in 1901.
Local History - Articles
First female editor
Dorothy Davis of Carthage is elected as the first female editor of the Southwest Standard, the Springfield Teachers College publication.
Jackie Robinson and the Kansas City Monarchs
Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers International League, the Montreal Royals, in 1945. This surprised the owners of the Kansas City Monarchs, who Robinson played for the previous year.
Anderson Hogue
A biography of Anderson Hogue, a person of color, can be found in a history of Wright County. When doing family research, do not forget to search non-governmental resources.
Auto Wagon
Joseph Koenig’s gasoline powered auto wagon made an appearance in Springfield in 1907. Koenig claimed it would reach a speed of thirty miles an hour.
Missouri's Bicentennial
I
n July 2021 the Library District will host a traveling exhibit for Missouri's Bicentennial. View the online version now and discover Missouri's Struggle for Statehood.
New Year 1933
Harry Durst, Mayor of Springfield in 1933, welcomes the New Year portrayed by Joan Crawford Rice.
Christmas dinner
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In 1986, Hamby's, St. Mary's Guild of Christ Episcopal Church and Northside Christian Church joined forces to deliver over 140 meals to homebound elderly residents.
Death of Nathan Boone
Colonel Nathan Boone died in 1856. A brief biographical sketch of his military career was provided in the Springfield Advertiser and Randolph Citizen.
Thanksgiving 1910
A short background piece on the history of Thanksgiving followed by a tongue-in-cheek look at the day.
John S. Phelps Funeral
The 1886 burial of ex-governor John S. Phelps is described in depth in the Springfield Daily Leader. The article lists the many Missouri dignitaries in attendance, the order of procession, and describes the service before he was laid to rest in Hazelwood Cemetery.
Greenlawn Cemetery
Judge Ben J. Diemer made the announcement that he was opening a cemetery on the north side of town. In 1905, Greenlawn Cemetery consisted of forty acres and Mr. Diemer intended to plant over two hundred maple trees.
Ashworth/Dade House
The former Ashworth home was located on land that had been used for the first school in Greene County. A former resident gives a description of the Jordan Valley in early days.
School enumeration
A short article about the school enumeration taken in Springfield in 1896.
Ava Fire
Around midnight of August 15, 1898, four buildings and most of the contents on the Ava public square were consumed by fire in just one hour.
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