1918 Influenza Pandemic
An influenza epidemic spread across the world from 1918-1919. It was first identified in United States military personnel in spring 1918 and by September of that year it had spread across the country.
Local History - Articles
New Displays
The Wild Things of the Ozarks and All Aboard: The Frisco Railroad are two new displays now showing in the Local History Department.
Condemned cannon
A condemned cannon from the Rock Island Arsenal exploded in Cabool in 1902. Fifteen years before eight cannons were sent to Greene County to ornament a park. The cannon arrived after the park scheme died out and the county court distributed the cannon among the townships.
Timmons Temple
The history of Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ began in 1930 when Carter Timmons was appointed to serve in Springfield. The church served Springfield's African-American community for more than 80 years.
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.
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.
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