816.510.4823
Email: contact@Missouri2021.org
State Historical Society of Missouri
605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201
MISSOURI COMMUNITY LEGACIES SUBMISSIONS
BOONE COUNTY
Big Tree of McBaine
Boone County's most beloved tree took root some 400 years ago in rich fertile socil of the Missouri River bottomland. The Big Burr Oak or "Big Tree," as it is often called, grew to become a healthy, champion tree and the current title holder of Missouri's biggest Burr Oak. Submitted by Beth Pike.
Columbian Chapter, NSDAR
Education, Patriotism, and Historical Preservation. These are three attributes that make a great city. The City of Columbia and the Columbian Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution share a history promoting these same three ideals. The following historiography provides a unique glimpse of the Columbian Chapter’s local traditions in the city of Columbia. From the chapter’s inception to Missouri’s Bicentennial, this snapshot of our organization’s community legacy offers a rich resource for the people of Missouri. Submitted by Kelly Rees.
Maplewood Barn Community Theatre
The mission of the Maplewood Barn Community Theatre is to provide high quality, live community theatre to mid-Missouri audiences in an informal, family friendly, outdoor setting in historic Nifong Park in Columbia, Missouri. The purpose and mission have remained unchanged since the theatre’s founding as a City-sponsored initiative in 1973. Submitted by Mary "Morgan" Dennehy.
Midway Heights Baptist Church Youth Group
A year of learning, growth and memories is how 2019 could be described for the Midway Heights Baptist Church youth group. It was the first full-year that Pastor Nick Hartman was the youth pastor which meant several changes and new activities. The youth group moved into a new youth room, attended two conferences, sent four students to church camp, baptized three students and had two commit their lives to follow Jesus. It was a year of growth in many different areas. Submitted by Nick Hartman.
CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY
Monument to Captain Raymond Littge U.S. Air Force
Memorial to Captain Raymond Littge of the U.S. Air Force. Died for his country in 1949. A member of the 352nd Fighter Group. Credited with destroying 23 & 1/2 enemy aircraft. Missouri’s top ranking fighter pilot Ace of WWII. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (second only to the Medal of Honor), the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Citation and French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Submitted by Brenda Christensen & Connie Hawley.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY
Isaac Garrison Chapter, NSDAR
Although we are part of a National and State Society, we have a local organization with over fifty ladies mostly from Christian County. Membership is a lineage-based service organization for women who are descended from a person involved in the U.S. efforts toward independence. On April 25, 2009, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution appointed Mrs. Marilyn Treptow Dexter as the Organizing Regent for a chapter to be formed in Nixa, Missouri. On October 3, 2009, the Isaac Garrison Chapter was organized with twenty charter supporters. Submitted by Marianne "Dee" Dosch.
CLAY COUNTY
Historic Mt. Giliad Church & School Community
First organized in 1830 as a primitive Baptist church, Mt Gilead Church and School located west of Kearney, Missouri, endured decades of change on the Missouri frontier. Services were held in the homes of its members until 1835 when the first rustic log school was built on land donated by Benjamin Riley. It became the Mt. Gilead Christian Church in 1841 with the first building constructed in 1844. Submitted by Elizabeth Gilliam Beckett.
COOPER COUNTY
David Barton Tombstone and Lot Restoration
In 1821 Missouri finally was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state. One of the main men involved in this process was David Barton who chaired the Constitutional Convention and who wrote the Constitution which was submitted to Congress for the admission of Missouri. Barton County in southwestern Missouri is named for him. He then became the first Senator and represented the new state in the U.S. Congress. When he died, he was buried in Boonville, Missouri. The restoration of his tombstone, lot, and adjacent horse watering tough is an appropriate Missouri Bicentennial Project and was undertaken by the Walnut Grove Cemetery Board and the Hannah Cole Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Submitted by Hannah Cole Chapter, NSDAR.
GENTRY COUNTY
All Roads Lead to Stanberry - An Annual Fourth of July Celebration
“All Roads Lead to Stanberry” has been the Fourth of July motto for this small northwest Missouri town for most of its history. Founded as a railroad town in 1979, Stanberry has been hosting Independence Day celebrations almost since its beginning. The July 5, 1899, edition of The Stanberry Headlight described the joy of a victorious baseball game and the disappointment of a cancelled hot-air balloon ascension. As the years passed, all the requirements for a classic home-town holiday were crammed into the multiple-day event: parade, barbecues, music, games, a lemonade stand, concerts, and fireworks. Beauty pageants and baby contests. Carnival rides, ring toss games, and talent shows. You can almost hear "Seventy-six Trombones" playing in the background. Submitted by Judy Jennings.
GREENE COUNTY
Mary Whitney Phelps Chapter, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Tent No. 22
The Mary Whitney Phelps Tent No. 22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War is based in Springfield, Greene County, MO. We are a volunteer group of ladies whose members actively participate in the objects of the organization, including genealogical, historical, patriotic, and service projects. Although we are part of a State and National Society, and membership is a lineage-based society of women who are descended from a Union Veteran involved in the 1861-1865 War of the Rebellion, we also provide amenities to the local communities. Submitted by Patricia Haas.
Ozarks Genealogical Society
The Ozarks Genealogical Society is located at 534 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, Missouri. Founding members were Mary Adams, Emily Barr, Joan Bellmann, Gladys Bishop, Lea Bousman, Irene Kanute, Laura Milner, Mrs. Charles Obrock, Dorothea Owen, Stella Visio, Beverly Wade, Inez West and Lena Wills. The stated mission or purpose of the Society: 1. To educate and encourage members and the general public in the art and practice of genealogical research. 2. To acquire a collection of genealogical and historical material for a genealogical library available to members and the general public. 3. To collect, preserve and publish genealogical and historical materials relating to the Missouri Ozarks region. 4. To maintain and elevate genealogical standards. Submitted by Barbara Brauch.
Rachel Donelson Chapter, NSDAR
The Rachel Donelson Chapter is part of the National and State organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non- profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Any woman age 18 years or older is eligible to become a member, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot who assisted with the American Revolution. Submitted by Pat Haas.
Stukely Westcott Chapter, National Society Daughters of American Colonists
The Stukely Westcott Chapter of the Daughters of American Colonists was organized in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri on 24 January 1951. Our chapter is part of the Missouri State Society Daughters of American Colonists founded 26 May 1921, which is part of the National Society Daughters of American Colonists which was incorporated 25 April 1921. Both our state and national organizations are celebrating their centennial in Missouri’s bicentennial year. We will celebrate our 70th year in Southwest Missouri. Submitted by Carmen Boyd.
HOWARD COUNTY
Glasgow First Baptist Church
The year 2020 marks 200 years of the Glasgow First Baptist Church gathering for worship. The Baptist church was organized as the record states “on the Saturday before the second Sabbath in April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, in the town of Chariton.” In 1827, because the town of Chariton was abandoned when the Missouri River changed its course, the church moved to Monticello, which was its location for many years. Then, in 1860, the church sold its property and moved to Glasgow. Here they built a house of worship at the southeast corner of 4th and Commerce Streets and the church changed its name from Chariton Church to “The Glasgow Baptist Church." Today, over 200 years later, the church is alive and active in service and worship and fulfilling their mission as a bridge of love. Submitted by Kara Edwards and Karla Britt.
South Howard County Historical Society
The South Howard County Historical Society (SHCHS) in New Franklin, Missouri, was founded in the 1980’s to create an awareness of the surrounding region’s rich and unique history. The SHCHS maintains a museum which displays relics and information of various historic events in the area as well as providing temporary displays on specific subjects of community interest. SHCHS is also host to festivals throughout the year which help promote community involvement. Submitted by Sue Thompson.
JACKSON COUNTY
Trailing History on Walnut Street in Blue Springs
There are many Walnut Streets across the state, each one unique. Before our Walnut Street was Walnut Street, what was it? Writings and documents from earlier than 1821 support travel of pioneers, doctors, and settlers who took this route on this historic Trail. Our goal is to get a marker placed on Walnut Street with an official Santa Fe Trail sign posted remembering the rendezvous site in Blue Springs, Missouri.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY
Madonna of the Trail
Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. In the late 1920’s, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution commissioned the design, casting and placement of twelve memorials commemorating the spirit of pioneer women. These monuments were installed in each of 12 states along the National Old Trails Road, which extended from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California. The Madonna of the Trail is depicted as a courageous pioneer woman, clasping her baby with her left arm while clutching her rifle in her right, wearing a long dress and bonnet. Her young son clings to her skirts. Submitted by Constance Hawley.
LAWRENCE COUNTY
Samuel and Catherine Phariss Memorial Cemetery
The Samuel and Catherine Phariss Memorial Cemetery is located at 20335 Lawrence 2195, Aurora, in Lawrence County, Missouri. It’s unknown when it was founded, but it was an existing cemetery in 1858. Over the last few decades, it had fallen into disrepair, and eventually the few remaining headstones disappeared, and the cemetery was lost. Its new incarnation began in 2017, when it was rediscovered. In 2019, the land was purchased by fourth cousins, Noralee Faulkner and Barbara Brauch, and the rebirth began. Noralee and Barbara are descendants of Samuel and Catherine Phariss, the only two people identified to have been buried in this cemetery more than 160 years ago. Submitted by Barbara Brauch.
LINCOLN COUNTY
Britton House
The Britton House, as it is called today, was built about 1832 by Joseph Cottle on lot number 189 in Troy, Missouri and is one of the longest standing residences in Troy. The house is next to the Great Elm Spring that was near the Sac and Fox village before the town of Troy was platted by Joseph Cottle on 1819. The spring in front of the Britton House was accidentally and permanently disrupted by a dynamite blast in 1929. The spring was used by many farmers who came into the town of Troy just for the water, so the spring was certainly missed by many people. Submitted by Zenda Folta.
The Early History of Lincoln County and its Connection to Revolutionary War Soldiers
Lincoln County, Missouri is located in Northeastern Missouri, with the Mississippi River serving as its Eastern boundary. Situated above the confluence of the Mississippi & Missouri Rivers, the numerous tributaries of these two great waterways served as a highway for people seeking new opportunity, wealth, and land. The drainage basin is 1.2 million square miles which encompasses 40% of the landmass of the United States. Lincoln County has been under the following jurisdictions: Spain, France, the District of Louisiana, the Territory of Louisiana, the United States of America, the Territory of the Missouri, the State of Missouri, and the county of St. Charles. Submitted by Zenda Folta.
MILLER COUNTY
Miller County Historical Society Museum
The Miller County Historical Society Museum shares artifacts and memoirs of the miners and musicians, storytellers and soldiers, teachers and farmers, slaves and steamboat pilots, nurses and railroad engineers whose lives created the history of Miller County. Submitted by Cynthia Hart.
PETTIS COUNTY
Heard Memorial Club House
The elegant Heard House is a historical landmark in Sedalia, Pettis County, Missouri. The house was built by Senator John T. Heard for his second wife, Lillian. Construction was begun in 1904 and finished in 1906. The home is located in the Sedalia Historic District (200 West Broadway) and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a two-story, buff brick, classical revival house with “eclectic Italian Renaissance” accents and it has a “hipped roof” with dormers and classical wood columns. There is a carriage house located on the property, which is one of only a few carriages houses in original form in the Sedalia area. The lot is surrounded on three sides by the original iron fence. Submitted by Marty Graves, Patricia Palmer, and Susan Toman Rouchka.
PHELPS COUNTY
Phelps County Historical Society
The Phelps County Historical Society is located in the county seat of Rolla, Missouri. It was organized in 1939, and incorporated in 1940. The Society’s mission is to preserve and showcase the history of Phelps County. The PCHS does this through the exhibition and interpretation of artifacts, architecture, programming, and publications. The Society covers the history of all of Phelps County including the incorporated towns of Rolla, St. James, Doolittle, Edgar Springs, and Newburg. The Society began the publication of a newsletter in 1982, in order to better disseminate information on the society and about the history of Phelps County. The Society officially gained non-profit tax-deductible status in 1986. It is a membership based organization that is led by a volunteer executive committee elected at each fall meeting of the members. Submtited by Katie Seale.
SAINT LOUIS CITY
The Central West End
The Central West End (CWE) is considered St. Louis’s original gayborhood. From the 1960s into the 1990s, the area featured many LGBTQIA+ businesses and bars. Many lesbians and gays assisted with the neighborhood’s restoration efforts - returning many of the stately old homes to their original splendor. Through the 1990s, the CWE, and the adjacent Forest Park, was the location of the region’s annual Pride events. Submitted by Steven Louis Brawley.
St. Louis LGBTQIA+ Pride Celebrations
Many foundational events paved the way for modern era LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations across the St. Louis region. While St. Louis did not host its first official Pride until 1980, the 1970s were a pivotal time for the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community. Formal structures were being built by organizations such as Lesbian Alliance, Mandrake Society, Metropolitan Community Church, Mid Continent Life Services Corporation, and Miss Gay Missouri Pageant. For those who've never known life without a Pride celebration, it's easy to not fully appreciate St. Louis’s journey to serve as host to the nation's largest network of independent Pride events (six as of 2021). Submitted by Steven Louis Brawley.
Trinity Episcopal Church
In January 2020, Trinity Episcopal Church, 600 North Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, became the first site in Missouri to be named to the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in LGBTQIA+ history. It is the first and only such site in Missouri and the only Episcopal parish in the country so honored. Trinity is recognized in particular for the years 1969 to 1993, which include its early support of gay rights, its embrace of LGBT parishioners and community members, and its compassionate response to the first AIDS patients in the 1980s. The recognition of Trinity is part of an effort by the U.S. Department of the Interior to document a more complete story of the gay rights movement, a project announced in May 2014 by Secretary Sally Jewell. Submitted by Steven Louis Brawley.
SAINT LOUIS COUNTY
Historic Cold Water Cemetery
Cold Water Cemetery is a private cemetery owned by the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR). The Cemetery is located in north St. Louis County and is named for the creek that runs nearby. The Cemetery is meaningful to Missouri because (1) it is the oldest Protestant cemetery west of the Mississippi River still in use; (2) it is a mute testimony to Missouri’s history and its earliest pioneers who established churches, homes, businesses, and farms, and (3) it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Submitted by Anita Motz.
SAINTE GENEVIEVE COUNTY
Church Picnics
Celebration of religion in a house of worship has been a part of Ste. Genevieve since its founding along the banks of the Mississippi. In order to construct churches and their ancillary buildings, the parishioners held frequent fund-raising events in addition to the furnishing of materials and labor. Picnics where the general public was invited became a major source of such fund raising. Church picnics are typically held during the summer or early fall. The Ste. Genevieve County parish picnics are not only a means to raise needed funds for operation of the parish but also provides a homecoming or reunion for those that grew up in the area or live in more distant parts of the county.
Déjà vu Spirit Reunion
Costumed “Spirits” in Ste. Genevieve’s old Memorial Cemetery annually arise from their final resting place to tell the story of their lives. The Déjà vu Spirit Reunion features a variety of former residents of historic Ste. Genevieve telling stories about the early settlers buried here. This annual event has taken place for about 20 years and is sponsored by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve. Submitted by the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center.
Fourth of July Freedom Celebration
In 1811, the Louisiana Gazette, Missouri’s first newspaper, published an article about Ste. Genevieve celebrating the 4th of July with 18 toasts, cannon salutes, and songs. This is the first record of Ste. Genevieve citizens celebrating our nation’s independence. In the past, the firing of a cannon has announced the start of the day and later it was used during community celebrations. While for many, the 4th of July has become a day of picnic and family events, Ste. Genevieve continues to celebrate the Independence Day with community events. Submitted by the Ste. Genvieve Welcome Center.
Fourth Friday Art Walk
Ste. Genevieve’s artistic heritage is highlighted during its Fourth Friday Art Walks, a monthly demonstration of the truth of our slogan, "Art happens here." The event is held the fourth Friday of each month from March to November. Visitors are invited to be a part of the festive atmosphere provided to view artwork and creativity. Submtited by the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center.
French Heritage Festival and La Veillee
The French Heritage Festival is held annually in Ste. Genevieve’s National Historic District, celebrating 300 years of French culture in North America from Quebec to New Orleans and recognizes Ste. Genevieve’s status as having the greatest concentration of authentic French Colonial architecture that exists in North America. This event is sponsored by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve. Submitted by the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center.
SHANNON COUNTY
Seven Wonders of Shannon County
Judge Pegleg Shannon would have a blast in this neck of the woods, assuming he wasn't sick of rivers and caves and general exploring. As a pup, this youngest member of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery had a propensity for getting lost. On one sojourn to round up the company's stray pack horses, he returned to the wrong part of the river, and stayed lost for two weeks. Years later on another mission, he lost a leg. When it comes to getting lost in the woods, the county that bears his name would make him feel right at home. Local resident Alan Peters insists there are seven wonders in Shannon County. I found those seven, and then some. Submitted by John Robinson.
Stone & Taney Counties
NSDAR Taneycomo Chapter
