Carterville’s pride in its history will be on display Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Community Center during the Carterville Heritage Expo.

With the discovery of rich lead and zinc mines, Carterville rivaled neighboring communities for not just mining production. Explosive revenues developed a diverse city boasting an opera house, elegant hotels, cafes, grocery and department stores and hundreds of other businesses. Bakeries, confectioneries, and grocery stores not only served the robust mining community but also supplied Lakeside Park. 

Over 30,000 visitors each weekend traveled to Lakeside by train and then trolley to enjoy a carnival midway, amusement rides, water sports and baseball games. Crowds marveled at balloon ascensions and then finished off the evening by dancing to famed bands like John Philip Sousa before enjoying late-night fireworks.

The expo will feature the story of Carterville through the 1920s, with photos, historic documents, newspapers and first-hand accounts. It will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, inside the Community Center (former school gym). Admission will cost $3.

There will also be narrated trolley tours starting at 1:30 pm. that will cost $5. All proceeds will go toward the Community Center.

Julie Riley, town historian and elder, said the amount of information, maps and photos brought together for the expo is “mind-blowing. I’ve studied Carterville my whole life and I’m impressed. I’m so pleased to see our rich history shared and celebrated.” 

Expo organizers say Carterville is the perfect community for raising a family, with its affordable homes, great schools and quick access to surrounding communities.

The Carterville Heritage Expo is sponsored by Councilperson Cris Henkle and the Carterville Parks Committee. They give special thanks to Julie Riley, Erin Madden, Bill Caldwell, Kathy Page, Cindy Myers, Jeanne Newby, Webb City Area Genealogical Society, and the City of Webb City.