Ancestors, Legends & Time Being very very good for Christmas at Look Over Lodge Jeanne Newby Christmas – a kid’s equivalent to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And while I had no use for gold, I was a hopin’ and a yurnin’ for that pot or more accurately, Santa’s sack
Ancestors, Legends & Time Main Street was originally named Allen Street because of this man Jeanne Newby Charles C. Allen… a special person in the history of the area, was in the political campaign of 1876 (the same year Webb City was founded), which will live in history as one of the most exciting and
Ancestors, Legends & Time Wise marriage advice from a couple whose elopement lasted 70 years Jeanne Newby In 1991, I did a story in the Webb City Sentinel about Oscar and Wivi David after celebrating their 70th anniversary in July of 1991. These two young kids had grown up together in Stanberry, Mo., where most
Annual Thanksgiving football game between Webb City and Carthage at Hatten Field in 1949. Ancestors, Legends & Time THANKS to LIVING in Webb City Jeanne Newby I remember attending Westside School and feeling safe taking a shortcut home down an alley for my hour-long lunch. I have fond memories of attending the old Eugene Field
Ancestors, Legends & Time 1918 Liberty Bond contest essay winner Jeanne Newby During World War I (1914-1918) Americans were being urged to support the government by buying Liberty Bonds. Vivian Fisher, or “Wivi” David as she was known in her adult years, was asked to write an essay about supporting the government with Liberty Bonds.
Hotel Maine was on Broadway between Tom and Hall streets. Ancestors, Legends & Time Peace and quietude bid welcome to the hungry and weary at the Hotel Maine Jeanne Newby We often hear of the Newland Hotel and the Middlewest Hotel and some of the smaller ones, like the Webb City Hotel and others. But
A school friend, Kathy Bigley Wright, recalls the Hula Hoop craze that took the country by storm. She has also shared a photo of a Hula Hoop contest on the Eugene Field Elementary School playground (when it was still being developed). Notice the plaid craze that seemed to coincide with the Hula Hoop craze. Ancestors,
Ancestors, Legends & Time Centenarian Thomas E. Sauls didn’t miss an election Jeanne Newby Thomas E. Sauls was born in 1803. By the time he reached the age of 25, many new things were happening in this great country. One of those happenings was the discovery of lead. Lead was a novelty for Americans who
Webb City Baptist College Ancestors, Legends & Time Lucius P. “Buck” Buchanan Jeanne Newby Between Webb City and Joplin is some land that belonged to a man named Lucius P. “Buck” Buchanan, a very generous man that’s obvious in the contributions he made to the area. He earned the title, “King of Miners.” If you
The World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, was built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Ancestors, Legends & Time Volunteerism is always needed Jeanne Newby Remember the Webb City Mining Days Celebration, held every year in the month of September? Most folks came to the celebration and enjoyed the
Russell’s Cafe was in Sam Kallas’ Coney Island building after the Coney Island moved. Most of us remember this cafe being in that location, 2 South Main St. Cafes in that location include: Russell’s Cafe 1947-1953, Corner Cafe, Long’s Green Lantern Cafe, and Webb City Cafe 1962-1974. Dave Collard moved his Missouri Farm Bureau agency
Ancestors, Legends & Time Early mining years weren’t conducive to law and order Jeanne Newby Many a tale has been told of Webb City during the “Mining Era.” The new town of wooden buildings, dirt streets, and no law to speak of, brought many a wild night. As the wooden buildings were eventually replaced by
Ancestors, Legends & Time George and Uncle Cliff – A froggin’ they will go Jeanne Newby Another story from Dave Allen’s Look Over Lodge adventures Unbeknownst to us, Uncle Cliff and George Hatcher “either by mistake or design” had appropriated the “Dave & Tom” for their “Froggin’ Foray” instead of Ole Ruth. Their decision to
Ancestors, Legends & Time Although incorporated later, Webb City area was affected by the Civil War Jeanne Newby During discussions of the Civil War, Webb City is often left out because Webb City wasn’t built or even thought of at the time. The founder of Webb City, John C. Webb, was living in his log
J.E. Pyle Livery and Boarding, with drive-in service, was at 401 N. Main St. (circa 1912). Ancestors, Legends & Time The mess left behind by horses Jeanne Newby Think back to the days before automobiles, when dirt covered Webb City’s roads and streets. The fire wagon was pulled by horses. The streetcars (trolleys) were pulled
A 1956 aerial photo of the Jasper County Tuberculosis Hospital (later known as Elmhurst). Webb City Health and Rehabilitation is now located on the site. Ancestors, Legends & Time Miners coming down with tuberculosis had a place to go to recuperate Jeanne Newby I often tell the story of Andrew McCorkle, who brought his wife,
Matthews Coffee Co. was built around Etter’s Bakery. Ancestors, Legends & Time Those were the days when we still had these businesses Jeanne Newby There have been many changes in Webb City throughout the years, mainly in businesses that have come and gone. Sometimes, your mind may remember a business that used to be located
Ancestors, Legends & Time Percy Wenrich snuck into the House of Lords to learn more about music Jeanne Newby Anyone who played a musical instrument in school probably remembers Ernie Williamson’s Music store in Joplin. Before it was Ernie Williamson’s it was known as J. Frank Williams’ Music Store. A young man by the name
Ancestors, Legends & Time Grandma’s house of love Jeanne Newby We all have special memories of our childhood. Some we might have shared with others and some we keep close to our heart, never telling a soul. But we need to keep track of those memories and share so they can carry on into the
E.T. Webb Ancestors, Legends & Time Old settlers shared their first-hand memories in 1931 Jeanne Newby In 1931, 91 years ago, the Chamber of Commerce held an “Old Settler’s Reunion” in celebration of Webb City’s 55th Birthday. They invited some settlers who were originally around for the beginning of Webb City in 1876. Those settlers
Ancestors, Legends & Time Finding you car was a problem even in 1919 Jeanne Newby When Webb City was first incorporated as a city in 1876, the most common mode of transportation was wagons pulled by horses or horse drawn carriages. Men often rode by horseback and many miners traveled by mule, as they were
Ancestors, Legends & Time Remember and make some summertime memories Jeanne Newby Okay, the first day of summer has arrived. We have many memories of things we used to do in the summertime. So, we need a checklist to make sure you are accomplishing those favorite summertime activities. Have you been swimming in the creek,
The front and back of a bill printed for the National Bank of Webb City. Ancestors, Legends & Time National Bank had its own currency printed Jeanne Newby In the early days of Webb City history, it was noted that Webb City had not only one bank but three and all located within the same
Ancestors, Legends & Time Born mischievous Jeanne Newby One thing about Dave Allen’s stories of growing up – they make you appreciate your own children. And they make you realize how thankful you are that the stork left Dave with Fred and Ruth Allen. No offense to our great friend Dave Allen, but we do
Ancestors, Legends & Time Remember When – Purcell Jeanne Newby Let’s visit a neighboring community with some “Remember Whens.” Let’s visit Purcell – one third of Tri City (Alba, Neck City, Purcell) History. Florence Helen Elliott recalled when Purcell would have a torch-light parade around Purcell Square. Candidates who were campaigning would carry torches and
Zinc was shipped from Webb City by rail. The Southwest Missouri depot is in the background. Ancestors, Legends & Time Any guesses why Webb City was known at the Zinc City? Jeanne Newby A local promotion declared that Joplin was “The Wonder of the West,” but was changed to “The City that Jack built” after
Operators at the switchboards in the Webb City Phone Company building. Ancestors, Legends & Time The telephone and Webb City were new together Jeanne Newby Our wonderful city was incorporated on Dec. 11, 1876, which happened to be the centennial of the United States. We also celebrated in that year Alexander Graham Bell’s newfangled telephone
The building on the left is the Dermott Building. Twisted Oak, a large botique, occupies the building today. Ancestors, Legends & Time John Dermott’s legacy includes two tall Main Street buildings Jeanne Newby The building on the right with the Baum advertisement is the Zinc Ore Building (formerly the Sentinel, now Maggie Jane’s). It was
The old city hall had the fire and police departments as well as city offices and the courtroom in one building. Ancestors, Legends & Time Our city halls through time Jeanne Newby Webb City has made changes through the years to go along with the growth of the town. One of the obvious changes has
A feature of Midway Park, at St. Louis and Euclid avenues in Joplin, was Castle Rock. Ancestors, Legends & Time A memory of what used to be there Jeanne Newby Back in February of 2000, changes started to take place at St. Louis and Euclid avenues in Joplin. The land had been for sale for
Ancestors, Legends & Time Les Ulmer’s pool hall and back room were popular men-only entertainment options Jeanne Newby We often paint a glorious picture of the “golden years” when kids could walk all over town without parents worrying about them. Mama stayed home to take care of the kids. Three meals a day were put
In this 1949 aerial view of Webb City, Main Street runs diagonally from Second Street north beyond Daugherty Street (top-right corner). Ancestors, Legends & Time Webb City had a glut of businesses in the 1940s Jeanne Newby A view of some of the boarding houses in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s in the 200 block
Ella Harrison traveled far and wide but came home to Carthage to practice law with her brother. Ancestors, Legends & Time Ella Harrison’s place wasn’t in the home Jeanne Newby Jasper County has had many impressive residents throughout the years, but one particular lady stands out in my mind. Her name is Ella Harrison. Today,
The Berrian family dog, Monday, was amazing because of what he liked to eat. Ancestors, Legends & Time Webb Citians have enjoyed some legendary dogs Jeanne Newby Back in May of 2009, Meg Berrian shared a wonderful memory of her family dog in response to a comment about several dogs of fame in Webb City.
A Webb City baseball team, apparently in the 1940s – 1950s. Ancestors, Legends & Time Lakeside Park and baseball were very popular Jeanne Newby As we head into spring, many thoughts are turned toward baseball, the great American sport! What better time to learn more about our “Famous Missourians” who were baseball players. Of course,
The Sentinel covered this log house moving day in 1998. Ancestors, Legends & Time “Only in America” fun Jeanne Newby I found a wonderful message in an old file with items from the turn of the century, 2003. It is titled “Only in America” and I would like to share some of it with you.
Norval M. Matthews left us with two books about the history of Webb City. Ancestors, Legends & Time We can thank Harry Hood and Norval Matthews for leaving us the history and first-hand accounts of early Webb City Jeanne Newby I’m taking a moment to write about a couple of our Webb historians of the
Webb City Automobile Company, on the northeast corner of Liberty and Joplin (Broadway) Street . It was later home to the Safeway grocery store until it burned. (CONTRIBUTED BY DOUG NONNWEILER), AT Ancestors, Legends & Time Businesses sprung up to provide community with autos and electric conveniences Jeanne Newby The Auto Electrical Specialty Co., 211
John Biggs’ mural, which graces Main Street, on the east side of Prater’s Pharmacy. Ancestors, Legends & Time WEBB CITY – WE LOVE IT HERE! Jeanne Newby When you think about the town you live in, do you think of it with pride? Are you proud to live in Webb City, Missouri? Have you ever
Lon Chaney in “Tell it to the Marines” was the Blake Theater’s featured movie when this photo was taken. Jim Murphy’s dad happened to have the amazing job of playing the organ for the silent movies at the Blake. Ancestors, Legends & Time When the Blake Theater burned, the town’s ‘Civic’ pride replaced it Jeanne Newby
A Fourth of July parade passes in front of City Hall, with the bell tower on top. Ancestors, Legends & Time The bell on City Hall had supporters, but it was taken down anyway Jeanne Newby I did a story back in 2000 concerning the bell that used to sit in a bell tower on
Ancestors, Legends & Time Being boys Jeanne Newby Dave Allen was a challenge to his folks, and each day he tried so hard to be good. But each attempt turned into a trial. Poor Dave! “Being Boys” was not a hard task at all for Tom and me. It came naturally. So naturally in fact,
Ancestors, Legends & Time We didn’t know we were poor because everyone was Jeanne Newby A friend has passed on, and I loved the stories she used to share with me about her growing-up years. In memory of Helen Setser, I would like to share her story of her “poor” days when she never knew
Frisco Depot, a remaining fixture of the West End, is at Madison and Daugherty streets. Ancestors, Legends & Time West End: A city within a city Jeanne Newby Last week we shared the Zinc City that was in the West End, in the 900 block of West Daugherty Street. So I want to head back
Ancestors, Legends & Time Webb City – Zinc Capital of the World Jeanne Newby This is one of my favorite pictures of the past. It shows the huge sign that was erected at the West End. It spanned West Daugherty Street, between 913 and 915 W. Daugherty St. The sign was so big you can
Captain Hemenway’s house at First and Webb streets, as it was originally built . Ancestors, Legends & Time Captain Silas O. Hemenway steered far and wide before settling in Webb City Jeanne Newby THE REST OF THE STORY…concerning Captain Silas O. Hemenway. Recently Captain Hemenway’s house, on the northwest corner of First and Webb streets
The Webb City Public Library features native stone. Ancestors, Legends & Time Webb City’s Carnegie Library is among the few remaining with a library still as its purpose Jeanne Newby One of my favorite buildings (one of many) in Webb City is our Andrew Carnegie Library at First and Liberty streets. It has such a
Ancestors, Legends & Time The HUB expanded quickly Jeanne Newby As we near Christmas, our minds and memories go back in time to Christmas long ago. One of the busiest places in town was the Hub Department Store. After all, that is where Santa hung out to talk with the kids. Kamisar started his business
Ancestors, Legends & Time What the Civic was and the Blake before it Jeanne Newby I was asked questions just recently about the building that is named the Civic. A story many of us have heard through the years but some folks were curious. So we will take a step back into the past and
Ancestors, Legends & Time Modern conveniences we’d miss if we went back to living in the good ole days Jeanne Newby Looking back we often comment about the good ole days as we reminisce of what once was and will never be again. But it’s even more fun to look back on what others used
The concrete walls of the streetcar overpass can are still present on Daugherty Street between Webb City and Carterville. Ancestors, Legends & Time Our town has lots of historical tidbits Jeanne Newby Here are some interesting tidbits of information about Webb City, Missouri. • The first photo of Earth from outer space was taken by
On top of everything else to draw you in to Broadway Market were the watermelons chilling in the horse tank. Ancestors, Legends and Time The last of the neighborhood markets Jeanne Newby Twenty-two years ago as we were preparing for Thanksgiving dinner shopping, we were given the announcement in the Nov. 19, 1999, Sentinel that
Ancestors, Legends & Time Kool-Aid, Kool-Aid tastes great. Kool-Aid, Kool-Aid can’t wait! Jeanne Newby Remember as a kid on a hot summer day drinking an ice cold glass of Kool Aid? I remember my Mom bought grape Kool Aid so there would be less arguing on what flavor we wanted. I guess because my flavors
Dr. C.H. Craig in his office at 711 W. Broadway. Ancestors, Legends & Time Early doctors in Webb City treated patients in their home offices Jeanne Newby Over the 142 years that Webb City has been established, this town has seen many doctors come and go. I don’t have all the doctors listed that have
A sidewalk sale in front of the Kress store in the 1960s. Ancestors, Legends & Time Visiting with friends and neighbors was half the fun of the sidewalk sales Jeanne Newby Remember when Webb City used to have sidewalk sales. What a party! The businesses would pull tables out on the sidewalk and load them
Independent Gravel Co. Ancestors, Legends & Time Private in Civil War militia was first awarded acreage that became Independent Gravel Jeanne Newby Aug. 22, 1856, 20 years before Webb City became a city, President James Buchanan awarded Nathanial M. Crawford 120 acres of land in Jasper County for his service in the Georgia Militia Creek
Madison & MacArthur the way it used to be, looking northwest. Ancestors, Legends & Time Before McDonald’s and Walgreens Jeanne Newby What an interesting picture from the past that features the intersection of Madison Street and MacArthur Drive. Ozark Motel on the southwest corner of the intersection (top left quadrant in the photo) was replaced
ATA stood for Anti-Theft Association
Tidbits about our history
Surviving rough times yet enjoying the experience
Growing up in the fabulous ’50s
Too mushy about Webb City? Too bad!
Jim Toutz documented care-free nights
Early-day teaching contract was stifling
1889 building on Main at 1st went from selling buggies to autos
Before McDonald’s, Walgreens and City Pointe
Remembering an officer down in the West End – 103 years ago
A hot summer day is a great excuse to crank quarts of homemade ice cream
Many businesses and apartment dwellers have occupied 25, 27 and 29 S. Main Street
Coach’s ice truck was their ‘team bus’
Oronogo was known in the baseball world as the home of Byler Bats
Alfred Tyre Byler and Maud Aurora Radley
National Bank had currency printed featuring Webb City
Carterville Crime Spree- A Carterville story shared by Julie Riley
Who wasn’t a passenger with flying-obsessed Bonham Chancellor from 1945-51?
Read till the end to see what this has to do with Webb City
Current city of boutiques used to have 55 grocery stores
Webb City’s Easter sunrise tradition that drew thousands
Formerly Glen Elm, the intersection took on veterinarian Dr. Stone’s name
From food and hardware to gossip, general stores had something for everyone in the family
Candy and ice cream were among the initial essentials provided by entrepreneurs
Sara Hatten Easley McKibben grew up in the A.D. Hate home still located on a block between Ball and Roane streets and Sixth and Seventh streets. At right is the Civic, one of the movie theaters Sara would have attended. The front is still on West Daugherty Street, across from the post office. The unique childhood
They would pay $50 to $75 for a car and spend lots of hours getting it in good running condition
Webb City’s first brick house, built by John C. Webb on the northwest corner of Webb Street and Broadway, became the office of the Daily Register newspaper. The Sentinel had a competitor: the Daily Register Many times I have mentioned the first brick home in Webb City which was built by our founder, John C.
Webb City’s first building constructed as a post office later became known as the Elks Club, which met on the second floor. Jane Benson gave dance lessons on the third floor. The building still stands on the northwest corner of Broadway and Webb Street. More tidbits from our favorite eras in our favorite town Back
This is what concrete abutments remaining on Daugherty Street between Webb City and Carterville were for – to elevate the streetcars above the railroad. Tidbits of Webb City history Jeanne Newby The first photo of Earth from outer space was taken by Webb City graduate, Dale Shellhorn, class of 1949. The photo is at the
Hal and Gladys Warthen were adventurous as they honeymooned in a primitive cabin in 1909
A color postcard shows Webb City’s downtown when its buildings were like new
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