May Aldridge’s photos document the love and pride she had for her hometown

Miss Ella May Aldridge was born May 18, 1891, in Cameron, Mo. In 1896, May moved to Webb City with her parents, John and Hannah Aldridge.

In 1900, the Aldridge family was living on Campbell Street and by 1910 they were living at 505 N. Roane St. May would live in that same home until her death in 1977. 

May grew up in Webb City and graduated with the Class of 1910 with plans to become a teacher. She attended Springfield State Normal School in Springfield, Mo.

Our genealogy society is fortunate to have a scrapbook that she made in 1912 showing her early college days.

Several of the dorm photos contain pennants from Webb City and Carthage high schools that were hung in the rooms.

The back part of the scrapbook has images of her home life in Webb City, area mining scenes, Lakeside Park views and photos of family members.

May later attended the University of Missouri, where she received her master’s degree. She later attended Colorado University and Washington State University. 

She went on to teach mathematics in the Webb City School system for 27 years and for 12 years at Joplin Senior High School. 

May was a member of the Emanuel Baptist Church, which she had joined as a child in 1903. She was also a long-time member of the Shakespeare Club and Tourist Club.

May died in Carthage at McCune-Brooks Hospital on Aug. 14, 1977, at the age of 86.  She is buried near her family in Mount Hope Cemetery.