This beautiful postcard lets us see details of the bridge construction. Note the posts in the middle that separate visitors coming and going across the bridge.

Old News

From the 3rd floor
of the Webb City Public Library

New views of Lakeside Park’s swinging bridge discovered

Webb City Area Genealogical Society
October 4, 2023

This is a side view of the bridge entrance, showing lines of visitors going in opposite directions.

Here’s a view of the large crowds moving to and from the east side of Center Creek, along with a couple enjoying a nice canoe ride.

Third-floor volunteer Marti has recently found a couple of Lakeside Park postcards we hadn’t seen before, including one showing the entrance to the swinging bridge.

The swinging bridge at Lakeside Park allowed park visitors to access attractions on the east side of Center Creek.

The streetcars unloaded on the west side of the park and patrons made their way down a midway featuring concession stands, a bowling alley, shooting gallery and more.

Visitors could stand on the bridge and watch the swimmers and boaters enjoying the water. The attractions on the east side of the bridge were the baseball field, tennis courts and the children’s playground.

This view shows the steps and the dock that were used to load and unload the canoes. The wooden streetcar bridge over Center Creek can be seen at the far end.

This map, likely drawn by Jerry Pryor, helps imagine how the attractions were placed in Lakeside Park.

Sentinel bound volumes are now in the Genealogy Room

The WCAGS has accepted ownership of the complete collection of bound volumes of the Webb City Sentinel, from 1983 (after the fire) until the final issue on Dec. 30, 2020.

Those issues can also be viewed on microfilm, along with much older issues.

Webb City Area Genealogical Society

WCAGS members staff the Genealogy Room on the third floor of the Webb City Public Library. Current hours are noon to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Genealogy Room.

Everything you want to know about Jasper County Missouri Schools is available at a site compiled by Webb City Area Genealogical Society member Kathy Sidenstricker.