Joplin Metro, Community Spirit, September/October 2015 by Joplin Metro Magazine

13 Community Spirit

48 Neosho center grows closer to public opening

36 Day Trippin’: A trip to Tulsa

52 Glossary of History & Architecture

40 Rare Restoral: 1933 Franklin Olympic back on the street

56 Style: Rockin’ MSSU’s latest wear

44 Fortune East under new ownership

62 Fab Rehab: Turning castoffs into collectibles

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Coonrod Amanda Stone Bobbie Pottorff CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Willis Brown Roger Nomer Laurie Sisk Mitzi Starkweather CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Courtney Adams Regina Carnahan Brian Huntley Justin Oden

JMAG | SEPT 2015

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Laurie Sisk LAYOUT/DESIGN Brian Huntley _________________ Style clothing provided by Missouri Southern State University THE JOPLIN GLOBE PRESIDENT AND PUBISHER Mike Beatty 417.627.7291 mbeatty@joplinglobe.com

In each issue: 8 The 10 Spot 47 & 55 The Scene 65 The J List 66 The Parting Shot

EDITOR Carol Stark 417.627.7278 cstark@joplinglobe.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER Jack Kaminsky 417.627.7341 jkaminsky@joplinglobe.com

JMAG EDITOR Kevin McClintock 417.627.7279 kmcclintock@joplinglobe.com

JMAG is a publication of Newspaper Holdings, Inc. and is published bi-monthly. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be produced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Brent A. Powers 417.627.7233 bpowers@joplinglobe.com

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Letterfrom the

Editor

It’s hard to define what community spirit is, simply because it comes in all sizes, shapes and spectacles. Flip to the center of this magazine and you’ll read 12 different quotes from 12 different people, each with their own unique take on the matter. Some mention schools and football teams. Others mention parades or community festivals. A few talk about a town’s quiet moments, others speak about the loud moments, such as the 2011 Joplin tornado, which brought the entire region together like never before. Community spirit is so much more than an annual event that’s barely attended, or signs shouting empty promises from street lamps. It shouldn’t be regulated to the margins of a given month. It should be something that’s celebrated, something that’s unique to that community. It could be a grand opening, a dedication to something in the past, an annual gathering, a recollection, even a remembrance. One of the funniest recollections and definitions of community spirit comes from Christopher Wiseman, who currently serves as curator for the Joplin Museum Complex: “When I was in high school, the city of Joplin had its centennial celebration. There were many events and celebrations covering our storied 100 years. A large portion of the community participated. One part of the festivities involved a beard-growing contest. In fact, all men were encouraged to either grow a beard or pay to not grow one. At the time our high school had a pretty rigid dress code, however — during the celebration, boys that could grow a beard were allowed to enter school unshaved. I stopped shaving that year… and have kept a beard ever since. So I guess in that respect my 6

JMAG | SEPT 2015

community spirit continues today.” Carroll A. Sill of Carl Junction says her particular definition of community spirit involves the Carl Junction school district, both present and past: “We didn’t all have cars so we would all go together. We would all pitch in for gas, meet at the drug store, movie theater in CJ, or just meet on main street on Saturday night. We were all very close from kindergarten to 12th grade. The classes were small enough you knew everyone. We were blessed with many fun times and lots of cherished memories.” This edition of J MAG is all about recognizing and highlighting the kinds and types of community spirit found in 12 of our local communities, spread across three states. We detail the people, the places and the history — even a funny anecdote or two — about these dozen towns, showcasing how each is special in it’s own way. We are also introducing several new themed areas that will become standard in future J MAG editions: A story about antiques and collectibles called “Just Junkin’”; a story about a trip to a selected destination nearby called “Day Trippin’”; a look at something done outdoors called “The Great Outdoors”; and stories about pets and pet owners called “Pet Tales.” We’re also proud to have back, after a brief hiatus, our popular “History” section, written by Brad Belk in association with the Joplin Museum Complex. Remember, if you have an interesting idea for a story, or if you know someone who would make a great subject for a feature, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a message. You can reach me at kmcclintock@joplinglobe.com, by mail at J MAG, 117 E. Fourth St., Joplin, Mo. 64801 or by calling us at 417.627.7279.

Kevin McClintock Editor, J MAG

The

TenSpot By Amanda Stone Photography by Laurie Sisk and file photos

Fall Festivals

A rundown of fun ways to show community spirit Temperatures are dropping and leaves are beginning to transform from golden yellow to fiery red; fall is in the air. It’s an ideal time for a festival. Most are held around the town square or along a stretch of Main Street, a central gathering place where folks enjoy family, food and fun. These local communities really know how to let their community pride shine.

Maple Leaf Festival

Where: Carthage, Missouri When: Oct. 10-17 What: This started as a marching band competition nearly 50 years ago but since then has become much, much more. The week-long celebration of fall features a variety of activities from beauty pageants, gospel sings and quilt shows to a car show, arts and crafts festival and a dog skill competition. There will be a 5k/10k and a bicycle tour, as well. The largest parade in Southwest Missouri is held on Oct. 17, and is expected to draw 80,000 visitors; marching bands will compete in the Marching Band Festival following the parade. Why: The lip sync competition and an afternoon performance from Willie Arthur Smith’s Marching Cobras.

Apple Butter Makin’ Days

Where: Mt. Vernon, Missouri When: Oct. 9-11 What: Enjoy the sights and smells of oldfashioned, kettle-cooked apple butter made over open fires on the courthouse lawn. The highlight is a parade held on Saturday morning, but the Apple Butter Queen crowning, pet parade and live folk and fiddle music are crowd pleasers as well. Why: The bubble gum blowing contest, terrapin race and apple pie eating contest.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Neosho Fall Fest

Where: Neosho, Missouri When: Oct. 3-4 What: The square and surrounding areas will be hopping with free inflatables for the kids, live music and demonstrations in blacksmithing, weaving and lye soap making. Join in the build-your-own scarecrow contest, the sidewalk chalk art contest or the pet contest, or go just to cheer on the contestants. Between an art show, dance performances and a car, truck and bike cruise-in, there will be plenty to entertain everyone. Why: The chili cook-off between firefighters and police officers-held at the fire station and the pancake feed at the Neosho Civic Center.

Oktoberfest

Where: Joplin, Missouri When: Oct. 2-3 What: Downtown Joplin will be bustling with German-inspired festivities, from live music and a yodeling contest to a fenced beer garden featuring a variety of seasonal craft beers. The “Weisn” marketplace will showcase items from local artists and businesses, while a kid zone will entertain younger guests. Why: The Bratwurst eating competition and the German costume contest. and the pancake feed at the Neosho Civic Center.

Columbus Day Hot Air Balloon Regatta

Where: Columbus, Kansas When: Oct. 9-11 What: Hot air balloons will be flying high with lift-offs taking place at the Industrial Park at Highway 69 and Merle Evans Drive, weather permitting. A bean feed, scarecrow contest, quilt show, car and motorcycle show and parade will provide plenty of additional fun. The square will hold live music and a children’s corner with inflatables, a petting zoo and a climbing wall. Why: The hot air balloon night glow, road rally race with trivia and BBQ cook-off.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Farm Girl Fest

Where: Carthage, Missouri When: Oct. 3-4 What: Step back in time and remember the simple things in life at the historic Kendrick Place. The free event will feature live music, pony rides and old fashioned games for the kids. Come hungry for the pie eating contest and old fashioned Dutch oven cooking. Stroll through the vendors and peruse crafts or take a knitting lesson. Why: Goat-milking demonstrations and free hay rides.

War Eagle Mill Fall Arts and Crafts Fair

Where: Rogers, Arkansas When: Oct. 15-18 What: The Craft Fair consists of the three shows in one. The War Eagle Fair is located across the War Eagle Bridge, the War Eagle Mill Fall Craft Fair is located in the Millâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front parking lot and the Sharp Arts & Crafts Show is located in the fields adjacent to the Mill. The Mill opens at 6:30 a.m. and will be serving a full country breakfast before the shows. Why: The Millâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mini Museum and watching the water wheel grind corn into flour.

Springfield Cider Days

Where: Springfield, Missouri When: Sept. 19-20 What: Held on historic Walnut Street, Cider Days includes artists and crafters from across the region exhibiting a variety of handmade goods. Grab a cup of real apple cider and stroll through the pottery, furniture, jewelry and wood-work among the background scenery of Victorian homes. There will be a pumpkin painting contest and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids; pets are welcome as well. Why: A lawn chair for watching live groups performing on three different stages and a wagon to cart home your haul of pumpkins and mums. SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Wyatt Earp’s Fall Fest

Where: Lamar, Missouri When: Oct. 10 What: Celebrate Lamar’s first sheriff with a car and bike show, baby show, costume contests and the Pink Apple 5k, which benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. There will be plenty of food, arts and craft vendors and a kids’ area complete with train rides, activities and bounce houses. Why: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and their gang of reenactors engaging in shoot-outs around Lamar’s downtown square. Kids will have an opportunity to learn about gun safety and get deputized.

10.

Pelican Festival

Where: Grove, Oklahoma When: Oct. 9-10 What: This event celebrates the fall migration of the American White Pelicans that return to Grand Lake on their way South. Activities include a parade, carnival and arts and crafts booths. There will be food vendors and plenty of fun for the kids; keep an eye out for pelicans along the shoreline, bobbing in the water and soaring overhead. Why: Going on a pelican viewing tour aboard the Cherokee Queen and free admission on Saturday to Har-Ber Village, a pioneer-era museum and village. 12

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Photography by Laurie Sisk

2. 1. The violin trio of Charlie Almandinger, 10, Hank Almandinger, 8, and their mother, Abi Almandinger, entertain a crowd at a recent Carthage Art Walk. 2. John Greenwood mans the grill during the Shoal Creek Water Festival held at Wildcat Glades. 3. Caleb Miller performs for a recent First Thursday ArtWalk in downtown Joplin. 4. Rick and Monica Mills of Grandview, Missouri, spruce up their 1973 MG BGT during The Greater Ozarks British Motoring Club’s 16th annual All British Car and Cycle Show held at Carthage’s historic Square. 5. A large crowd gathers during a public gathering at Carthage’s historic Square. 6. Members of the “Girl Scouts Cookie Monsters” team paddles to defeat “Tres Tigers” during the annual cardboard boat races on Shoal Creek.

MAY 2015 | JMAG

CARTHAGE, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1842 POPULATION: 14,378 PEOPLE MOTTO: “AMERICA’S MAPLE LEAF CITY” COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “I’m proud of our beautiful Victorian homes and Maple trees that bring visitors to Carthage. (Community spirit is shown in) the way the community has responded with recent bond issues for the schools and the city and how our school board continues to improve our system.” — Anne Elliff WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Lead mines and unique limestone quarries contributed unprecedented wealth for some of the longtime Carthage residents, which is why Carthage offers a popular historic home driving tour, featuring such famous structures as the Phelps House, the Grand Avenue Bed & Breakfast, the Leggett House, the Baker House and others; the houses were built between 1870 and 1910. This district was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! The Boots Court Motel (107 S. Garrison Ave.) was once the standard of living while traveling cross-country on the famed Route 66. During the 1940s, it served weary travelers in rooms that included a covered carport and a “radio in every room.” Clark Gable, Mickey Mantle and Gene Autry all stayed overnight here during the 1950s. Today, the hotel has reopened with five rooms available. A Chinese film crew recently made the hotel an important part in their feature film. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” The Maple Leaf Festival and associated parade is the largest found in our area; it’s also one of the oldest and, without a doubt, the longest-running, with the festival lasting an entire week. The festival is named for the numerous maple trees that grow throughout Carthage; the parade alone draws thousands from up to 100 miles away. And the kids love the parade because it’s tradition for parade participants to toss out huge amounts of candy. HISTORICAL NOTE: Some may not know this, but Carthage was the site of the first full-scale land battle of the Civil War. The clash took place in mid-1861, just three months after the firing on Fort Sumter. Approximately 244 men lost their lives when Union troops clashed with Confederate troops led by, of all people, Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson. Today, on the eastern side of the city, sits the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, in a spot where both armies camped. The Carthage Civil War Museum (205 S. Grant) also displays artifacts from this important battle. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Italy, the Precious Moments Chapel (4105 Chapel Road), created by artist Samuel J. Butcher, is still a major tourist attraction. Famed Bible stories are brought to life in dozens of colorful murals, all starring Butcher’s famous tear-drop eyed renderings. The murals take up more than 5,000-square-feet of space. There is also a popular gift shop selling the world famous figurines and jewelry. NOTABLE NATIVE: Marlin Perkins was born in 1905 in Carthage and was an American zoologist, former director of the St. Louis Zoo, and is best known as host of the nature-themed television program, “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” It was Perkins, more than anyone else, who brought empathy to the plight of animals worldwide, and educated generations about the importance of animal rights. He died in 1986. A statue of Perkins, dedicated in 1988, resides in the city’s Central Park. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Since 1978, Carthage has hosted the annual Marian Days celebration, which serves as a festival and pilgrimage for up to 50,000 Vietnamese American Roman Catholics. The event, which culminates in a large communion Mass, takes place on the 28-acre campus of a Catholic monastery, the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

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JOPLIN, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1873 POPULATION: 50,150 PEOPLE MOTTO: “PROUD OF OUR PAST, SHAPING OUR FUTURE” COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “I cannot think of a time when our community did not have spirit. In our early founding days, the hard, rugged, ever-determined miners never gave up their spirit — even after failure. They rallied whenever there was a crisis, such as a cave-in. From the Spanish American War to the present conflicts, Joplin citizens gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, by proudly serving their country. During the 2011 tornado, clearly one of Joplin’s darkest and most challenging times, the citizens never gave up. To me, these examples define community pride and spirit.” — Christopher Wiseman WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Joplin’s population stands at 270,000 during the week. During the busier Saturdays and Sundays, Joplin’s population swells even further, to 500,000 people. The above numbers have helped Joplin become the fourth largest metropolitan area in Missouri — behind only Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield. The economic numbers have also helped Joplin become an important commercial cog. It’s not the first time this has happened. More than 100 years ago, Joplin was also the hub of the region, but instead of shopping and dining, it was lead and zinc mining. Joplin back then was known as the lead and zinc mining capital of the world. From 1875 to the early 1950s, this area accounted for 50 percent of the United States’ zinc production and roughly 10 percent of its lead production. In 1897 alone, the Joplin district outproduced the entire state of Alaska. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! George Washington Carver is so much more important than being the man many assume invented peanut butter (he actually didn’t). He was, in reality, a genius, a man born into slavery during the Civil War who went on to become a famed American botanist and inventor. In 1943, the George Washington Carver National Monument (5646 Carver Road) was established 15 minutes from Joplin. This was the first national monument dedicated to an African American and the first to honor someone other than a president. Today, the monument is a tourist hub and educational center. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Located in a protected area in south Joplin, the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center (201 W. Riviera Drive) is dedicated to protecting the last remaining chert glades in the world. The 11,000-square-foot nature center showcases (and protects) plants and animals that call this unique habitat home. Inside, there is a 1,300-gallon aquarium; outside, there are more than five miles of walking trails. HISTORICAL NOTE: Like so many historical buildings built in the 1920s, the great Connor Hotel, the center of Joplin’s social life during the mining-fed boom days, was closed in 1969. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the building was scheduled for demolition in November, 1978. Tragically, the building collapsed on its own before that could happen. Two demolition workers were killed, while a third, Alfred Sommers, was trapped four days in the rubble, though he survived. It wasn’t until the 2011 tornado that Joplin received so much national and international scrutiny by the media and public. Today, the hotel’s footprint is occupied by the Joplin Public Library. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Sure, it has nothing on the big plunge at Niagara Falls or the Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, yet Joplin’s Grand Falls (5400 S. Riverside Drive) is nonetheless the largest, continuously flowing natural waterfall found in Missouri, as water from Shoal Creek plunges 12 feet over a nearly 170-foot wide ledge of crags as it bubbles into Joplin’s Wildcat Park. NOTABLE NATIVE: Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright, social activist and columnist from Joplin. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry. Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s. His poetry and fiction portrayed the lives of the working-class blacks in America, and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was his signature poem. In 1930, his first novel, “Not Without Laughter,” won the Harmon Gold Medal for literature. He died in 1967. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Despite getting hit twice by tornadoes, in the early 70s and in 2011, Joplin actually sits outside what is loosely defined as Tornado Alley. This “alley” runs from central Texas, northward to northern Iowa and from central Kansas and Nebraska east to western Ohio, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Satellite and Information Service.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

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Thank You Four States For Nominating Us! SEPT 2015 | JMAG

NEOSHO, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1878 POPULATION: 11,835 PEOPLE MOTTO: “THE FLOWER BOX CITY”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “Community pride... (is) important to me in many ways. First of all, my wife Michelle and I grew up in this area and now we have chosen to raise our family in this community. We want this community to be the best it can be for my family and friends. Secondly, as a business owner and community member it’s important to support opportunities for our community and school. If schools are successful and people support community activities that are healthy for supporting families and community members and the economy, we will all live in a much better place.” — Tim Mitchell WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? A lot of people ask about the name “Neosho” — it’s generally accepted to be a Native American Osage name, meaning “clear, cold water.” This makes sense — thanks to a dozen free-flowing freshwater streams and five creeks (Shoal, Center, Indian, Spring and North Fork), the area became a popular meeting spot for Native Americans for centuries. These streams have helped create some of the city’s most popular attractions, including one of the prettiest public parks found in our area as well as a federal fish hatchery. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! A tour of Neosho and its beautiful Dogwood trees has now become a tradition for 50-plus years and counting. The tour was established to showcase to outside visitors the natural beauty of the city’s many gorgeous trees. A self-guided tour, promoted by the city’s Rotary Club, starts north of the high school and winds its way throughout town to the city’s fish hatchery. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” The Neosho National Fish Hatchery, established in 1888, is the oldest federal fish hatchery in operation today. It is one of 69 fish hatcheries operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More than 130 species of cold, cool and warm water fish have been produced by the hatchery, and these fish regularly stock area lakes, rivers and streams.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Camp Crowder, located south of town, became an important armored training center in 1941, stretching across 42,000-plus acres. Some of the soldiers who lived in the barracks included Carl Reiner, Dick Van Dyke, Mort Walker, Tillman Franks and Jean Shepherd. Later in the war, it was home to a small contingent of German prisoners. The camp was deactivated in 1951. Later, the barracks became the core of the campus of the now thriving Crowder College. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Big Spring Park is considered one of the most beautiful natural parks found in Southwest Missouri. The park is also a favorite among local photographers as well as a popular wedding venue. The park, once the site of an Indian trading ground, today features a unique floral clock, a 1920s-era Grecian stage, a child’s wading pool and a trout and koi pond. There’s also a cave located there that allegedly holds the remains of soldiers and a stash of Confederate gold. The cave was once open to the public, but was closed by city officials in the early 20th century when children allegedly got lost in the cave. NOTABLE NATIVE: In 1882, wine vineyards in France, Spain and Portugal were laid to waste by disease, and it was Neosho native Hermann Jaegar, a winemaker, whose grapes proved resistant. His fruit became a savior for the great European vineyards. For his contribution to the grape and wine industries of France, Jaeger was awarded the coveted French Legion of Honour, the highest award that that nation can bestow on a non-French citizen. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Long before highways and airports, communication was primarily conducted by men on horseback. To that end, an extremely important Pony Express mail route was established in 1854 between Neosho and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The invention of the telegraph later made this obsolete.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

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SEPT 2015 | JMAG

GROVE, OKLAHOMA DATE ESTABLISHED: 1890S POPULATION: 6,623 PEOPLE MOTTO: “LIVING THE GRAND LIFE!”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “I absolutely feel lucky to have seen all the changes that have taken place here (from the construction of the Pensacola Dam to the creation of Grand Lake). Grove is the greatest place in the world.” — Kelly Hampton WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Grove officials recently green-lit a $3.7 million park project to attract fishing events to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, which helped entice the 2013 and 2016 Bassmaster Classic to the shores of the lake, but Grand Lake’s tranquil waters has already made Grove the Sooner State’s No. 1 destination point. Grand is consistently ranked among the top lakes for bass fishing in the region and is also a haven for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. And, of course there is also a wide variety of boating and fishing fun to be experienced. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! Opened in 1968, Har-Ber Village is one of the largest pioneer-era villages and history museums found in Oklahoma. Built as a gift to the public by Harvey and Bernice Jones, and similar to Branson’s Silver Dollar City (sans the theme rides), HarBer is a turn-of-the century village home to more than 100 buildings, collections and exhibits. There is a courthouse, a bank, an inn, a church, a jail, a print shop, drug store and dentist shop. Open from March 1 through Nov. 15, the village is located on the western edge of Grove. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Without Pensacola Dam, there would be no Grand Lake or Grove serving as Oklahoma’s No. 1 destination spot. The first hydroelectric facility in Oklahoma, Pensacola Dam for 70 years has provided electricity for 24 counties in the Sooner State. Despite its age, the dam is still one of the longest multiple arch dams found in the world. Free tours of the dam, located at Highways 28 and 82, are available daily throughout the year.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Immediately after the Pensacola Dam’s completion in 1940, water began to pool across huge swaths of forests and fields. By the end of the summer, the lake had risen to the heights it occupies today. Some towns were buried beneath the rising waters — the small town of Echo, at the time located between Bernice and Grove, was evacuated, the rest was lost to history. Some towns were moved, piece by piece, to a new location — Bernice is an example of this. Luckily, Grove was high enough in altitude to escape the lake waters. Still, the flooding resulted in the loss of 1,285 acres of Cherokee land and 802 acres of the Quapaw Indian Agency, most of which belonged to the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe. Half of the Seneca-Cayuga Elk River ceremonial area was flooded, as well. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Anyone who loves the great outdoors — or wants a perfect wedding spot — should visit Lendonwood Gardens, a three-acre botanical garden offering 1,400 different plants, including one of the largest collections of cypress trees in the United States. Located at 1308 W. 13th Street, it is open year-round with guided or self-guided tours. NOTABLE NATIVE: Darryl Starbird is an American custom car and hot rod designer and builder, whose best known cars — the Predicta, the Electra, the Cosma Ray, the Big T and the ‘Lil Coffin — had futuristic space-age car designs and bubble tops, many of which were made into Monogram models during the 1950s and 1960s. These cars can now be found inside the Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame Museum, located on Highway 85-A outside Grove. Director George Lucas included a reference to Starbird in his 1973 film, “American Graffiti,” in which a character named Toad comments about his friend’s 1958 Chevrolet Impala — “This may even be better than Darryl Starbird’s super fleck moon bird!” WHO THE HECK KNEW? Grove is one of the nation’s five best retirement areas based on the cost of living, state and local taxes, climate and typical household earnings, according to city officials. To that end, the city’s population has grown by nearly 28 percent since 2000.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome to Grove

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

PITTSBURG, KANSAS DATE ESTABLISHED: 1879 POPULATION: 20,233 PEOPLE MOTTO: “THE LITTLE BALKANS”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “Community spirit is when students volunteer their Saturday to help Hearts & Hammers paint a neighbor’s home or rake their leaves or clean out their gutters. When a person volunteers to sit on a dunk tank for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life or when a neighbor mows a neighbor’s yard. I don’t believe it always needs to be a newsworthy story to show community (spirit). I have tried to live by the quote I found regarding integrity which reads, ‘We make a living by what we get; We make a life by what we give.’” — Jeff L. Wilbert WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? When you think of Pittsburg, or visit Pittsburg, there’s one animal found in the world that dominates the hearts of the residents here, and no, it’s not the American Bison, which is the Kansas state animal. It’s a gorilla. That’s because Pittsburg lives and breathes Pittsburg State University athletics, particularly its highly-successful football Gorillas. More than anything else found in Crawford County’s largest community, Gus the Gorilla shows up almost anywhere, with statues of him found on campus, in front of restaurants, commercial businesses, even private homes. In fact, PSU is the only university in the United States featuring a gorilla as a mascot. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! Looking for an afternoon with the tykes? Check out Kiddieland at Pittsburg’s Lincoln Park (813 Memorial Drive). This amusement park for kids features eight rides, including flying planes, a train, a ferris wheel and a roller coaster, the latter built in 1961. The park, which first began operating in 1950, is now run by the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Fourteen miles outside Pittsburg is one of the tallest structures found in our area. The appropriately named Big Brutus (6509 NW 60th Street) is a giant electric shovel that rises 160 feet into the air and weighs in at 11 million pounds. Between 1962 and 1974, it scooped coal from deep beneath the ground. Now, it’s the centerpiece of a mining museum in West Mineral, Kansas. It is currently the largest electric shovel still in existence.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Little Balkans Days is a celebration unique to Pittsburg simply because the region in and around the town is known as the “Little Balkans,” similar to the Little Balkans region its named after in Europe. This celebration of the community’s European ethnic heritage features games, entertainment, a parade, competitions and arts and crafts. It is held in conjunction with the Labor Day holiday in September. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Many Pittsburg residents have fond memories — a date, an anniversary, even a shared kiss — of times spent inside the venerable Colonial Fox Theatre (407 N. Broadway) in downtown Pittsburg. Built in 1920, the Fox was modeled after the Isis theater in Kansas City. When the 1,200-seat theater opened, it was the largest and most modern theater found in southeast Kansas. More than 1,000 people turned out to view the first movie there, a screening of “Everywoman.” The theater, like so many of its kind, closed in 1983, and stayed that way for more than 20 years. Purchased in 2007 by the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation, this group has since worked hard to restore the building to its former glory as Pittsburg’s “entertainment beacon.” NOTABLE NATIVE: Bill Russell, born in Pittsburg in 1948, was a Major League Baseball player, coach and manager. He played for 18 years (2,181 games) primarily as a shortstop, grabbing one World Series championship ring. He also served as a coach alongside legendary manager Tommy Lasorda, and later managed the Dodgers from 1996 to 1998. Only Zack Wheat played more games as an L.A. Dodger than Bill Russell. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Kansas City is known for its barbecue, New York City for its pizza and Philadelphia for its subs. Pittsburg is known for its fried chicken. Several restaurants and their specialized ways of frying chicken has helped put Southeast Kansas on the culinary map. Chicken Annie’s Original (1143 E. 600th) was created when Ann Pichler began serving chicken dinners in 1934, while Joe and Mary Zerngast started Chicken Mary’s (1133 E. 600th) in the war years of the 1940s. This would start a “chicken war” that has continued into the new century. A decade later, in the 1950s, Ray Barto opened Barto’s Idle House (210 S. Santa Fe) in Frontenac, combining fried chicken dishes with live polka music. In 1970, the two rival chicken clans merged when Anthony Pichler married Donna Zerngast and opened Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s (1271 S. 220th Street). The award-winning bread found inside these restaurants is provided by the Frontenac Bakery (211 N. Crawford). 22

JMAG | SEPT 2015

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GALENA, KANSAS DATE ESTABLISHED: MAY, 1877 POPULATION: 2,994 PEOPLE MOTTO: “THE OLDEST MINING TOWN IN KANSAS”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “I was raised all over the United States but we lived in a small neighborhood and there was an elderly lady that could not mow her lawn or clean her gutters or take care of her animals, and all of (us) children in the neighborhood took care of the lady, mowed her lawn and made sure her animals were fed. The sad part is I don’t remember the lady’s name but I do remember the hugs and the ‘thanks you’s.’ I try to do that every day.” — Melba Rigg WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Like many towns in our area, Galena was founded when the natural mineral form of lead sulfite was discovered buried all around it in the ground. Between 1877 and 1878, the town boasted a population of 3,000. Thanks to the mines and the establishment of Route 66 through the town’s center during the late 1920s, Galena boasted a population of nearly 30,000 people, and was said, allegedly, to be “one of the most important towns found west of New York City.” WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! On the portion of Route 66 that snakes through the heart of the city, motorists from around the world often stop at Howard Litch Memorial Park, which opened in 2001 (Howard “Pappy” Litch was a town favorite, as well as a respected historian). This small park includes a gazebo and a monument to the Will Rogers Highway (Route 66). An original 1952 Will Rogers Highway plaque, previously located at the Missouri-Kansas border, has been placed at the base of the monument at the park. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Galena may have been founded on mining and lead, but

it’s Route 66 that now defines it. Although the “Mother Road” stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, only 13 of the 2,451 miles enters and exits via the Sunshine State. While Riverton and Baxter Springs may showcase the road to some extent, Galena has truly embraced it, beginning with the Route 66 tile mural by Chris Auckerman and Jon White as well as numerous Route 66 signs and markers.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Originally, Galena wasn’t named Galena — it was envisioned as Cornwall. But the town names didn’t stop there. Other names included Short Creek as well as Bonanza. There was even a rival town — Empire City, that was later annexed into what would become the town of Galena. It seems appropriate the town has the name it has, thanks to the lead sulfide mineral that helped put the town on the map in the first place. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Just two miles or so south of downtown Galena sits Schermerhorn Park, which was founded in 1922 and borders a bubbling Shoal Creek. The park is noted for the stone terracing and walls built by members of the Works Progressive Administration. The park is also home to the Schermerhorn Cave, where several species of salamanders live. The park also boasts the Southeast Kansas Nature Center, walking trails and many scenic spots for pictures. NOTABLE NATIVE: In the book “The Grapes of Wrath” by Jon Steinbeck, the characters Sairy and Ivy Wilson came from Galena. WHO THE HECK KNEW? A 1951 International Harvester L-170 “boom” truck, sitting at the side of the road in north Galena, would become the beloved “Mater” tow truck in the animated movie “Cars,” and that truck is now on display at Cars on the Route, a 1934 Kan-O-Tex service station converted into a roadside cafe and souvenir shop, giving Route 66 visitors from around the world a nice place to stop for a drink and some photos. The station has been previously known as “Little’s Service Station” and “4 Women on the Route.”

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome to Galena

Economic Development Committee

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

MIAMI, OKLAHOMA DATE ESTABLISHED: 1891 POPULATION: 13,570 PEOPLE MOTTO: “A CITY AND A NATION”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “(Miami, Oklahoma) is what we wanted to see when we were planning our trip in my living room in (Ghent, Belgium). Chicago is Chicago, St. Louis is St. Louis and L.A. is L.A. — what we wanted to see is how real Americans live, in places like (Miami). We love it. This is why we do this.” — Deidrick Blanca, traveling Route 66 WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Miami has gone through quite the transformation over the last 30 years or so; it was once known as a manufacturing hub. But when the BF Goodrich plant, which employed 2,000 people, shut down in 1986, the city quickly transformed itself into a “destination spot” town. No town in the Joplin metro area has more slot machines and gaming tables residing within its city limits, or within a five-minute drive, than Miami. It is home to Buffalo Run Casino and Resort, The Stables Casino, Prairie Sun and Moon Casinos and, just outside the city limits, Quapaw Casino to the north and High Winds Casino to the east. Together, these places offer thousands of slot machines and gaming tables, and plenty of options for a quick bite to eat or a luxurious dinner. Home to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and a magnet for fisherman to the banks of the Neosho River to snag some spoonbill, Miami today is thriving. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! It’s a favorite stopping off point for Route 66 roaming bikers from Europe. The Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum opened in 2006 at 128 S. Main, and caters to bikers and Route 66 enthusiasts, of any nationality. There are 40 vintage motorcycles on display, including a 1917 Harley Davidson and a 1972 Yamaha World Record Jump Bike. There is also an ever-growing Evel Knievel memorabilia collection that includes the van that helped him prep for his historic jump across the Snake River canyon. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” The venerable Route 66, the “Main Street of America,” runs right through

the heart of Miami — in fact, Miami sports the longest main street of any town or city found on Route 66. But Miami has something more: The Ribbon Road. Also known as “The Sidewalk Highway,” the old (original) section of Route 66’s alignment can be found between Miami and Afton and, unlike other sections of this road stretching between Chicago and Los Angeles, it is only nine feet wide. But prepare yourself – it’s a bumpy ride.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Nine Native American tribes are located in or near Miami – the Quapaw, the Wyandotte, the Modoc, the Miami, the Seneca-Cayuga, the Ottawa, the Eastern Shawnee, the Peoria and the Shawnee. The town is named after the Miami. The Dobson Museum, located near downtown, displays local Native American artifacts and has over 5,000 historical items. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: You’d be hard pressed to find an architectural equal to the historic Coleman Theatre anywhere in the Four States, in terms of beauty and history. Located at 103 N. Main (Route 66), it is Miami’s most-often viewed and visited building and an iconic piece of Oklahoma history. The 1,600-seat Coleman Theatre was built at a cost of $600,000 by George L. Coleman Sr. and opened on April 18, 1929. It is outfitted inside with gold, silk, stained glass and ivory. There’s also the original (and working) Wurlitzer pipe organ, known as “The Mighty Wurlitzer.” Tours of the building are available every Tuesday through Saturday. NOTABLE NATIVE: Successful country music singer Keith Anderson, who was born in Miami in 1968, fell in love with music while playing for a band at his Miami-based church. He helped pen the lyrics to the Garth Brooks hit “Beer Run,” as well as the Big & Rich hit “Lost in the Moment.” His first successful hit was “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” followed by “I Still Miss You.” WHO THE HECK KNEW? In nearby Commerce sits a single-story house known as the boyhood home of Mickey Mantle, the great New York Yankee and National Hall of Fame inductee. “The Commerce Comet’s” family moved to the Miami area when he was 4. He would go on to later play for the Baxter Springs, Kansas Whiz Kids and the nearby Joplin Miners. The house is located at 319 S. Quincy Street. There’s also a bronze, nine-foot-tall Mickey Mantle statue that stands beyond the center field of the Commerce High School baseball diamond.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome toMiami

Serving the Miami area for 37 years.

Full in bloom for Fall for your home and garden. 1800 A N.W. Miami, OK 918-542-1381 www.SunkissedFloral.com SEPT 2015 | JMAG

LAMAR, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1870 POPULATION: 4,532 PEOPLE MOTTO: “CITY OF PRIDE”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “It was in the 70s that our football coach by the name of John Kotzman was so impressed by the people of our community that he tagged Lamar as ‘The City of Pride,’ which has carried through all these years. Such pride can be seen in every corner of our county, from our four-time championship high school football players and fans, to those who upkeep our historic town, and everyone in-between. As an older member of the community, I have seen many ups and downs, but I have never witnessed a hindrance to the pride, love and fellowship of Barton County.” — Donita McCulloch WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Lamar has been, historically speaking, an important incubator for Missouri politicians at the state and federal level. As examples, Lamar produced Charles Henry Morgan, a Missouri congressman as well as state representative from 1875 to 1911, and Henry Carroll Timmonds, a state rep and judge in the late 19th Century. But Lamar is most famous for being the birthplace of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. It was Truman who brought rural common sense, country manners and Show-Me sensibility to the White house. His home was dedicated in 1959, which today is a protected landmark, open to the public seven days a week, at 1009 Truman Street. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! The Stilabower Public Observatory is one of just four community-owned observatories found in the United States. The view of the heavens through the 14-inch telescope can be seen by the public for free after dark on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Lamar is home to two historic movie venues: the Plaza, dubbed the “crown jewel” of Barton County, which has been showing movies to the public since 1934. Fire damaged the theater in 1986, but the grand old lady reopened for business in 1998. Today, the theater receives visitors from as far away as Kansas City. Located on the edge of Lamar, the Barco Drive-In Theatre is one of just three such places still in operation in Southwest Missouri today. It has been showing movies in the classic outdoor setting since 1950.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Much like Baxter Springs in neighboring Kansas, Lamar and portions of Barton County was also targeted by Confederate guerrilla leader William Quantrill. When Union troops occupied Lamar in 1862, Quantrill raided and burned the area. Lamar was again burned by raiders in 1864. The area in and around Lamar was depopulated and it took years for the area to be resettled. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: A long time ago, tallgrass prairies covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than one percent remains, according to Missouri State Parks officials. What the Show-Me State used to look like can now be found at the Prairie State Park, located north of Lamar. There is a nature center located there, as well as grazing bison and elk. It’s the largest preserved tallgrass prairie found in the United States today. NOTABLE NATIVE: He’s not a native, he was born in nearby Illinois, but the legendary Wyatt Earp — a gambler, sheriff, town marshal, frontier lawman and participant in the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona — moved to Lamar at the age of 21 in the spring of 1868, and would stay there until 1874. He would marry here (his wife is buried a mile east of the city’s Square), and his first job was constable of Lamar in 1870. Today, Lamar remembers him and his legacy with the Wyatt Earp Heritage Day, held each year in early October. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Lamar is a four-time grand prize winner in the Missouri Community Betterment competition, including the latest award for 2014. Part of the reason for these awards is the town’s award-winning school district as well as its historic square, which is the second largest found in Missouri.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome to Lamar

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

SENECA, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1869 POPULATION: 2,406 PEOPLE MOTTO: “LITTLE TOWN ON THE BORDER”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “Everyone down here just has a great sense of community pride. Kids still ride their bicycles up and down the sidewalk. And (people) go down to the creek and watch and feed the ducks or see them fishing. Any and everything is just beautiful and very well kept. When you come to town you just say, ‘Wow this is a neat town.’ It’s just Small Town U.S.A.” — Doris Mead WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Unlike so many towns in the area, Seneca wasn’t founded on buried precious metals, but primarily on beauty; this town, which straddles the Missouri/Oklahoma border, was settled in a valley that contained two natural waterways (Lost Creek and Little Lost Creek), rolling hills and a rural, peaceful nature. Even before the city was founded, the valley was known as “Seneca,” which in Native American means “Keeper of the Door.” WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! Just across the state line and a mile south of Seneca, on Highway 60, sits Indigo Sky Casino, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe’s $85 million casino that opened in late 2012. The complex is Seneca’s No. 1 tourist attraction, offering a gaming floor with nearly 1,300 gaming machines and table games, a 117room hotel, an RV park and, among several, the Shawanoe Restaurant. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” Not too many towns showcase a giant can of Milnot at treetop level, which is the famed evaporated milk product. This longtime landmark in Seneca is located on the factory roof of the Seneca-based Milnot plant, which stretches across the border of both Missouri and Oklahoma. Before the early 1960s, this sign on Highway 60 meant “Welcome to Missouri.”

HISTORICAL NOTE: Many towns only have grainy pictures of the first educational building built inside their city; in Seneca, the two-room log building, built in 1876, is currently located in downtown Seneca behind City Hall and can be viewed at leisure. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Seneca has had a long tradition when it comes to celebrating America’s birthday. For more than 100 years, Seneca’s celebration is one of the largest found in the area. During the annual “Celebrating Our Freedom” event, Seneca’s 2,400 population swells to 8,000 to 10,000 during the weekend. Aside from the fireworks display, there’s also a fun run, a parade, traditional games, a duck race and live music. NOTABLE NATIVE: Steve and Cassie Gaines were two musicians from Seneca (and raised in nearby Miami, Oklahoma) who both played in the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd: Steve was a guitarist and songwriter for the band, while older sister Cassie was a back-up vocalist during the band’s live performances. Both perished in the infamous plane crash in 1977. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Seneca is home to American Tripoli, located at 222 Oneida Street, producer of “Seneca Standard” grades of tripoli, a naturally-occurring microcrystalline silica product used as a metal polishing compound. Processing is done in Seneca, but much of the raw material is now mined in Oklahoma.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome to Seneca

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

WEBB CITY, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: 1876 POPULATION: 11,000 PEOPLE MOTTO: “THE CITY OF FLAGS”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “As a child growing up in Webb City, we were a smaller community then, but we knew of the love and pride in our community. We knew if we did wrong, our parents would know about it before we got home. Our community was the village that it took to raise a child. Support of our schools has always been uppermost in the concerns of our citizens. Each time we needed more room for expansion and a school bond was placed before the community, it passed. Our schools are one of our most important features in our community.” — Jeanne Newby WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? The town is known throughout the state for its high school sports, primarily its football team, which has won 13 state champions, possesses a 223-19 record over the last 18 years and a 323-32 record since 1988, and was the first high school football program ever inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! Weighing 110 tons and standing 32 feet tall, the “Giant Hands in Prayer” statue, sculpted by local artist J.E. “Jack” Dawson in 1974, stands alongside U.S. Highway 71. Another Dawson piece, the “Kneeling Miner Statue,” commemorates the city’s early 20th century history of lead mining, can be viewed nearby. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT! The Webb City Farmers Market, located at 555 S. Main., on the northern edge of King Jack Park beneath the long pavilion, is open every week of the year on Tuesday evenings, Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings — yes, it’s one of the rare “winter” markets. This is a producer-only market with 55 vendors and received the 2009 Market of the Year award. It is considered one of the best markets found in the Show-Me State.

HISTORICAL NOTE: During the years of World War I, when the nation had an insatiable appetite for lead, Webb City had a population of nearly 16,000 people during that time, with some 700 mines operating in and around Webb City. The sad part? The town’s leader, John C. Webb, sold his lead deposit on his property for $25. Eventually, the property produced $13 million worth in ore. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: King Jack Park is a large, 144-acre community park and is home to Paradise Lake located near the back of the park. The blue water is now split by the rust-colored Georgia City Bridge. Built in 1871, it is the oldest all-metal vehicular bridge found anywhere in the Show-Me State. NOTABLE NATIVE: Lisa Myers, a longtime Emmy Award-winning Senior Investigative Correspondent for NBC National News in Washington D.C., who regularly appeared on both the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, retired in late 2014. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Sure, Joplin’s Connor Hotel is the area’s best known hotel, built in 1908 and collapsing in 1978, but Webb City was home to the great Newland Hotel, rising four stories above the street. When it was built in 1891, it offered a then-unprecedented 100 rooms to area residents and visitors. Today, only a remnant of this grand building remains, comprising the popular Route 66 Movie Theater in downtown Webb City.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Welcome to Webb City

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CARL JUNCTION, MISSOURI DATE ESTABLISHED: MAY, 1884 POPULATION: 7,970 PEOPLE MOTTO: “LAND OF THE SIX (SPRINGS)”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “For the community, school and churches to join together to support each organization in a Christian attitude by being role models for all ages at all the activities.” — Carroll A. Sill WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? No community in Jasper County is currently growing faster than the town known affectionately as “CJ.” Carl Junction has experienced a 22 percent growth in population since 1990, rising from 6,660 in 2010 to 7,970 in 2015. It’s not the first time this has happened. Between 1890 and 1910, Carl Junction was the county’s fastest-growing city then, seeing a population bump from 699 to 1,177. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! One of the most beautiful spots found within the borders of Carl Junction is the Briarbrook Country Club and Golf Course. The Briarbrook area was annexed into the city in 1967. Built three years earlier, the course features bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways. There is a clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts for residents and guests to enjoy. It’s also home to Mulligan’s Grill at the Briarbrook. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” The Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival, the longest-running festival of its type in the region, is held each September in Center Creek Park, showcasing music from nearly a dozen bands, from “Bluegrass Brigade” to “Kentucky 31.” There is also a car show, crafts and a petting zoo.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Before Carl Junction was established, the area was known as Sherwood, a hog butchering and pork salting town of 250 people. The city, at the time the third largest in the county, was burned to the ground by Union army troops in 1863, because its citizens had apparently sided with the Confederate cause. It was never rebuilt. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Yet another abandoned railroad track has been converted into a new and beautiful walking/biking trail: The Thom Station Trail stretches for about a mileand-a-half, at one point crossing the waters of Center Creek. The trail head is near 3rd and Allen streets. NOTABLE NATIVE: Al C. Webb, an inventor, created what was said to be America’s first automobile fire truck, powered by Webb’s combustible engine. Joplin officials purchased the vehicle in 1906 and named it “The Goat.” It was one of the first motorized fire trucks used anywhere in the nation. The arrival of these machines eventually replaced the venerable fire horse. WHO THE HECK KNEW? Carl Junction got the nation’s attention in 1892, when the fossilized remains of two adult and two infant elephants — an extinct species named Elephas Americanus — was discovered inside a mine at the south end of town. A year later, the bones were displayed at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. One of the skeletons was reputed to have been the largest ever found for the species up to that time.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

BAXTER SPRINGS, KANSAS DATE ESTABLISHED: 1868 POPULATION: 4,238 PEOPLE MOTTO: “AMERICA’S FIRST ‘COW TOWN’”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: “We like to take the backroads when we come through (this area) and we always stop here (in Baxter Springs). To us, this is what ‘small town America’ is all about. It just feels like something you’d see in a famous painting. We’re from California, and there are a lot of beautiful areas there, but nothing there feels like what’s here, if that makes any sense.” — Dawn Peralta WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS PLACE? Boy, if you ever wanted to know which town in our area had a action-packed history, it would probably be Baxter Springs. Think about it — this town was the first cow town in our area, filled with bored cowboys, wealthy landowners and young families escaping the big cities of the East Coast. Before that, it was a key frontier trading post; later, it opened our area to the wild West. During the Civil War, Union soldiers battled William Quantrill’s raiders on several occasions, with hundreds dying. After the war, lead mining would swell its population again. Later, Route 66 would make Baxter Springs a prominent stop. Heck, even Bonnie and Clyde couldn’t resist the town, robbing the Baxter Springs General Store not once but twice. WAIT, YOU GOTTA SEE THIS! Located on old 66 Highway, Rainbow Bridge is probably one of the most photographed bridges in all of Kansas. This single-span concrete Marsh arch bridge is the sole surviving bridge of its type found on Route 66. It was built in 1923. Country singer Brad Paisely performed “Route 66” on the bridge back in 2000 for a special aired on The Learning Channel. “OH, CHECK THIS OUT!” If you love the American Civil War, you’ll want to spend a few hours at the Baxter Springs Historical Museum and the nearby reconstructed pre-Civil War cabin and Civil War battle marker.

HISTORICAL NOTE: During the Civil War, the United States government built several military forts where the city stands today: Fort Baxter, Camp Hunter and Camp Ben Butler. In 1863, William Quantrill attacked Fort Baxter, though he was defeated. Monuments and memorials today showcase these forts. Also, a DAR Marker was erected in 1931 for Gen. James G. Blunt, who was ambushed and killed by Quantrill’s guerillas. The marker is located at 10th and Park streets at the Johnston Public Library. THIS IS JUST BREATHTAKING: Beautiful Riverside Park, which stretches along Spring River, is a quiet place where families can enjoy some fishing — black bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, walleye, catfish, gar and carp. NOTABLE NATIVE: Hale S. Irwin, who was born on June 3, 1945, is an American professional golfer. He was one of the world’s best from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. In fact, he is one of the few players in history to win three U.S. Opens, becoming the oldest ever U.S. Open champion in 1990, at the age of 45. WHO THE HECK KNEW? It was once at the end of a gravel road, the Tri-State marker, sitting at the meeting point where Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma merge into one. Located six miles east of Baxter Springs, it is now located on the property of Downstream Casino. The marker was built in 1938 by members of the Youth Work Administration.

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Day Trippin’: A trip to Tulsa Written and photographed by Amanda Stone

Roll out of bed, pour coffee to go and hop in the car — it’s time for a day trip to Oklahoma’s second largest city. Be sure to grab the kids for this one; Tulsa offers loads of educational family fun. Featured here are the three major highlights we managed to see in a single day. They are the best of the best and the must-do’s. We’ve planned and tested the itinerary, all you have to do is get in the car and drive the 112 mile drive. Arrival times are provided as a guide to reasonably get you through your day without any hiccups. At less than two hours away, Tulsa is worth repeating.

a hot air Experience all things flight-related from

JMAG | SEPT 2015

First stop — Tulsa Children’s Museum and Discovery Lab 9:30 a.m.

An educator at Tulsa Children’s Museum and Discovery Lab making a lava lamp amazes kids with the with ingredients fro science behind m the kitchen.

Designed for kids in middle school and younger, science, technology, engineering, art and math are incorporated into an interactive, wildly fun experience. A suspension bridge, tunnels and a 30-foot slide made from 16 miles of packing tape is a favorite for both kids and adults. The exhibits are designed to encourage children to connect art and science in ways they’ve never seen before, making learning both fun and engaging. Demonstrations centered on sci-

balloon to WWII bombers to the space

ence or health and wellness are given from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. four days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Admission: Ages 2 and up, $6 Address: 560 North Maybelle Avenue Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

um & Planetarium.

shuttle at the Tulsa Air and Space Muse

and there are ample photo opportunities sprinkled throughout the complex. An MD-80 plane sits between the museum and planetarium and has been converted into a learning center. It is available for tours on the hour between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shows can be viewed inside the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Adults ($15), Seniors and military personnel ($12), Kids ages 5-17 ($10), Kids under 4 (Free). Address: 3624 N 74th E Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

llenges of flight at experience the cha e kids a chance to flight simulators giv

ace

the Tulsa Air and Sp

Remote controlled m. Museum & Planetariu

Second stop — Lunch! Noon The Children’s Museum is located in historic Owen Park, which happens to be Tulsa’s first-ever municipal park, established in 1910. This is a great place for you to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy after your time spent inside the museum. If you need a bit of air conditioning, Hideaway Pizza is a kid-friendly local favorite that’s just a few minutes away from the museum by car. Kids can watch their pizza being made through a window into the kitchen. The décor is eclectic, the servers wear tiedye and the children’s menu comes with plenty of ways to entertain them while they wait. The menu includes a variety of salads, pasta, sandwiches and pizza that was voted Oklahoma’s favorite.

Feel and feed stingra

ys in the “Touch Tan

k” at Oklahoma Aq

uarium.

Third stop — Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium 1:15 p.m. Historical and hands-on science exhibits, a flight simulator lab and full-dome planetarium shows will easily entertain your entire family. Kids can operate controls in a cockpit, maneuver a space shuttle’s robotic arm and feel like they’re flying inside a high-tech computer flight lab. A play area is available for younger children

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Fourth stop — Oklahoma Aquarium 4 p.m.

ses a rainbow of sea

ebrates” exhibit hou

The “Amazing Invert

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life.

Located on the outskirts of town, the aquarium offers wonders from all over the world. Touch and feed stingrays, walk under a tunnel of sharks and ogle the glowing jellyfish. Crawl under the water through tunnels in the Extreme Amazon exhibit and pop up for a unique photo. The otters dive and twirl through the water, turtles perch on a log and electric eels slither in their tanks. The aquarium aims to use interactive discovery to inspire aquatic conservation. When entering the aquarium, make sure to grab a schedule of feeding times and coral reef diving. Admission: Adults ($15.95), Seniors and military personnel ($13.95), Kids ages 3-12 ($11.95), Kids under 2 (Free). Address: 300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, Oklahoma Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (10 a.m. to 9 p.m on Tuesdays).

Final stop â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Supper at Los Cabos! 6:15 p.m. Situated one minute down the road from Oklahoma Aquarium, Los Cabos (300 Riverwalk Terrace #100 in Jenks, Oklahoma) is a perfect pit stop before heading east toward Joplin. Relax with live music and Mexican food on their spacious patio overlooking the Arkansas River before hitting the road.

Mexican food and live music on the patio at Los Cabos is a great way to unwind before heading home.

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Phil Vicory (left) and his son-in-law, Paul Zuraw, pose on either side of a 1933 Franklin Olympic, restored to pristine condition over 48 months of hard work. Vicory plans to enter the vehicle in the Maple Leaf Parade on Oct. 17, a dream of his for many long years.

Rare Restoral

Joplin man’s ‘33 Franklin Olympic back on the street By Kevin McClintock Photography by Laurie Sisk

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An 82-year-old car recently took to modern-day city streets for only the third time in 50 years. The man behind the wheel, Phil Vicory, couldn’t have been more pleased. There were no emotional dramatics from the 76-year-old as he motored his fully-restored 1933 Franklin Olympic through the streets of south Joplin in late June; just a satisfied look on his face. Two men sitting at a picnic table actually got up and walked to the front part of the yard to get a better glimpse at the classic car, which looked like it had just been driven from the soundstage of a 1930s-era Hollywood gangster movie. Amused, Vicory just shook his head in admiration at the Olympic. “They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.”

Labor of love Think of Vicory’s black and silver Olympic, complete with its hand brake, unique air-cooled engine and wide floorboards, as a puzzle. It was a complete

puzzle, just in terrible shape and far too gone to even think about firing it up for a drive around Joplin. More than four years ago, Vicory and a few close friends and family members took that puzzle and shook it all about, scattering the various pieces across the floor of his garage. From there, they launched the painstaking process of putting each piece back together again — polished, refitted and looking like new. Their goal was the complete frame-up restoration of this oneof-a-kind ’33 Olympic beauty. As Johnny Cash said, they built it one piece at a time. The car was “a mess.” The rusted hulk was jacked up from 8 inches of mud and pushed into Vicory’s working garage, rotted tires and all. With help from the late Howard Black, along with Paul Black, Paul Zuraw, Robert Fossard, Bobby Dunagan and Paul Shipman, they spent 48 months putting the puzzle back together. On Father’s Day back in June, the last piece of that puzzle, the hood ornament, was screwed into place. “I knew we were going to get it (done),”

Vicory said. “I just wondered when that would be. I never thought it would take this long.”

The Olympic and the Maple Leaf

“They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.”

Soon, Vicory’s Olympic will become a common sight throughout Joplin. The Olympic’s first “official” public appearance will be during the 49th annual Maple Leaf Parade in Carthage, which begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. It’s been a dream of Vicory’s to show off the car in that particular parade, the area’s largest. All of the key team that helped with the car’s rehabilitation will be inside (or on the side boards) during the parade, hopefully wearing matching shirts. After that, plan on seeing this black and silver Franklin populating all the local car shows, as well as a drive north to Clinton in

the fall for the annual Midwest Region Meet. “They just don’t make cars like this anymore,” added Zuraw. “Cars are better in some ways (these days), but they’re different, and they all look the same. This one stands apart.” While not many local car shows may be showcasing a 1933 Franklin Olympic, expect to see all kinds of beautiful cars during these upcoming car shows in our reading area: • Firehouse Car Show, Saturday, Sept. 26, 344 Redings Mill Road in Joplin. This is a benefit car show for the Redings Mill fire station. It is sponsored by the Route 66 Corvette Cruisers of Joplin. • The 31st Annual Aurora Houn’ Dawg Auto Fest, Saturday, Oct. 3, Oak Park on Highway 60 in Aurora. On display will be classic cars, street rod cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Beautiful cars on display during The Greater Ozarks British Motoring Club’s 16th annual All British Car and Cycle show in Carthage.

A Ford model A cab n sits atop a Volkswage a undercarriage during in recent “cruise night” Webb City.

Dillon Murphy, 15, from Carthage, pee ks beneath the hoo Sherry Birkinsha’s d of 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.

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• The 5th Annual Old Geezer Kustom Car Show, Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11, downtown square in Lamar. This show is on conjunction with Wyatt Earp Days. • Maple Leaf Cruise Night, Friday, Oct. 16, Carthage historic downtown square. At least 250 cruisers will “cruise” the square from 6 to 9 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks free to the first 250 cruisers. • The 35th Annual Maple Leaf Car Show, Saturday, Oct. 17, car lining Fairview to Grand streets. There will be 26 classes, three trophies awarded to each class. There will also be a “swap meet” and a “car corral.” • Golden Corral Veteran’s Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2415 Range Line Road. There is a $15 entry feet. Registration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; show runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Trophies awarded to each class. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 pot. Money benefits the Joplin’s Veteran’s DVA.

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Jim Woestman’s 2010 Morgan Aero.

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Fortune East under new ownership Original cashew chicken restaurant stays in town By Michael Coonrod Photography by Roger Nomer

stop at the restaurant last year got them more than dinner. James Chiu, who’s owned Fortune East since 1978, offered to sell so he and wife Martha could retire. It was Chiu who first brought to Joplin the now famous “Springfield Style Chinese Cashew Chicken.” Fortune East is Joplin’s oldest Asian restaurant and if no owner had stepped up to claim it, it’s likely it would have followed in the footsteps of other long-lasting eateries that recently closed, including Fred & Red’s (closed in 2012) and The Kitchen Pass (closed in 2015), both formerly located on S. Main. J MAG recently sat down with the Michauds to talk about their move to save one of Joplin’s oldest restaurants.

If you believe everything happens for a reason, then it wouldn’t surprise you that Fortune East, Joplin’s oldest Chinese restaurant, is finding new life with new New Fortune East owner Briana Michaud preps a take-out order during a re-opening on Aug. 1.

JMAG | SEPT 2015

owners Phil and Briana Michaud. The Michauds, both Joplin natives and graduates of MSSU, were living in St. Joseph and looking for something new. A

How did you decide to go into the restaurant business?

Briana:

“It’s kind of a funny story actually. My husband said, ‘if you could do anything, then what would it be? What

would you do?’ I said, ‘you’re gonna laugh, but I would go back to waitressing in a heartbeat. Three weeks later in December we were back visiting family. We always come to eat here every time we come back. James had sat down with us and said, ‘I’m ready to retire, do you want to buy the restaurant?’ It was kind of funny because for years we had been joking with him about, ‘you need to franchise this. We’ll open one up for you; we’ll run it.’”

Phil: “It seemed too coincidental. “ Briana: “Yeah, it was kind of a meant to be and it was like, ‘we

shouldn’t pass this by.’ We jumped on it.”

Phil: “Sometimes opportunities present themselves.” Briana: “We bought the place because we love the food and

we didn’t want to see it go. We want the menu to stay the same.”

Q: It sounds like you don’t plan to change anything? Briana: “If anything, we may experiment just to add things…” Phil: “But the core is not going to be changing at all.” Briana: “We gave the place a face-lift. We’ve already started

online ordering. We’re eventually going to go into full delivery to everybody.”

Q: Are you looking to expand and go to other cities? Phil: “We have toyed with that idea, growing it out more

broadly.”

Briana: “When we moved up there [St. Joseph] and found

out it that it [cashew chicken] is just indigenous to this area, it was like, ‘people need to experience this.’ They don’t have any idea what they’re missing. I think that’s kind of our long range plan, but we’d like to. We kind of talked about if we ever did, the first one we’d open up would probably be in the St. Joe area. We want people to experience what we thought they already did.”

Q: What reactions are you getting from customers? Briana: “It has been actually great and I think having James

and Martha still here has helped (The Chiu’s stuck around for a few weeks after the switchover)”

Josie Martin, 3, of Joplin, clean s her plate of ca opening of Fortu shew chicken an ne East under ne d rice during the w ownership in early August.

Phil:

“People were a little anxious, like ‘is the food going to be the same?’”

Briana:

“And that’s been the biggest worry. ‘Is James still here? Is Martha still here?’ Then they see them. It’s really been very good. They’ve been very welcoming, very accepting; which was a big worry of mine. It’s been very supportive and people make sure they tell us, ‘we will definitely be back. It’s great as always,’ and they wish us luck.”

Q: Why is it important to keep the tradition going? Phil: “I think this is part of the whole community’s heritage.

This is something that’s been here for so long. There are people that identify Joplin with Fortune East. We’ve seen so many comments on Facebook like, ‘I’ve gotta move home now.”

Q: What do you see for the future? Briana: “Relocating, I’m not sure where yet, but definitely

more centralized. We know Third Thursdays are very big here; maybe we’ll start having a vendor-type setup there. Our short-term is really just a new location and getting involved with Third Thursdays and catering. Our main priority right now is to expand out to get in touch with as many of the Joplin-area people as we can.”

Spicy chicken wing recipe on pg. 46

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You don’t usually associate spicy hot chicken wings with a traditional Chinese restaurant, but Fortune East isn’t your average Chinese restaurant, which is why it’s still one of the oldest Joplin restaurants still in existence today, just under new ownership. The restaurant’s founder and previous owners (James and Martha Chiu) and the new owners (Phil and Briana Michaud) were kind enough to let us publish the recipe for the restaurant’s awardwinning spicy chicken. As Briana told us, “James (Chiu) is the Wing King” of Joplin.

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Spicy Chicken Wings • 15 frozen chicken wings • 6 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon cooking sherry • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon corn starch • 3 tablespoons scallions • 2 teaspoons hot chile paste

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JMAG | SEPT 2015

The

Scene Photography by Laurie Sisk

Zayne Suman, 11, and Aiden Lason, 10, attempt to coax their shoebox boats to the finish line during the annual Shoal Creek Water Festival at Wildcat Glades.

One of the festival’s most popular events is the cardboard canoe race; here, members of the boat “Kids Just Want to Have Fun” make their way toward the starting line.

Connor McGinty, 4, leaves his artistic mark on a sidewalk during the water festival.

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Neosho center grows closer to public opening Written and photographed by Kevin McClintock “We’re close.” Those were the words out of the mouths of Karol Meyer and Judy Brown, two of the 10 to 12 core members comprising the compassionate animal group known as Faithful Friends Animal Advocates. For more than two years now, a stateof-the-art shelter on Highway 86 just west of Neosho has slowly taken shape. It started out as a marked-off field, morphed into a hole in the ground, became a cement slab, and today is a 4,800-square-foot, no-kill center that will soon comfortably house 80 cats and dogs. The shelter will replace the old one once operated by the City of Neosho before it was closed down. The building has primarily been funded from donations given to the group or money generated at the FFAA-operated thrift shop located on Harmony street in Neosho. “Everybody knows we’re getting close because we’ll be outside working and people will stop (and ask questions),” Meyer 48

JMAG | SEPT 2015

said. “They know we’re going to be open very soon.” No shelter opening date has been set. But there are some positive signs. About 20 volunteers have been brought on board over the last several months, and their training is nearing completion. These 20 will help spell the 10 to 12 hardcore FFAA volunteers who, for the past seven-and-ahalf years, have fostered and adopted out stray dogs and cats from their own homes. Meyer likened their multi-year journey to that of a railroad company laying down a track bit by bit, piece by piece, while the train, belching steam, sits just a few yards behind them. Brown said they need more volunteers, more than what they have now, because it will take a large group of volunteers to man the shelter during working hours. As it is, when they do open, unless they see a bump in numbers, some of the hardcore group will have to volunteer double shifts. “We’re willing to do that, because that’s

what we do, but we really need volunteers,” Brown said. “We’re training the ones that we have, and they have been fabulous, we’d like to have 40 more.” At full capacity, the center will need between 45 and 50 volunteers per day. And the more volunteers there are showing up at the shelter, willing to work, the better care FFAA members can provide. Currently, Faithful Friends is asking candidates to commit to two- to four-hour shifts. When asked if the lack of volunteers will keep the shelter closed indefinitely, both women shook their heads no. “No, we’ll open,” Brown said. “What we’ll do is just taken in the minimum” amount of animals. Both women hope once the shelter is open, once there’s traffic going in and out of the parking lot, and the sound of barking dogs can be heard by passing motorists, more people will volunteer. “That’s our hope,” she said. “People need to come out here and see what’s here, see it

building, their no-kill shelter. They have re-homed more than 2,000 animals since 2008. “We’ll be able to save a lot more (animals) when we open,” she said. “We’ve come a long ways. We’re excited. We’re almost there.” Those interested in volunteering can call 417-592-2512, email ffaaneosho@ yahoo.com, send a message via the group’s Facebook page or stop by the center on Highway 86 to pick up an application. Volunteers must be 16 and older, and those younger than 18 will need parental consent.

More cute pets on pg. 50! Meet Lolly, Marie and Hummer. These thr ee Corgi-mix litter were dumped at a mates Neosho business ins ide a cardboard box .

for themselves. We hope that will happen once this place opens.” Among the features found at this new center will be a large fenced-in play and exercise area, cat condos with upper and lower levels and a separate intake area. All the dogs at the center will have an indoor-outdoor run with a transfer door, complete with cute, “bone” handles. Faithful Friends started out as a group of like-minded individuals who shared the belief that all animals deserve the chance at a good, loving home. Formed during an informal meeting set around a dining room table in May, 2008, they at first wanted to provide love and attention to the dogs and cats based at the Neosho animal shelter. But soon after, that shelter was closed and bulldozed over. Since then, the group went to work designing, and eventually

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Visit Faithful Friends Shelter on Highway 86 to meet your future pet today!

was born ill, who Pretty J

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Carson rela xe member of s at the feet of Karol Meyer, an Faithful Fr iends Anim important year ago, al Advocat barely mor es of Neosh e than a ne was throw w-born pu o. A n from a m p, the boxe oving pick side of Inte r-mix -up and le rstate 49. ft for dead at the

Noah and Orchid: Joan Hodson holds Noah and Orchid, two of eight puppies who were born after their mother was abandoned in rural Newton County.

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Written by Brad Belk Photography by Joplin Historical & Mineral Museums, Inc.

The 3 Keystones: Keystone: Aptly named, the Keystone is

just that: the key or central stone of a semicircular arch. The keystone is the final wedge-shaped piece that locks all the other stone pieces into position. It gained great prominence during the Roman civilization period (1000 B.C.E. to 500 C.E.). Through the years, a variety of decorative and distinctive motifs have been selected for this final apex piece.

Keystone Hotel: In 1888, Pennsylvania

businessman Elias Zollenger Wallower purchased the property at the southeast corner of 4th and Main for $16,000. As stated in his book, “Reminiscences,” he believed constructing an office building there would be a good investment. “Before completion, however, I was requested to lease the building for a hotel.” Through the years, the property’s focus changed from office space to hotel rooms for overnight guests. At the turn of the century, the Keystone building became an architectural icon with the distinctive tower that wrapped around the corner of the streets it shadowed. 52

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Keystone Drills: The Keystone

drill played a major role in the development of the lead and zinc mines in the TriState Mining District. The manufacturing of Keystone Drills began in a small shop in Fallston, Pennsylvania, in 1882. A workforce of 12 men produced about two machines per month. By 1922, the Keystone Driller’s Beaver Falls plant covered 12 acres. The company, which began making portable drills originally designed for water well drilling, dotted the Keystone Hotel circa 1888 landscape here in the Tri-State Mining District. The No. 3 and No. 4 steam traction, cog hoist machines were favorites. For heavy or deeper drilling, the No. 5 traction was utilized. KOAM: On Dec. 13, 1953, the Kansas, During the 1920s, the company had offices Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri in New York City, Chicago and Joplin. (KOAM) television station became the Frank Oliver was the general manager of first to broadcast to the region. Operating the Keystone Driller Company in Joplin, on channel 7, the studios and transmitter which was located at 12th and Illinois. facilities were located south of Pittsburg

inception, the organization has actively improved the quality of life, while playing an integral role in the material, moral and social progress of the city of Joplin. Today, the club has 85 members. By the 21st Century, Kiwanis International was comprised of nearly 600,000 members, raising more than $100 million for worthy charitable causes, while yielding more than 18 million volunteer hours.

Spotlight Biography Russ Kaminsky: Russ Kaminsky ranks lin

b of Jop

anis Clu

The Kiw

on Highway 69. In the beginning, the television station presented programs from NBC, CBS, ABC and Dumont. The historic first four-and-a-half hour broadcast began with pioneer Lou Martin stating, “If you are watching this, it’s what we call television.” In the early days, everything was done live. Newscasters, without benefit of teleprompters, often ad-libbed. Advertisements were also done without editing. Today, many shows on cable television claim to be reality shows — Lou Martin and his colleagues were doing “real” reality programs 62 years ago. KOAM continued to be a trailblazer in the region as local baseball enthusiasts, for the first time, watched the 1954 World Series from the comfort of their living rooms. Footnote: Question of the day, was there a market for this new fangled technology called a television set? In September, 1953, Al Roepke, owner of Bay Mule (2629 Main), added a television store to his business. By mid-December, he had sold 900 Admiral V television sets, averaging 10 sales a day. An Admiral 21-inch TV with mahogany finish sold for $199.95.

KSWM: The Joplin television station

KSWM-TV began broadcasting on Sunday, Sept. 26, 1954. At 4:30 p.m., the first broadcast began from the newlycompleted studio at 1928 W. 13th Street. The CBS affiliated station was owned by Air Time, Inc., a Missouri corporation composed of stockholders from the Joplin region. Austin A. Harrison was the

station’s president and general manager. In 1946, he established the KSWM radio station. In the beginning, the station’s hours of operation were confined to the evening beginning at 6:30 p.m., and ending at 10:30 p.m. Some of the first programs were “Jack Benny,” “Liberace,” “I’ve Got a Secret” and “Father Knows Best.” In time, the call letters for the station were changed to KODE.

as one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in the nation. He was a giant among the coaching fraternity in the state of Missouri, compiling a record of 591-222. After head coaching at Mount View High School in 1942, Kaminsky spent the next 33 years at Joplin High School and later, Parkwood High School. Under his leadership, the Joplin High Eagles won state championships in 1950, 1955 and 1967. The ‘67 team lost just one game, going 25-1. The 1955 team won 32 games in a row.

Kiwanis Club: Kiwanis

International was established in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. Initially, the organization began as a club composed of networking businessman, but they quickly adopted a more civic-minded service ethic by supporting a wide range of humanitarian causes. The Kiwanis Club of Joplin can be traced back to April 9, 1920, when a group of outstanding businessman and civic leaders came together. In quick fashion, by the end of May, bylaws were drawn and the Joplin Kiwanis Club was officially organized. By 1921, the Joplin Kiwanis Club had grown to nearly 100 members. Since its SEPT 2015 | JMAG

were located near the curb between the 200 and 800 blocks on Main Street. In less than three weeks after installation, the merchants located on the 100 block and 900 block of Main Street demanded that parking meters be placed in front of their businesses as well. City officials responded quickly by ordering more parking meters. Betty Dwyer is seen trying out the newlyinstalled “Karpark” parking meter. One penny would get 12 minutes of parking. This concept added credence to the lofty expression of “time is money.” Russ Kaminsky

In recognition of Kaminsky’s impressive coaching resume, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwest Missouri State University Hall of Fame and Joplin Sports Hall of Fame. Joplin school officials honored him by permanently naming the Joplin High School gymnasium the Russ Kaminsky Gymnasium in 2003.

Reddy Kilowatt

Karpark Parking Meters: The first parking meter debuted in 1935 in Oklahoma City. They were manufactured in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Six years later, a Joplin safety council was established. Their first job was to analyze the parking situation in the downtown commercial district. They concluded that many of the downtown shoppers were considered “parking hogs.” Their solution was for the city to purchase parking meters. With the blessing from city officials, the penny-progressive meter was selected. A total of 639 meters were purchased and placed into operation. They 54

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Karpark park ing meters.

Murwin Mos le

r image.

Reddy Kilowatt: In 1938, area residents

were introduced to Empire District Electric Company’s mascot, Reddy Kilowatt. Reddy was the perfect trademark emblem of the electric industry with his body made by lightning bolts, a light bulb nose and receptacle socket ears. Safety was also addressed as his hands and feet were covered with rubber shoes and gloves. The fun part about this character was the different scenarios in which they would place this iconic figure.

The

Scene Photography by Laurie Sisk

Natalie Ryan, 9, and Abby Barton, 6, create mini-masterpieces on styrofoam plates at the Art Feeds booth during the recent art walk celebration in Carthage.

Solo artist Caleb Miller entertains the crown recently during the Carthage art celebration.

Linda Ellard-Brown and Tom Jones demonstrates the 16th century art of “sgraffito” during the recent Carthage Downtown Historic Art Walk inside Cherry’s Art Emporium back.

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School

Spirit

Photography by Mitzi Starkweather Clothing available at MSSU Bookstore

Jake Messer MOSO shirt with zipper front. $41.99 56

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Laramie Ellis V-Neck shirt. $21.99 SEPT 2015 | JMAG

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Gabby Cecenas MSSU green tank top $21.99 Capri pants $29.99

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Jake Messer and Laramie Ellis 3/4 sleeve soft green shirt $27.99 60

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Gabby Cecenas Long-sleeved MSSU shirt $54.99 Black MSSU pants $44.99

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Fab Rehab Carthage woman turns

castoffs into collectibles By Amanda Stone Photography by Roger Nomer

Maranda Huntley works on a set of drawers inside her Carthage-based workshop.

“The transformation is my favorite part. I love the before and after process.” Junkers, pickers, seekers of potential treasure; call them what you will, but know that they are driven by the same force. The allure of curbside gems compels them. They surrender to the search, eyes forever combing the side of the road for yard sale signs directing them to castaside curiosities. They see beyond rust and peeling paint to the treasure that lies beneath; they are collectors of possibilities. With that in mind, business is thriving for new local entrepreneur Maranda Huntley. She smiles in her home workshop as she points out mismatched pieces of furniture in various states of repair. Huntley is the owner and designer at Fab Rehab Repurposed Furniture in Carthage. After teaching preschool for 10 years, she

JMAG | SEPT 2015

and her husband Ryan decided to take their side business and hobby full time. “I loved teaching, but it was time for a change. It was a big jump, but once we did it, business was booming,” said Huntley. Huntley specializes in refurbishing outdated pieces of furniture. Using a technique involving layers of chalk paint and wax, she changes unwanted, outdated furniture into coveted pieces. “We just love making old things new again,” said Huntley. She amassed a large collection of her own trash waiting to be turned into treasure by shopping at garage sales, flea markets and snagging an occasional piece from the curb. “I have a chair obsession,” laughed

Huntley as she revealed a room packed to the ceiling with teetering stacks of chairs. “I have no time to sell my own stuff now, but that’s okay. I can’t wait to get my hands on this. I’ll sneak it in when I can.” The workshop isn’t open to the public; they bring their work home by picking up furniture, drawers and cabinet doors from their clients. She has refinished several entire kitchens with the help of her husband. Ryan is the Carthage Fire Marshall, but he’s able to assist his wife with removal and installation of cabinet doors. “He loves building and working

A completed chest of drawers drawers.

with wood, so we have to share our workshop space,” said Huntley. At Fab Rehab, family heirlooms can be made into pieces that are relevant to today’s décor. The original piece is still there to pass down, but Huntley gives it a fresh look. “The transformation is my favorite part. I love the before and after process,” said Huntley. Huntley discusses finish, paint color and care with her clients; once furniture is in her shop, she cleans it and preps the surface. Her technique involves multiple layers of paint, wax and a lot of elbow grease. She admits to sweat and sore muscles on occasion, but it’s all worth it. “I’m elated to be doing what I’m doing.” It takes time, sometimes weeks, for the paint to fully cure and harden for optimum durability. “It’s not just about looks, it’s about quality. I love showing my clients the

Maranda Huntley inspects her latest project, a dresser.

finished product and getting their feedback. If a piece gets damaged, it’s usually an easy fix,” said Huntley. Huntley hosting a two-part workshop at the Carthage Technical Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22

and Thursday, Sept. 24. Participants can bring a small piece of furniture or décor to refinish. Call 417-359-7095 to register. Fab Rehab Repurposed Furniture can be found at www.fabrehab.co and on Facebook and Instagram.

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

The Nation’s Largest Gathering Of Demonstrating Craftsmen & A Cowboy Salute September 16 October 31 (Wed - Sun) Presented By

National spirit this fall during the Celebrate the American y. val only at Silver Dollar Cit Harvest & Cowboy Festi turing trick riders,

—Wild West Show fea • Back By Popular Demand er, Native American musician & dancer rop bullwhip artist and trick 18 ritage Hall thru October He ld and more in Red Go • The Barn Dance Returns famed wboy Emporium with the Co r’s ylo Ta ck Bu nd ge • Le show’s 60th anniversary Gunsmoke star during the 31) Oct. (appearing Sept. 30 thru nt Rollins th Food Network® star Ke wi ing ok Co n go Wa k uc • Ch Musicians & Poet • Wild Mustangs, Cowboy uri Hands en including Best of Misso sm aft Cr g itin Vis 5 12 er • Ov juried artists and more

Wild West Show

Buck Taylor

Branson, JMAG |MO SEPT 2015 • 800.831 .4 FUN (386) • SilverDollarCity.com

J List: Tall, Taller, Tallest

The

Newman Building, 602 S. Main, 105 feet tall, built in 1911.

Liberty Building, 402 S. Main, 133 feet tall, built in 1925.

Joplin is home to 25 buildings that are 60 feet or more in height. They span in age from the Olivia Apartments (63 feet tall), built in 1906, to the new Mercy Hospital Joplin (88 feet tall), which opened earlier this year. Since 1908, Joplin has had at least one building topping out at more than 100 feet. And between 1975 and 1978, there were six buildings in Joplin that reached those heights, five of them located in the downtown area. Sadly, two of those six buildings no longer exist today: the 130-foot Connor Hotel (and accompanied 126-foot Annex), built in 1908 and demolished in 1978, and the 114-foot St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Medical Center, demolished after the 2011 tornado. There are only two other buildings in the Joplin metro area that are 100-plus feet in height, the former Besse Hotel in Pittsburg, Kansas (137 feet tall) and the Nine Tribes Tower (110 feet tall) in Miami, Oklahoma. To put these heights in perspective, the tallest building in Missouri is the One Kansas City Plaza, which reaches 624 feet into the sky. Here is a listing of the Joplin metro areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five tallest buildings.

Frisco Station Apartments, 601 S. Main, 136 feet tall, built in 1913.

Messenger Towers Apartments, 102 E. 2nd Street, 194 feet tall, built in 1975.

Downstream Casino Tower 1, 69300 E. Nee Road (18 minutes from Joplin), 212 feet tall, built in 2008.

SEPT 2015 | JMAG

Parting

Shot

JMAG | SEPT 2015

Walking On Water Photography by Willis Brown Water laps against the grassy shore of King Jack Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paradise Lake in Webb City, with the Georgia City Bridge in the background. The bridge, today used as a walkway across the lake, was built in 1871 and is one of the oldest bowstring arch truss bridges found in Missouri.