And Time "pioneers"

Starting my story way back in the Spring of 1919; there was a new company established in Joplin at Third and Kentucky and it was called the Hiland-O’Brien Airplane Company. The goal of this new company was to manufacture aircraft of the Curtis type and they were to head up an Aviation school with the chief pilot being Thomas Webber who had recently returned from overseas service.

By the fall of 1919, this prosperous company now listed as the “Hiland Airplane Company had completed it’s seventh airplane in just a few short months. It was suggested that Joplin should become a “port of call” for cross-country fliers by establishing a municipal landing field with hangars.

As the Hiland Airplane Company would complete each plane they would launch from the Schifferdecker Park. Many pilots would come to this area to have their planes repaired and they also used the Park for landing and taking off. Many stated they would be willing to use the services of the Hiland Airplane Service except for the lack of suitable landing fields. The nearest repair service and factory other than Joplin was Chicago.

It wasn’t until October of 1927, eight years later, that those plans were to become a reality. Plans were made to acquire 160 acres close to Seventh and Schifferdecker. The land was located just west of the Empire District Substation. The main advantage of this location was that the Schifferdecker Golf Links on the north and Oak Hill Golf Links on the south could provide emergency landing fields if needed.

By January 1928, it was announced that Ozark Aviation, Inc. received the contract to provide school, transport and concession rights at the municipal airport. Ozark built a new hangar and started out with four aircrafts.

To get the public better acquainted with the sensation of flying, Ozark offered scenic tours of the region. The trip included a flight over Galena, Riverton, and Shoal Creek Valley at a cost of $5 for each passenger. The flights went out at 2, 4 and 6 o’clock each afternoon. For $12.50 a person could see the sights of Galena, Lowell, Baxter Springs, Commerce, Miami, Seneca, and Neosho. And the elite flight for $25 would show the beauty of the Ozarks by flying over Monett, Aurora, Crane, (Galena, Missouri), Branson, Hollister, Lake Taneycomo, Ozark Dam, Forsythe and Springfield.

Southwestern Air Fast Express brought some competition to the airport in March of 1929, when they offered flights from Joplin to Tulsa for $13 and from Joplin to St.Louis for $33.

By 1932, Joplin had become a popular stopping point for many aircrafts and the need for a new airport was in demand. Not to mention the danger of the high-tension lines of the Electric Company which cut across the corner of the airport on Seventh Street.

Joplin was looking at a 400-acre tract of land east of Stone’s Corner and just north of the Joplin-Webb City road. As the land was being cleared in preparation of the new airport, the uprooted trees were cut into stove wood by unemployed forces and were furnished to needy families through the Health and Welfare Association.

‘The Junge Municipal Airport” was one of the best airports in the area. To make it known to the world and any planes flying overhead, gravel-filled trenches that spelled out Joplin, Mo. were completed in February of 1934. The letters were 40 feet across, they looked enormous from the ground but from the air they were merely large enough to distinctly outline the words. Perfectly proportioned and spaced, the gravel-filled trenches were dug by CWA workmen who were helping to build the new airport.

History was made in April 1936,when a twin-engine plane landed at the “Joplin Municipal Airport”, marking the largest craft to land at the new airport. Mr. Pomeroy was the pilot and he was accompanied by W.Alton Jones, formerly of Webb City, who had moved to New York with the Cities Service Company.

The 750-pound revolving aeronautical beacon was installed at the airport in the summer of 1936. In April of 1937, Joplin’s municipal airport was approved as a landing field for commercial planes for daylight stops for passengers and mail planes.

The hangar was completed in December 1937 with the offices on the north side of the building being highly modern with gas for heating and water from the airport’s deep well. The first night flight, which required the turning on of the runway lights, was recorded in July 1945.

So, even though Webb City has shared the airport with Joplin all these years, it truly was originally the Junge Municipal (Joplin Municipal) Airport. Many houses that were originally located along the north side of the Joplin-Webb City Road (south side of the airport) were moved to different areas, but most of them were moved to Stone’s Corner, including the home of Ma Barker and her boys.

As Jasper County was beginning to grow, many families moved into the area from all over the eastern part of the United States, but the majority that settled here in the SW corner of Missouri seemed to come from the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. There were also many new families from Germany, Ireland, and England. With Missouri becoming a huge melting pot.

Those families coming from overseas tended to settle in communities together. They seemed to find comfort and strength from living close to each other. Even if they weren’t acquainted in their previous countries, with family so far away, they became like family in this new territory.

Many knew that once they were settled in this newly developed county, that many would never see their homeland or home state again, as travel wasn’t as easy as it is today. If it took two hours to travel from Oronogo to Webb City by stagecoach because of the mud, I can imagine that travel wasn’t a much sought after excursion.

And as the families settled in their new surroundings, there was still that touch of homesickness for their places of youth. As we all know, the older we get, the more we live in the past. So, as these people from different states and countries grew in numbers and the years accumulated, it was decided that maybe it was time to organize some State Organizations.

In 1900, reunions were held at Lakeside Park with different states represented. The first to organize a State Picnic was those from the blue grass state. In August of 1900, as people from Kentucky met for the first time or renewed acquaintances, it was decided that a permanent organization should be formed.

The Kentucky Association was formed with the president being Captain C.H. Price of Webb City; A.L. McCalley of Carthage was Secretary and Dr. A.B. Freeman of Joplin was the treasurer.

That same year, the Hoosiers met at Lakeside and formed the Indiana Society with Major John B. Lloyd as President. The Buckeyes had a reunion at Lakeside and formed the Ohio Association with R.T. Stickney as President. The Ohio Association had among it’s roster, three brothers, John, Joseph and Henry Cather who were named the oldest Buckeyes in attendance, having come to Jasper County from Ohio in 1848 and had resided in the Jasper County area continuously up to the organization of the Ohio Society in 1900.

Prior to this sudden organization of different State Societies in 1900, there was an organization known as the Jasper County Old Settlers’ Association which was officially organized January 1, 1879 at which time a previous organization known as the Carthage Pioneer Club which had been organized one year earlier, merged with the new Association.

The first picnic of the Jasper County Old Settlers’ Association was held on May 5, 1879 at the Carthage City Park and about 400 people were in attendance. Many stories were told about settling in this new territory. I which they would have had video cameras in those days as those stories would be priceless.

And I’m sure that each of the State Societies that were formed had interesting stories shared at each of their reunions held at Lakeside Park. It was rumored that at many of the State Society Reunions, it was not unusual for members of families who had lost contact with each other to be reunited.

Those Societies have long since gone by the way side, since now a days, it’s hard to say anyone came from any one state as the whole United States has become a melting pot. We can say our families originated in a particular state, but in those instances, there are usually reunions of particular families instead of residents of a certain state. But, it’s still important to gather as a family to keep memories and traditions alive in the youth. Shared stories of grandparents and great grandparents become a cherished inheritance. You may think the youth are not interested, but as I go to the high school to talk to the Missouri History classes each year, I am amazed at how many of the students have a story about their grandparents to share with me. They do care about their family history, if not now they will in the future and then it might be too late to be able to locate those precious stories.

Share your knowledge. Leave stories that can be treasured. Put them in a notebook, on a recorded cassette or on a camcorder; just take the time to leave a legacy.

That would be a good New Years Resolution!!

Special thanks to all the callers who let me know that the storm of last week's story was in the year 1951. One particular caller could even identify the actual date and that was Terry James. His memory was so good because that was the night he proposed to Rosemary. He said that even though Rosemary’s house was located right in the middle of the storm area, she slept right through the whole thing. The part that I found ironic was that the story last week was on July 3, 1998 and the date that remains so vivid in Terry James’ mind is July 3, 1951. The story was on the exact date of the storm, 47 years later!
Freddie Abbott

7/09/98

The year is 1880 and spring is in the air. The date is March 25. All the tiny flowers are beginning to bloom and the birds are singing. As the teacher rings her brass bell, the students run out of the building, whoopin’ and hollerin’. They have had to sit quietly at their desks all day and that pent up energy is busting loose.

One little nine-year-old, named Freddie Abbott, is running with his friends and he can’t seem to get enough of the fresh air. The boys start playing leap frog, and Freddie is the littlest one of all and as the boys push down on his back, he feels their weight, but he doesn’t complain, because he wants to fit in with the crowd...he wants the boys to like him. This is the first year that they haven’t called him “the runt”, and he just knows they are starting to like him!

It’s about a mile to Freddie’s house. His father has his doctor’s office in the house. So when Freddie gets home, he has to do the chores and keep quiet so as not to disturb the patients who are waiting to see the doctor.

As Freddie is running and playing, the thought of the chores creeps into his mind, but he quickly pushes those thoughts away and continues to play games with his friends. The boys decide to play tag, and as they are running, someone bumps into Freddie and he falls against a jagged stone. The pain that shoots up Freddie’s leg is almost unbearable, but he can’t let the other boys see him cry, so he has to be brave.

One of the boys runs over to have a look. His face turns pale as he sees the bone sticking out of the gash on Freddie’s leg. Freddie reaches his hand up for the lad to help him get up, but his hand is waving in thin air, as the boy has run off. He ran to the group and he’s telling them something and now they are all running off.

“Please, help me. Don’t leave me. Hey you guys, come back.” But Freddie’s pleas are not heard as the boys scattered in several directions.

Try as he might, Freddie just can’t get up. The pain is getting more and more unbearable and the tears are beginning to trickle down his cheek as he still tries to be brave, just in case one of the boys might come back to help him.

Then Freddie sees some older boys, young men, walking down the street. As they came into view, Freddie pleads with them, “Please tell my papa to come get me, I think my leg is broken.” But the young men walk right on by as if Freddie is invisible. The anguish overcomes Freddie and he lays his head in his arms and sobs. He doesn’t care who sees him crying and he doesn’t care who thinks he is weak. He wants his dad and he doesn’t see any way of getting home.

Finally, a young man by the name of Alex McClaron happens to be walking down the other side of the street, when he hears Freddie’s sobs. He crosses over and examines Freddie’s leg and he knows the boy is in a lot of pain. He gently picks up the young lad and carries him to the Abbott home.

Dr. Abbott is able to mend little Freddie’s leg and relieve some of the pain. It’s nice to know that someone like Alex McClaron will come along when you need a friend. It’s a shame that the boy had to lay there and suffer, as there were plenty to give him assistance, but they had no compassion. But I can’t imagine being able to walk right by someone in need of help and not doing something about it.

They say that we have reached a time that we are reluctant to help someone in need for fear of being put in a compromising situation. But I would hope that society has not forgotten the parable of the Good Samaritan.

It doesn’t hurt anyone to hold the door open for a senior citizen, or to reach something high on a shelf for someone in a store. Or maybe let a young mother loaded down with small children ahead of you in a line. Don’t let this hard cruel world; take away the pleasure of assisting someone in need.

I’m through preaching now!! Thanks again to all whom have called about the storm and to those who have called about the war memorabilia; I have not forgotten you. We will be in contact as the date gets closer. We don’t want the items until we have the proper place to put them securely.

Fred Smith

6/25/97

Missouri, from the very beginning claimed to be neutral, but stayed in the Union, which made some pro slavery forces feel that Missouri was sympathizing with the North.

After the war broke out, most of the Missouri population stayed loyal to the Federal Government, largely due to the activity of strong unionists likes Francis P. Blair.

The state convention, which first met in 1861, voted against seceding from the Union. But as usually happens in wartime, nothing stays the same. The Governor, C.F. Jackson, was a Southern sympathizer, and it didn’t take long for the convention to depose the Governor. They set up a provisional government headed by H. R. Gamble.

This next part is from the memories of a Confederate Civil War vet named Frederick A. Smith: It was in the spring of 1861 as near as Smith can recall, when the event took place. The state legislature, harassed by Union forces, had fled to Neosho and had set up temporary headquarters in the old log courthouse. General Sterling Price’s army was camped in the vicinity and young Smith, a member of a volunteer company from Charlton County, was also a soldier in Price’s army.

“I wasn’t a member of the legislation, of course,” said Smith in a 1930 interview.

“Before the war, we had organized a mock legislature in Charlton County, and I was the one who wrote and introduced the resolution for the secession of Missouri.”

“Well, while the legislation was in session at Neosho, a man named Andy Campbell, told Price about my writing the resolution in Charlton County. The result was they asked me to write a similar one. I did and they passed it!” Neosho was declared the Missouri State Capital.

What an important episode in the life of young Smith, but the resolution was ineffective as Missouri was kept in the Union. But, Smith at the age of 21 had already led a full and active life, having survived many battles such as: Carthage, Springfield (Wilson Creek), Cross Hollows, Pea Ridge, Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, and Vicksburg.

Smith was taken prisoner near Steelville, Missouri as he was trying to make it home. He had been one of only thirteen to survive the battle at Vicksburg. His captor was General Mullins, who just happened to have been a prisoner of war under Smith’s custody and as soon as possible ordered Smith’s release and escort home.

After the war and a little moving around, Smith received a grant of land in Oronogo Missouri and he settled down for many years. In 1935, at the age of 95, Smith was recognized as the only remaining Civil War vet in Jasper County.

In his long life, Frederick Smith had the distinction of being a city Marshall in Pierce City, a Sheriff in Lawrence County and a long time Justice of the Peace and lawyer in Oronogo.

The last 10 years of his life were spent in the home of his son, Paul Smith, 1305 West Sixth, Webb City. But he passed away in the Confederate Home in Higginsville, Missouri after residing there only a few months.

Having been born in Keytesville, Missouri, in 1840, Frederick Smith had been a lifelong resident of Missouri. He received an honorable grave in the Confederate cemetery in Higginsville and he was buried in the gray uniform of the Confederate soldier.

What a surprise, to find out we had such a legendary figure living in Oronogo and Webb City. And to find out that for a short time, Neosho was our acting state capitol while the legislature hid from Union forces.

There were more heroes in the Smith family as A. Chester Smith served our country in World War I and his son Chester A. Smith served in WWII and was held a prisoner of war by the Germans for 14 months.

You know the Smith name is one of the hardest names to do genealogy on, along with names like Jones. But Greg Smith, has quite a legacy in his great grandfather, and a name to be proud of. Thanks Greg for taking the time to share this wonderful information and memories of Judge Frederick A. Smith.
Let's go on a History Scavenger Hunt

June 1998
A couple of Girl Scout Leaders asked me to make up a history scavenger hunt for their troops. The girls would read the clues and have to figure out where the site was located and then go take a picture of it, to earn some of their badges. Well, the girls had such a good time with this project, I thought maybe I would see if some of the readers might like to test their knowledge.

1. Our city founder had one son 2. A grand building to teach the mind

And E.T. was his name. Of young men and women the same.

A house of brick he built with love The basement later served the kids

And still it stands in fame. With many a “swimming” game.
3. In 1916, this building rose 4. As young men came into our town

The government was proud This building they usually found.

The city’s correspondence flew A bath, or room to sleep they had

As the carriers had vowed A shelter for any young lad.

Neither sleet, rain, nor dark of night The building is gone, but not forgotten,

Would slow the work endowed. The parking lot you must be sought in.

But alas, many have been torn down. To avoid the fate of being torn down.

Part of the first frame school is still standing, Was turned into a childish place

In a house on Broadway that has had alot of Named after one with a wooden face.

sanding.
7. The streetcar company had a club house 8. A monument for our dear town

That served the workers many hours. It gets many looks, and very few frowns.

It later served as a pin cushion for kids, The words it bears cannot cease,

But now is home to museum powers. Hands in Prayer...World in Peace.

9. A highway is just a road to travel 10. Long ago, on Saturday nights

Made of concrete and loads of gravel. The crowd would go to see the sights

But this road weaved through out the town Of movies found upon the screen

It’s fame has spread and can still be found. The best of movies you’ve ever seen

It’s in a memory and in a song It was here one day..then gone so fast

This highway route is very long. Another memory of the long gone past.

A building of rock in which to fill But Sacred Heart became it’s name.

With books of wonder and of fun It stands so tall that it blocks the sun

Where learning and reading are number one. It still holds the name of the Holy One

13. The oldest church of Webb City Pride 14. For many years, this grocery store

Has held many people on the inside. Has served the folks of our fair town

Not only to worship, people came The name is the same as the street it’s on

But boys and girls of scouting fame. And friendlier service can’t be found.

Resembling a old smokestack. Those who gave their life in war.

It was replaced with a shiny dome On Saturday nights in days of old,

Now there’s two that shine like chrome. The band would play and the music flow

Both on Hall Street, blocks apart, Folks would come from far and wide,

So far they wear no graffetti art.

Answers:
1. Webb Home, Liberty and Broadway

2. Baptist College , Austin and College (Hatten Park)

3. W.C. Post Office, 221 W. Daugherty

4. Y.M.C.A. On Broadway next to Bruner’s Drug Store

5. Two story home across from the Old Ramey’s on Broadway.

6. Merchant & Miners Bank (Pinocchio Pre School) Main and Daugherty

7. Jasper County Health Department (now the museum) on Madison Street.

8. The Praying Hands

9. Route 66; comes in on Daugherty from Carterville, south on Main to Broadway, west on Broadway to Jefferson Street, south on Jefferson to 14th Street, west to Madison St.

10. Webb City Drive In, located at 12th and Madison until last week.

11. The Webb City Library, First and Liberty.

12. The old Sacred Heart Church at Second and Oronogo.

13. The Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Ball

14. Broadway Market, Broadway and Roane.

15. The Water Tower at Tracy and Hall Street and the new one at Hall and Cardinal Road

16. Memorial Park, Daugherty and Ball.

Just a little additional information on last weeks article about A.D. Hatten. LeRoy LeGrande tells me that as a young man, he was told that Hatten got that red car because he was color blind, but he could tell the color red.