history

Smokestack toppled

February 27, 2024

The Old Possum House at East and 9th streets saw its longstanding smokestack fall to the ground last week. The structure, which was the original electric power to Cassville and the C&W Railroad in the 1800s. It has since been home to businesses Maggie’s Place, the Alley Bar, Memories and Caroline’s, but had fallen into disrepair. Special Enterprises, an excavation business based in Cape Fair, bid $68,800 to the city for its demolition. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Through the years, Feb. 21

February 21, 2024

30 YEARS AGO: FUTURE FARMERS - National FFA Week begins Sunday, February 19, and continues through the week of Washington’s birth-day. Cassville’s FFA chapter is 96 members strong, according to chapter advisor Gene Courdin, making it one of the high school’s largest clubs.

Cassville powerhouse being demolished

February 21, 2024

A last remnant of Cassville’s railroad is undergoing demolition. Jim Hiers and his wife, Lora, who own and operate Special Enterprises, an excavation business based in Cape Fair, submitted the winning bid of $68,800 to the City of Cassville to tear down the long-abandoned, derelict structure at the corner of East and 9th Streets.

February 21, 2024

Nearly two years after being destroyed by a fire, the Hall Theatre’s demolition is imminent. The city of Cassville has been in a legal battle over the building, and Owner Travis James has failed to comply with a court order to demolish the structure, allowing the city legal standing to take it down.

February 21, 2024

In the last 30 days, action has been taken and action has been scheduled on two pieces of property in Cassville with historical significance dating back to the 1800s. Within the next few weeks, possibly on the exact two-year anniversary of its demise, demolition will begin on the Hall Theatre property at Eighth and West streets, which was destroyed in a blaze on March 1, 2021.

Through the Years, Feb. 14

February 13, 2024

30 YEARS AGO: BIG BUCK — Josh Rose, 6 of Washburn, looks on as his buck’s rack is scored for the record books. Josh’s grandfather, Harley Rose, who is pictured next to Josh, gave his grandson the deer head when Josh was six days old.

Jeremiah Buntin: Intoxicating history

February 7, 2024

The recent trend of “Dry January,” forgoing alcohol for the month, brings to mind some of the past attempts in Barry County to wet one’s whistle. Attitudes toward liquor in Barry County seemed fairly divisive throughout local history.

Dakoda Pettigrew: American Insights: The backway forward

February 7, 2024

On April 4, 1954, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the pulpit within the humble walls of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., and delivered a sermon.

Through the Years, Feb. 7

February 7, 2024

30 YEARS AGO: EAGLE VIEW — This is the view of an adult American Bald Eagle you can get in Barry County these days. The area has become host to the largest congregation of Eagles in Missouri according to Department of Conservation counts conducted shortly after the arrival of 1994. This photo, by Denny Goodnow of Eagle Rock, is one of the better efforts locally. Goodnow makes the photos available at Roaring River State Park and other outlets each season. The second photo in this series shows what can be seen without the aid of viewing equipment.

Through the Years, Jan. 31

January 31, 2024

Feb. 6, 1974 — AMBULANCE DISTRICT TO CONSIDER 12 TOWNSHIPS Possibly the first official step toward formation of an ambulance district to serve the southern half of Barry County will be taken Friday when local emergency services officials meet with a federal program coordinator to investigate possibilities.