ozarks
roots
the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home
History on the Square By Ruth Hunter
Museum shares the history of Springfield, Mo. Springfield’s History Museum on the Square is a resource and jumping-off point for people who are interested in local history. The museum is divided into levels that can be visited via elevator. Each level exhibits a different aspect of Springfield, Mo., history. The bottom floor highlights Native American History, complete with a real teepee and several other examples of Native American culture. In all the exhibits, there are media kiosks that allow you to gain a deeper knowledge of the subject matter. Visitors find these to be extremely professional, extraordinarily informative, and interesting. The next level up was about the Springfield trolley system. Though it may seem like there isn’t that much on that floor, but visitors spend a great deal of time there. The exhibit includes the first mule-driven streetcar began in 1880. It was constructed to connect the two business districts together — Springfield and North Springfield. Later, they used horses to move passengers between the two communities until they merged in 1887. In 1888, the Springfield Railway and Power Company introduced some of the first electric street cars west of the Mississippi. Various companies formed to add lines to the system, servicing various areas of the growing city. Eventually, they were all bought by the same holding company that became City Utilities of Springfield, and they were in service until buses were introduced in 1937. After investigating the trolleys’ history, guests can venture into what looks like a little trolley with seats facing toward screens in front that looked like windows of the trolley; it’s much more than a simulated trolley ride. In the center, there is a control that can be used to start and stop a presentation that simulated a trip through time. It started in the early 1800s and traveled through the history of Springfield.
10
Photos by Ruth Hunter
Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
FEBRUARY 28, 2022
