Blog: The Joplin Chronicles
Welcome to a place where Joplin’s story is told the way it deserves — with depth, detail, and a deep affection for the people and places that shaped it. From the zinc-rich soil that sparked a boomtown to the Victorian parlors where fortunes were made and lives were lived, these pages explore the rich and layered history of Joplin, Missouri and the four-states region. Here you will find the stories of remarkable families like the Schiferdeckers and Zellekens, the landmarks that still stand as testament to a remarkable era, and the culture of a Victorian age that was anything but ordinary.
Written by Brad Belk, Historian and Executive Director of Joplin Historical Neighborhoods Museum
The German Connection
Interestingly enough, two of the more distinguished names in Joplin had a common birthplace. Charles Schifferdecker and Joe Becker both were born in the region of Baden, Germany. Their names have now become part of the local household nomenclature in Schifferdecker Park and Avenue and Joe Becker Stadium.
A Foot in the Door: Higher Education and Women at the Turn of the Century
At the turn of the century, there was considerable conversation concerning women’s roles in society. By 1900, over four million women were in the labor force, receiving a paycheck. Although
Death @ 422
As with most older homes a fascinating, connected story involves former inhabitants of a residence. The narrative of how they lived is an important detail, but also of note, is their passing. In many cases, former owners died in their homes. The majestic home at 422 S. Sergeant was, itself, no stranger to death.
The Art of the Calling Card
America at the turn of the century was a very formal society, where precise protocol existed. Springtime was the start of the social calling season. Mrs. Burton Kingsland composed a series
Kansas’ Loss is Missouri’s Gain
Robert Smith Bader states in his book, Prohibition in Kansas, In 1880, Kansas became the first state to write into its constitution a prohibition on alcohol, making it one of the