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Blog Entries: 1 to 10 of 32
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More Info on Visit of Big Boy Locomotive
 More information on the visit of the Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy Steam Locomotive #4014 stop in the Arcadia Valley. This came fromthe Visit Arcadia Valley, Missouri Facebook page. Information on parking for the event is forthcoming.
See our earlier blog post for the link to more information about this historic engine that weighs in excess of one million pounds! The Big Boy Steam Locomotive is the the world's largest operational steam locomotive and the only operating Big Boy locomotive of the eight that remain in existence. |
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Road Closure - MO Highway 221
 Late summer and autumn are great times to visit the Arcadia Valley, but this year visitors need to be aware of a major road closure that could imact your trip. Missouri Highway 221 is now closed and will remain closed until October 30, 2024. The very curvy section located to the west of Doe Run is being straightened out at long last. Information on the road closure is available here.
My personal recommendation (if you are coming from the St. Louis area) would be to use Missouri Highway 32 as your alternate route to reach Bismarck and then turn left on to County Highway N at the 4-way stop in Bismarck. You would then stay on Highway N until you reach the stop sign at the junction of Missouri State Highway 21. Continue going straight (south) on Highway 21 to reach the Arcadia Valley.
There is a shorter way that uses Buck Mountain Road to go around the construction, but as this road is very narrow (at its best), the increased local traffic that will be using this road may make it dangerous to those unfamiliar with its twists and turns. Large trucks are goiing to be prohibited from using this route, but even with this restriction it will be a tight fit in many places for two cars to fit through.
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PSA - Identity Theft
 In case you haven't heard, just about every American's Social Secutiry Number has now been the target of hackers. It seems that every week, sometimes every day, a new threat to the security of our identifies is annouced'
Believe it or not, identity theft isn't a newfangled problem. It's been around since... well, since someone decided they wanted their neighbor's mammoth.
The Stone Age: The Original Catfish
Back in the day, when humans were still sporting questionable fashion choices and questionable hygiene, the biggest threat to your identity was probably getting clubbed over the head. But even then, our ancestors were crafty. If you were particularly skilled at hunting, someone might want to borrow your name for bragging rights. "Ug, the Mighty Hunter," more like "Ug, the Borrowed Bragger."
The Middle Ages: A Knight's Tale of Woe
Fast forward a few millennia, and identity theft took on a more chivalrous air. Knights would often steal each other’s coats of arms to confuse their enemies. It was like the medieval equivalent of using someone else's Netflix password. Imagine Sir Lancelot charging into battle, only to discover he's really Sir Galahad. Awkward.
The Digital Age: The Wild West of Personal Data
And then came the internet. A place where catfishing is an Olympic sport and your social security number is more valuable than gold. Suddenly, your identity became a hot commodity, coveted by cybercriminals with more time on their hands than morals.
How to Protect Your Identity: A Modern-Day Guide
So, how do you protect yourself from these digital bandits? Here are a few tips:
- Passwords: Make them strong, weird, and memorable. Avoid using "password123" or your dog's name. Your dog deserves better.
- Credit Monitoring: Keep an eye on your credit report. If you see something fishy, like a sudden surge in purchases or a new account you didn't open, it's time to panic (slightly).
- Social Media: Be careful what you share. Over-sharing can be a goldmine for identity thieves. Remember, not everyone needs to know what you had for breakfast.
- Phishing: Don't click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders. If it sounds too good to be true (like a free puppy), it probably is.
- Shredding: When disposing of sensitive documents, shred them into tiny, unrecognizable pieces. Your ex-boyfriend's love letters can wait.
- Credit Freeze: If you really want to block potential identity thieves from opening new accounts using your identiy, you can freeze your credit with each of the three major credit bureaus. This is a great option if you won't be needing to take out any type of new loan or credit card in the near term. Unlike just a few years ago, you can now freeze and unfreeze your credit at no cost.
Remember, prevention is key. By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming the next victim of identity theft. Just don't blame us if your prehistoric ancestor's identity gets stolen. We're not that responsible.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
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Steam Engine Stopping at Arcadia
Union Pacific Big Boy Engine #4014 will be making a stop at the Arcadia Valley Station on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Read all about this historic engine, built in 1941 (the same year our station first opened), and see the link to the full schedule of stops by clicking here.
The engine is scheduled to arrive in Arcadia at 1:30 pm CDT and is scheduled to depart at 2 pm CDT. Note that, as per our current operating schedule, the museum will be open that day. We hope that you will stop in and see us
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Museum Now Open on Thursdays!!!
 Until further notice, the historical society's museum located within the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center will now be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. We are pleased to be adding this extra day to our schedule and we thank all of our volunteers for helping us to keep the museum open! |
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April 2024 Minutes and July 2024 Agenda
 Just wanted to let eveyone know that the minutes from the April 2024 Annual Meeting as well as the agenda for our upcoming Quarterly Meeting on July 21, 2024 have been posted under the Members tab in the Members Only area of the website. For more information on our upcoming meeting, go to our Home page. |
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New Webmaster Needed - It Could be You!
One of the songs in my playlist I created for when I walk is America’s “Don’t Cross the River”. The song is actually about a young girl trying to move forward with her troubled life, but one line in that song has taken on a deeper meaning for me. That line is, “Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide.” Its deeper meaning implies that one shouldn’t attempt to do something if they are not prepared to accept the challenges, risks and the dedication necessary to see it through. This song and this particular line has taken on a special meaning for me when it comes to being your Webmaster.
When I volunteered to take on the role of Webmaster and to build the website that we have today, my life was much different. I didn’t have the family related responsibilities that I have today and, of course, I was younger. I was also under the mistaken impression that once the website was built that my work was basically done, perhaps my biggest mistake of all. Throughout my life whenever I have taken on a project, I try and give it my all. The sad truth of the matter is that, when it comes to the website, I feel that I am failing. I simply don’t have the time that I need to do everything that I need to be doing to make the website the best that it can be. I have already announced my intention to step down as Webmaster in April 2028 and I will honor that commitment. My sincere hope is that there is someone out there with a vision and the drive to take the website, employ their own vision and work to make our website even better. As it is with all positions in the historical society, the Webmaster is an unpaid position, but as our website is one of our most important outreach tools, it is probably one of the historical society’s most important roles. Any volunteer would need to work with the historical society’s Board of Directors, but you would have the latitude to employ your own vision. I would be willing to stay on for some period of time in a consulting role, but would not interfere with the changes you make. You needn’t worry about not having any experience in creating or maintaining a website, I didn’t have any either. Our website host has a 16 hour online training program along with several downloadable files that will prepare you for this rewarding position.
So, if there is someone out there that is interested in taking on this challenging and important role, I would ask that you reach out to me by email at webmaster@ironcountyhistory.org or by contacting any of our historical society’s officers or Board members.
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More on July's Program
The Provost Marshals in the Arcadia Valley
Presented by David W. Dillard
We hope you can join us for our Quarterly Meeting at 2 p.m. on July 21, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ironton. The church is located at the corner of Reynolds and Knob streets in Ironton and, as always, the public is cordially invited and encouraged to attend. This quarter's program, presented by David W. Dillard will detail the history of the provost marshals in the Arcadia Valley. David has spent many years researching the Civil War, especially as it relates to the history of the Arcadia Valley and the surrounding area.
During the entire Civil War, Missouri was ruled under martial law which is the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. The Arcadia Valley was under Union control during the entire Civil War except for Confederate General Sterling Price’s occupation in September 1864. Union forces allowed some civil law under the county sheriff and local courts, but they were subject to military review, if not full control. To implement martial law local Provost Marshals were appointed by the various military commanders with often vague and contradictory orders to act as police, judge and jury or as some historians have been termed them, “the Little Gods.” David’s presentation will give an overview of the fifteen Union officers who served as Provost Marshal in the Valley. He will provide a brief biography of each individual and the major incidents that occurred during their tenure while concentrating on some of the more notable. The company grade officers, captains and lieutenants, who were appointed to the position were usually young, non-military career men, with very little military training from diverse backgrounds. They were usually better educated and were or would pursue professional careers after the war. Among them were some men who figured notably in history such as Dr. Willis Danforth who would treat Mary Todd Lincoln and testify at her insanity hearing, Thomas Macklind who would marry Louisa Volker, the first female telegraph operator west of the Mississippi River. Macklind would later become street superintendent for St. Louis and Macklind Avenue would be named for him.
Among the local men appointed to the office were Carroll R. Peck the son-in-law of James Lindsay. Before the war, Peck was a merchant and receiver in the Government Land Office, while after the war he was postmaster and served in the Missouri Legislature. William T. Leeper who became a lawyer and judge in Wayne County also served in the Missouri Legislature and was one of the most noted guerilla hunters in Southeast Missouri. Another local Provost Marshal was Hugh M. Bradley from Louisiana, Missouri. He was a lawyer and merchant who settled in the Arcadia Valley after the war. His major claim to fame might be that his grandson is William “Bill” Bradley the NBA star and U. S. Senator.
Most of the citizens of the Arcadia Valley had southern sympathies for a verity of reasons, but were loyal to the United States. Under the “occupation” (at least that is how many Valley residents saw it) by federal forces and martial law, citizens were often subject to arrest, imprisonment, forced to take loyalty oaths, post a bond ranging up to $1,000, and banishment.
In Southeast Missouri there were no regular Confederate troops, except for various raids from Arkansas, but there were partisans, guerrillas, bushwhackers, and Southern supporters who caused a constant state of turmoil that kept the Provost Marshals busy. David’s presentation will provide a glimpse of who the amateur soldiers were who had been thrust into a divided and often hostile environment and how they handled almost unlimited power over the lives of citizens in the Arcadia Valley. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you on July 21st!
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In a Time Gone By - Town Bands
A Blast from the Past: Exploring the History of Town Bands
In a time before television and radio, communities found joy and connection through music. Enter the town band, a vibrant ensemble that brought people together and served as a cornerstone of local life. Let's delve into the rich history of these musical groups and the impact they had on American culture.
Early Beginnings:
The roots of town bands can be traced back to European traditions. Immigrants brought their musical heritage with them, forming ensembles like the German Stadtpfeifer (town pipers) and Italian pifferi (trumpet groups). These early bands often played a mix of secular and religious music, fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
The Rise of American Town Bands:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, town bands flourished across the United States. These ensembles, often sponsored by local governments, businesses, or social organizations, provided entertainment and a sense of pride for their communities.
Music for All Occasions:
Town bands played a vital role in community life, performing at a variety of events:
- Concerts in the park: These regular performances provided free entertainment for all, fostering social interaction and a sense of shared experience.
- Social and church gatherings: Bands added a festive atmosphere to weddings, picnics, and other social events, bringing people together in celebration.
- Ceremonial events: Town bands played a crucial role in parades, patriotic celebrations, and funerals, marking important moments in community life.
The Legacy of Town Bands:
While the rise of electronic media led to a decline in the number of town bands, their legacy lives on. Today, there are still thousands of community bands across the country, keeping the tradition alive. These ensembles offer opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to make music together, fostering a sense of community and providing a valuable outlet for musical expression.
Beyond the Music:
Town bands were more than just musical groups; they served as social hubs and provided a sense of belonging. They brought people together from different backgrounds, fostering a shared identity and pride in their community.
Above Photograph: Arcadia Valley Cornet Band, ca., 1900. White uniforms and white helmets with gold insignia matched the white bandwagon and its gold trim. Mirrors and handsome wheels added elegance. From left: Clarence Whitworth, Arthur Nail, Newman Parmer, Jake Grandhomme, Fred Russell, George R. Gay, Will Edgar, Goff Whitworth, Emmett Gunton, Emil Roehry, Will Haller, George Kanouse, Otto Rieke, Jim Garrett, Charles Hanson, Eli D. Ake (Director), Guy Snyder. ICHS photo.
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Memorial Day, Its True Meaning
Every year, the last Monday of May brings with it the promise of summer fun – backyard barbecues, beach trips, and the unofficial start of the season. But before we fire up the grills and dig out the swimsuits, let's take a moment to remember the true significance of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, has a rich history rooted in honoring the sacrifices of those who died serving our country. It wasn't always a national holiday. In the years following the Civil War, a nation still grappling with its losses saw local observances spring up around the country. People decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and held ceremonies to remember their bravery.
In 1868, General John Logan, leader of an organization of Union veterans, formalized these efforts by establishing Decoration Day on May 30th. The date was chosen strategically – a time when flowers would be blooming across the country. The first large observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery, a powerful symbol of the war's cost. Over time, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day. World War I saw the holiday expand to honor all American service members who died in war, not just those from the Civil War. Today, Memorial Day serves as a day to remember and pay tribute to all the brave men and women who gave their lives for our nation's freedom.
To honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice I would like to share a video that I created that provides a brief history of our National Cemeteries and then pays tribute to our service members who are buried there. The video was created a few years back and is available for viewing at the historical society’s YouTube channel. Here’s the link.
Memorial Day is a time to honor the fallen, but it's also a time to reflect on the cost of war and the importance of peace. Let's use this day as an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for all.
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