Missouri State University Libraries

Special Collections and Archives:
Collections (Arranged Alphabetically)

Harry E. Appleby Veterans Oral History Project (M013), 2004-2006, 24 c.f.: Ongoing oral history project focusing on veterans in Southwest Missouri.

Bakery, Confectionary and Tobacco Workers International Union (BC&T), Local 235 – Records (LA 1), 1921-1985, 24 l.f.:
Documents membership and details the local's interaction with various businesses.

Barrows Family Collection (M031), 1804-2002 (Bulk 1840-1889), 2.5 c.f.:
Focuses on the family of Freeman Barrows, who settled in Bates County in 1838. Correspondence includes information on the growth of the area in the 1840s and 1850s. There is also research material compiled by a descendent of Barrows.

Otto Bowles Collection (1904-1998) (LA 4), 1934-1983 (Bulk 1966-1981), 0.5 l.f.:
Western Missouri and Kansas District Laborers' Council minutes, as well as memorabilia related to Bowles, who served on the Council for many years.

Bricklayers and Masons Union (SC-LA-003), 1912-1921:
Three booklets related to the BMPIUA, including the 1921 Constitution and By-Laws of Local 10, Springfield.

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B.L.E.), Ozark Division No. 83 (LA 2), 1871-1954, 1.5 l.f.:
One of the earliest known unions in the Ozarks.

Center for Ozarks Studies (RG 8.11), 1919-2001(Bulk 1980s-1990s), 50 c.f.:
Established in 1979 by Missouri State University, the Center for Ozarks Studies was created to research and study the Ozarks region.

David A. Clouser Diaries (M011), 1894-1945, 1.5 c.f.:
A collection of diaries that tell the day-to-day story of Clouser and his wife, May, mainly in Lamar, Missouri.

Dr. Virginia Judith Craig Collection (M020), 1878-1976, 1.5 c.f.:
Photographs, memorabilia, and publications of one of the first faculty members of MSU (then State Normal School #4).

Essie DeCamp Collection (LA 3), 1916-1970, 6.5 l.f.:
Provides a look at the role and function of women within the larger arena of male unionism in the region.

Roy Ellis Collection (M003), 1839-1973, 8 c.f.:
Primarily information accumulated by former President Roy Ellis on the history of Missouri State University.

Folk Card Collection (M017), 2002-Present, 2 c.f.:
Information gathered by students in MSU folklore classes. Generally on index cards but some student research papers are included.

Gillioz Family Collection (M023), 1881-2004, 3 c.f.:
Focuses on M.E. Gillioz, noted local road and bridge contractor and founder of the Gillioz Theatre.

Gillioz Theatre Collection (M024), 1911-2006, 3 c.f.:
Contains information about the Gilloiz Theatre and its renovation. Includes research and drafts for “Theatre Beautiful” book compiled by MSU English students.

Gillioz Theatre – Records (LA 18), 1940-1980 (Bulk 1960s), 2.5 l.f.:
Correspondence, general office files, and financial records from one of the oldest movie houses in Springfield.

Greene County Historical Society Records (M038), 1954-2008, 5.5 c.f.:
Materials related to the creation and workings of the Greene County Historical Society. Collection includes publications, financial records, meeting minutes, and research files.

Robert Gilmore Collection (M006), 1910-1996, 7 c.f.:
Materials from Gilmore’s time as a professor at Missouri State, his interest in the theatre, and his research of the Ozarks.

Greater Springfield [Missouri] Central Labor Council (Springfield Labor Council) – Records (LA 14), 1891-1979 (Bulk 1940s - 1979), 9 l.f.:
Depicts the interaction between diverse unions within the region and their relationship with the national and international organizations.

John Haskell and Telescope (SC-M-005), pre-1938:
Photograph and handwritten description of Haskell, a Frisco mechanic, and his telescope.

Historic Springfield Collection (M026), 1837-2005, 12.5 c.f.:
The Historic Springfield organization focused on the preservation of Springfield’s cultural resources.  The bulk of materials are photographs and date from 1999 to 2005.

Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union (HEREBIU), Local 336 – Records (LA 5), 1945-1964 (Bulk 1955-1962), 1 l.f.:
Records of Ralph Dillard, business agent of the Bartenders' Union, Local 472, and President of the Local Joint Executive Board.

International Alliance of Theatrical and Stagehand Employes and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada (I.A.T.S.E.), Local 447 – Records (LA 6), 1916-1989 (Bulk 1950-1989), 5 l.f.:
Also includes records of Local 465, Joplin, Missouri, which merged with 447 in 1978.

International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers – Monthly Report (SC-LA-002), 1907:
One monthly financial report from the international office.

International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America – Cypher Code (SC-LA-001), 1909:
One of the union’s "Cypher Code" books.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.), Local 1453 – Records (LA 7), 1967-1995, 47 l.f.:
IBEW Local 1453 represented the workers of Zenith Electronics Corporation in Springfield until the plant closing in 1995.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 245 (In Process), 1941-1988, 40 l.f.:
Local 245 represents several local transport companies.

International Typographical Union (ITU), Local 158 – Records (LA 19), 1924-1987, 3.25 c.f.
Includes records of Local 158, plus a small amount of material from the Allied Printing Trades Council of Springfield.

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (B.A.C.), Local 10 – Records (LA 10), 1909-1991 (Bulk 1947-1980s), 11.5 l.f.:
One of the largest unions in Springfield, representing craftsmen who work for a number of local contractors.

Jackson-Head Collection (SC-M-003), 1936-1940:
Missouri State University memorabilia.

William J. Jones French Literature Collection
The collection contains primarily published material and focuses on the work of French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Michel Butor.

Labor Union Photograph Collection (Unprocessed), 7 l.f.:
Photographs of labor union leaders and activists, union activities, strikes, Labor Day parades, work areas, union halls, and meetings. Some files contain documentation which accompanies photographs.

Katherine G. Lederer Ozarks African American History Collection (Unprocessed):
Materials collected by former Missouri State University professor, Katherine Lederer, including photographs, documents, books, and her research notes.

Birdle Mannon Collection (M008), 1890s -2002, 3.5 l.f.:
Collection of personal papers and artwork from an Ozarks family.

Curtis F. Marbut Collection (M014), 1923-1928, 1.5 c.f.:
Lecture notes and photographs from noted geologist and soil scientist.

Missouri Governors Photographs (SC-M-006), 1820-1984:
46 black-and-white photographs and three pages of reference material of Missouri governors.

Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station Photograph Collection (digital collection), 1897-1957:
Digitized images from 873 glass plate negatives showing regional orchards, vineyards, orchard workers, and detailed photographs of varieties of fruit. NOTE: This digital project and the original images are maintained by the Paul Evans Library of Fruit Science at Missouri State University's Mountain Grove campus.

Missouri State Labor Council AFL-CIO – Records (LA 11), 1942-1997 (Bulk: 1965-1985), 21 l.f
Chronicles, among other events, the successful effort of the State Labor Council to defeat a state-wide "Right-To-Work" ballot initiative during the 1970s.

Missouri State University (various record groups):
A list of processed materials in the University Archives can be found here. This includes information on catalogs, student newspapers, various departmental files, and other permanent records of the university.

Howard Orms Collection (M012), 1920s-2001, 5.5 c.f.:
Materials from Orms’ life, including his time as a Theatre professor at Missouri State.

Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners Collection (M016), 1978-2006, 2 c.f.:
Newsletters from the OMRR, a not-for-profit group of runners from the Springfield area.

The Ozarks: A Living Legacy Oral History Interviews (SC-M-004), (c.1999):
Transcribed oral history interviews conducted by Dr. Mark Biggs for his documentary, “The Ozarks: A Living Legacy.”

Ozarks Jewish Archives (OJA) (Unprocessed):
Information about the Jewish community of the Ozarks.

Ozarks Land and Lumber Collection (In Process)

Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) (M018), 1980-Present, 15 c.f.:
Information about the lesbian and gay community in the Ozarks, including records from various LGBT organizations and materials on issues relevant to the community.

Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) Oral History Project (M019), 2004-Present, 2.5 c.f.:
The Oral History Project includes over 45 interviews with members of the region’s GLBT community, as well as other advocates for gay rights.

Ozarks Water Mills Collection (M015), 1972-1996, 2 c.f.:
Photos and information primarily on local mills, compiled by Dr. Richard Bartley (MSU faculty emeritus).

Grace Palmer Collection (M005), 1931-1976, 2 l.f.:
Postcards collected by Palmer, a former University Librarian.

Robert Palmer Collection (M022), 1952-1991, 8 c.f.:
Cartoons by Robert Palmer for the Springfield News-Leader and New York Daily News.

Milton Rafferty Slides Collection (M009), 3 c.f.:
Collection of photographs taken all over the world by Rafferty, a former professor of Geology at Missouri State.

Rare Books
These volumes are located in Special Collections because of their early date of publication, rare or unique format, subject matter, scarceness, or fragile condition.

Retail Clerks Union, Local 503 – Records (LA 20), 1954-1972, 2 c.f.:
Includes contracts, membership information, correspondence and other materials related to the operation of Local 503.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 50 – Records (LA 12), 1963-1984, 12 l.f.:
Springfield and Southwest Missouri area union that organized local and regional nursing home workers.

Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (S.M.W.I.A.), Local 208 – Records (LA 13), 1974-1983, 6.5 l.f.:
Information about Local 208, as well as Local 146 files related to production workers.

Ruth Stanley Collection (SC-M-001), 1929:
1929 yearbook and other mementoes from Stanley’s first year of college.

Stone County Documents (SC-M-002), 1851:
Facsimiles of pages from the “Report of the Commissioners who selected the Co. seat.”

Ullmann Postcard Collection (M007), early 1900s, 2.5 l.f.:
Collection of postcards and memorabilia from around the world.

Union Labor Record (unprocessed), 1937-1985:
The newspaper was published in Springfield, Missouri.

United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA), Local 178 – Records (LA 15), 1948-1989, 26 l.f.:
Covers a variety of topics related to Local 178.

United Garment Workers of America (UGW), Local 216 – Records (LA 9), 1936-1982 (Bulk 1955-1978), 13.5 l.f.:
Chronicles the difficulties encountered within the garment industries.

United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum and Plastic Workers of America (URW), Local 662 – Records (LA 16), 1962-1992, 38 l.f.:
Local 662 represents the workers of Dayco of Springfield (formerly Springday Company).

United Transportation Union (UTU), General Committee of Adjustment GO-001 – Records (LA 17), 1921-1985, 13 l.f.:
Represented rail workers for a broad period of time.

Vertical Files, bulk dates 1998-Present:
An easy-reference collection of newspaper articles that complement the department’s holdings. Predominantly articles from the Springfield News-Leader and the Southwest Standard. The vertical files are divided into three broad categories:

• Labor and Working Class Subjects
• Missouri State University -- Subject Listings
• Missouri State University – Biographical Listings

Robert Wallace Collection (M001), 1936-1994, 17 l.f.:
Manuscripts of poems and books written by Wallace, as well as information dealing with his publishing business, Bits Press.

War Memorial Album Collection (M010), 1942-1959, 1 c.f. and 1 oversized volume:
Photographs and biographies of students and alumni who lost their lives in World Wars I and II and the Korean Conflict, as well as Springfield Leader and Press articles about other soldiers from the Ozarks.

Lena Wills Collection (M002), 1969-1986, 16 l.f.:
Books and periodicals that Wills accumulated as writer of a genealogy column for the Springfield News Leader.