Laclede County Library Historical Collection

Yesterday we lost a piece of lebanon history 💔

We know this building houses many fond memories for people who worked here. We would love to hear your stories in the comments!

These overalls were sold in the Burley Brothers Store in Lebanon for $3.29 and were a product of the Rice Stix factory in Lebanon (building in photo)

On this day July 23rd 1909
This photo was taken at the grave of Fannie L Manger Schmidt. Fannie died on July 20th 1909.

This photo is apart of the Moneymaker/Ploger collection

Happy Independence Day! We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday!

The photo is from the Manchester collection. The photo is of a Parade on the fourth of July in 1920 where 48 little girls were in the parade to represent 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii not being states yet were not represented).

*This post includes topics about mental health and a mention abuse*

May is Mental Health Month. People have struggled with mental health throughout history, but it is just now starting to be understood.

In our probate collection, we come across many insane inquiries. A jury would deem people sane or insane and incapable of managing their affairs. Many of these people were very old (possibly had Alzheimer's), alcoholics, women, and people with disabilities. More times than not, they were not actually insane or what we consider insane today.

Elma Edwards, in 1919 was accused of being insane by her husband Charles R Edward. The couple was married in 1895. It is hard to say why Charles took action to the court. Elma's daughters say that their mother is not permanently insane but suffering from "a temporary mental aberration, brought on by systematic and continued abuse on the part of said C. R. Edwards (husband); which mental condition may respond to and be cured by rest and proper medical treatment."

It is possible that the couple may have just gotten in a fight, and Elma had a fit of rage for a moment, and thus this prompted Charles to take action. Or Elma could have been suffering from a mental illness that was not understood during her time by her or anyone else including her husband.
Whatever the cause of this action may have been, her 23 and 20-year-old daughters had to come to their mother's defense and explain that their mother was, in fact, not insane but possibly suffering from a mental health issue(s) brought on by abuse. Elma did stay with her husband Charles until her death in 1932.
Elma was known as sweet, gracious, and unassuming. She was devoted to her home and family, and her greatest happiness was serving those she loved.

Did Elma suffer from a mental health issue? It is hard to say, but regardless many of those suffering did not get the treatment they needed. Today there is much more treatment than there was in 1919. We hope that if you are suffering with your own mental health, that you take action this month because everyone deserves to be happy and better.

Laclede County is celebrating its 175th year as a county this year! In honor of that and Women's history month here is a photo from the Broughton Album capturing women in downtown Lebanon walking in the centennial parade.

August 1949
Broughton Collection

Happy Mother's Day! We want all the mothers of past, present and future to know how appreciated you are.

In 1905, a daughter felt so inspired by her mothers efforts in helping to educate mothers on how to care for thier children during the Civil War, that she wrote to the president to have a holiday celebrating mothers...thus Mothers Day became a national holiday.

Mothers around the world inspire thier children in huge ways. You perhaps right now could be raising the next great person in our history books. Or...perhaps your child too will advocate for a national holiday in your honor. The possibilities are endless. Just know...you're doing a good job.

Women's history month is quickly ending. We hope you have had time to reflect on all that women have accomplished in history.

We wanted to take a moment to say, it is great to remember Rosa Parks, Susan B Anthony, Marie Curie, etc. but it should be just as important to remember ordinary women. Your mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. The women who raised you, loved you and who provided for you even when things were stacked against them. Remember the women who made history in your local communities. Women's history month is to celebrate all women including the ones who led ordinary lives but were extraordinary to someone.

Photo is from the Manchester collection

Happy Valentines Day ❤

Photo taken in 1905 from the Manchester collection.

What was happening on this day (Feb 11) in 1869?
Take a look at this newspaper The Lebanon Chronical and find out.
Here is just a couple we found:
-An advertisement for the Lebanon City Bakery
-Article for the new newspaper called "The Clipper"
-The marriage announcement of Capt W.H. Rogers and Miss S.A. Mattews at the Union Church in Lebanon
-The death of Eugene S Serl aged 3 years

It's Black History Month! We will be sharing and re-sharing history of African Americans from/ with a connection to Lebanon and the impact they left. Stay tuned as we post through the month of February!

Photo taken on this day (Dec 24) 1948.
Back of photo says, "Our House at a Christmas Party- Cant see dad or Laura-Jim Dennis Family."
Christmas has many meanings and one is family. We hope that you gather with your own families this Christmas and share stories and make new ones that future generations can share.
We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! 🎄

Happy first day of winter!!
Photo: No ID- From the Grace Manchester Johnson Collection