06/01/2026
This Week in Excelsior Springs History
First Week of June
10 Years ago
June 3, 2016 - Efforts to contact Wyman School owner are unsuccessful. A quit claim deed executed on August 29, 2013, transferred ownership of the Wyman School building to Missouri Limited Liability Company FESCE LLC for just $10. As concerns rise about the future and safety of the building, the city has thus far been unable to reach representatives for the owning group.
June 3, 2016 - Meeting to dissolve Rainbow Swim Club is Tuesday. Board members of the Rainbow Swim Club decided the private club will close and the swimming pool filled with memories at 300 Sherri Lane will not open this summer.
25 years ago
June 1, 2001 - Double championship is a first in State High School Track and Field meet history. ESHS walked away with not only two state championship medals, it also claimed a first in state meet history. According to ESHS Pole Vault Coach Todd Cooper, this is the first time a single school pulled off a boy/girl championship double in any classification at the state level. Preston Mills and Natalee Allen both won the championship medals in pole vault competition.
50 Years ago
June 2, 1976 – Local 3-year-old faces second heart surgery. Jonathan Jefford turned 3 on May 22nd. During that short life span he's been x-rayed, catheterized, and had heart surgery at the age of two months. He's scheduled for his second bout with surgeons on June 22nd. The Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi has "adopted" Jonathan to help with expenses.
75 Years ago
June 1, 1951 - Mosby Boy Scout Troop 321 had a Court of Honor this week at the Mosby Baptist Church. Recognized for rank were Bobbie Luetjen, J. C. Douglas, Brent Craven, Harvey Hecht, Edgar Bush, Ivan Rupley and Charlie Misner. Thirty-one merit badges were presented.
100 Years ago
June 1, 1926 - W. E. Steck presents the Masons with cemetery land. Mr. Steck donated 14 acres for a Masonic Cemetery adjacent to Crown Hill Cemetery. The property was formerly the location of Adkins Nursery. Story ran in both the Daily Standard and the June 2, 1926, edition of the Morning News.
Fourth Week of May
10 Years ago
May 27, 2016 – Elks Lodge places flags on veteran's graves, pay tribute to fallen soldiers. More than 800 veterans were honored with the placement of flags at their headstones when the Excelsior Springs Elks Lodge visited six cemeteries on Friday, May 20.
20 Years ago
May 25, 2001 - Retiring teachers and staff members were honored by the Excelsior Springs Education Association prior to the School Board Bell presentation. Support staff members Pam Grubbs and Judy Jeffers were recognized for their service along with 17 retiring teachers. The retiring teachers are Joyce Green, Bob Bolin, Del Hennings, Ken Fields, Cindy O'Dell, Barbara Armstrong, Lane Heflebower, L.H. Hale, Larry Tesar, Jean Kuester, Nancy Shaver, Laura Canuteson, Brenda Kelly, Chery Chasteen, Carolyn Terrell, Dennis Carmen and Frankie Fiddler. Gifts were presented by outgoing board president, Diane Guill, and new president Nile Brown.
50 Years ago
May 22. 1976 - Eight Spa students graduate from William Jewell College. ESHS alumni include Garth Gilbert, Carol Sue O'Dell, Jay Gary Scott, Kenneth Southwick, Don Stratten, Timothy Jeral Teague, Holly Gorsett, Jennifer Eldridge and Gail Ann Storey. Steve Allen Taylor is a candidate for summer graduation.
75 Years ago
5/25/1951 - More workers have been hired to speed up construction of the new Ford plant along 69 Highway west of Liberty. Bad weather and deep mud have delayed construction by 50%.
100 Years ago
5/25/1926 - The students of Lincoln School and their Principal, Prof. Burton, went to Kansas City today on the annual School Picnic and spent the entire day at Swope Park. They had a big dinner at noon and will make a special study of birds and animals at the zoo, combining a natural history lesson with pleasure.
Compiled by Monte Railey from the Museum’s digital newspaper archives
