Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives

05/25/2026

Thank you Rebecca for giving us Robin’s story to share.

05/24/2026

We honor Robin W Richardson as our “ Man on the Mantel”. Robin graduated with the ESHS Class of 1966 - attending CMSU prior to being drafted in 1968. Both of his parents taught music in Excelsior Springs School District - so his love of music was grounded early. He had a local band “ Mourning Reign”. Sadly Robin was killed March 11, 1969 and will forever be remembered on the Vietnam Memorial Wall and by those who knew him. A life lost too soon. Thank you for your service

05/21/2026

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!

05/18/2026

This week’s “Man on the Mantel” is Charles “Mark”Purcell - ES Class of 70. Lucky Mark was drafted in 1972 drawing his birthday as the last lottery number #95 to be called that year. He went on to serve as a journalist/photographer for the US Army. Thank you for your service.

05/18/2026

This Week in Excelsior Springs History
3rd week of May
10 Years ago
May 17, 2016 “Teachers recognized for accomplishments”. Several teachers were honored as the district’s 4th Quarter Outstanding Teachers. Recognized were Katy Henry (Elkhorn), Buffy Nordstrom and Candy Teegarden (Lewis), Abby Turner & Jayme Hennigin (Westview), Heather Sheahan & Jennie Dickel (Middle School) and Angela Siegel and Rick Schwab (High School), and Brian Baldwin (Career Center.)
25 Years ago
May 18, 2001 “ESHS graduates 169 with Class of '01”. Supt. Paul Allen addressed the class and Board President Bill Halberstadt presented diplomas. Principal Gary Maricle introduced Valedictorian Emily Goode and Salutatorian Chelsea Lynn plus the top twenty students.
50 Years ago
May 18, 1976 “Darlene Dorsey is only Tiger to score in State Track Meet”. The ESHS Girls Track Team ended what Coach Ken Fields termed “an excellent season” on a bit of a sour note Saturday in Lebanon by scoring only a slim 2 points in the State Meet. The super sophomore hurdler scored both points for the team.
75 Years ago
May 16, 1951 “St. Ann's to raise funds for school”. Father Cornelius Cleary told parishioners that construction of a parish school will start in 1952 and be ready in 1953. The school will be at the corner of Leavenworth Street and Kansas City Avenue.
100 Years Ago
May 20, 1926 “Death may not be su***de”. Relatives of William Gaines near Orrick are not inclined to believe the theory he committed su***de. Gaines was found dead from a gunshot wound behind his ear. Initially reported as a su***de, the family thinks he could not have shot himself from that angle and that he slipped.

05/16/2026

Still so much to choose from!!! Don’t miss out on our 50% off sale. Open Saturday 9-4.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Bargains galore!!! Don’t take a chance - come on down!!!

05/13/2026

Set your alarm tonight for the Museum Rummage Sale Thursday-Saturday 9-4 daily. Cash only.
Please no early birds. So many nice things still available at low low prices !!!!!

05/11/2026

This Week’s “Man on the Mantel” is Billy D O’Dell. Born and raised in Excelsior Springs, Billy served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Tunnel Rat (his photo was featured in Life Magazine dated April 1985). Billy passed in 2009 - we thank you for your service.

05/10/2026

This Week in Excelsior Springs History
2nd week of May
10 Years ago
May 10, 2016 – The first of the Chamber's monthly Trolley Wine Tours sells out. Tours to continue through October.
25 Years ago
May 10, 2001 – Longtime local businessman Eddie McNelly passed away at 87 on May 7 at the Excelsior Springs Medical Center. Eddie ran the Y Tavern and later owned and operated Eddies Liquors on Thompson for many years. His mother, Clara McNelly, owned The Style Shop downtown and after her death he joined his wife Margaret in operating the store.
50 Years ago
May 9, 1976 – Two retiring teachers were honored at tea. Mrs. Erma McCorkle and Mrs. Oda Ruth Crowe were warmly received by a crowd of 50 people. Superintendent Ted Redhair commended the women's dedication and service.
75 Years ago
May 10, 1951 – Girl Scouts hiked to lake for picnic outing. Local Girl Scout Troop 3 met at the Post Office (located in 1951 on Thompson Avenue; became a Church of Christ when “new” post office was built on St. Louis Avenue. The Girl Scouts hiked to Lake Maurer for their weekly meeting. They enjoyed swinging and riding the merry go round. One fish was caught and thrown back. Those present were Paula Bates, Barbara Snyder, Rae Marie Stolz, Juanita Gow, Virginia Chiles, Bernardine West, Karen Stephens, Diane Robichaux, Janice Dickey, Naomi Gleason, Wanda Painter and Nadine Moore. Helpers were Mrs. Dickey and Mrs. Stephens. Brenda Payne was a guest.
100 Years Ago
May 8,1926 – Tryst Falls wiener roast. Miss Mildred Brown chaperoned a group of schoolboys and girls on a picnic to Tryst Falls last night where they enjoyed a wiener roast and lots of fun. The students in the party were Misses Betty Beems, Maxine Lucas, Virginia Doniphan, Miriam Cook, Helen Clark, Cornelia Prather and Ruth Heathman, and Messrs. Walter Bales, Frank Cook, Richard Moore, Lyle Bonham, Vernon Alder, David Musgrave, Harold Naylor and Estil Shouse.
Compiled by Monte Railey from the digital newspaper files at the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives