White River Valley Historical Society

White River Valley Historical Society Keeping Ozark's History Alive Since 1961

Throughout the past 50 years, members of the Society have followed its’ mission to “preserve, protect, and promote” the cultural history of the region. Committees and volunteers work tirelessly with efforts to transcribe cemeteries, document historic sites and structures, offer exhibits and educational events, and make as many collection items available in the research library as possible.

These photos of Forsyth High School were taken around the mid 1960’s.
05/31/2026

These photos of Forsyth High School were taken around the mid 1960’s.

Several photos featuring promenaders over the years.
05/30/2026

Several photos featuring promenaders over the years.

Square Dancers from throughout the Ozarks were part of L. D. Keller’s Promenaders. This group was known nationally and ...
05/29/2026

Square Dancers from throughout the Ozarks were part of L. D. Keller’s Promenaders. This group was known nationally and became a legend .

National Honor Society members from Bradleyville High School shown in a photograph from 1969.
05/28/2026

National Honor Society members from Bradleyville High School shown in a photograph from 1969.

Many former business leaders and citizens from the Forsyth community are seen in this picture of the 1966 Forsyth R-III...
05/27/2026

Many former business leaders and citizens from the Forsyth community are seen in this picture of the 1966 Forsyth R-III School, board of education.

Front row left to right; Dr. Mary King Long, Irvin Pulley, Robert C. Miles, superintendent.
Back row L to R: Dale Crouch, Gene Pierce, Roy Whitley and Bill Jackman.

This 1954 photograph includes two sets of the promenaders.
05/26/2026

This 1954 photograph includes two sets of the promenaders.

05/25/2026
The promenaders rose to national fame as one of the best square dancing groups in the country.
05/24/2026

The promenaders rose to national fame as one of the best square dancing groups in the country.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to share some photos and history from the book compiled by Willie Washam and Bo...
05/23/2026

We are delighted to have the opportunity to share some photos and history from the book compiled by Willie Washam and Bob Chancellor highlighting L. D. Keller and the Promenaders.

The promenaders were a favorite in the Ozarks over a period of 23 years. Many families gathered around the TV sets on weekends in anticipation of seeing the square dancers appear on The Slim Wilson Show or Ozarks Jubilee.

Follow us in the upcoming days to see more.

The introduction features background information on L.D. Keller.

Thank you to Patricia Washam for allowing us to post these pictures.

Today we pause to pay tribute to 1st Lieutenant, Robert P. Aikman from Forsyth, Missouri, killed in WWII in 1945. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺...
05/22/2026

Today we pause to pay tribute to 1st Lieutenant, Robert P. Aikman from Forsyth, Missouri, killed in WWII in 1945. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Nearly 80 years later, Lieutenant Aikman has been returned to his hometown where he will be memorialized at the Community Presbyterian Church in Forsyth. Robert’s grandmother was a member of the church’s congregation.

Following services he will be laid to rest with military honors in the Aikman family plot next to his mother and father at the Forsyth Cemetery.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Address

297 Main Street
Forsyth, MO
65653

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(417) 546-2210

Website

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