Columbia Manuscript Collections

The records of the First Baptist Church, Glasgow, Missouri, contain meeting minutes, 1820-1925. Also included are five notebooks containing handwritten transcriptions.

The papers of Jens Christian Bay include certificates, photographs, correspondence, publications and writings, lectures, and miscellaneous personal and biographical material. Also included is a scrapbook celebrating the 80th birthday of Bay, which includes celebratory letters.

The papers of a Sedalia, Missouri, family include a baby book for Charles Edward Messerly Jr. and John McRoberts Messerly, 1896. Also included is a certificate appointing Charles Edward Messerly as the presiding judge of Pettis County, 1902, and an undated photograph of Hospital Day.

The papers of a Democratic Missouri State and U.S. Representative from Missouri’s 8th congressional district contain congressional record inserts and speeches.

Scrapbooks containing material detailing the construction of the Callaway County Nuclear Power Plant. The scrapbooks were compiled by Morgan I. Doyne, Union Electric's general superintendent. Items include newspaper clippings, construction site photographs, correspondence, press releases, and Union Electric newsletters and meeting minutes.

Addition of material from the defunct New Horizons unit of the United Methodist Women, 1998-2022. Items include meeting minutes, financial records, publications, certification documents, correspondence, and miscellaneous material.

The papers of Robert F. Scheef include drafts of his manuscript on Missouri wineries titled, “Vintage Missouri,” and research material on various Missouri wineries. Included in the research materials are Scheef’s notes while touring wineries, copies of the “Missouri Wine Country Journal,” wine labels, photographs, and other miscellaneous research materials.

The papers of William C. Phelps, the 40th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri, contain correspondence, programs, newspaper clippings, certificates, campaign materials, and photographs. Also include are three scrapbooks, which contain photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other miscellaneous materials.

Postcards sent between members of the Rohlfing family from Gasconade County, Missouri. The bulk of the postcards were sent to Christina Rohlfing, Sabina Humburg Rohlfing, and Lydia Rohlfing Hoerstkamp. Also includes one scrapbook with postcards.

The papers of Roger Coleman include correspondence, poems, miscellaneous notes, and newspaper clippings on social issues, 1970-1975.

Material collected by H. Riley Boch, of New Madrid, Missouri. The bulk of the items are oversize and concern the city of New Madrid and New Madrid County, Missouri. They include a special car bill, c. 1921; Sheriff commission certificates, 1892-1919; circuit and county court appointment certificates, 1865-1942; land deeds and records, 1853-1857. Also included are certificates and miscellaneous records for members of the Bock family; reproductions and photographs of the New Madrid County Courthouse and jail house, the city of New Madrid, and of H. Riley Bock. Lastly, the collection includes Civil War letters sent to Colonel A. C. Riley, 1862-1864; miscellaneous material collected by Helen Wilson from the University of Missouri, 1936-1938; and personal items of H. Riley Bock.

Photographs collected by Karen Sands include the Finkie, Graue, Pietzschke, and related families, 1910s-1980s. Also included are items from Warrenton High School, 1951, and newspaper clippings, 1953, n.d.

The papers of Mary M. Knoblauch, a print journalist for Chicago's American and the Chicago Tribune, include newspaper clippings, tear sheets, awards, certificates, audiovisual material, correspondence, and an unpublished manuscript. Also included are papers covering Knoblauch's time as a freelance writer, film critic, and writing coach.

The papers of Irvin Edwin Schnell, a greenhouse owner and florist from Fayette, Missouri, include daily diaries, 1918-1978; a financial ledger, 1925-1974; The Valley Farmer, v. 6 and 8, 1954, 1956; and miscellaneous papers.

The collection of Dorothy Lee Gibbs Mamel, of Mexico, Missouri, contains genealogical materials relating to the Gibbs, Hitt, Larimore, Netherton, Rothwell, and Worrell families. Items include letters, diaries, photographs, maps, books, and miscellaneous family papers. Also included are materials relating to the R. D. Worrell Jewelry Company, which was located in Mexico, Missouri.

The William M. Howard letters contain correspondence between William and his wife, Ruth J. Gwinn, 1864-1865. Within the letters, William details his surrender to Union soldiers at Mt. Vernon and his time spent at Rock Island prison in Illinois.

The Schaeperkoetter family papers include photographs of Alvin Schaeperkoetter during his service in the United States Army during World War II. Also included in this collection are records from the Optimist International club and miscellaneous family records.

Addition of letters written by Louis Donald Sasse during World War II. Also includes miscellaneous notes and correspondence relating to the history of small towns in Chariton County.

The collection contains two scrapbooks and a manuscript on the Hall and related families. The first scrapbook contains material on the family of Dr. John Sappington and his wife, Jane Breathitt Sappington. The second scrapbook contains materials on the Breathitt and allied families. The material was compiled by C. Lester Hall, Jr.

Addition of multiple publications and manuscripts, research material, photographs, University of Missouri course papers, and research material on the Little Rock Central High School crisis.

Addition of MFWC records. Includes records from the 4th district and miscellaneous clubs. Items include convention records, certificates, financial records, minutes, and yearbooks. See also C1172.

The organizational records include correspondence, meeting minutes, conference materials, histories and newsletters. Also includes one oversize scrapbook which contains histories and conference materials. 

Postcards of buildings, structures, parks and scenery around Missouri. The postcards were collected by Ollie and Edna Roberts.

The papers of Marian Christy, a syndicated journalist from the Boston Globe, contains copies of correspondence from politicians and celebrities, and Knifed Watercolors, a book written by Christy. Also includes a booklet from the Museum of Contemporary Art, which contains background information on Christy.

 National Historic Place certificate, New Lebanon histories, photographs, general store ads, and a New Lebanon church Sunday school records ledger book, 1926-1927.

Meeting club minutes, bi-laws, articles of incorporation, financial records, USDA projects, correspondence, ballots, membership information and histories for the Bosworth Hunting club that was in Chariton County, Missouri, 1912-2022.

Genealogical records, charts, publications, correspondence, booklets, legal documents, biographies, and Leviathan Exercise Books for the Whitacre family of Kirksville, Missouri. 

Clippings, research materials, manuscript drafts, correspondence, photographs, and scrapbook materials of a Sedalia, Missouri journalist.

Meeting minutes and newsletters for a Columbia, Mo. chapter of the Newcomers & Neighbors club.

This collection contains photographs, letters, newspaper articles, and sketches pertaining to the genealogy and history of the Hill Family. Much of the content concerns the descendants of William Eustis Hill, who moved to Keytesville, Chariton County, Missouri between 1850 and 1876.

Speeches, certificates, graduation announcements, news clippings, and photographs of an Audrain Co., Missouri teacher, 1930-1984.  

Correspondence, certificates, photographs, program materials, publications, newsletters, news clippings, ribbons, a medal, and oversize items of a former executive secretary of the Missouri State Teachers Association, 1933-2001.

Correspondence from Lester Stowers Sr. of Columbia, Mo. to his wife Francis Lucille Stowers describing his service and camp life during World War II; also included is one company photograph.

Business papers of Richard King, the original owner of The Blue Note LLC. and Mojo's, a local Columbia, Mo. concert venue. The papers include contracts with bands who played at the Blue Note, Mojo's, or any affiliated properties, 1980-2014.

Research materials on author Robert P. Wiegers book "Missouri Armories: The Guard's Home in Architecture and History." Records include photographs, slides, negatives, Missouri historic inventory forms, correspondence, copies of blueprints, deeds, newspaper articles, and written descriptions of armories and their architectural structures in various cities around Missouri, 1840-2006.

The Linn County Masonic records include a Secretary's book from lodge No. 66, with entries dating from 1860-1871.

The personal and travel papers of Joyce Davis, including correspondence, greeting cards, newsletters, certificates, brochures, planners, photographs, travel itineraries, and postcards, 1997-2024. 

The papers of the first Black business journalist and editor at the Los Angeles Times during the 1980's. The records include awards, certificates, managerial guides, JAWS budget reports, a philanthropy symposium, booklet and a name tag, 2007-2015.

The papers of a local Columbia, Mo. prosecuting attorney, circuit judge, and talent booker. The records include photographs, contracts, publications, financial documents, and miscellaneous materials, 1960-2016.

The Second Missionary Baptist Church Records contains church histories, bible study guides, church anniversary records, program materials, church publications, copies of photographs, articles, church bulletins, and miscellaneous administrative documents, 1938-2024. Also included are sermons and programs organized and given by Reverend Clyde Ruffin. The Church was created in Columbia, Missouri in 1866 by freed peoples of color and emancipated slaves.

Photographs, correspondence, and miscellaneous genealogical materials for the Bates and Sliger families of Boone, Audrain, and Texas counties, 1900-2000.

Correspondence, family photographs, primary school books, and genealogical records of Birdie Lehman of Columbia, Mo., 1866-1960. 

Scrapbooks containing photographs, newspaper clippings, greeting cards, program materials, correspondence, and miscellaneous ephemera for the Turner and Edmondson family of central Missouri.

The papers of a Columbia, Missouri activist and reformer involved with various organizations to attempt to change societal norms and laws. The papers include his work with Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty (MADP), Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), and the Missouri Institute for Mental Health (MIMH). Also included are materials on anti-Iraq War protests, counseling young people on the realities of war, anti-draft sentiments, and on the conscientious objector.

Family newsletters from the Branson family of central and southern Missouri containing family histories, genealogical information, reunion meetings, and family news, 1989-2017.

New Direction for News materials, Glass Ceiling Effect news clippings, a research grant proposal titled, "Taking Stock: Women in the News Media 20 Years Before the 21st Century," and materials regarding a paper titled "Women and Minorities in the Media," 1989.

Family papers of a Central Missouri family from Boone, Co. and Jefferson City. The papers include photographs and an oversize family photo. 

Posters, press materials, audiovisual materials, and memorabilia from Academy of Rock, a music-based extracurricular club at Hickman High School, Columbia, Mo.

A Boonville photographer, Maximilian Schmidt's photographs consist of glass plate negatives and prints from ca. 1895-1932. Schmidt captured his family, and Boonville inhabitants and their environs including early Missouri River floods, steamboats and ferries, views of Boonville streets and the riverfront area, Chouteau Springs, and the Kemper Family School buildings and students.

The Kroeger collection is comprised of 455 glass plate negatives, film negatives, and photographs. Photographs were taken by Otto and his son, Joseph Kroeger, both of Jefferson City, Missouri. Also included are six interviews of the Kroeger family on audio cassettes.

The collection includes photographs of county courthouses for the state of Missouri, taken in the mid-twentieth century by Richard L. Lee.

Photographs of Missouri railroad depots, primarily for the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad. Photographs relating to A.F. Schliecker of Kansas City, Missouri.

Sixteen prints of a Fourth of July celebration and political rally sponsored by the Young Democratic Club at Reed's Lake, west of Fulton in Callaway County on July 4, 1938 and seven prints of the groundbreaking ceremony at Stephens College, Columbia, for the Firestone Baars Chapel designed by Eero Saarinen.

Twenty-six photographs of Columbia, Missouri in the 1950s.

Two scrapbooks depicting life in Maguire's hometown of St. Louis and his hiking tours around Missouri, mostly in the eastern part of state.

15 original photos showing damage to houses and buildings after F4 tornado hit St. Louis, September 29, 1927.

Extensive collection of postcards depicting Missouri scenes, landmarks, and destinations.

Large collection of copy photos and originals related to the George family, ancestor of donor rode with and was related to Jesse and Frank James. Includes images of James and Younger families, bushwhackers, and Quantrill's Raiders reunions.

Collection of images focused on Audrain County and Mexico, MO. Includes some train accident photo postcards and images of steamboats.

Photo of 1925 Brunswick kindergarten class posed outside their building; individuals identified.

Original photos taken from "Frank James Photo Album", and photos of Marmaduke Military Academy buildings and students.

Collected photographs and other visual materials, primarily documenting Boonville, Missouri in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Scrapbook of carte de visites circa 1860s organized by William Hutchinson.

Photographs of scenes across Missouri, many taken as part of Massie's work as Missouri's state photographer. Events highlighted include Winston Churchill's visit to Fulton, Governor Hearnes' inaugural celebrations in 1965 and 1969, and the Battle of Pilot Knob Centennial commemoration in 1964. The collection includes extensive coverage of the Missouri State Capitol building. Geographically, the collection covers much of Missouri, with particular focus on tourist destinations: St. Louis, Kansas City, Hannibal, Ste. Genevieve, and the Ozarks.

Stereoscopic views of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904, plus several other views of St. Louis and agricultural scenes.

Over 400 original photos created for the 1904 publication on Missouri at the time of the World's Fair by Walter Williams; shows all aspects and counties in Missouri.

Photos of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

Exhaustive photographic genealogy of the Rollins Family dating back to the 1860s; most photographs with accompanying names and dates.

Dr. E. B. Trail, St. Louis was a collector of steamboat images and articles, which he kept in scrapbooks. Includes images of steamboats, rivers, and other boating-related scenes.

A series of photos showing the Capitol building under construction with views of the artists working on the murals, decorations, etc. Lester Parker used these photographs as reference materials while creating his paintings of the capital building.

Photographic prints of events from ca. 1900: University of Missouri Agriculture and Engineering student activities, St. Louis World's Fair including construction of various buildings and people, Macon and Trenton scenes and scenes of Washington, D.C.

The SHSMO Glass Negative Collection is comprised of 363 4x5 glass plate negatives and a selection of corresponding prints. Images depict Missouri in the early 20th century, primarily in Columbia and St. Louis, including the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis parks and city scenes, and the University of Missouri.

Images of Columbia in the 1950s taken by Bert McNeil, photographer for Julie's Studio. 1948 visit from Harry S Truman, who was campaigning for president at the time, arriving in Columbia on rail car, Ferdinand Magellan. State auditor Forrest Smith is with Truman introducing him to residents. Additional images of Boone County Courthouse, Stephens College, Ellis Fischel Hospital, Hickman High School, Williams Barber Shop, and Columbia street views.

Columbia photographer William Pyle worked in the advertising department of Central Dairy, which was owned by his step-father, Dot Sappington. Central Dairy-related images, including interior and exterior views of the building, children’s field trips, “Central Baby” portraits by Peterson Studios, and photos of the Merchandettes and a sponsored baseball team.

Black and white and color photos of the Ben Bolt Theatre in Chillicothe, 1985 and 1996, the Nelson Kneass tombstone, and the Zero Mile Stone in memory of composer Nelson Kneass.

Postcards of Missouri cities, including Kansas City parks, streets, and buildings; Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, bird's-eye view of Sedalia, Cortez Motor Court in Springfield, and St. Louis: Ead's Bridge, Shaw's Garden, and Smith Bros. Cottage and Hotel.

Postcards, all views of hospitals and clinics and some sanitariums across Missouri.

Photos from the agriculture magazine "Missouri Ruralist."

Crayon portrait of Elizabeth Dent, and photo of Waldo Palmer with Stuart Symington

An artificial collection of postcards depicting a broad selection of Missouri landscapes, towns, and cities.

Interior and exterior photos of the James Family home and burial plots.

This collection contains images from 1900 to 1963 depicting St. Louis City and County people, public buildings, riverfront scenes, bridges, churches, catastrophes, houses and parks. Trefts photographed many historic events such as the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition; the 1934 World Series; and aviation in St. Louis including the Wright brothers at Kinloch Field in 1908 and Charles Lindbergh's return from Paris in 1927. A number of images focus on Crawford and Iron Counties and the Lake of the Ozarks region in the early 1930s.

Photographs of the Baxter family.

Original photo of Baldwin Theatre in Springfield, Missouri after fire destruction. Built in 1891 at 322 St. Louis Avenue, the present site of the McDaniel Building

An artificial collection of photographs of Bates County, primarily focusing on the Butler area (5 photos), but also including Rockville (1 photo).

Snapshot and studio photos, including tintypes related to the White-Burford-Taylor-Adkins-Harness-Marolf families plus scenes from Ladue, Vista and Independence, as well as vacation scenes outside of Missouri.

Photos of Ralls County historic properties by Gammon, a resident of Perry, MO, and postcards of various Missouri views.

Missouri postcards, including views of Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Independence, ice flows on the Mississippi River, and the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

Photographs by photographer Paul Szopa, including self-portraits, landscapes, and Missouri scenes, ca. 1993-1994.

Photographs of the early Columbia area, ca. 1885 - 1920, including views of the downtown area ca. 1885, Rockbridge, and Bonne Femme bridge.

Roster of the 34th Training Battery F.A.C.O.T.S. out of Camp Zachery Taylor, Kentucky, 6 October to 28 December 1918. Several panoramic photos

Postcards depicting legends of the western frontier.

Black and white snapshot of students outside of Prairie View School #27; all students and teacher from 1912-1913 school year listed. Snapshot of exterior front Prairie View School #27. Photograph of Friendship School near Memphis, MO, 1894.

Platinum print by Schafermeyer of University of Missouri Sesquicentennial.

Early images of Seneca in Newton County.

Lantern slides of turn-of-the-twentieth century St. Louis by local physician Richard Fuhrmann. Includes the area later razed for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Copy photos of the filming of "Range Rider", 1910, in Fleming, MO, and photos of actor Tom Mix, and performer Sally Rand.

Photographs of the Martin family of Salem, MO, and several relatives from extended family

Photographs of bridges near Warsaw, Missouri.

Survey of downtown Columbia architecture, conducted in 1978. Includes negatives and listing of locations/businesses.