June 14, 1874 – A big crowd of onlookers cheered as a “test elephant” was led across Eads Bridge. People believed that elephants could somehow sense whether or not a structure could support its weight. Eventually Eads ran 14 locomotives back and forth across the bridge while inspectors looked for signs of stress.
June 15, 1930 – Poor Mr. Tuttle was the postmaster at Zebra, Missouri (now Osage Beach) but, even with his good job, he was lonely. He took leave of his home and began to travel posing as a tinsmith, fixing pots and pans. As such, he hoped to meet a suitable wife. It is not known if he was successful or not.
June 16, 1940 – The annual County Singing Convention at Gainesville attracted more than 2,000 people. (Shape note singing Gospel tunes)
June 17, 1910 – Birthday of country recording artist and host of the Ozark Jubilee, Red Foley. “I dreamed I was there in Hillbilly Heaven. Oh, what a beautiful sight.”
June 18, 1904 – Members of the cast of a wild west show got involved in an actual shootout at the World’s Fair. One cowboy was wounded and one bystander killed.
June 19, 1950 – Bellefontaine Neighbors was incorporated on this date and the “neighbors” lived near a “beautiful spring.” (a belle fontaine)
June 20, 1887 – The Ballwin and Manchester Stage Coach was robbed by three masked men near Barrett’s Station Road.
