SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The history of Springfield dates back to the early 1800s, weaving together a rich tapestry of significant events that have unfolded over the course of two centuries.

Let’s explore intriguing headlines and stories from this week, but a century ago, as chronicled by the History Museum on the Square.

September 1923

  • Earthquake in Japan kills over 320,000 people.
    • Between the earthquake and the resulting fires, over a million people were left homeless.
    • A lot of the buildings in Japan were made of paper causing fires to spread
  • Talks are beginning about extending the city limits south of Grand Street and east of Glenstone
    • A few years later, the new city limits extended south to Sunshine.
  • The city came up with money to seal the wooden blocks that paved St. Louis Street downtown.
    • Prior to the sealing, the road would gather moisture and expand causing it to pop up out of the ground.
  • Sign-ups for a 135-day round-the-world cruise begins
  • New police chief begins crackdown on reckless drivers.
    • In the first three days, over 200 tickets were issued.

Now Showing in 1923

The Electric – Homeward Bound

Paramount Pictures

The Landers – Human Wreckage

Film Booking Offices of America

The Jefferson and The Princess Theatre – Luck

Mastodon Film, Inc