History Blog 

Kathy Kroeger, chair of the upcoming 8th Biennial Quilted Treasures Quilt Show, works on a patriotic-themed wall hanging. Similar projects will be on display at the upcoming quilt show, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 27-28, at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Drive. Contributed photo. MARY LOU MONTGOMERY In one week’s time, the vast expanse of Hannibal’s Admiral Coontz Recreation Center at 301 Warren Barrett Drive will be transformed from a c

Mike, left, and Travis Ferreira work together on an exterior light pole. Mike is the adopted son and one of the dozen children of Travis and Jona Ferreira, owners of Lampton Electric. Mike is a student at Moberly Area Community College, and works with his father in the electrical trade. Contributed photo. MARY LOU MONTGOMERY Travis Ferreira, a licensed electrician, and his wife, Jona Ferreira, are parents to a dozen children, ranging in age from 31 to 12. They have a blended

In 1885, the Henry Jackson Lowe family lived in this brick structure, located at 636 Union. At the time of his residency here, Mr. Lowe worked as a teamster. Photo by Mary Lou Montgomery, 2026. MARY LOU MONTGOMERY When you walk along the Sodalis Nature Preserve trail, from its inception on South Main Street west toward the new Third Street overpass in South Hannibal, you’re actually walking in proximity to a nearly forgotten component of Hannibal’s history. The trail leads pa

This photo, published in the “Concrete Highways and Public Improvements” magazine in July 1927, shows Sycamore Street (formerly known as Fourth Street) in South Hannibal, facing south. Work was under way, at the time, to pave the street. On the left-hand side of the photo, a building with an extended awning is visible in the distance. This was the building that Hiram (1844-1907)  and Susie (1847-1919) Rigler owned at the beginning of the 20th Century. They lived on the buildi

MARY LOU MONTGOMERY For more than 50 years, the TOPS organization has played an integral role in helping people in the Hannibal area achieve and maintain their weight-loss goals. TOPS is an acronym for “Take Off Pounds Sensibly,” and the local chapter exists to help people with that goal. There are no gimmicks or dictated diets to follow, according to Mary Curry, the local facilitator. Instead, members help each other by offering moral support, “to help you find answers and h

Stephanie Himmel is associate minister of the First Christian Church of Hannibal. She was installed as Commissioned Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in November 2024. Contributed photo Stephanie Himmel is associate minister of the First Christian Church of Hannibal. She was installed as Commissioned Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in November 2024. Contributed photo MARY LOU MONTGOMERY Brandon Himmel, music minister of the First Ch

This inscription is faded, but the sentiment is clear: This teacher touched the lives of her students. The tombstone represents the life of Grace Leach, who taught at Sapulpa’s Woodlawn School 1916-1917. She died of ptomaine poisoning in late May 1917 and is buried in the Old Sapulpa Cemetery. PHOTO/MARY LOU MONTGOMERY MARY LOU MONTGOMERY Just before noon on the last day of the school year, May 30, 1917, some disgruntled boys hid near the steps leading  up to the entrance of

Sara Hooley, who obtained her early education at Hannibal’s Holy Family School, now serves as the school’s principal. “I do feel this is where I’m called to be,” she said. Contributed photo. MARY LOU MONTGOMERY A family environment. That’s how Sara Hooley describes Hannibal’s Holy Family School. As the school’s principal, she said that the 121 students currently enrolled in grades preschool through eight are following a century-long tradition of Catholic education. “Eighth gr

There is a house standing -  in 2026 - at 514 North St., that may have been the house that Tilden R. Selmes purchased for his family in 1858. The lot is one and the same. 2026 Photo by Mary Lou Montgomery Tilden R. Selmes, a banker and Main Street merchant in Hannibal as early the mid 1840s, long made a home for himself and his young family in boarding houses scattered across Hannibal’s downtown. That changed when he finally laid claim to a house he could call his own, locate