Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1211133
Historical footnote: e time McDonald County seceded from Missouri e year was 1961 and, like today, tourism was an important industry to the thriving townships of McDonald County. e county, however, received a one-two punch from the state of Missouri early in the year. First, US 71 (that predated Interstate 49) was rerouted east of Noel. e change took the highway away from several of the region's resorts and tourist areas, causing great alarm. Second, e State Highway Department omitted three of McDonald County's most popular tourist towns from a map they distributed to promote tourism in the state. e people of McDonald County took this omission personally. What resulted, aer a few exchanges between the county and then governor John Dalton, was that McDonald County officially filed to secede from the state of Missouri and form McDonald Territory. At the height of the controversy, checkpoints were set up at the county lines where they issued visas to travelers. It was even suggested that the territory become its own country. If such a thing were to happen, the Springfield Daily News explained, its new government would petition United Nations for $4 billion in foreign aid relief. Of course, McDonald County never officially le the state of Missouri. But the whole kerfuffle proved to be a great promotional vehicle for tourism in the region. e McDonald County secession story was national news during 1961 and for years aer, the "territory" was referred to in travel ads and promotions. Information courtesy ozarksalive.com preservation groups in the county. e society publishes an annual calendar that has a different theme every year. "is year's theme is Main Streets," Hobbs said. "Each month features an historical photo of a different McDonald County township main street. e calendar also includes historical dates so you can follow McDonald County history throughout the year." And what makes McDonald County history so engaging? "It's the people," Hobbs said. "e unique history of McDonald County and the Ozarks is about people who find a way to survive adversity. And that is what yields these inspiring and hopeful stories that are worth retelling and remembering." photos courtesy of Mcdonald County Historical Society website...mcdonaldcountyhistory.org. Historical Society Board Members: Lynn Tatum, Board Chair; Karen Dobbs, President; Phyllis Chancellor, Vice-President; Judy Rickett, Treasurer; LaSandra McKeever, Secretary; Members: Sam Alps, Judy Duncan, Kayla Langford, Margarette Mitchell, Dylan Thomas, Kathy Underwood, Gene Hall and Gayla Baker. The Historical Society Museum is located at 400 North Main Street in Pineville, MO. Mailing address: PO Box 572, Pineville. You can make donations through their website. www.mcdonaldcountyhistory.org. In 1961, bad feelings towards the state government in Jefferson City had been brewing for months...meanwhile officials in other states began paying attention to them. 10 | 2020 MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY