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6 •2019 McDonald County Guide Anderson In 1886, Robert Anderson opened a general store and a post office, naming both Anderson. After the railroad was extended from Goodman through An- derson to Noel, the town of Anderson was platted by Marshall E Meador, and incorporated into a city on December 7, 1909. Not long after Anderson was incorporated into a city, the strawberry industry that started in 1903 began shipping berries from the Anderson Co-Operative Fruit Growers Association. At some point, the indus- try became known as the Strawberry capitol of the world, but their victory would not last. In the early 1950's, Western and Southern states sprung as competition and waned down Anderson's success. Companies like the Chamberlain Canning Company, who canned millions of fresh vegetables, and the Seven Valley Cheese Company, which processed milk from local farmers, were also successful, which brought in revenue and people to the Anderson. Churches The First Baptist Church of Anderson is one of the oldest churches in Southwest Missouri. It was founded on the first day of July, 1848, by a man named Henry Miller, a Baptist from North Carolina who settled on Elk River in 1847 in what is now McDonald County. Banks The two operating banks in the area were the State Bank of Anderson and the Farmers Bank. Anderson Today Today, Anderson, known as the city of "Seven Valleys" is centrally located in McDonald County with two beautiful streams flowing through the city, beautiful parks, good streets and good schools. It is situated at the intersections of major north to south and east to west thoroughfares. Anderson is a center of commerce with great potential for future growth. Every year since the early 20th century, Anderson was considered the strawberry capital of the world. It shipped more strawberries and fruit out of the area than any other place. Today, a strawberry festival is held every year to celebrate its history. Entertainment Every year the Anderson Betterment Club hosts the annual Berries, Blue- grass and Barbecue festival on a Friday and Saturday on the banks of Indian Creek. Vendor booths typically include arts and crafts, antiques, festival T-shirts and postcards, carnival games, strawberries, barbecue, kettle corn, roasted nuts and much more. Anderson: More than just a city by Kimberly Marquez McDonald County Directory Photo Courtesy McDonald County Historical Society. Anderson 1909 All Saturday festival events are free.