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In September 1871, Murphysburg was incorporated in Missouri and named for co-founder Patrick Murphy. At the time, Murphysburg was generally on the west side of Joplin Creek and Joplin City was on the east side of the creek. Although the two cities had a contentious relationship, they merged and incorporated in March 1873, under the name of Joplin.
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. hosted an event on Saturday, September 11, 2021, to commemorate the 150th year anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Murphysburg. Murphysburg Sesquicentennial Celebration . . . Patrick Murphy’s Legacy showcased the past and future of the Murphysburg Historic District via a behind-the-scenes tour of an ambitious preservation project, rare visits to several private gardens, pools, and porches, and numerous street fair activities
This event was a way to have fun with history and learn about the rehabilitation and future use of four significant Murphysburg properties—the Olivia Apartments at 4th and Moffet, plus the Schifferdecker, Zelleken, and Rogers Houses near 4th and Sergeant.
The celebration was on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 2 to 6 pm, on Sergeant Avenue between 2nd and 5th Street. Activities include Irish heritage musical entertainment by The Sea Hollies (a local Joplin band) and Irish dancing demonstrations with audience participation. The area’s German heritage will also be featured with music from the The GAST Blaskapelle community band affiliated with the German American Society of Tulsa. American style standards were performed by the Heartland Concert Band. Other activities included a walking tour and scavenger hunt; period costumed reenactors; equestrian demonstrations by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Posse, miniature train rides, and more. Joplin’s city flower, the iris, was spotlighted. A Patriot Day flag ceremony to honor the victims and first responders of 9/11. Docents educated visitors about architectural details, stories about the original homeowners, and tidbits of history.
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., is a non-profit organization that implements charitable and educational activities, which promotes and stimulates historic awareness throughout Joplin.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the activities of HMP.
The event is in cooperation with Joplin Historical Neighborhoods, Inc.
