Skip to content
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc.
Donate
Cart

Murphysburg story

Women of Murphysburg: The Bendelari Women of The Olivia Apartments

2 minute read
Bendelari daughters
Bendelari daughters

In honor of Women’s History Month—and in celebration of the ongoing restoration of the Olivia Apartments at 320 S. Moffet Avenue—Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will present “Women of the Olivia,” long forgotten accounts of four unique, smart women. Paula Callihan, one of the group’s members, said, “We knew a little bit about two women connected to Murphysburg’s history, but when we decided to expand on it, we were excited to find evidence of two other women’s biographies.”
Mary Anne Phillips, another member, said, “Now that historical data is available on the internet, it’s amazing what can be found about Joplin’s or your family’s history by a simple word or name search. Expect to read politically incorrect language and content based on today’s standards.” When browsing old newspapers for women’s history, be sure to look at the so-called woman’s page, personals, club notes, social forecasts, and general society columns. There are also gaps in years/months/days of many archived newspapers.

All of the Bendelari women in the series were considered socialites, were well traveled, cultivated special talents, earned national recognition, and made their homes in Joplin before, after, and during their careers. The Bendelari sisters were educated at home and abroad. All four women lived to their 80s and 90s and all died in California.

From the archive

Women of Murphysburg

StoryWomen of Murphysburg

WOMEN ON JOPLIN’S ROUTE 66

WOMEN ON JOPLIN’S ROUTE 66 TIMELINE Historic Route 66: 1926 to 1985 Dorothy Peck at Mac’s Pie Shop-Bakery-Donuts: 1957 to 1984 Emma…

Read story
COSGROVE BUILDING
StoryAustin Allen DesignsBuilding

COSGROVE BUILDING

222 W. Third Street | Brick with Carthage Marble Trim circa 1913 | Joplin & Wall Avenues Historic District

Read story
Edna Catherine Jackson Houk
StoryWomen of Murphysburg

Edna Catherine Jackson Houk

Edna was an active worker in the cause of prohibition, a supporter of everything tending to uplift and better the community, and…

Read story