March is Women's history, and members of the Murphysburg Historic District in Joplin and working to highlight two of the city's historical women. KRPS's Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.
Unsurprisingly, southwest Missouri and the Four State region is filled with history. However, men dominate the area's history. From Civil War battles to mining and the formation of large corporations such as Tamko and Legget and Platt.
Murphysburg Historic District members Paula Callihan and Mary Anne Phillips are raising awareness of former Joplin Junior College Faculty member Mary Kirk Kelly and Dora Kneeland, the creator of Williams Chili Seasoning. Phillips says female faculty such as Kelly in the 1960s were common due to m fighting in the Vietnam War.
"She did all kinds of amazing things. She started the UN model at what was then Joplin Junior College, and she also received a certificate signed by President Kenedy thanking her for starting the UN Day in Joplin."
The story of the creation of Williams Chili Season is the stuff of lore between Joplin and neighboring Webb City. Depending on which news article you read, residents of both cities claim to be the birthplace of the seasoning.
It was likely first created and manufactured in Joplin in the late 1930s. While manufacturing was probably moved to Webb City in the mid-1940s'. You can still purchase the original recipe in grocery stores. Learn more about Kelly and Kneeland at murphysburg.org. For 89 9 KRPS News, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro
