Neosho’s Historic Downtown
The small but beautiful park includes a Grecian pool, a stage built against the neighboring hillside, clear springs, lovely flower beds, a trout pool (no fishing allowed), playground and picnic facilities. Next to the park, the small frame building houses St. John’s By The Park, an Episcopalian Church that dates into the 19th century. The local library – once a Ford dealership – is also on Spring Street. The Town And Country Regional Library houses thousands of books, videos, music, and more. They also have an extensive genealogical collection used by visitors from across the nation.
Two blocks from Big Spring Park is the Historic Downtown Square. Neosho’s business district formed around the Newton County Courthouse Square. Businesses line each of the four sides. Many of the buildings have undergone extensive renovations and several now house luxury apartments on the upper floors. It’s still a viable business district with antique dealers, bookshops, clothing outlets, and more. Old-fashioned street lamps have been installed to add to the nostalgic look. Each December, a Dickens Old Time Christmas Fair is held here. Other activities and events throughout the year make the Square a place of action.
The once grand Newton Hotel graces one corner of the Square. In its’ heyday, this luxury hotel catered to guests from around the nation. Marble floors remain in the lobby along with brass railings on the staircase and elevators. Today, it is an apartment building. Just a block from the Square, a former school now serves as retirement apartments for senior citizens. Once Neosho High School, the three story brick building later served as a middle school before being converted into apartments. Long before this building stood on the property, Scaritt College tood on the site. One of those who attended the school was humorist Will Rogers.
Other notable buildings near the Square and within the Downtown Historic District include the post office, a brick Federal style building built in the 1930’s. Clark Funeral Home was once the fine home of an early banker, Mr. Willy Wills and the converted home serves as the city’s sole funeral home. The Methodist Church nearby dates into the 19th century as does the Presbytarian several blocks away.
Within the designated historic district visitors will find many examples of 1800’s and early 1900’s architecture. Several homes from an earlier age are in the vicinity. Jefferson Street is lined with fine old homes from the past and many have been restored to original conditions. The Newton County Historical Park is located just off the Square in a home that once housed the local jailer’s family. The park includes an authentic log cabin and former rural school on site. Both are furnished in period style.
Also in Neosho, visitors will find one of the oldest still operating Federal Fish Hatcheries in the nation, Crowder College on the site of Camp Crowder, the recently expanded Morse Park, and the historic Second Baptist Church, an African-American founded church that is one of the oldest churches in town. The home where young George Washington Carver stayed while he attended school in Neosho still stands and has a historic marker in the front yard.
At Crowder College, a museum highlights the history of Camp Crowder, a World War II signal training corps camp that became a Fort before it closed about 1960. Mort Walker, the artist who created the popular Beetle Bailey comic strip was stationed at Crowder along with other notables that include Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner.
Those who arrive via U.S. Highway 60 will be treated to the site of the world’s largest flower box as they enter Neosho. The tradition of the “Flowerbox City” is alive and well, especially within the borders of the newly designated Historic Downtown Square and District.
