Work was planned on the terrible streets in Crystal City. Men were hired, teams and equipment were lined up and assignments were made. Then only one man and one boy showed up for work. The city hadn’t levied a tax for several years and the men knew they wouldn’t get paid so they didn’t show up.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.