Missouri State Library Established
On January 22, 1829, the Missouri State Library was established in Jefferson City.
First Female Police Officer
On January 21, 1916, Laura Kinkead was hired as the first female police officer in St. Louis. She was given a badge but was not permitted to wear a uniform or a gun.
January 20, 1935 is the Birthday of “Stormin’ Norman” Stewart
January 20, 1935, is the birthday of pro basketball player and Mizzou coach “Stormin’ Norman” Stewart from near Shelbyville.
Hit Song by Sara Evans
On January 19, 2001, “Born to Fly” hits number one for Sara Evans. The central Missouri native hit number one for the first time with the song “Born to Fly,” which also earned Evans her first Country Music Awards win (Video of the Year.)
The Best Baseball Town in America
On January 18, 2015, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig declared St. Louis the “Best Baseball Town” in America.
Living Off Turnips
On January 17, 1934, The Great Depression continued. The Monett Times reported, “So far, no one has found a family living in a turnip, but dozens of families have been living on turnips. Plain turnips cooked with a bit of meat are filling food and mighty good.”
Famous Poet Visits Hometown
On January 16, 1933, T.S. Eliot, the noted poet born in St. Louis, visited his hometown for the first time in 19 years.
January 15, 1844 is the Birthday of Cole Younger
January 15, 1844, is the birthday of guerilla fighter and outlaw Cole Younger from Lee’s Summit.
Dizzy Dean Signed with the Cardinals
On January 14, 1932, the Cardinals signed 19-year-old Dizzy Dean to his first contract.
School Newspaper Worried about First Amendment Right
On January 13, 1988, the Supreme Court decided that school newspapers don’t have the same First Amendment protections as other news media. The case resulted from an offensive student newspaper that the Hazelwood faculty had censored.