Lyons Memorial Library at the College of the Ozarks houses a unique archive of materials known as the Ozarkiana Collection. Established in 1968, the purpose of the collection is to preserve materials and facilitate research on the history and culture of the Ozarks. The collection contains a variety of materials. Of special interest are photos taken by Vance Randolph and Townsend Godsey, letters written by Rose O’Neill, and radio broadcasts from May Kennedy McCord. Taney and Stone county newspapers dating back to the 19th century are available on microfilm and/or in print. Documents related to the history of College of the Ozarks are also preserved. A portion of the materials have been digitized, and made accessible on this website for researchers and students, through a cooperative agreement between the College of the Ozarks and the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters.
The digital documents and photographs contained within this webpage are the property of the College of the Ozarks, Lyons Memorial Library and are used with the permission of the College of the Ozarks. These materials may not be used for reproduction or commerical purposes without permission of the College of the Ozarks.
The majority of the documents, especially photographic items, are provided here, watermarked and at a reduced resolution. If you are interested in viewing the original document, please contact the Lyons Memorial Library.
The Ozarkiana Collection is open to all users during the library’s normal operating hours. No appointment is necessary but those with specific research questions are encouraged to contact a librarian at 417-690-3411. Inquiries can also be sent to Gwen Simmons at simmons@cofo.edu.
Rose O’Neill (1874 - 1944) was a world-renown artist, the highest paid American female illustrator of her time, an author, a Suffragist, and probably most well-known, as the creator of the Kewpie doll. Rose O’Neill had chosen to spend the remaining years of her life at her beloved “Bonniebrook”, a mansion along a small tributary of Bear Creek in Northern Taney County, Missouri.
The Ozarkiana Collection contains various items related to Rose O'Neill. These include images, documents, as well as hand-written and illustrated correspondence. The majority of this correspondence is between Rose or her sister, Callista, and Vance Randolph.
These images are watermarked and at a reduced resolution. If you are interested in viewing the original document, please contact the Lyons Memorial Library.