Then and Now in Springfield, Missouri

Commercial Street in the early 1900s and Today

Heers Store on the Square

Heers Department Store moved into this building on the Square in 1915 and enjoyed considerable patronage until the 1990s when it was closed. Both the layout of the square and the face of the building changed in the interim.

Walnut Street east of South Avenue

The vehicles have changed in this comparison of photos taken of Walnut St. east of South Ave. in 1914 (left) and 2001. Some of the buildings are still recognizable particularly the Masonic Lodge and neighboring Landers Theatre.

St. Louis Street east of the Square

St. Louis St. east of the Square in the 1900s

St. Louis Street running east from the square looks much different today than it did at the turn of the century. The horses and trolleys are gone as is the Baldwin Theater (building with spire on the right side of the old photo). Buildings look more modern, either having been built new or remodeled.This view has also changed on and off in between times. Not too long ago, in connection with the closing of the square, there was no traffic.

Southwest Corner of Jefferson Avenue and Walnut Street

The Springfield Club, an organization for Springfield businessmen was once housed in a large three story building on the southwest corner of Walnut Street and Jefferson Avenue (at left). Later it housed the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the studios for the new KTTS-TV. It was replaced in recent years by the two story modern structure which was, for awhile, the home of the Chamber of Commerce and also for Guaranty Federal Savings and Loan. It now is used for other office purposes including 417 Magazine.

Watch for another Then and Now next month.

Page maintained by - Last updated March 14, 2001