Carthage Memorial Hall began with a simple but powerful idea: how could a community honor the local men who served in World War I?

 

Just one week after the November 11, 1918, armistice, Carthage business leaders proposed building a large memorial hall.  The idea quickly gained public support.  Architect Percy K. Simpson, a Carthage native who had established an architectural practice in St. Louis, prepared the plans. 

 

The community embraced the project in a remarkable way. In 1919, more than 200 volunteers from across Jasper County joined the fundraising campaign.  In less than a month, nearly $60,000 was raised toward the $75,000 goal, the largest fundraising campaign Carthage had ever undertaken.  When fundraising resumed in 1921, contributions came from former Carthaginians across the country.  One donation even arrived from Sarah Franks, a teacher living in Hawaii.

 

A site at the corner of Garrison Avenue and Oak Street, formerly occupied by the Carthage Foundry, was selected.  Simpson’s final design called for an impressive building with a Carthage Marble façade and marble detailing, an auditorium, museum, and quarters for the American Red Cross and American Legion.

 

Construction began in 1922, but rising costs threatened to leave the project unfinished.  Carthage voters came to the rescue, approving a bond issue that provided the funds needed to complete the building.

 

On September 12, 1924, Missouri Governor Arthur Hyde dedicated Memorial Hall before a crowd of approximately 2,500 people. The dedication was accompanied by a parade and a citywide celebration.  Two massive artillery pieces were also placed in front of the building as reminders of the military service being honored.

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More Than a Memorial:

For generations, Memorial Hall has served two purposes: a place to remember and a place to gather.  It has hosted community events, organizations, performances, and countless Carthage residents over the years.

 

The building itself faced an uncertain future in the 1960s when demolition was proposed.  Fortunately, the community recognized its historical importance and rallied to save it.

 

Today, Carthage Memorial Hall remains a tangible reminder of the community’s commitment to its veterans, and of what can happen when an entire community comes together to make an idea a reality.