Springfield Memorial Library: Pages from the Past

New Tornado Shelter Added in 1978 at Beck Trailer Court

Just in time for the 1978 spring storm season, Beck Trailer Court, 105 Maple St., installed a new tornado shelter for its residents. The underground shelter was constructed by Clarence Zwiebel, who gathered ideas and pricing for shelters while vacationing in Arkansas. It was made from reinforced concrete sewer tubes, standing seven feet high and twelve feet long, and included air vents. One end of the shelter was secured with cinder blocks, while the entrance featured sturdy steel doors. Stairs were built to provide access to the shelter. To ensure residents are prepared for extended stays, emergency supplies were also stored within the structure.

Photograph: Clarence Zwiebel standing in the storm shelter.

Springfield Jaycees 1987 Fundraiser

In April 1987, the Springfield Jaycees community organization successfully fulfilled three orders for sand tires and nearly twelve tons of sand as part of a fundraising effort. Joe Olivo, the owner of City Wide Sand and Gravel, generously donated the sand for this project. Additionally, Steve Cockerill contributed by providing his truck for the delivery of the orders.

Taking break from delivering sand: (left to right) Steve Cockerill, Cheryl Ulvog, Bill Miller, Pam Prauner, Dan Smith, and Bob Green. Seated in front: Tim Prauner

In the autumn of 2005, the Springfield park board, along with dedicated volunteers, established a butterfly garden at the newly developed Springfield Creek Trails and Recreation Area on Platteview Road. The park board envisioned a proposed design divided into two phases. Phase one, which was completed by 2005, focused on the nature center. The subsequent phase included plans for a concrete trail and trailhead. Additionally, park board members suggested adding a playground to the area.

Park board members and volunteers: (left to right) Larry Goldman, Bruce Hoffman, Sheila Folkert, Chuck Johnson, Sandy Powell, Ella Goldman, and Terri Frank.

In 1964, OPPD conducted a study of the Springfield area, looking at community services, businesses, the local economy, government, natural resources, transportation, and more.

From the 1960 Census, Springfield had a population of 510 with 26 businesses and one bank. The community included two parks, a playground, three churches, one library, and five service clubs, along with one doctor and one dentist.

There were about 195 homes, with 12 new ones built in 1963. Schools included two public elementary schools and one combined junior/senior high. The post office had 213 boxes and one rural route.

Public safety included one full-time police officer and a 35-member volunteer fire department. The village also supported around 300 farms.

Local government consisted of a five-member board of trustees serving two-year terms, with a chairman elected yearly.