The Possum That Came For Dinner

A Remnant of Russellville's Manufacturing Past 

Last Saturday my wife and I attended the 175^th anniversary celebration of the founding of Russellville, Mo.  Richard Morris, Benjamin Griffin and Buckner Russell were responsible for the survey that established the city of Russellville on May 3, 1838.  That was only a couple of years after a brand new prison opened in Jefferson City and Davy Crockett died at the Alamo.  But it was an unlucky possum that arrived just in time to be dinner that was indirectly responsible for determining the town’s approximate location in 1831.

It was in 1831 that pioneers Lamon Short and Enoch Enloe, Sr. and their families travelled by wagon from Tennessee through this area on their way to Henry County to take advantage of the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.  A broken wagon wheel forced an unplanned stop near present-day Russellville.  When, during the course of repairs, Mr. Short discovered a bee tree and a tasty possum near the site of their breakdown, he decided their journey was over.  “We are going to stay right here, where we have both sweetness and meat at the same place” Lamon reportedly announced to his family.   Enoch Enloe, Sr. and his family traveled a few miles further south and staked their claim near a large spring, joining the Short’s as the areas first settlers.

The development of Russellville has not been without its challenges.  A brand-spanking new Masonic and Oddfellows Hall was completed in May of 1875, only to be destroyed by a tornado in June of 1875.  In August of 1881, the Lebanon Branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad linked Russellville to Jefferson City by rail.  On December 18, 1881, a horrific train wreck killed prominent local citizens Christopher Wagner, Green C. Berry and Oscar Monning instantly and Chris Gemeinhardt died a short time later.

Over the years, a large number of entrepreneurs have called Russellville home.  Factories producing saddle trees, brooms, staves, chairs, overalls and cigars have all called Russellville home.  In the early 1900’s, a tomato canning factory operated for several years.

Though crime is low in the area, it has not been non-existent.  On October 26, 1933, the Central Missourian reported on a street fight in Russellville.  “It was evident both parties had been imbibing too freely in intoxicating liquor” said the article, warning that “such disturbances as this should be dealt with in a determined manner and law violators given warning that such will not be tolerated by the peace loving community”.

Perhaps it was that editorial comment that inspired H.E. Robertson to “make love, not war”.  Per the Central Missourian newspaper, on April 12, 1934, Russellville’s Karr Theater building was filled to overflowing for Mr. Robertson’s trial.  Justice W.B. Thompson’s presided.  Mr. Robertson was on trial for “forcibly hugging and kissing Mrs. Bonnadell Enloe”, the wife of Herbert Enloe, Mr. Robertson’s closest neighbor.   The jury took only 80 minutes to find Mr. Robertson innocent, but the case is still a matter of public interest for history buffs 80 years later. 

As of 2011, 813 extremely well-organized citizens call Russellville home.  Their 3-day Septaquintaquinquecentennial was a model of organization.  Thankfully, the taste of area residents has changed since 1831.  Though local honey was available for sale, frog legs - not possum - was the main meat dish for those dining at the celebration.