The Crawford County Historical Society Museum continues to preserve the history of the area with a unique approach that connects family, traditions, and heirlooms. The museum is filled with thoughtful displays of artifacts, letters, and photographs that give visitors a glimpse into the past. As a way to preserve and promote history, the museum selects exhibits and traces them back to family members who live near the area. The Living History Project connects the past to the present and prepares for the future!
Cuba schools have always had a strong passion for sports. To see the progression, the museum has an exhibit that spotlights a Letterman’s sweater that belonged to James Barnett I. His early basketball career led his team to the state playoffs in 1925 where they became the South Central Basketball Champions. They became the first team in Crawford County to ever win a championship. Mr. Barnetts grandson, James Barnett III, followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and played basketball for Cuba Wildcats until he graduated in 1993. Family history often inspires the next generation.
Pictured – James Barnett III with his grandfather’s Cuba High School Letterman Sweater
Mr. James Franklin Cornman was a Spanish American Veteran who was from St. Louis but decided to call Cuba home with his wife, Antonio, and daughter Della in 1928. That same year, Cornman established Boy Scout Troop #427 which is still active today. His dedication to scouting earned him the Silver Beaver Award for his program implementation, scout activities, and 31 years of hard work and service. Mr. Cornman taught Sunday School at the Cuba United Methodist Church for 20 years. His Great Granddaughter, Willa Gross remembers how he would teach her friends to twirl the baton using his six-pound rifle. Memories give us reasons to reminisce.
Pictured – Willa Gross with her great grandfather’s military uniform from the Spanish American War.
Born in Cuba, Cecil J. Markley served in World War II from 1943-1945 in Europe. Assigned to the U.S. Army Combat Engineers, he led the bridge construction over the Rhine River in Germany. When he returned home to Cuba, he started his own construction company. Among his projects, the Highway 19 Drive-in, the Catholic School, Recklein Library, and many family homes in the area. He and his wife Edith had one child, Betty (Markley) DeLeo. Grandaughter Kim Roedemeier recalls ice cream, soda, and always a good time when she was with her grandfather.
Pictured – Kim Roedemeier with her grandfather’s military uniform at the museum.
Crawford County is rich in tradition, history, and great stories. From the communities of Bourbon, Leasburg, Cuba, and Steelville, the museum captures what life was like living in rural Missouri. The Crawford County Historical Society Museum keeps history alive, one exhibit at a time. Do you have a family story to tell? The folks at the museum would love to hear it. To learn more about the Living History Project, call the museum at 573-885-6099 or visit crawfordmomuseum.com
