The Town of Purdy
Barry County, Missouri

The above was taken about 1905. John H. Fly's Groceries was on the corner.

John Fly remained in the location until April of 1919 when he moved his family and business to Monett. He was in the grocery business for over 35 years. Submitted by: Jack Fly
This is the inside shot of the corner store in Purdy. John Fly is on the left behind the counter. Picture was probably taken sometime around 1915 in Purdy store. He opened shop here about 1905. Submitted by: Jack Fly
Historical Information - Purdy Depot

Purdy about 1909



Submitted by: Larry E. Edwards
The above photo depicts a certain time in Barry County when life was simple and the farm was where things happened. John Shiels said this photo was taken in 1946 near Purdy. I think from his messages that his family lived in the Waldensian area. They came from Scotland to the US and from Barry County went to Washington state. Submitted by: John Shiels
Purdy Books - Our Heritage in Story and Picture, Purdy, MO, 1881- 1981 - by The Historical Book Committee [out of print] - Copy of Cover
photo

Message on back reads: "For a city with only about 600 population, all the streets have some kind of sidewalk."

Submitted by: Linda Stephens McCormick
Purdy was named in honor of George A. Purdy of Pierce City, MO. He was a real estate agent for the Frisco and also engaged in the pottery business. He sold fruit jars, jugs, dishware and the like. In November of 1904 the town had 500 residents and was then officially named Purdy and classified then as a city and no longer as a village.

Reed the obituary for George A. Purdy
Picking Strawberries in Purdy - Submitted by: Matt Figi
Purdy was first named Winslow and was so called in honor of a Frisco executive, and was surveyed in 1880. A petition to incorporate as Winslow was presented September 30, 1881 with J. K. Northcutt, C. A. Williams, L. B. McNatt, T. J. Smith, George M. McCraw, W. C. Hayward, S. L. Redwine, F. Tucker, J. L. Brown, W. C. Shoemaker, H. L. Purvines, D. L. Stewart, J. J. Eubanks, J. T. Basham, M. J. Combs, T. J. Means, J. W. Combs, John Alread, R. E. Clarkson, John Brewer, H. J. Sheahan and Jacob Bikes were all residents at that time.

The first elected trustees included J. K. Northcutt, T. J. Smith, L. B. McNatt, Charles A. Williams, and John Combs.

Purdy News: Lighting struck the store building owned by Jesse McCraw, but occupied by Del Walker as a restaurant last Friday night doing some slight damage to the roof also the west end of upper story. Same time lighting store up carpet slightly in Morlan's barber shop but nothing else was struck. October 21, 1915, Thursday, Cassville Republican, Barry Co., MO

Purdy, Mo., June 15.---The city of Purdy has been destroyed by a conflagration. The fire began in saloon in Main Street, and burned all the stores in town. The total loss is estimated at $30,000. The New York Times, June 16, 1894
Purdy Post Office Photo - Submitted by: Larry E. Edwards

Purdy People & Places - In the early days of Purdy, Amos Gurley of Purdy was Agent for Studebaker Automobiles.

The First Christian Church met in a log cabin building south and west of town. The building served as a church home until 1883.
The First Southern Missionary Baptist Church of Purdy, was organized in 1881, one mile south of town at what was the old Long school house.
The below is a photo of the England Cabins and Standard Station. The photo was taken by Fields but a photo used for post cards, too.

photo
Index to Barry County Cemeteries
Index to Barry County School Photos
Index to Barry County Family Photos
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