Interview with Springfield native Mark Ringenberg conducted by Tom Peters, Dean of Library Services at Missouri State University. This interview took place in the Ozarks Room of the Duane G. Meyer Library at Missouri State University Libraries in Springfield, Missouri, on August 31, 2021.
Topics covered in this interview include: early hospitals in Springfield, Missouri; memories of the Ritz dance hall in Springfield; square dancing; memories of Lindenlure Lake, Powersite Dam, and Table Rock Lake; memories of sites in Springfield from mid 20th century; Johnny Morris launching Bass Pro Shop in his father’s Brown Derby liquor store; memories of the Flamingo dance hall; memories of fishing; taking drum lessons from Ernie Bedell; memories of listening to music in the Lamplighter club; memories of Doling Park in Springfield; live music at Half-a-Hill restaurant; caves in the Springfield area; stories about the Alibi club; memories of his uncle, Bill Ring (entertainer and producer), Joe Slattery, and other personalities on the Ozark Jubilee television program.
The Live Music Venues and Experiences on Route 66 oral history project aims to increase the understanding of the importance and impact of musical venues along Route 66 and connect these experiences to American culture. Southwest Missouri has a long musical tradition and entertainment venues naturally developed along Route 66. While travelers along the Route 66 corridor certainly sought out entertainment, local residents also enjoyed and benefited from these musical entertainment venues. Many musicians traveled through this area, playing at the Shrine Mosque and other local venues. The groups often frequented local hotels and restaurants before traveling on to the next town.
This investigation of musical venues offers a broad look of the community memory fostered by Route 66. The project is made possible in part by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program of the National Park Service.
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