White River Valley Historical Society

White River Valley Historical Society Keeping Ozark's History Alive Since 1961

Throughout the past 50 years, members of the Society have followed its’ mission to “preserve, protect, and promote” the cultural history of the region. Committees and volunteers work tirelessly with efforts to transcribe cemeteries, document historic sites and structures, offer exhibits and educational events, and make as many collection items available in the research library as possible.

Dick’s Oldtime 5 &10 originally started in 1961 by founder Dick Hartley remains as one of the last authentic five and di...
06/13/2026

Dick’s Oldtime 5 &10 originally started in 1961 by founder Dick Hartley remains as one of the last authentic five and dime stores today in downtown Branson.

The store operated by Hartley family members continues its legacy as a popular destination in downtown Branson, Mo.

A charming photo of a young Opal McHaffie Parnell around 1916 near Branson.
06/12/2026

A charming photo of a young Opal McHaffie Parnell around 1916 near Branson.

Here we see Ben and Jean Parnell along with Verna Faye Ferguson as well as a host of shoppers lined up for the opening o...
06/11/2026

Here we see Ben and Jean Parnell along with Verna Faye Ferguson as well as a host of shoppers lined up for the opening of a newly remodeled Parnell’s Department Store around 1950 in Branson, Mo.

Jail accommodations in Taney County and Branson have certainly come a long way since this early jail facility in Branso...
06/10/2026

Jail accommodations in Taney County and Branson have certainly come a long way since this early jail facility in Branson, Missouri.

Chris Meadows pictured here with the Sadie H. along the water’s edge near Branson, Missouri. The boat carried mail fro...
06/09/2026

Chris Meadows pictured here with the Sadie H. along the water’s edge near Branson, Missouri. The boat carried mail from Branson all the way to Camp Ozark during the construction of Powersite Dam near Forsyth.

We are grateful to Todd Parnell for granting permission to share many of the photos from his book, Postcards from Branson on this page.

1994-1995- Forsyth FFA team.
06/08/2026

1994-1995- Forsyth FFA team.

Forsyth R-3 School PTA officers featured in the 1966 school yearbook.
06/07/2026

Forsyth R-3 School PTA officers featured in the 1966 school yearbook.

The Rockaway Beach home, Whylaway, built by Mr. and Mrs. Willard Merriam served as a summer home. Mr. Merriam purchased...
06/06/2026

The Rockaway Beach home, Whylaway, built by Mr. and Mrs. Willard Merriam served as a summer home. Mr. Merriam purchased around 600 hundred acres to establish a resort on the water front.

Eventually their grandson Bud Coughenour and his wife Virginia occupied the home renaming it Merrywood. The Coughenours would reside there into the 1970’s.

After the Coughenours, the home has been owned by various owners.

While we have posted images of Merrywood in the past this photo presents from a different angle.

1966 Junior class officers at Forsyth High School included; Terry Fisher, Charlene Kieffer, Mrs. Virginia Catron sponsor...
06/05/2026

1966 Junior class officers at Forsyth High School included; Terry Fisher, Charlene Kieffer, Mrs. Virginia Catron sponsor and Artie Ragsdale Jr.

Paul’s Cafe on Hwy.160, Forsyth, Missouri was owned and operated by Paul and Iona Paschke. This image was captured arou...
06/04/2026

Paul’s Cafe on Hwy.160, Forsyth, Missouri was owned and operated by Paul and Iona Paschke. This image was captured around 1965-1966.

Address

297 Main Street
Forsyth, MO
65653

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(417) 546-2210

Website

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