Museum recounts history of Truman, Dewey, Roosevelt speaking in Monett

By Jessica Breger Special to Monett Monthly

In September of 1948, while most of Missouri watched the St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Philadelphia Phillies, the residents of Monett prepared to welcome a special guest.

Monett had been chosen to be a “Whistle Stop” along Harry S. Truman’s trek across the nation during his presidential campaign.

Truman set out on his famous “Whistle Stop” campaign to ride the railways across America, aiming to speak to the average citizens whose votes he requested. 

This would be Truman’s second term as president after taking the reins following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It would also be his first full term and the first term he had to campaign for the Presidential seat.

Truman arrived in Monett on Sept. 29, 1948, at approximately 9 p.m. Despite the late hour, a large crowd gathered for his arrival.

The president addressed the crowd at Monett’s Frisco Depot from the presidential car, the “Ferdinand Magellan” accompanied by the First Lady, Bess, and their daughter, Margaret. 

Truman spoke to citizens from his platform about issues such as worker’s rights, civil rights and government efficiency and accountability. 

This platform won him not only the Missouri vote, but the presidency. 

As Truman and his opponent, Thomas Dewey, battled over their shared home state, both men made the stop in Monett. 

Dewey even extended his stay, sleeping in the home of a local friend for the night.

The two were not the first to make Monett a “Whistle Stop” along the presidential campaign trail. 

On Sept. 23, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt was the first presidential candidate to speak directly to Monett residents from his platform at the train station. 

Roosevelt delivered his speech to a crowd of approximately 1,500 people. 

Despite having to stop his speech to address a group of distracted talkers, he too won the Missouri vote on a platform of worker’s rights.

Roosevelt spoke to the crowd advocating for eight-hour workdays and the end of child labor. 

To learn more about the men who made a “Whistle Stop” in Monett, people may visit the Monett Historical Society and Museum. 

The Museum, located at 422 E. Broadway, is open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.