Museum display depicts historic scenes, characters, events 

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

Take a romantic stroll down memory lane at the Monett Historical Society and Museum this month, as it displays local valentines from the past.  

“Honestly, it was hard to choose which ones to pull out because we have, I think four boxes.” said Christa Stout, Historical Society volunteer.

With two displays of Valentine cards, the museum invites guests to explore local love stories through the ages. Stout said many of the cards on display are from one local woman, Hildreth Mansfield.

Born in Monett in 1907, Mansfield would grow up to become the mother of local business owner Charles Rowell who continued the family business, Mansfield Clothing, until 2006. 

The business sat in what is relieved to be the oldest building in Monett. 

Before becoming a mother, Mansfield shared her love of cards throughout her childhood, with one early card on display being addressed to her own mother. 

The card was from the 1910s, and Stout noted that it appeared to be when Mansfield was beginning to learn cursive writing. 

Cards on display reflect the differing times throughout not only Mansfield’s life, but society as a whole. 

One card from Mansfeild’s son Charles Rowell, depicted a little soldier boy. The card is believed to be from the World War II era, reflecting the state of the world in a Valentine greeting. 

“They really, really are just so sweet, you know, and just very, it’s a whole other time, Stout said. “And it shows you a lot about the time period during which they were sent.

“They were so much more elaborate and special, and you can really see the care that was taken in not only making them, but choosing them. You didn’t buy them for a penny.”

These cards depict historic scenes, characters and events connecting Monett residents to not only local and family history, but world history as well. 

The museum invites guests to come walk through the displays and admire the intricate details of popular card styles including pop-out and interactive cards to get a look at the love and whimsy of the past.

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