State Historical Society of Missouri
Center for Missouri Studies
605 Elm St.
Columbia
The history of Arrow Rock, from its birth in 1829 and rapid rise as a center of trade and politics, to its slow decline and eventual rebirth, is well known and documented. Now writer and historian Sandy Selby offers a fresh perspective on the history of this National Historic Landmark village with her new book, Arrow Rock Ink. Selby will share stories from her book that reveal the joys and challenges facing the ordinary men and women who lived in Arrow Rock during its first 100 years.
Selby will offer an informative and entertaining presentation about the ubiquitous oyster suppers, miraculous madstones for treating rabies, weeks-long revivals, and the town’s relentless quest to attract a railroad. Why did marbles on Main Street and baseball on Sunday cause so much consternation? Which Arrow Rock woman struck fear in hardened criminals? And how did the community respond when arsonists threatened the town? You’ll come away from the lecture with new appreciation for the proud and hardy Missourians of yesteryear.
Selby’s research for the book was nearly all done from her home by accessing SHSMO’s newspaper collection online.