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Pierce City, Missouri

The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918 Case steam tractor. The tractor is the same type of steam tractor that provided the power for the threshing teams that used to move through this area serving the farmers. The tractor is 20' long and 10' tall. The rear wheels are 6' tall and two feet wide. It has a top speed of 2 1/5 miles per hour.

The sawmill is completely operative and is used to saw much of the lumber needed to provide some of the Park improvements. The sawmill is in operation during most of the events at the Park.

The office of the sawmill is furnished much as it would have been when the family first started operation. There are many historical items and information in the office/museum. This area is also open at special Park functions. It is possible to view this area from the walkway that has been constructed for viewers along the side of the mill.

There is a shop adjoining the office that is also equipped to maintain the tractor and the sawmill equipment. This shop is also visible from the walkway.

The building on the north end of the sawmill houses old machinery, a White truck, and a Model T Ford truck that is very similar to the trucks used in operating the original mill.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Up to 1883 all Catholics in the area belonged to St. Patrick's Church which was organized in 1871. But owing to the increased immigration of the Germans and Poles, some of these members requested Bishop Hogan for a parish of their own. The first St. Mary'

Pierce City, MO Historic Churches

St. Patrick's Church

Catholicism in Peirce City is as old as the town itself when in 1870 the Frisco railroad laid the first tracks through here going west to Kansas. Many of the railroaders were Irish Catholics.

Pierce City, MO Historic Churches

Military Memorials

For those interested in military machinery, the following memorials can be seen on a short day trip to the following cites around the Pierce City area.

Pierce City, MO - M4 Sherman Tank

Cassville, MO - M60A3 Main Battle Tank

Purdy, MO - A-4 Skyhawk Fighter-bomber

Pierce City, MO Memorials

Opera House (no longer standing)

THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.

The Raupp Opera House was completed in 1886 and occupied the full third floor of the Opera Building on Commercial;

Pierce City, MO Opera Houses

Shepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park

The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918

Pierce City, MO Historic Mills

Things to do near Pierce City, MO

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