The town of New Lakeville was incorporated in 1883 as a stop along Louis Houck's railroad, but later changed its name to Advance in 1897.  Like most towns in Stoddard County, Advance began as a town with lumber as the primary means of profit.  By 1965, the railroad ceased to run through Advance. Fortunately for the people of Advance, the community became a farming center after most of the timber was cut, no doubt saving it from destruction.