Bernie created as first stop going south from Dexter on the new Cotton Belt line in 1888. The branch was created to accommodate the lumber boom that encompassed the area. The name "Bernie" was chosen to honor the small daughter of D. S. Crumb, a well known and large landowner who owned the ground the town was laid out on. Bernie experienced a large burst of growth in the 1920s when the roads were graveled and paved, electric lighting added, and between 1923 to 1925, seven brick buildings were built along Main Street. A school was created by consolidating Poplin and Sugar Tree schools. In 1927, the newly formed Bernie Civic League and Alderman A. L. Roussel began work on creating a large park with a bandstand between the railroad and Main Street. When the school was partially burned along with the home of Dr. Lincoln, it was decided that the city needed a fire department with an engine. Thirty wells were dug about four blocks apart throughout the city (The Dexter Statesman, April 4, 1930, Page 16).
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Fletcher Bates ConatserPost Master of Bernie, 1903Born on February 9, 1857
Died on December 24, 1921 Married Armand Catherine McGee on July 5, 1893. Originally from Fentress, TN. |
Rally of Women's Christian Temperance Union, Bernie, Missouri
Rev. F. M. Mayfield speaking. R. L. Allen in front of wagon (Arnold Collection)
Rev. F. M. Mayfield speaking. R. L. Allen in front of wagon (Arnold Collection)
Mail Man, Bernie (Arnold Collection)
Bernie Cotton Gin (Arnold Collection)
Dredge Ditch South of Bernie (Arnold Collection)
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Large Logs, Bernie Missouri (Arnold Collection)
Powe
A small settlement in the southwest part of Liberty Township where a post office was maintained from 1910-1929. It was named for a family who owned land in the community.
Sharecroppers near Powe, Missouri (Arnold Collection)
Mary and Frank Powell, Powe, Mo.