April 17, 1940
The All American Red Heads, a women’s professional basketball team started in Cassville, sailed for the Philippine Islands. Started by C. M. Olson in, their fame and popularity grew as they played, and almost always beat, men’s teams. Their international fame came after a string of 96 wins in 96 days! They were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
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On this date in Missouri history: Fountain Day begins in Kansas City, which ranks behind only Rome, Italy, in the number of fountains in one city.
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C.C. McCallon’s clothing store in West Plains was robbed by Ma Barker’s gang. It was noted that they took over $2,000 worth of clothing and only the latest fashions.
April 29, 1898
Missouri was requested to provide five regiments of infantry and one battery of light artillery for the Spanish-American War.
April 17, 1950
For the first time in baseball history an opening day game was played at night when the Cardinals beat the Pirates in St. Louis.