Room for history Museum finds place to display antique hearse

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Finding a new home for an antique horse-drawn hearse was no problem for the History Museum for Springfield and Greene County.

Scott Tillman, who owns four historic buildings in downtown Springfield, offered the use of one of his buildings to store the vehicle.

"I'm glad I can help them," Tillman said.

He has used the museum's resources when he has researched the buildings he owns, so he sees this as a way of giving back.

"I really enjoy going through the museum, looking at pictures ... of my buildings," Tillman said.

The hearse also has an interesting history.

It was used by Klingner Mortuary in Springfield from 1909 to 1913, then moved to the Klingner branch in Ash Grove. The neoclassical design includes elegant carving around the open windows on either side that would display the flower-covered casket as it was drawn by a team of horses to the cemetery.

Later, it was used in parades. The hearse was donated to the museum by John Klingner.

Linda Green, executive director at the museum, said finding a home for the hearse is important. The museum, which is housed on the third floor of the Historic City Hall, does not have storage area for such large items.

"When we find someone like Scott Tillman, we're grateful," she said.

The next thing Green would like is a location to display the hearse and other major objects, such as an entire room from the early 20th century used as a control center, donated by City Utilities.

"We're constantly being asked to take on large pieces," she said.

Green and Tillman would love to see such a facility in Jordan Valley Park.

The downtown redevelopment project is expected to include an exposition center, a minor league ballpark, parking garage and an arena to join an existing ice skating rink.

"It's a natural marriage," Green said.

"It's a wonderful idea," Tillman said. "Anything that will get people to come downtown is good for downtown."