Historic Walking Tour of Rolla photo exhibit on display at City Hall

The Historic Walking Tour of Rolla photographic exhibit that was part of the Rolla Sesquicentennial Celebration on June 4, is now on permanent display at Rolla City Hall, and open to the public.

The new exhibit includes 37 Historic Walking Tour of Rolla plaque replicas that are displayed along the stairway and the first and second floor lobbies of Rolla City Hall (901 N. Elm Street). The exhibit, created by Anne McClay, Project Coordinator in the City’s Engineering Division, will be available to the public to view anytime during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The exhibit will also be available for any school groups, historical societies or organizations who may be interested in viewing the exhibit and learning more about the rich history of Rolla and Phelps County.

The idea for the historic walking tour began as a joint project in 2008 among members of the Public Works Department, the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, Phelps County Historical Society, Missouri S&T Historical Archives Department, and other interested citizens. The purpose of the project was to create a series of historical photos that would showcase Rolla’s rich history and heritage through a unique photographic exhibit that is accessible to the public.

The majority of the text and copy for the inscriptions on the signs, as well as the vintage black and white photographs, were generously provided by author and Rolla historian John F. Bradbury, Jr. who wrote “Rolla – The Old Town.” Mark Stauter, who like Bradbury is a long-time member of the Phelps County Historical Society, also provided valuable guidance, input and assistance.

If your school, club, businesses or civic group would like to schedule a group tour of the historic walking tour photographic exhibit, or take a tour of Rolla City Hall, please contact Scott Grahl, Communications Officer, at 426-6943 or at sgrahl@rollacity.org. 

You can download a PDF copy of all the plaques here.