Jacksonville – Then and Now
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Jacksonville has been known as a medical center for many years. Dr. C. L. Newburn set up a small hospital in 1917. This was the beginning of the present Newburn Memorial Hospital. Two years later, Dr. J. M. Travis, associated with Dr. J. N. Bone and Dr. Frank Fuller, established the Cherokee Sanitarium. This institution grew into today's Nan Travis Memorial Hospital. Both the Newburn and the Travis hospitals recently have completed major expansion projects.
What of the future of Jacksonville? As the Centennial Celebration is held, there is brightness on the horizon. Immediately in sight are such improvements as an overpass on South Jackson Street (U. S. Highway No. 69) over the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks, beginning at Rusk Street and extending to Cherokee Street. Already under construction is a loop around the city to be known as No. 456. Both of these improvements will ease the flow of traffic and provide additional business property.
Depending on the amount of territory annexed to the city during the ensuing decade, population probably will be 14,000 or more by 1980. Those responsible for industrial development anticipate that during the next few years from three to five new industries annually will be added, either through new companies brought in, expansion of present companies or "spin offs" from existing companies.
Jacksonville should maintain its position as a medical center for the area, both hospitals having just completed expansion programs and further expansion of clinic facilities being the offing. Also many fine nursing homes are located here.
Public schools have completed building programs which make these facilities outstanding and the progressive junior colleges of Jacksonville have been marching steadily forward for years and should continue, along with the theological seminary.
With Lake Jacksonville here and other lakes in all directions, the city should continue as a recreation and retirement center, and even expand the facilities available in this area. The recently modernized newspaper publishing facilities and the progressive AM and FM radio studios, bring local and world-wide news and entertainment. Cable service is available for TV reception.
Jacksonville citizens of 1972 want their town to grow and expand, but they also want something else. Like Jackson Smith, when he returned to Gum Creek in 1847, they hope the quality of living here will continue to be as attractive 100 years hence as it is today.
This article includes information from the writings of M. L. Earle, J. B. Posey, Sid Johnson, J. A. Templeton, Hattie J. Roach, J. L. Brown, F. H. Ford.
Compiled by Greg Smith. If you have any materials you'd like to contribute, please email me.