Introduction

Herewith we present to our patrons our first SPRINGFIELD CITY AND GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY, and we feel satisfied that this publication approaches as nearly correctness as is possible for a work of this character.  Neither time nor expense have been spared in securing the information which has been gathered from the most reliable sources.

We do not claim to be infallible and should errors be noticed we ask the consideration of all, in view of the fact that we depend altogether on the people of this city and county for the information we have gleaned and facts as to house and street numbers, names of individuals, &c., &c., are often unconsciously distorted and misrepresented.  The conclusion of the matter may be reached in the few words following:  We are desirious of receiving the approval of all our patrons, and if there is merit in faithful and conscientious labor we believe a close and careful examination of our work in your city will result in your hearty commendation.

A word to our patron and the public in general:  A concern styling themselves the “Hoye Directory Co.,” in their issue of a Springfield City book of recent date, complain of not having received the patronage and support which they expected, and attribute this to the fact that some “itinerant and unreliable publishers were in the field who, by misrepresenting their proposed work, secured patronage that rightly belonged to them,” we would respectfully refer interested parties to page 478 of this work where a list of our publications for the past two years may be found and leave it to you to judge as to our rights to the claims of being established and reliable directory publishers.

Much might and has been written about the wonderful advantages of the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” all of which we heartily endorse.  The improvement in the water works system, the proposed new railroads, sure to come, the anticipated electric system of street car lines, the improved sewerage and pavements, the Government building and numerous new business blocks soon to be erected lead us to the conclusion that the future of Springfield is bright.  The present population of Springfield has been variously estimated, and we believe that 35,000 is a very conservative number of inhabitants to claim.

Wishing the good people of Springfield continued and unbounded success, we are very respectfully

THE PUBLISHERS