Progress Notes

One of our occasional volunteers for the museum has been Debbie Simmons Leonard of Eldon. Regular readers of this webpage may remember that Debbie rescued an old Max Allen’s Reptile Garden sign from the woods behind the old tourist attraction now closed, and received permission from Max, who now resides in Florida, to let us keep it (photo 01).

01 Debbie Simmons Leonard

The interchange of correspondence regarding the sign led to a presentation on our website of the history of the Reptile Garden which you can read at this previous Progress Notes.

Debbie, who is the daughter of Clifford Simmons, now deceased, has been researching her family history for several years. The Simmons family is one of earliest to arrive in Miller County, having come to our state from Kentucky settling first near Russellville, Missouri, after which some of the members migrated down to our county. Clifford, father of Debbie, was one of Eldon’s most successful businessmen (photo 02).

02 Clifford Eugene and Margaret Simmons - Late 70's

Copied below is a biography Debbie has written which includes details of some of the businesses her father Clifford initiated over his lifespan:

Clifford Eugene Simmons, Sr. was graduated from Eldon High School in 1938. Moving to Memphis, Tennessee he lived with his elder sister Buelah and worked at Pigeon Steel and Leonard’s Bar B Q as a car hop. He met his wife Margaret Bradick (b 1923) a Memphis native and they were married in Marion, Arkansas on October 11, 1941.

Clifford enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served during the Korean War. He was a 1st Lieutenant and served as a navigator/bombardier on a B-17 and trained in the B50. Both wars ended before he saw any combat duty overseas (photo 03).

03 Clifford Simmons Bombardier Navigator
Click image for larger view

Returning back to Miller County Clifford established Eldon Steel Products and manufactured propane tanks and supplies. The business was located behind the former Osage Products. He also started Red D Gas Propane and Electric. After selling these businesses he bought a propane gas business in Salem, Indiana called Blue Flame Propane. He operated this business for about 5 years and then sold it. In the early to mid 1950's he and his brother Carl built a roller skate rink in Eldon. This building was located at 15th and Business Highway 54 and later provided the offices for his new business which he called Readygas Propane Service, Inc. There were branch offices in Camdenton, Richland, Buffalo and Jefferson City, Missouri He also operated Simmons Supply making aluminum doors and windows, Simmons Trucking, and Modern Home Improvements. In the 1980’s Clifford purchased Missouri Valley Feed and Supply in Cedar City, MO. That business was sold after the flood of 1983. The shell of the building remains and is now a hub for the Katy Trail at Jefferson City, MO. He also purchased the property that was once the home of Max Allen’s Zoo Gardens in the mid 1980’s. That building was remodeled into office spaces.

In 1967 Clifford bought acreage at Aurora Springs where Lake Ozark Speedway is now located. It was here that he fulfilled his dream of raising cattle and farming. He then went on to purchase additional farm properties North of Eldon and established Simmons Farms. One of these properties was the former home of George Weeks, founder of Eldon. Clifford starting raising Limousin cattle in 1969 and was the 151st member of the National Limousin Foundation and a founding member of the Missouri Limousin Breeders Association. He was among one of the first breeders to use embryo transplant. The farm erected a sales arena and hosted its own breeding cattle production sales. He served on the Board of Directors for Missouri LP Gas Association and Missouri Limousin Breeders Association. He was member of the American Legion. In the late 1980's he sold Readygas Propane Service, Inc to MFA Oil Company retiring to his farming and cattle operation.

Clifford and Margaret had five children, Clifford E. (Bud) Simmons, Jr., Barbara Lee Simmons, Edward Leroy Simmons, Deborah Kay Simmons and Linda Jo Simmons. After the young family lived with Clifford’s Mother at 605 S. Grand, a home was purchased at 119 West North Street in Eldon and it remained the family home until the death of both Clifford and Margaret.

All of Clifford's children worked in his businesses with him and were on the Board of Directors for Readygas Propane Service. Presently, Cliffords’s son, Edward Simmons and his wife, Rhonda, own Gasco Propane Service at Eldon.

Clifford died August 27, 1990 and Margaret died November 7, 1999. Both are buried at the Eldon Cemetery. Clifford, Margaret and family were members of the First Christian Church and the Nazarene Church of Eldon.

In 1948 Clifford was one of the first in the country to market propane gas for commercial and residential use. Copied below is an article printed in the Eldon Advertiser August 11, 1983 which gives some of the history of that enterprise:

Family Owned Ready Gas Company Pioneered LP Industry
Eldon Advertiser
August 11, 1983 (photos 04 and 05)

04 Readygas Simpson Clan
Click image for larger view

05 Readygas Tanker

Developed as only a sideline business, Readygas Propane Service, Inc., headquartered at Business 54 South in Eldon across the road from Ernie Jones Autos Sales, is actually a pioneer in the LP gas industry. Owner and operator Clifford E. Simmons opened the business to the Missouri area in 1948 after being discharged from the Army Air Corps at the end of World War II.

The company was known as Red-Gas and Electric Company then, and it was merely a small part of Eldon Steel Products, which conducted business in the manufacturing of LP gas tanks and distribution of LP gas and steel products.

Because WWII had created a shortage of steel, Simmons sought other means of obtaining capital and in 1948 bought one truck and one storage tank and began serving the mid Missouri area.

The first office was located in Eugene, but another office was soon opened in downtown Eldon, where the State License Bureau is now located. Later, offices were opened in Jefferson City and Versailles.

In 1950, Clifford’s brother, Carl, entered into the business and the company served customers as far away as 100 miles. Between 1955-1960, Readygas established a business in Salem, Indiana.

Propane was a new fuel in the 1940’s and it was used basically for energy purposes…cooking, refrigeration, water heating and lighting. Still considered the most economical fuel, propane is in wide use today and Readygas Propane Service Inc. is an independent company dealing in every aspect of LP gas. Readygas personnel install LP gas equipment, tanks and piping for residential and industrial storage, and the company is licensed with the state to install motor fuel carburetion on private and fleet vehicles.

Readygas is family owned in the classic style, with Clifford and Margaret Simmons and all five of their children having worked for the company at one time or another.

Currently, Ed and Rhonda Simmons work at the company. They returned full time to the business in 1972 after serving in the U.S. Army in Germany with the artillery during the Vietnam era.

Linda Simmons also works full time for the company, having received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State University. Her sister, Debbie Leonard, is a stockholder in the company and works in the farm division.

The company employs 32 full time employees, and between five of its employees there is a total of 175 years in the LP gas industry. Many workers, according to Linda Simmons, have served with the company for more than 10 years.

Though Eldon is the home office, branch locations are located in Camdenton, Richland, Buffalo, Lebanon and Crocker.

“We like the rural living with city advantages, like dining, entertainment and recreation,” Linda Simmons said in regard to the choice to maintain its headquarters in Eldon.

Readygas owns its own fleet of transports and is a shipper in the Mid America Pipeline. Because it is not dependent on railroads, common carriers or any other means of transport, Readygas can direct transport’s in emergency situations around the clock to storage and supply points throughout the mid continent area.

The company serves customers far and near and also can deliver to other LP gas dealers.

“Future plans of Readygas are expansion in the LP gas industry and to strive to give our customers the best service, supply and knowledge available in the LP gas industry,” Miss Simmons said.

The Simmons LP gas company continued to grow through the years and was featured again in the Advertiser recently regarding some new expansions and modernization:

Simmons GASCO of Eldon
By Tammy Witherspoon

Eldon Advertiser
October 25, 2011

The first thing Eddie Simmons can remember smelling is propane. His father, Clifford, was in the business and Simmons says he always knew he wanted to go into the propane business (photo 06).

06 A Little Boy and a Gas Truck
Eddie Simmons, age 4 or 5, is shown in front of his father’s business truck.
Simmons says the first thing he can remember smelling is propane.
(Submitted photo)

He got his wish. Simmons opened GASCO in Eldon in 1985. With the help of his wife Rhonda, daughters Michelle and Laura, and a group of loyal employees, it has become a thriving business.

This year Simmons serves as president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association. In fact, Barry Oden, of MFA Oil in Eldon is vice-president of the association this year, so Eldon is the heart of the propane world in Missouri this year.

Family Influences

Simmons is the son of Clifford and Margaret Simmons. He grew up with three sisters, Barbara, Debbie and Linda, and one brother, Buddy. He met his future wife Rhonda Hickey, horseback riding. She was a friend of one his sisters.

Simmons was most influenced by his father, who he says was a bit of an entrepreneur. Clifford originally started Eldon Steel Supply in partnership with Augie Barnhouse and Bryce Albertson right after World War II. Soon after he started Red-D-Gas and Electric which eventually became Readygas in the 1960s (photo 07).

07 Readygas Sign
Clifford Simmons started Readygas in 1960 after already owning Red-D-Gas and Electric.
His son Eddie Simmons says his father gave him his work ethic.
(Submitted photo)

From the time Simmons was a little boy, he was exposed to all aspects of the propane business from trucking to customer relations (photo 08).

08 Early GASCO Trucks
Eddie and Rhonda Simmons started GASCO in 1985 with a loan from Mercantile Bank.
Simmons wasn’t sure how he would pay the bills after warmer than usual winter months.
(Submitted photo)

Simmons says he also learned the value of working with good people from his father.

“I grew up around a neat bunch of guys, which included the Enloes,” says Simmons.

“And I learned the propane business was good business.”

Red-D-Gas and Electric was located close to where the Eldon Community Center is now and Readygas was located on Business Highway 54 across from the old Lloyd Belt Dealership.

Simmons was graduated in 1968. He and Rhonda were married in 1970. Rhonda also grew up around the propane business. Her father Ronald Hickey and grandfather Logan were both propane drivers so she had a good understanding of the business and something in common with Simmons right from the start.

Rhonda would have graduated in 1972, but chose to go to Germany with Simmons, who had been drafted into the Army. Rhonda would graduate in 1974 from Eldon.

“She attends both reunions,” says Simmons with a smile.

Their oldest daughter Michelle was born in 1971 and the family still remembers the German nanny who insisted Rhonda take her out on ice cold days to put roses in her cheeks.

When the family returned to Eldon, Simmons worked with his father and Rhonda worked as an operator at the telephone company. Their youngest daughter Laura came along in 1982, and she also grew up with the smell of propane in her nostrils. The family spent a lot of time on the road in a Peterbuilt truck hauling gas in 1983.

The Simmons were actually on the verge of either moving to Colorado or to Salisbury, Mo. when an opportunity in Eldon arose. In 1985, Simmons decided to go into business for himself. Darrel Kays, vice-president of Empire Gas, offered the Eldon location for sale to Simmons. Simmons then approached R.C. Evans at Mercantile Bank and “luckily” was approved for a loan.

Ed and Rhonda opened up for business at their kitchen table and it was a rough start according to Simmons.

“That seemed like the warmest winter month,” said Simmons wryly. “Every day was above 60 degrees. I didn’t know how the bills were getting paid.”

“It wasn’t that warm,” says Rhonda.

“It felt like it,” says Simmons with a smile.

Once, when they were struggling, Rhonda’s dad walked in and told them he was going to work and he did, going door to door to find customers.

Rhonda quickly became an integral part of the business, handling licensing, permitting, insurance paperwork and employee training.

“He needed her. Behind every successful man is a strong woman,” says Laura.

GASCO truly is a family business. Michelle worked at GASCO during the 1980s and 90s. She has recently returned to her roots and helps in the office fielding phone calls and handling customer walk-ins and her daughter Summer Weaver, may be the fourth generation to work in the propane business.

Laura has worked for GASCO for more than 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in business and marketing and has designed the web page and its Facebook page. She is the customer service manager.

She also is the keeper of photographs detailing the companies’ history and she knows all of the stories. She points to one picture of Clifford and his pet Doberman Pinscher Caesar (Rhonda and Eddie used to raise Doberman Pinschers). The dog had an extremely sweet disposition and loved everyone who came into the business.

Caesar went everywhere with Clifford and would alert Clifford at traffic stops when the light changed, when Clifford’s narcolepsy got the best of him (photo 09).

09 A Man and his Doberman
Clifford Simmons is shown with his Doberman Caesar who
used to greet customers coming into the propane business.
(Submitted photo)

The Missouri Propane Gas Association is divided into eight districts with fall 2011 districts being held in Union, Cameron, Dexter, Springfield, Bevier, Willow Springs, Warrensburg and Eugene. Laura is a District 4 director. Simmons credits his employees with being one of the keys of GASCO’s success.

“We employ 15 people and several of them came from the old Readygas,” says Simmons with a smile. Several have been with the company for more than 30 years. The “new” girl, Cindy Jeffries, has been with the company for more than 10 years (photo 10).

10 Employees help to make the business a Success
GASCO employees are shown in no particular order: Michelle Simmons Smith, Rhonda Cornett and Cindy Jeffries, secretaries; James Ping, shop manager; Loyd “Jr.” Shikles and Glenvel Shreve, route drivers; Tim Schulte and Raymond Crow, service technicians and backup route drivers; Bradley Banner, transport driver; ; Charlie Carr, Camdenton route driver, Bill Keeney, Camdenton manager; Steve Hanks, service technician; T.J. Smith, farm and part-time shop help; Ed and Rhonda Simmons, owner; Laura Simmons, customer service manager; and Summer Weaver, part-time farm and office help.
(Submitted photo)

GASCO has offices in Eldon and Camdenton. It also has storage plants in Eldon, Tipton and St. Robert to have an ample supply throughout its entire service region, which includes Central Missouri.

MPGA And The Future Of Propane

Simmons has been a member of the Missouri Propane Gas Association since the early 1970s. In 1995, he was elected as a district director. He has served as treasurer, vice-president and now as president.

Simmons says the association was founded in the mid-1940s with the purpose of promoting training and safety. In the 1970s the association started its own insurance company. Simmons describes the association as being a group of competitors who actually come together to promote the safety and well-being of their customers, then go back to being competitors.

GASCO has approximately 3,000 customers and Simmons says the future of the propane industry is good.

“We are considered green,” says Simmons. “Propane is an efficient fuel which is plus.”

Several cities went on natural gas decades ago (Eldon went on natural gas in the 1960s) but population growth continues out in the rural areas and propane is a popular choice.

Propane is a popular choice at the lake, says Simmons, and the tanks can be buried so customers don’t have to deal with an unsightly tank. Simmons predicts that with new heating and cooling systems becoming available, propane will be in good shape for a long time.

“The association works hard to keep us up-to-date on the latest technologies and legislation. We must be flexible, because what is good for the customer must be good for us,” continues Simmons.

2012 will be the centennial of the propane industry and it will only continue to get stronger Simmons says.

Eddie And Rhonda

Eddie and Rhonda will celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary Oct. 24. Besides being ready to go at moment’s notice with their business (GASCO has hauled gas as far as southern Georgia) they also farm.

Both credit their business success to parents who instilled a strong work ethic in them.

“We are lucky to have been able to stay in our hometown and have a successful business,” says Simmons.

“We were able to build upon the work our parents had done just like our children will build upon the work we’ve done,” he continues.

“We credit everything to our family, our employees, God and our customers,” he finishes (photo 11).

11 The Family that works together has success Together
The people who make GASCO work are pictured, from left: Laura Simmons, customer service manager;
Rhonda and Eddie Simmons, owners; T.J. Smith, Michelle Simmons Smith and Summer Weaver.
Eddie Simmons serves as president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association this year.
(Photo by Tammyspoon)

Debbie Simmons Leonard has traced her branch of the Simmons family back to a Naysa Simmons in Kentucky:

1. Naysa L. Simmons  1774-1859 born North Carolina, died Fountain Run, KY

2. William Gibson Simmons  abt. 1800-abt 1850 born North Carolina, died Cole County, MO

3. Wiley, J. R. Simmons 1810-abt. 1898 born Kentucky, died Miller County, MO (photo 12)

12 Wiley, J.R. Simmons
Click image for larger view

4. John Green Simmons 1846-1904  born Cole or Moniteau, died Miller or Jackson County, MO

5. Ely Edward Simmons 1871-1945 born Moniteau County, died Miller County, MO (photo 13)

13 Ely Edward and Delpha Clay Robertson Simmons - Late 30's

6. Clifford E. Simmons 1920-1990 born and died Miller County, MO (see photo 02 above)

Ely, grandfather of Debbie, worked in Eldon for the railroad (photo 14).

14 Ely Edwards Simmons (Middle)

Here is Ely surrounded by his family in a photo probably taken in the early part of the last century since Clifford isn’t present (photo 15):

15 Ely Simmons Family
Click image for larger view

And here is a later photo of Ely’s wife, Delpha Robertson Simmons, surrounded by her children (photo 16):

16 Beulah, Delpha, Carl, Lorraine, Clifford, Barbara and Mabel

Here is a photo of Carl (brother of Clifford) and Ida Simmons, Debbie’s uncle and Aunt (photo 17):

17 Carl and Ida Simmons

Ida worked in Tuscumbia at Pryor Novelty Company for many years; I remember her well (photo 18).

18 Ida Simmons

Carl, brother to Clifford, also served in WWII. Debbie has a photo of him when he took advantage of the opportunity to hunt wild boar (photo 19).

19 Carl Simmons in Africa during WWII Hunting Wild Boar

One of Debbie’s ancestors, Captain James Marion Simmons, was a Civil War hero (photos 20 and 21).

20 Captain James Marion Simmons

21 James Marion Simmons House

Here is how Debbie describes the connection:

“Captain James Marion Simmons was a grandson of Naysa L. Simmons, who was my 4th great-grandfather. Captain Simmons was my 4th, 1st cousin. Captain Simmons’ father was Wiley Simmons, a son of Naysa L. Simmons and a brother to my 3rd great grandfather William Gibson Simmons.”

Captain Simmons story is recorded in the Goodspeed Company’s history of Kentucky:

Captain James Marion Simmons

Captain James Marion Simmons was born November 2, 1839, in Monroe County, Kentucky, where he grew up, and in 1866, he enlisted in company K, Ninth Kentucky Volunteers, with which he served for about eighteen months; first as private, later as sergeant, and finally as second lieutenant, which position he held until at the petition of Company G he was transferred to that company, of which he served as captain for nearly two years. He was engaged in the battles of stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Lovejoy Station, besides a large number of minor battles and skirmishes. His father, Wiley J. Simmons, was born May 5, 1808, within about one mile of the present site of Fountain Run, Kentucky. There, with the exception of three years spent in Illinois, he afterward lived; and there he died in April, 1873. He was one of the prominent men of his section, and was a son of Naysa Simmons, of North Carolina, who immigrated to Kentucky in 1805, and located on the land where his son and grandson were afterward born. He was of English descent. Captain Simmons is a farmer, and was one of the assistant marshals for the purpose of taking the census. He is one of the solid men of his section, and in politics is a Republican.

Debbie Simmons Leonard has compiled her research of the history of the Simmons family into a rather complete narrative in which she introduces several interesting anecdotes and stories about the Simmons family. It is long so I will place it here as an attachment (photo 22):

22 Simmons Family History
Click image to read entire document in PDF format

I appreciate very much the time Debbie expended in putting together for me the history of her Simmons family.

The Pig and Pickle Fest held Saturday September 17 at the Riverside Park in Tuscumbia was quite a treat for all who attended. Even though it was a rainy day, hundreds came to the event. It had been well advertised all around the county due to the efforts of Larry Flaugher, Tuscumbia High School Alumni Association president who distributed many advertisement fliers around the county as well as signs (photos 23 and 24).

23 Pig and Pickle Festival Flier

24 Sign at Museum

The event was sponsored by the Tuscumbia Alumni Association with proceeds going to the Association, the Special Olympics, and the village of Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia community volunteers provided all the labor for set up of tents, chairs and preparing meals in the park pavilion. The meal featured pulled pork with all the side dishes and desserts and, of course, the delicious deep-fried dill pickles (photos 25, 26 and 27).

25 Serving meals at Pavillion
Pictured from left are: Tempary Gunter, Summer Rush and Dawn Rising. They were working
on the serving line at the Pigs and PicklesFestival at Tuscumbia’s Riverside Park Saturday, Sept. 17.
(Photo by Heather Finch-Leuthen)

26 Serving up barbecued pork dinners at the Tuscumbia Pigs ‘n Pickles Fest in Tuscumbia
Saturday, Sept. 17, were, from left, Dawn Rising, Becky Howser and Tracy Ash.
(Photo by Ginny Duffield)

27 Many meals served at Pavillion
Pictured is the crowd eating at the Pigs and Pickles Festival at Riverside Park in Tuscumbia Saturday, Sept. 17.
(Photo by Heather Finch-Leuthen)

Four community fire departments held a cook off featuring their version of smoked pork loin. The Brumley community fire department won the first place award, but the Tuscumbia fire department raised the most money for their team’s pork loin sold at auction (photos 28, 29 and 30).

28 The Tuscumbia Fire Department Barbecuers during the Pigs and Pickles Festival at
Riverside Park Saturday Sept. 17. Pictured are, from left: Mark Richard, Billy Rising, Steve Fry,
Ruthie Wright and Willie Wright.
(Photo by Heather Finch-Leuthen)

29 Barbecue Contestant

30 Barbecue Smokers

Our museum was represented in one of the shelters where we displayed our quilt for this year’s quilt raffle. The quilt was made by my wife Judy’s mother, Elva Steen (photos 31 and 32).

31 Miller County Museum Quilt Raffle

32 Colleen Schlesinger buying raffle tickets for Quilt made by Elva Steen (Sitting)

Also donated for raffle was a rifle.

T-shirts were sold having the Pig and Pickle Fest advertisement printed on them (photo 33).

33 Darlen Boren (left) and Stacy White sell event t-shirts at the Pickles and Pigs Festival
at Riverside Park in Tuscumbia Saturday, Sept. 17.
(Photo by Heather Finch-Leuthen)

Dan Peek and his wife Joy participated in the event bringing copies of Dan’s book “Live! The Ozark Opry.” Quite a few were bought since Tuscumbia was the boyhood home of Lee Mace, the owner of the Ozark Opry which provided entertainment to tourists and local folks at his theater in Osage Beach for more than fifty years (photo 34).

34 Dan and Joy Peek

Lois Mace Webb, sister to Lee Mace, came all the way from Stilwell, Kansas with her friend Marge Stuteville to enjoy the festivities. She was very interested in the large sign that the Tuscumbia Alumni Association is planning to place at both the south and north entrances to Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia native, Tom Snodgrass, architect, is responsible for the sign’s design (photo 35).

35 Lois Mace Webb, Tom Snodgrass and Marge Stuteville

A car show contest was sponsored by the event for which large trophies were awarded (photos 36 and 37).

36 Car Show

37 Many antique and show cars were on hand for the car show at the Tuscumbia Pigs ‘n Pickles
Fest Saturday, Sept. 17, at Riverside Park.
(Photo by Ginny Duffield)

The kids had a greased pig race but it was difficult to determine who won (photos 38, 39 and 40).

38 Delaney Rains will beat out Brenden Kempker Saturday afternoon, Sept. 17, and catch the
pig at the Tuscumbia Pigs ‘n Pickles Fest in Tuscumbia.
Other winners were Addison Rogers and Morgan Crane.
(Photo by Ginny Duffield)

39 Where's the Finish Line?

40 No Fair Carrying Pig

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Frank Schlesinger who also provided musical entertainment with an hour long selection of songs sung in his very unique style. In addition, Frank was the auctioneer for the sale of smoked pork loins. He has been the Tuscumbia area rural mail carrier for more than thirty years, and is only the fourth carrier since the beginning of that service in the Tuscumbia area (photo 41).

41 Frank Schlesinger

Additional musical entertainment was provided by “Wasted Time” from Eldon. The members of the group were very accomplished musicians regardless of the name they chose for themselves. Some in the audience could not resist the urge to dance on the dance floor (photos 42 and 43).

42 Wasted Time Band

43 Dancing

The Pig and Pickle Fest was an overwhelming success for the community and surrounding area, even in spite of the rain. I especially want to thank the Vernon Publishing Company for its coverage of the event; some of the photos above were taken from their publication in the Autogram.

The beneficiaries of the proceeds of the Pig and Pickle Fest are the Special Olympics, Tuscumbia Alumni Association, and the Village of Tuscumbia.

That’s all for this week.

Joe Pryor

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