The Ozarks Playground Association (OPA) was founded in 1919 to promote tourism in the Ozarks. Headquartered in Joplin, the association published maps and brochures highlighting towns, resorts, attractions, and points of interest for visitors. The association eventually dissolved in 1979. Several of the maps and brochures have survived, but to this day, it is unknown what happened to the organization’s papers, i.e. minutes of meetings, correspondence, etc.
If you know of a family member who was involved with the OPA or know about any individuals who may have OPA material, drop us a line. Although it is of relatively little monetary value, the papers of the OPA (if the papers still exist) are an invaluable part of Ozark history, and need to be preserved for future generations.
Powers Museum hold several OPA booklets and a large format map from 1925. Hope to process some on our digital collection website this winter 2014.
I am a well published Ozarks writer and an avid historian and lecturer for many years. I have five historical books in public libraries, about 800 articles published nationwide and two commercially published books. I visited the college there and read and copied most all of the Ozark Playground Association documents and maps. I have quoted those items and written about them countless times in the ensuing years. I am currently writing a book about the Ozarks Region. If you would care to read it and comment on it as I go, I’ll be glad to send it along to you as it progresses.
I have a yellow metal two sided sign that says ” Member of the Ozarks Playground Association”. I can’t find anything on the internet about it. Do you know anything about it?