Novinger, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Novinger, Missouri
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Location within Adair County (left) and Missouri (right)
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Adair |
| Township | Nineveh |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor & Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.80 sq mi (2.08 km2) |
| • Land | 0.79 sq mi (2.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 837 ft (255 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 383 |
| • Density | 486.66/sq mi (187.91/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
63559
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| Area code(s) | 660 |
| FIPS code | 29-53534 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395279 |
Novinger is a small town located in Adair County, Missouri, United States. It is part of Nineveh Township. In 2010, the town had a population of 456 people. By 2020, the population was 383.
Contents
History of Novinger
Novinger's story began in 1878. That year, the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific railroad arrived. John C. Novinger, the town's founder, officially planned the town. A U.S. Post Office opened in 1879. The first deep coal mine started in 1883.
Coal Mining Boom and Decline
Around 1900, Novinger experienced a huge coal mining boom. Many families from different countries moved here. They came from Wales, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and the Balkan countries. This growth led Novinger to become an official city in 1901. Its population grew to thousands of people.
However, the coal boom did not last. The Great Depression in the 1930s hurt the economy. After World War II, people started using natural gas and electricity more. This meant less demand for coal. The railroads left Novinger by 1950. The last deep coal mine, Billy Creek Coal Mine, closed in 1966. It was the last one operating in Missouri.
Novinger and Natural Disasters
Being near the Chariton River, Novinger often faced floods. In the 1950s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers changed the river's path. This helped reduce the flood risk.
However, in June 2008, heavy rains caused new floods. Spring Creek and Davis Creek overflowed. Several homes in the lower parts of town were damaged. The historic log homestead and community center also suffered.
In May 2009, a strong tornado hit Novinger. It destroyed at least six homes. Two brick buildings in the business area were also ruined. Over fifty homes and businesses had moderate to severe damage. Luckily, only minor injuries were reported.
Just two days later, heavy rains caused more flash flooding. The same low-lying areas flooded again. This included the community center and log homestead. They had just been repaired from the 2008 flood. Because of the tornado and flood, Novinger's annual Coal Miner Days celebration was canceled. High school graduation was also delayed.
In September 2010, a big fire swept through Novinger's business district. Five buildings were destroyed. These included the old city hall and senior citizen center. Two businesses were also lost.
Life in Novinger Today
Novinger's business area is much smaller now than during the coal mining days. The town has a few local businesses. These include beauty salons, construction companies, and convenience stores. There is also a catering business, a farm supply store, and an auction service.
Most people who live in Novinger travel to nearby cities for work. Many go to Kirksville or Milan. This makes Novinger a bedroom community.
Education and Community Services
The Adair County R-1 school district serves Novinger. It also serves much of western Adair County. The school building is located in Novinger.
The town has made improvements recently. These include better storm warnings and an upgraded water system. The community center and fairgrounds have also been improved. In 2011, an outdoor basketball court was built. A volunteer fire department provides fire protection. The county sheriff's department and state patrol handle most law enforcement.
Recreation and Community Life
People in Novinger enjoy outdoor activities. They go deer and turkey hunting. Fishing is popular in nearby lakes, ponds, and the Chariton River. Boating and waterskiing are available at Thousand Hills State Park. This park is four miles east of Novinger.
The town has a reconstructed historic log homestead. There is also a Coal Miners’ Museum. The community center hosts private events and town celebrations. Several groups help improve the community. These include Novinger Renewal Inc., Novinger Planned Progress, and the Novinger Lions Club.
In 2012, Novinger received two top awards. These were from the Missouri Community Betterment Organization. A youth group won one award. The town won first place for overall community improvement. This was the third year in a row Novinger received awards.
The Cabins Historic District near Novinger is a special historic site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Geography of Novinger
Novinger is located where Missouri routes 6 and 149 meet. It is about six miles west-northwest of Kirksville. Spring Creek and the Chariton River meet one mile southeast of town.
The town covers a total area of 0.80 square miles (2.07 km2). About 0.79 square miles (2.05 km2) of this is land. The remaining 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 32 | — | |
| 1910 | 1,711 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,743 | 1.9% | |
| 1930 | 846 | −51.5% | |
| 1940 | 793 | −6.3% | |
| 1950 | 734 | −7.4% | |
| 1960 | 621 | −15.4% | |
| 1970 | 547 | −11.9% | |
| 1980 | 626 | 14.4% | |
| 1990 | 542 | −13.4% | |
| 2000 | 534 | −1.5% | |
| 2010 | 456 | −14.6% | |
| 2020 | 383 | −16.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Novinger is part of the Kirksville Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Population in 2010
In 2010, Novinger had 456 people living there. There were 206 households and 124 families. The population density was about 577.2 inhabitants per square mile (222.9/km2) per square mile. Most residents (98.7%) were White.
The average age in Novinger was 44.5 years. About 21.3% of residents were under 18. About 17.3% were 65 years or older. The town had slightly more males (51.5%) than females (48.5%).
Annual Events in Novinger
- Coal Miner Days was a celebration held from 1987 to 2013. It took place over Memorial Day weekend. It included a parade, games, food, and entertainment. This event is no longer held.
- The Novinger Lions Club hosted a celebration on Labor Day weekend. It featured a parade, music, food, and games. The last celebration was in 2017.
- Novinger Renewal's Country Christmas Craft Festival happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It features crafts, a bake sale, and food. The Holiday Bazaar, with antiques and collectibles, is held at the Community Center on the same day. Shopper's Delight also takes place at the Firehouse.
- The Novinger Invitational basketball tournament is held the week after Thanksgiving.
Notable People from Novinger
- Zachary Wyatt, who served as a state representative for Missouri from 2011 to 2013.
Gallery
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Novinger Coal Miners Museum.
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Restored Isaac & Samuel Novinger log cabin, Novinger Missouri.
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The Reese Family log barn, part of the Novinger log homestead.
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Log smokehouse and gift shop, Novinger log homestead.
See also
In Spanish: Novinger (Misuri) para niños
