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March 16, 2008

Council asked to declare zinc city mineral

By Debby Woodin

dwoodin@joplinglobe.com

Joplin will honor the mineral that gave the city its start if a resolution allowing it is approved tonight by the City Council.

Sphalerite — zinc ore, of course — would become Joplin’s official mineral if the resolution is adopted.

“I was taken aback that I didn’t know we didn’t have an official mineral,” said Brad Belk, director of the Joplin Museum Complex and the person who proposed the resolution.

“What a perfect fit with our 135th birthday for zinc to be recognized, since it was the major economic generator for 75 years in our community’s history.”

A ceremony to recognize Joplin’s birthday is being planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, according to City Clerk Barb Hogelin. She said a party is being planned that includes a ribbon-cutting with members of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce along with the reading of a proclamation. Cake will be served.

Joplin’s official incorporation date is March 23, 1873. But with the March 23 date this year falling on Easter Sunday and with City Hall being closed Monday, March 24, in observance of the holiday, planners decided to have the ceremony on March 25.

Belk said the state recognizes a number of official symbols including a mineral: lead.

“To me, it’s a nice fit and very appropriate” for the city to declare an official mineral, he said. “Personally, as a historian, I think it’s important we don’t forget our past.”

As part of the observance, the museum is creating a postcard with the 135th birthday logo on it and a collage of photographs of the city’s historic sites.

Hogelin said Belk’s research shows that Joplin was historically the largest zinc producer and part of the largest mining district in the world.

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