Irwin to discuss train wreck, World's Fair at VCHS meeting

Bronaugh native Dr. Lyndon Irwin will discuss the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and the great train wreck that preceded it at the quarterly meeting of the Vernon County Historical Society, July 12, at the Bushwhacker Museum.

The Missouri Pacific disaster near Warrensburg involved many passengers from Vernon County who were on the packed train bound for Missouri Day at the fair. Irwin's book, "There Will Be A Wreck," details much about the wreck and each of the victims, several from Nevada, Moundville and Bronaugh.

Irwin, a history professor at Missouri State University, made a study of the wreck during his research of various topics related to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the fair's formal title. He has authored six books, and was a writer for the Emmy award-winning documentary, "The World's Greatest Fair," aired first in 2004 and now seen on public television.

The program and quarterly meeting of the society will begin at 2 p.m., at the museum, 212 W. Walnut St., Nevada, and is open to the public.