Four States residents recall favorite Christmas traditions

(Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

JOPLIN, Mo. — There are some universal customs that we all look forward to as we count down to December 25th. Whether it’s hitting the mall to visit Saint Nick himself or just enjoying the décor surrounding you on the streets, the world just feels a little warmer around this time of year (despite the outdoor temperatures).

When it comes to holiday traditions, we wanted to hear from our readers/viewers. On KSN’s “Living Well” with Gary Bandy and Shelby Neely, their recent “Question of the Day” was, “What’s your favorite Christmas tradition and/or memory?” Many of those who responded on the Living Well Facebook page, recalled both traditions and memories of Christmases past. Here are just some of those responses.

| Once Popular Holiday Traditions Now Disappearing >

What’s Your Favorite Christmas Memory and/or Tradition?

Brenda A. — “Going into the living room with only the tree lights on, then my aunts and uncles would come with their light bars and movie cameras and blind us so we couldn’t see what we got for Christmas. Sure do miss those days, but mostly miss those people. Most have passed away – only a few of us are still here.”

David M. — “Singing carols on Christmas Eve as a young member of St. Margaret’s Church choir, at the local Cleveland Cottage Hospital in Brotton. The following mince pies and hot chocolate were to die for!

Tandi D. — “Have so many, but one is gag gifts with extended family – so much fun!

Katherine G. — “In each stocking something to eat, something to read, something to play with. And one Christmas Eve gift: New pajamas.

Terry P. — “Dad waking me and my sister up at 5 a.m. Christmas morning to open gifts then he takes a nap on the couch. We couldn’t open anything Christmas Eve. He was an ornery Dad.

John V. — “Spending happiest of times with mom, dad, n’ sisters. ❤️ Family, that’s all that matters.

James C. — “Putting together our silver artificial tree with the changing color light wheel.

Susan S. — “Getting together with the extended family and catching up with one another. The food and visits were extraordinary!

Susan P. — “Snowing on Christmas Eve in Iowa!

Paula S. — “My grandpa would give each grandkid a silver dollar.

Robin O. — “Christmas Eve service after our program and we got our bag of fruit and candy.

Donna M. — “Came from a family of eight children, my mom was very Frugal, but one particular Christmas she was in the hospital with gallstones. Well, my dad went and got Christmas gifts for us children. He got me a brides doll, and being a kid I thought, ‘oh I hope momma is in hospital next year,’ lol.

| Once Popular Holiday Traditions Now Disappearing >

Anna S. — “Going to look at Christmas lights the night before Christmas. Dad, my brother, and me would always go to the car first. Mom was always late because she would then put presents out under tree. When we got home – surprise Santa had came! Best memory – of course we didn’t figure it out until years later. Best of times!

Debbie M. — “My Mother decorating the house. If you were stationary you got covered with tinsel.

Eric C. — “Driving around looking at lights.

Joan W. — “Baking melting moments when one of the Crosby/Hope Road movies were on, happy times.

Janine F. — “My kids and family with me… always.

Delores F. — “Decorating the tree party.

Patty G. — “The year my dad made snow prints through the house and Santa had came.

Justin C. — “Avoiding everyone.

Nancy W. — “Opening one present on Christmas Eve.

You can find all of the Facebook question responses, HERE.

Some of the most beloved past times have become things of the past, as modern practices take their place. HERE, you’ll find a list of holiday traditions that become less important with each passing year. Unfortunately, most of these forgotten traditions revolve around spending more quality time with your family.

Joplin Spook Light: The full story behind this mysterious orb

The Hornet or Joplin Spook Light appears on a dirt road south of Joplin, Missouri. (Photo Courtesy: Lisa Livingston-Martin)

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. (KSNF/KODE) — Since it was first mentioned in a publication more than a century ago, many names have been given to the mysterious, dancing or flickering light, that to this day, people continually claim to have witnessed. The light is known as The Joplin Spook Light, Tri-State Spook Light, and the Hornet Spook Light; all of them named in connection to the area where it was discovered.

According to paranormal investigator and author, Lisa Livingston-Martin, the Spook Light is usually seen during the evening or nighttime hours and is most often described as an orange ball of light. People who’ve seen it say the orb usually travels from east to west along a four-mile road between Missouri and Oklahoma, called “Spook Light Road” or “The Devil’s Promenade” near Quapaw, Oklahoma.

| Want To Know Where to Find “Spook Light Road?” Keep Reading To Find Out!

“The ball of fire,” as it’s sometimes described, varies from the size of a baseball to a basketball. While doing research on the local Spook Light, Livingston-Martin conducted many interviews with those claiming to have seen the mysterious orb. Some say the light dances and spins down the center of the road (sometimes at high speeds), rising and hovering above the trees before disappearing in the blink of an eye. Others reported it swaying from side to side, like a lantern being carried by an invisible being. According to most witnesses, the Spook Light strays from large groups and loud sounds.

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LEGEND AND FOLKLORE

The apparent nighttime sighting of a mysterious, glowing orb known as the Joplin or Tri-State Spook Light.

There are many legends, stories and science-based theories that attempt to explain what this spooky, dancing ball of light could be. It’s believed that Native Americans of the Cherokee Tribe were the first to see the Spook Light, while traveling along the Trail of Tears. One of the oldest legends says it’s the ghost of an Osage chief who was murdered somewhere in that area.

The Ghost Miner

One legend is about a local miner: “A miner comes home one night, only to discover that his family was missing and his cabin burned to the ground, perhaps by Native Americans. Now, the ghost of the miner roams the road (Spooklight Road) at night with a lantern in his hand, searching for his family,” Livingston-Martin explained.

Native American Spirits

According to Livingston-Martin, the most common folklore tale says the light’s glow comes from the spirits of two young lovers within the Quapaw Native American Tribe — a woman and a man who married against her father’s wishes. At her father’s request, the couple was chased through the forest by warriors of their tribe, until the two came to a large cliff above Spring River. With no where to run, the couple held hands as they jumped into the river below, plunging to their deaths.

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“SCIENTIFIC” THEORIES

What appears to be a ball of light is captured on film, hovering above a dirt road near the Missouri-Oklahoma state line.

Car Headlights

In 1965, an investigation was conducted by the magazine, Popular Mechanics. Using binoculars in daylight, a team of investigators were able to see cars near where the Spook Light supposedly originates. This explanation was summarized by a quote from one of the investigators: “I think what’s happening is cars… are coming down the long highway (Route 66), and we’re seeing headlights or tail lights five miles away.”

Advocates of the “car headlight” theory said it’s accurate and they could recreate it with a man-made light that corresponded to the appearance of the Spook Light. “This particular theory doesn’t account for the 99% of reported sightings. The first reports of the Spook Light come from a time when cars weren’t in existence yet, so lights from a vehicle is not what everyone reports seeing,” said Livingston-Martin.

Swamp Gas

“Swamp gas just doesn’t make any sense,” claimed Livingston-Martin. “As to the theory of escaping natural gas, which is common in marshy areas, the Joplin/Hornet Light is seemingly not affected by wind or by rain, and how would it self-ignite?”

| Rangeline vs Range Line: What’s The Correct Spelling?

PLAUSIBLE THEORY

Lisa Livingston-Martin said there’s one possible explanation that’s not as easily discounted. It’s also not yet proven to be conclusive. “To be honest, I think it has something to do with geology. The best theory we have, in my opinion, is the Spook Light is the product of electrical atmospheric charges,” said Livingston-Martin.

The Spook Light is more than just a phenomenon restricted to the Devil’s Promenade. Witnesses describe similar, mysterious lights in several areas across the United States, which leads her to believe it’s likely a geologic phenomenon. “In areas where rocks, deep below the earth’s surface, are shifting and grinding, an electrical charge can be created. This area, lying on a fault line running east from New Madrid, Missouri, westward to Oklahoma, was the site of four earthquakes during the 1700’s. These types of electrical fields are most commonly associated with earthquakes,” explained Livingston-Martin.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES – JOPLIN SPOOK LIGHT

A nighttime photo from the mid-1900’s, shows two women looking at a distant object that’s thought to be the mysterious Joplin Spook Light.

On KSN’s Living Well with Gary Bandy and Shelby Neely, the following question was asked: “Have you ever seen the Joplin Spook Light? If so, what was your experience?” Here’s what some had to say, by posting their response on the KSN Living Well Facebook Page.

  • Dominic A. — “Use to go to it there all the time when it was open to public, I believe I’ve seen it on more than one occasion.
  • Leisha B. — “I saw it on Local News Today behind Hank!” > https://youtu.be/GlXqhDgo-rc
  • Mike R. — “We used to go a lot when I was in high school way back in the 1960s. It was just a dirt road. It was fun to take dates to Spooky’s Museum and then park along the side of the road to watch for it. I guess we saw it. It always seemed so far away it was hard to tell.
  • Gaye-Alan W. — “1957 with my parents. A light came up the road, stayed at least 15 minutes, split into 2 lights, 1 moved around briefly then joined back together. Eventually returned to its original destination till it faded out of sight. Scary but not. You wanted to keep watching.
  • Linda S. — “Grew up not far from the Spook Light – I’ve seen it many times.
  • Carlene J. — “Saw it every time I went, late 70s early 80s.haven’t been in years, and also had to go to SPOOKY’s before and after.
  • Julie F. — “I went to see it probably 25 years ago but never saw it. Always wanted to see it but never did.
  • Timothy W. — “Was there back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. We did see it. Came up the road then just disappeared. Always wanted to go back and take the kids. Nowadays I don’t remember exactly how to get there.“
  • J.D. S. — “We don’t live very far from Spook Light road. It’s not anything like it was years ago. It’s all paved now.
  • Monte C. — “It got on the hood of our car. I would call it a ball of energy more than being a light. We honked the horn and it left. It was about the size of a baseball.
  • Buster & Joyce Y. — “Couple of times, a light that split, moved around, then disappeared when we tried to get closer.“
  • Charla O. — “Yes, Mom and Dad would take us to see it in the 60’s. Dad made fudge and we made a night of it. One time it came right up to our car and he decided to step out of the car! Us three sisters and brother all screamed! It disappeared and showed up in a field right next to our car but there was two of them. It was amazing watching them dance together in the field next to our car! Now the road is paved and lots of houses. Haven’t seen it since. You can’t stop and park and turn out your lights and wait for the spook light to show up. Sad..
  • Kevin E. — “My mom lived in a house on the road where the Spook Light was and it would come up the driveway.
  • Donna D. — “Yes, something I can’t even explain!
  • Diana M. — “Yep! It followed us over the hills.“
  • Dennis C. — “Never!
  • Jack F. — “I literally live a mile and a half from Spook Light. I’ve never seen it. Of course, I’m not looking for it either.
  • Melia E. — “I saw it several times in the early 90’s. Typically reminded me of a motorcycle coming up the road until it was close enough for me to realize there was no motorcycle. Once it bounced around on our car hood.
  • Ron R. — “Never seen it.
  • Rusty F. — “Saw it split in two during the early 70s…won’t say who I was with…
  • Linda V. — “We saw a light, but couldn’t tell if it was just a porch light. It never came close to us.

Author and paranormal investigator, Lisa Livingston-Martin is pictured here, along with her published works.

The primary source for information published in this article comes from author and paranormal investigator, Lisa Livingston-Martin who spent many years researching the Joplin Spook Light. Lisa also runs a company based in Southwest Missouri, called Paranormal Science Lab. PSL offers a variety of services to individuals, businesses and historic sites, including private research and investigations, educational programs and public history tours and ghost hunts. PSL’s website can be found, HERE. You can also visit their Facebook Page, HERE.

  • Want to know where to find the location of the Joplin/Hornet Spook Light? The answer can be found in here.
  • If you’re looking for more information on the Joplin Spook Light, this article includes several interesting stories from those who claim to have see it.
  • Published in this article are some personal Spook Light stories that are told in great detail.

Rangeline vs Range Line: What's the correct spelling?

JOPLIN, Mo — It’s a debate that has existed since the naming of Joplin’s busiest thoroughfare, Rangeline Road – or is it Range Line Road? The correct spelling of the North to South route is what we’re attempting to settle, once and for all. First, it may help to know what a “Range line” or “Range lines” is.

Range lines (two words) are an important part of real estate, especially when it comes to property surveying. Without taking you through a course in “Real Estate 101,” simply put: Range lines are north-south division lines used in the government’s rectangular survey method. They are essential for dividing land into equal sections and marking the boundaries of the land. Range Line/Rangeline Road is what it’s defined as: A north-south division line, in this case a road, that runs from Interstate 44, to the city limits of Webb City.

While driving down Range Line Road, you may have noticed that the road’s spelling isn’t consistent. For example, at the intersection of 15th and Range Line, the street sign says “Rangeline,” as one word.

S Rangeline Rd is spelled as one word on the street sign at the intersection of 15th Street.

Just a few blocks away at the intersection of 20th and Range Line, it’s spelled as two words on the street sign.

S Range Line Rd is spelled as two words on the street sign at the intersection of 20th Street.

In a simple Google search of “Range Line Road,” you’ll find many examples of the Road spelled both ways. It’s no wonder there’s a debate about how it’s supposed to be spelled. On KSN’s Living Well, with Gary Bandy and Shelby Neely, the question was asked, ‘what do you think the correct spelling is?’ Here’s what some had to say in response to their question, on the KSN Living Well Facebook Page.

  • Stephanee W. — “Rangline.
  • Diane H. — “Both spellings get you there and that’s really all that matters, right? But…Range Line. Surveying term.
  • Susan S. — “Google says it’s Rangeline Rd.
  • Stacey M. — “Its a surveying term. The correct way is: Range Line – A real estate surveying term used with the rectangular survey system, range lines refer to identified lines running north-to-south across the nation, from which specific parcels of property are measured.
  • Brock H. — “It’s actually 4 words… Stay Away From Rangeline.
  • Lori S. — “RANGELINE!
  • Terri M. — “The GPS in my car calls it ‘Range-a-line’ lol.
  • James W. — “Rangeline.
  • Mary H. — “Range line shopping district.
  • David B. — “Rangeline. One word, get over it.
  • Cheryl C. — “Rangeline.
  • Barb S. — “Rangeline.
  • Jeremy S. — “Its Range Line. Two words.
  • Pat M. — “Range Line, but some businesses are Rangeline.
  • Marcy M. — “I-44 says Range Line.
  • Becky B. — “Range Line Road.

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Since our debate is about the correct spelling of this one road in Joplin, we contacted Dan Johnson, Joplin’s Public Works Director to help settle the question at hand.

“So, I prefer to spell it as one word, and the reason that I do spell it as one word is because it’s the proper name of a street or in this case, a road. Now, if you were to ask, say a property surveyor, they may prefer to spell it as two words, because that’s how it’s spelled in reference to the real estate definition of a range line,” said Johnson.

Perhaps Johnson is right, maybe the correct spelling lies with the individual.

“I would say there is no right way or wrong way to spell the road’s name. Obviously, we can’t go back in time and ask the person who named Range Line Road, what the correct spelling of that road should be,” said Johnson.

There’s one question that remains. Why is Range Line spelled differently on the street signs of several intersections?

“You know, I’m not sure why that is. Why it isn’t uniform. I would assume that over time, as the signs were made, it just depended on who it was that told the sign company how they thought it should be spelled, was how it printed out on the street sign. Different people making the sign and not talking to one another, I could see how that little mistake gets made from time to time, as intersections or traffic lights are updated and so are the signage,” said Johnson.

With no origin story to reference, Range Line Road vs. Rangeline Road may just be a debate that continues on, with no right or wrong answer – for now.