As we approach the time when the City brings us together to celebrate our Route 66 heritage with the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, we should take this time to reflect on the west corridor of historic Route 66 through Springfield and the treasures that embody this area.
Taking the time to explore College Street and view the monuments to times past, you’ll develop an appreciation of those times and the significance of their contribution to our west side. Preservation and continued occupancy of venues along the west corridor is necessary for our future. Investments in new businesses along with other established businesses maintaining a presence is occurring on this historic street.
One established business along College Street has a lengthy presence at its west side location. Ozark Fence, owned by Joe Everest, is located at 1716 W. College. Ozark Fence started business in 1955 and moved to the present location along historic Route 66 in the early 1980s. Everest is the third generation of his family to own Ozark Fence, which serves both residential and commercial needs.
Everest views Ozark Fence as a business that serves the community by offering a service that increases the value of a property while providing security and improved appearance. Ozark Fence supports other local businesses by making every effort to purchase their fence materials from local manufactures and saw mills. Ozark Fence does not have a show room at the business location, but uses their completed projects in neighborhoods throughout the area as examples and the word of customers to bring in other customers. Another benefit is the 60-plus years of business in the area to assure availability for warranty or maintenance of the product.
Everest is appreciative of the many customers that has made Ozark Fence a strong business. His philosophy is that a strong business gives back to the community to stay strong. This was obvious when Ozark Fence pledged to contribute 10% of its residential sales during the month of May to Community Partnership of the Ozarks to help support their many services to the community. Ozark Fence ended up donating $7,500 to CPO, according to its Facebook page. The month of May is one of the months in which sales are the highest for Ozark Fence, due to people planning and implementing spring yard projects.
Their generosity to the community, as well as the long continued presence on the west side and historic Route 66 is very much appreciated by our neighborhood. Everest is proud to have his business located on the Route 66 west corridor and looks forward to continued recognition of the area.
Support of this business and other west side businesses will help to make the Westside neighborhood destination rather than a pass-through area, and make the west side a stronger neighborhood.