History

Bross and Spidle Funeral Home and Cremation Services

From Travelers to Mourners: The History of Bross and Spidle Funeral Home

The white-columned building on Broadway Avenue has seen travelers come and go, mourners gather in grief, and generations of Excelsior Springs families walk its steps. Its story reflects not only architectural changes and ownership shifts, but also a steady role in helping the community say goodbye with dignity and compassion.

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Healing Waters Below, Historic Charm Above: The Hiawatha House

Excelsior Springs built its reputation on mineral waters that drew thousands of visitors in the early 20th century. The Hiawatha Boarding House stood at the heart of this movement, offering not only lodging but also access to the Excelsior Soda Well, one of the district’s most distinctive springs. Today, the home survives as one of the last intact boarding houses in the city.

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Royal Secrets Unearthed: The Rise and Fall of a Historic Missouri Hotel

For more than a century, the Royal Hotel stood as a centerpiece of Excelsior Springs, hosting guests from near and far who came for the healing mineral waters and the glamour of its grand ballroom. From its humble beginnings as a tavern to its transformation into a six-story showpiece, the Royal witnessed the town’s golden age and its own eventual decline.

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The Oaks Apartments: Once a Grand Hotel, Now a Living Landmark

What began as one man’s vision for a healing retreat grew into one of Excelsior Springs’ most iconic landmarks. The Snapp Hotel, now The Oaks Apartments, rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1912 to become a bustling destination of elegance and wellness. Today, it stands not only as a physical remnant of the city’s past but as a living tribute to its spirit.

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