The Bonniebrook
Historical Society has been working hard to get Rose Cecil O’Neill nominated to
the Hall of Famous Missourians (located in Jefferson City, Missouri in the 3rd Floor
Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol). It is surprising that she has yet to be
nominated because of the fact that several of Rose’s acquaintances are already
honored there. Thomas Hart Benton, John Neihardt, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Walt
Disney and Mark Twain are just a few of the individuals that she knew who
already have a bronze bust in their image located there. Rose’s Kewpies were on
the same level of popularity as that of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse, and reportedly
Thomas Hart Benton said that Rose was the world’s greatest illustrator. There
are over 40 bronze busts depicting prominent Missourians who are honored for
their achievements and contributions to the state, and if you think that Rose
should be honored as well, please leave a comment on this post explaining why
you support Rose to be considered for this prestigious award. We would greatly
appreciate your support as the Hall is visited by thousands of school children
and vacationing families every year, and if Rose was featured there it would
assist in our educating about the many accomplishments of the genius of the
arts, Rose Cecil O’Neill.
All comments received
will be mailed in November to the newly elected Missouri Speaker of the House
of Representatives.
Before leaving a
comment, take a look at a sample of Rose's accomplishments:
"Embrace of the Tree" Sculpture
Illustration from Good Housekeeping Magazine
Illustration from Harper's Magazine
Illustration from Puck Magazine
"The Kiss" Illustration
Rose was a strong supporter of the woman suffrage movement
In 1995, the Missouri House of Representatives honored Rose
O'Neill with the prestigious Missourian Award. It is now time for her to be
honored in the Hall of Famous Missourians.
