Determined to build the finest hostelry in the Southwest, Joplin's first millionaire spared no expense on the magnificent Connor Hotel. The lobby, with its Italian marble rotunda and grand staircase, would serve as the city's main gathering spot for the next fifty years. Thousands flocked to the rooftop garden, which became known as the most pleasant spot in all Joplin. The Connor hosted hundreds of conventions, outlaws such as Pretty Boy Floyd and...