Birthdays and anniversaries occupy sentimental and historic meaning in our lives. While we typically associate those milestones with people, the places around us and the impact they have on our lives are also significant.
Columbia has an enviable entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters, challenges, and sometimes funds startups that sometimes drift away like the sands of time. But there are also stories and examples of profound success, such as EquipmentShare, CARFAX, Paytient, StorageMart, and others, including multinational and even multibillion-dollar companies.
Business success is not a recent story, however. Columbia is full of businesses and institutions that have both defined and stood the test of time. This recap of business and institution milestones and anniversary dates will certainly be incomplete. COMO Business Times readers are encouraged to send information about other long-standing and iconic businesses to the editor at jodie@comocompanies.com.
205 years
Columbia Cemetery
You might be surprised to learn that the city’s oldest business is a final resting place: Columbia Cemetery. In use since 1820, when six lots were set aside for common burying ground, the cemetery was already “in business” before the city was incorporated.
175 years
Columbia College
Coming in 2026, the 175th anniversary of Columbia College. If you’re keeping score on the rest of Columbia’s institutions of higher education, Stephens College is 192 years old, Mizzou is 186, and Moberly Area Community College, which has a significant presence in Columbia, will be 99 in 2026.
160 years
Hawthorn Bank
Although Hawthorn Bank opened its first branch in Columbia in 2006, the bank itself was founded in 1865. Columbia’s other long-standing banks are Boone County National Bank/Central Bank, 168 years old in 2025, and Commerce Bank, 165 years old in 2025.
Missouri Press Association
The MPA will mark its 160th year in 2027. In a nutshell, MPA has been working to ensure that Missourians’ rights to free speech and a free press remain firmly rooted as a fundamental tenet of our democracy.
150 years
Columbia Insurance
Formerly known as Columbia Insurance Group, Columbia Insurance traces its mid-Missouri roots back to the year 1874, when Ulysses S. Grant was president. The locally grown business turned 150 in 2024.
LaCrosse Lumber
Turned 150 in 2023. LaCrosse Lumber opened its original Columbia retail yard on October 17, 1937.
140 years
Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory
Originally opened by Moss P. Parker as Parker Furniture and Undertaking Company in the spring of 1886, Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory is the oldest funeral home in Columbia. It will turn 140 years old in 2026. A recent merger changed the business name and created McKague-Millard LLC.
Booches
Established in 1884, Booches is the oldest pool hall in Columbia. The restaurant and bar add to its allure, which emphasizes simplicity. Booches burgers have been praised by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. The iconic eatery was inducted into the Boone County Hall of Fame in 2016.
120 years
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1905, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce has been a member-supported entity throughout its existence. The Chamber’s mission is to support and promote a healthy economic climate for Columbia through business and professional activities.
100 years
KFRU
KFRU has been around since January 1925, when it was founded in Bristow, Oklahoma. It was moved to Columbia by Stephens College in the fall of 1925 and has been broadcasting ever since, though it has been at different locations and with various owners. KFRU is so noteworthy that it was inducted into the Boone County Hall of Fame as a “History Maker” in 2019.
Columbia Welding & Machine
Turned 100 in 2024.
Hickman High School
Turns 100 in 2027. The school is named after David Henry Hickman, a Missouri legislator who donated part of his estate for the new school.
Witt Print Shop
Turns 100 in 2026.
90 years
Columbia Farmers Market
Turned 90 in 2025.
75 years
Prost Builders Inc.
Prost Builders Inc. turned 75 in 2024. The family-owned construction firm has erected numerous educational, recreational, and business buildings in Columbia and throughout Missouri. The Prost team has also made its mark by completing renovations and restorations of a plethora of historic buildings, including at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, Jesse Hall on the Mizzou campus, and the Mark Twain boyhood home in Hannibal.
70 years
Mugs Up Drive-in
Raise a glass for Mugs Up, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in July 2025. It has been a family-owned business for decades.
60 years
Woodhaven
Woodhaven, once a campus and now a network of homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, celebrated its 60th anniversary in November 2024.
Columbia Orthopaedic Group
Columbia Orthopaedic Group (COG) started in December 1965 in a little white house on Broadway Blvd. in downtown Columbia. The three founding partners quickly gained patients from across the mid-Missouri area, and by 1969, COG doubled in size.
The Mizzou Golden Girls
Read more about the Golden Girls in this issue of COMO Magazine.
Dryer’s Shoe Store
Twenty-year-old R. Newton Riley opened Dryer’s Shoe Store in Columbia in 1956. The downtown store is still in its original location.
Clovers Natural Market
Clovers held a “Cloverstock” block party in October to celebrate 60 years.
Columbia Art League
Celebrated its 60th year in 2025.
55 years
The Missouri Symphony
MOSY will celebrate its 55th anniversary with an “Emerald City” gala in April 2026.
50 years
Impact Support Services
Impact Support Services (formerly Alternative Community Training, or ACT) marked 50 years of service in September.
Coil Construction
These days it seems impossible to drive through Columbia and not see a Coil Construction banner announcing the locally grown, family-owned construction business is on another job. The company turned 50 in 2025.
Shelter Gardens
Some still describe Shelter Gardens as a “hidden gem.” But there’s no hiding the fact that this botanic wonder has been giving Columbia ample pops of color for a half-century.
Shakespeare’s Pizza
It was two years ago when Shakespeare’s rung in its 50th anniversary with a “Big Bash” that took over a portion of downtown next to the MU campus.
Missouri IFTSA
The University of Missouri chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) marked 50 years in 2024. According to a news release, IFTSA is “a mission-driven organization that supports student members and chapters, and aims to develop the future leaders in the science of food.”
40 years
Columbia Mall
The local mall celebrated its 40th anniversary in October 2025 with an event featuring discounts, giveaways, and activities.
Star Heating and Air Conditioning
Celebrated its 40th year in 2025.
The A-Frame and Wine Garden
The popular destination near Rocheport, just a short drive west of Columbia off Route BB, turned 40 in 2025.
35 years
Peace Nook
Celebrated 35 years in August 2025.
30 years
USS Columbia
The city of Columbia recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Columbia.
Flat Branch Pub
The downtown brewery and pub marked its 30th anniversary in April 2024 with a party featuring 1994 prices and live music.
25 years
Ragtag Cinema
Watch for the annual True/False Film Fest on March 5-8 at multiple venues — including Ragtag — throughout downtown. The international documentary film fest has been around since 2004.
Maude Vintage
The local clothier celebrated its 25th anniversary in November 2025 with a celebration including DJs, refreshments, and discounts.
20 years
Heart of Missouri CASA
The local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) celebrated its 20th anniversary in June 2025 with a public fundraiser called “Voices of Columbia.” The organization also launched a “Building a Brighter Future” fundraising campaign for a new facility to support its expansion.
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment
The Thompson Center will relocate to a brand-new building in 2026.
10 years
Children’s Grove
The Children’s Grove marked its 10th anniversary in April 2024. The space is a symbol of love, hope, and commitment to support the safety and nurturing of our youth, according to the city’s website. The Children’s Grove is located in the northeast area of Stephens Lake Park across from Hindman Discovery Garden.
