County of house: Laclede County
Location of house: Elm St. (Old US-66 - I-44busi). & Washington Ave., Lebanon
Built: 1 July 1968
The Person:
Kenneth E. Cowan was a former mayor of Lebanon, Missouri, and the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon is named in his honor. The Laclede County Record says he was a man of vision who presided over significant growth in the city.
The Place:
The Cowan Kenneth E Civic Center, located in Lebanon, MO, serves as a vital hub for community gatherings, local events, and civic activities. It plays an integral role in fostering engagement between residents and city officials, promoting initiatives such as public safety, urban revitalization, and utility support for residents.
This facility also supports cultural and tourism efforts, as evidenced by its hosting of international travel journalists as part of a Route 66 media tour. The center is committed to enhancing community pride through various celebrations and programs, including plans for significant events in anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
"The Cowan Civic Center is a gorgeous massive multipurpose complex located right in the heart of downtown Lebanon, Missouri. It contains a large “Exhibit Hall“, several quiet Meeting Rooms, a super large Theater that rivals any Branson auditorium and the Lebanon Family YMCA. The YMCA includes its own swimming pool, hardwood floor gymnasium with basketball court, and a Multipurpose Sports Facility which has a rubber sports floor for walking, tennis and volleyball, locker rooms and a weight and exercise room.
"The Exhibition Hall is a dedicated area covering over 46,000 square feet. This area is ideally suited for trade shows, theatrical productions, concerts, and conventions. It has been used many times for sports events such as rodeos and indoor motor cross. Perfect for banquets, the floor area is large enough for almost any award ceremony including dining facilities, (tables and chairs available). The Center can provide risers and stage for presentations as well." ~ Lebanon, MO