Special Collections and Archives, part of the Missouri State University Libraries, is excited to announce the addition of a new book to the collections. Philippe Pierroz authored the book, M. E. Gillioz: grand bâtisseur en Amérique after becoming interested in French-speaking Swiss families who immigrated to Missouri. Mr. Pierroz researched his grandfather’s travels to the United States and grew interested in other families who came to the United States. He discovered the Gillioz family originated from the same region of Switzerland where he lives (as did Gillioz’s wife’s family) and was inspired to document Gillioz’s life and career after conducting online research. He noted that Gillioz is a well-known contractor (probably best remembered for the Gillioz Theatre on Route 66) in Missouri but is unknown in his region of origin.

Mr. Pierroz reached out to the Special Collections and Archives unit regarding the Gillioz Family Collection, the Gillioz Theatre Collection, and the Gillioz Theatre Records via email, and frequently corresponded with Archivist Tracie Gieselman-France. She and a student assistant were able to digitize parts of the archival collections connected to M. E. Gillioz and share the files through a Swiss file sharing platform. Shortly after the book was published, Mr. Pierroz mailed a copy of the Archives. We appreciate his generosity!

We look forward to preserving this book not only as an artifact of our culture, but also for the informational value. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to share Mr. Pierroz’s book with our researchers and we hope there will more interest in the Gillioz family, Route 66, and the Ozarks from Switzerland and around the world!

Please contact Special Collections and Archives at Archives@missouristate.edu with questions about the book and the Gillioz Family Collection.