The town of New Lakeville was incorporated in 1883 as a stop along Louis Houck's railroad, but later changed its name to Advance in 1897 ("from the rapid advance made in the first years of its settlement).  Like most towns in Stoddard County, Advance began as a town with lumber as the primary means of profit.  By 1965, the railroad ceased to run through Advance. Fortunately for the people of Advance, the community became a farming center after most of the timber was cut, no doubt saving it from destruction.