by Judy Nichols

Members met at the Cedar County Museum in Stockton on June 26. Those present were: President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Luella Phipps, Sharyl Henry, Ellis Benham, Bob Phillips, Virginia and Chris Barber.

Bob Phillips gave a brief historical account of General John H. Wentworth, 1797 to 1852, who was supposedly a general in an unknown war. Bob went on to talk about other soldiers buried at other cemeteries, including his own father and some of his military history. Bob is a Patriot and knows most of the veterans names in the Lindley Prairie Cemetery at Bear Creek. He places a flag next to each veterans’ stone every year to commemorate Memorial Day.

There was to be a tour of the museum on June 26 by the Stockton summer school students from grades five through eight. The tour was canceled by the school due to the high temperatures and heat index that day. They will reschedule at a later time.

The new chairs that Anna Hopkins ordered for the museum have arrived. A rack to hold the old metal chairs is now needed.

Judi and Don Cain and Judy Nichols will be working at the Wayside Inn Museum at the El Dorado Springs Picnic on Saturday, July 22, during the evening hours.

The State Historical Society contacted the Cedar County Historical Society to purchase a book by Claud Hoffman, “Harmony Mission to Campbell’s Mill Road.” The University of Missouri, at Columbia would like to use his book in their teachings, so the society asked them to contact Claud directly. Claud was a surveyor with many honors, had been a surveyor in Cedar County and had also surveyed Alaska when it became a state. Claud is a life member of the Cedar County Historical Society and has made many contributions of his own writings to the research library.

John Beydler presented his program, “Jerico Springs, A Dream That Died,” on Saturday, June 24th at the museum, along with a book signing of his book, “The Mystic City, A History of Jerico Springs, Missouri.” The program was well attended and books are still available at the museum.

On display during Beydler’s program, was a large framed arrangement of photos, with notes about the Jerico Springs Methodist Church history, along with a membership roster book with notes and certificates, original song books and more photos of the church and members, all donated by Charles and Charlotte Skaggs.

The Black Walnut Festival in September was discussed and a booth will be set-up again in the park.  Chris and Virginia Barber will manage the booth. The museum will also be open, which will include the annual white elephant sale. A raffle will also be held again this year. The tentative idea will be a basket of gift cards from the surrounding area.

The society is still collecting Best Choice, Best Choice Selections and Best Choice Clearly food labels to raise funds. New and used computer printer cartridges are also being collected.

The little “Niche” store, in the museum, continues to grow, thanks to those who have generously donated items. Items donated MUST be clean and usable. Electrical items must be in working order. No clothing or shoes will be accepted.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

Donations and additions to the museum: The Jerico Springs Methodist Church collection, by Charles and Charlotte Skaggs; Photos and documents, by Bob Phillips; a Gum Springs Cemetery book, by the Association, a large file cabinet, by Judi and Don Cain.

The annual meeting and election of officers will be held on Monday, July 31 at 1 p.m. in the museum. The museum will be open on Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and July 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is always free. The museum is located at 106 West Davis St. in Stockton. For information, appointments or to purchase publications call 417-276-1142, by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.