Society to celebrate Luella Phipps 97th birthday

The Cedar County Historical Society met on Monday, October 30 at the museum in Stockton. The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance recited. Those present were President Judy Nichols, Vice President Chris Barber, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Virginia Barber, Ellis Benham, Judith Cain and Laura Elliston. The September minutes and treasurer’s reports were approved.

Society member, Bob Phillips, has fallen and has a broken shoulder. Society members signed a get well card to be mailed to him.

Chris and Virginia Barber stated that the next program which will feature Kaitlyn McConnell, who presents programs about the Ozarks, is still on hold until her commitment calendar clears.

No date has been set from Santa Paula Awning for replacement of the new museum doors. They are too busy to work on them at this time.

The Shady Hill Club met in the museum on October 11.  They added some files to their archives in their history box which is stored in the museum.  They also enjoyed shopping at the little Niche store in the museum.

Claud Hoffman visited the Veteran’s Memorial Park and the painted history of El Dorado Springs, a mural wall, shared photos with the society, along with letters he has written to the society.

A thank-you note was received from Julie White, who was the winner of the society raffle during the Walnut Festival.

Kevin Morgan stopped by to donate a framed photo of C. A. LaRew with newspaper stories, a photo of Cedar County deputy sheriffs, circa early 1980’s, a sheriff’s calendar dated 1987, an REA Newspaper from 1948 and a 1999-2000 Stockton cheerleaders photo from a newspaper.

A 97th birthday party for society member, Luella Phipps, is being held in El Dorado Springs in November.

Judy Nichols, Anna Hopkins and Connie Maupin updated the safe deposit box information and inventoried items in the box at the bank.

An Owen’s Mill replica constructed by John West in the 1980’s was donated to the museum by Cheryl Smith Bartholomew and John’s grandchildren, Jarrod and Toni West Walker. A clear acrylic box measuring 25x25x25 inches will be purchased to protect the model.

Other donations this month were: a 1943 Stockton graduation dress belonging to Vernie B. Hunt, a 45 th anniversary, Stockton School reunion book and a songbook from the Watson Chapel, near Brown’s Corner at 32 and CC Highway, donated by Stella Neider.  Bob Phillips donated various photos. A framed photo of the 1931 Sac River Bridge on Highway 32, taken in the 1950’s and a military photo of Wm. F. Jenkins, along with his honorable discharge in 1945, was donated by the Polk County Museum.

The society is still collecting Best Choice, B.C. Selections and B.C. Clearly food labels and used computer printer cartridges.

The little Niche store is still open, thanks to those who have generously donated items. Please remember donations must be clean and usable.  Electrical items must be in working order. No clothing or shoes will be accepted unless they are still in the package or have the original labels on them. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

The next and final meeting of 2023 will be held on Monday, November 27, at 1:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

Winter hours for the Cedar County Museum, 106 West Davis Street in Stockton, are now in effect. The museum will only be open on the last Monday of the month from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., unless by appointment. In December there will be no meeting and the museum will be closed. Local genealogy and Cedar County history books make great gifts. Information, appointments and publications can be obtained by calling 417-276-1142, email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, Facebook at Cedar County Mo. Historical Society or by mail at P. O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.