CCHS mentions the Stockton American Legion will relocate

by Sheila Johnson Griggs

The Cedar County Historical Society met on Monday, Sept. 23 at the Cedar County Museum in Stockton. Members present were: President Judy Nichols, Vice President Chris Barber, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Assistant Secretary Sheila Griggs, Judi Cain, Sharyl Henry, Virginia Barber, Bob Phillips, Ellis Benham and Frank Stranimier.

Bob Phillips recounted historical stories he heard as a young boy from his father, which were passed down in the family. In Cedar County during the Civil War, Colonel Thomas Livingston and his Confederate outlaw soldiers tried to take the courthouse situated in Stockton and failed in their attempt. Livingston was killed, along with two of his rebel soldiers, including Captain Vaughn from the Osceola area. It is assumed that they are buried in the Stockton City Cemetery together with a stone marked “Unknown.” That notion has never been proven, but an interesting story it was!

Luella Phillips, former member who passed away recently, had donated her genealogy research to the historical society.

Chris relayed information regarding the upcoming program with author John Beydler which will be held on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Boathouse BBQ Restaurant. A sound system was discussed and Chris will be checking on that. John wrote the book, “Picked Clean – Civil War In & Around Cedar County, Missouri.”

Judy continues to research the Caplinger Mills Bridge ownership. She had to put the work aside to work on preparations for the Walnut Festival and museum business.

A new handrail has been placed at the front door entrance and is able to be easily removed to accommodate large items that may come through the door. Judy is still looking into purchasing an awning to go over the front door.

The future removal of the Hopewell Bridge was discussed. A program had been held for the public at the Cedar County courthouse with Great River Engineering speaking to the project. There are issues concerning cost to move it, preserving it, cost of liability insurance and repairs. The State will have an archaeologist investigate the bridge area for historical significance.

The American Legion is building a new post near west city limits on Hwy. 32. It will be sad to see them leave their longtime home in the lower level of the Stockton Community Building, but the society wished them the best with their new project!

The Black Walnut Festival was discussed at length.

Laura informed members of a book recently written by local author Sherry Pyle Griffith titled “Blackberry Hollow.”

Judy informed the members of a new book titled “Hillbilly Debutante” by Cathy Truitt from El Dorado Springs.

A question was asked about the archiving of old maps that are being stored in the research library to be placed in climate controlled cabinets. This had been discussed in the past and the reasons why it was not financially feasible was also addressed.

Donations for the month: The Modglin family donated a letter noting the Pacetown Store of 1912 which described members of a separate group photo from that time. Bob Phillips donated some photos of the Caplinger Mills Bridge. Sheila Griggs donated a magazine article from the July-August 1983 edition of the “Missouri Life” magazine with an article titled, “The Fleeman Place” written by Ina Fleeman Harville. Also a copy of “The Bethel Hills” by Ruth Fleeman-Hickman which the magazine article was taken from.

Museum hours will be Saturday, Oct. 5 and 19 from Noon to 4 p.m. and during the next meeting on Monday, Oct. 28 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. Winter hours will begin in November. The museum will be open during regular meetings during the winter months, except December.

The Cedar County Museum and Research Library is located at 106 West Davis St. in Stockton and admission is Free. For information, appointments or to purchase publications call: 417-276-1142, E-mail at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.