Cedar County Historical Society annual meeting

by Connie Maupin

Members attending the annual meeting were: President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Anna L. Hopkins, Sharyl Henry, Luella Phipps, Don Cain, Chris Barber and Virginia Barber.

Secretary Connie Maupin gave the yearly report of membership showing 25 life members, 23 regular members and 2 honorary members. The previous minutes, Museum Maintenance Fund and Treasurer’s reports were all read and approved.

Five concrete parking bumpers have been installed in the parking lot to keep people from hitting the building and gas meters with their vehicles. The trash dumpster has been relocated, adding two more parking spaces. A bumper has been ordered for one of those since there is a faucet on the exterior museum wall in that area. New LED lighting has been installed in the museum, replacing old shop lights.

Bob Phillips has given several mini-programs on information from the books that Brooks Blevins wrote about history in Missouri. There was an interesting story in the “Missouri Historical Review” magazine in June about Brooks and his writings.

There has been a problem with the Missouri Department of Tourism website for all business listings and the society listing was not able to update until last week. Hopefully it will make it into the new tourism book. Judy Nichols has ordered a copy for the Museum.

The Shady Hill Club held their monthly meeting in the museum on July 7th. They donated some items for the museum’s “Second Chance Nook” and also purchased some items along with making a donation for use of the museum for their meeting.

Judy Nichols and Chris Miller worked at the Wayside Inn Museum during the El Dorado Springs Picnic. The new Annex next to the museum is well worth the visit. It houses military and El Dorado Springs School memorabilia along with documents donated by society member and retired teacher, Luella Phipps. An article in the El Dorado Springs Sun on Thursday, July 22, about Herriman Chapel camp meetings includes several paragraphs and highlights Luella Phipps and brother Murle. Luella also gave the society some of her old society literature that will be placed in her Phipps’ file.

The society now has two new books available that have been written about Cedar County and its history. John Beydler’s “The Mystic City – A History of Jerico Springs, Missouri” and Don Levi’s, “Mostly True Tales – Life on the Farm in the Mid-1900’s.”

The Cass County Historical Society contacted the society about a painting of a rural home that they received from a donor in Washington State. It turned out that the farm is located in Cedar County and was originally owned by Thomas A. Hoover in the 1890’s. The painting is now on display in the museum with information and a note regarding the original owner.

The Stockton Chamber of Commerce has now officially relocated to the northeast corner of the square, above the museum. There was a hot water tank leak that dripped into the museum for a time, but has now been resolved.

More garage sale items are needed for the “Second Chance Nook” before the Walnut Festival on September 24th and 25th. Clothing and shoes will not be accepted. The society is still collecting Best Choice and Clearly Organic food labels, computer printer cartridges and toner to recycle.

The election of officers was conducted and all will remain the same: Judy Nichols, president and museum curator; Judith Cain, vice president; Connie Maupin, secretary; Anna Hopkins, treasurer and Bob Phillips, board member.

Donations: Dwain Hammons donated two small boxes of slides that Clarence Cavender took during the building of the Stockton Dam in the 1960’s. Darrel Nichols donated a leather office chair. Anna Hopkins donated a WWII photo of a Naval group, including a Cedar County native that came through Jefferson Barracks. Judy Nichols donated a 1950’s, 45 RPM record of Slim Whitman to go with the old wire-recorder-phonograph from that era. Ellis Benham donated a comb binder and supplies.

NOTICE: The Cedar County Historical Society will only be able to provide minimal research or look-ups for patrons. They will no longer be able to fulfill requests for genealogy searches due to lack of available staff. However, the museum research library is still open for those wishing to complete their own research. They can also suggest other resources, libraries and internet websites. Society publications, that contain a multitude of information are always available for purchase.

The Museum will be open Saturday, August 7th and Saturday, Aug. 21, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum will also be open on Monday, Aug. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. during the monthly meeting. Meetings are open to the public. Free coffee is provided. For information, appointments or to purchase publications call 417-276-1142 or contact the Society by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com on Facebook or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.