Cedar County Historical Society Discontinues State Membership

By Connie Maupin

The Cedar County Historical Society met on October 24, 2022, at the museum in Stockton with President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Luella Phipps, Sheryl Henry, Virginia Barber, Chris Barber, Ellis Benham, Bob Phillips and Bob Estes.

The museum had a record of 97 visitors during the Walnut Festival, also a record amount of sales from the booth in the park and the white elephant sale in the museum.

It is unclear whether the El Dorado branch of the Cedar County Library will continue to have a genealogy section when their new building opens, but the CCHS has agreed to accept any archives that they offer to the Society.

An impromptu Board meeting was held on September 19, with the following results: Ten 1908 plat books were printed for the Walnut Festival since inventory was low. The Cedar County Recorder needed some CCHS books to help with their look-ups for deeds. They also needed some CCHS business cards in the County Clerk’s Office. The State Historical Society is ending their free auxiliary memberships.  Their membership fee is now $60 per year.  CCHS members voted to discontinue their membership.

The city council in Jerico Springs is trying to get their spring and park placed on the National Historic Register.

Nichols reported that Spire Gas will be raising their prices. The copy machine has been repaired and new business cards have been printed.  She will be purchasing a book rack to display CCHS books that are for sale.

Alana Hindman has been writing historical articles for the Cedar County Republican, with a bit of help from the society, and has been doing a great job.

Claud Hoffman is attempting to obtain historical recognition for a bridge in western Cedar County near El Dorado Springs.

The Niche continues to grow, thanks to those who have generously donated items.  The museum is not tax funded and operates sales from the Niche, book sales and donations from the public.

Donations: 1908 Plat Book from Patricia Roark.   A copy of “An Ozark Lawyer’s Story written by John Hulston, a framed copy of his military discharge and a photo of old Civil War soldiers reunion from Bob Phillips.  Anna Hopkins donated a magazine “Civil War Times Daily, 1984, a book titled “The Confederate Reach, a pictorial history of the Civil War” and a lovely blouse to be displayed with an apron donated previously by Delbert Taylor.  Bob Estes donated a 1957 Shady Hill Club yearly booklet.  Judy Nichols donated a flat screen TV for programs, some shelving and a new microwave.

The next meeting will be Monday, November 28, at 1 p.m.  Winter Hours: The last Monday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except December). The Spring schedule will be announced before April, 2023.

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.