Cedar County Historical Society discusses June programs

by Connie Maupin

The Cedar County Historical Society held their monthly meeting on April 28, at the museum in Stockton. Members present were: President Judy Nichols, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Ellis Benham, Bob Estes, Joe Phillips, Bob Phillips, Sheila Griggs and Judi Cain.

The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

It was sadly noted that member Nobel King’s husband, Theron King, passed away recently.

Repairs to the museum building have been completed and presumably resolved the leakage problems.

There will be two upcoming programs: Kaitlyn McConnell will be presenting a program, “Ozarks Superstitions,” on Sunday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at the museum. “The Mills and Springs of the Ozarks,” by Richard McGee, has been rescheduled for Monday, June 30, at 1:15 p.m. The monthly meeting will begin after the program. Programs are always free to the public.

The society honor plaque has been repaired and names added. It now resides on the wall over the Hendricks’ desk.

More new additions will be coming to the Veteran’s case and more work will be done in the research library. Sheila Griggs has generously volunteered her time to assist in the library.

There was an update on the previous discussion about the F-102A jet that crashed near Arnica in March, 1965. Frank Stranimier sent a copy of an article from the “Kansas City Star” and Chris and Judy found the “Cedar County Republican” article as they sifted though old newspapers stored at the museum. Bob Estes donated a copy of the article from the “Springfield News Leader.” It appears that the pilot safely ejected after take-off and the plane remained in the air for over an hour before it crashed. The pilot lost complete control of the jet when the primary and secondary hydraulic systems failed. Articles are available for viewing at the museum.

Sheila Griggs brought in records from the Bethel Cemetery, which included ledgers dating 1943 to 1974. They were mostly names and donations made to the church and cemetery during those years.  There was also 10 pages of names of those buried there that are also included in the Cedar County Cemetery book. Sheila’s dad was Sexton there in the 70’s and 80’s.

Addendum: Sheila noted that the Stockton All-School Reunion will be held Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Stockton Community Building at the park. More information will be noted soon.

Judy managed to get the very fragile, Nafus Funeral Home book, dated 1902 to 1924, copied. This was the first funeral home in Stockton. Nafus was bought-out by the Cantlons and moved his business to El Dorado Springs. The copy of the old book will to be assembled soon.

No newspaper or local records were found on John A. and Alice J. Ware who are buried in the Old Union Cemetery. The young couple drowned in the Sac River in 1883 in a flash flood.

Judy noted that the old Ezell Goodwin Cheese Store on South Street is being remodeled and would appreciate any information on the building’s history. The building will be a wedding venue and the Infinite Kitchen will have a store front next door.

A decision was made to purchase a flag holder and flag for the exterior of the museum. The flag will only be flown when the museum is open. Anna volunteered to donate the flag.

The society received a notification about a Revitalization Grant that is available for museums, but it is not applicable, since the society does not own the building.

There will be a board meeting June 18, at 1 p.m. in the museum.

Bob Phillips’ “Historical Notes” continued on his subject about a local author, Ethel Reed Strainchamps, and her book, “Never Say Cain’t.”  He spoke of John Reed who’s mother was a Phillips, Mount Etna Morris, a Missouri politician, who was related to Lawrence Bruce and Lucille Morris Upton who wrote a newspaper column and the book, “The Bald Knobbers.”

Donations: Claud Hoffman’s Orleans Trail map. A copy will be framed for display at the museum. Bob Phillips donated a photo of his father’s World War II medals.

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

The museum will be open the first and third Saturday of the month from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Meetings will be held on the last Monday of the month at 1 p.m. and the museum will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. PLEASE NOTE: the May meeting will be held on May 19, The museum will be closed on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 thru 26. Meetings are open to the public and visiting the museum is Free.

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