Cedar County Historical Society meeting minutes

by Connie Maupin

Members met at the museum in Stockton on March 29; the first meeting held since November, 2020 due to the pandemic. The Society hasn’t actually met in the museum since September, 2020. Meetings were held at the Stockton Library so members could social distance.  Members present were: President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain,  Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Sharyl Henry, Luella Phipps, Bob Phillips and Ellis Benham. The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance recited. The previous minutes, Treasurer’s and Museum Maintenance Fund Reports were approved.

Bob Phillips brought in a map of Indian trails of Southwest Missouri and Arkansas, drawn by Gracie Cummings that he acquired from a friend. 

The Akins-Montgomery Family, 1904 Crown pump organ and wooden stool have been delivered from Texas and are now on display at the museum after a few small repairs.

The circa 1939 till boxes from the Cedar County Courthouse, donated by Jo and Frank Collins, have been delivered and are on display.

Members voted to hold a large indoor garage-type sale at the museum during the Walnut Festival again this year.

The CCHS Facebook page was discussed and it was suggested the posting of a book review periodically to gain interest. 

An increase in book prices, shipping and handling has been made.  The only book price increase at this time is Bob Estes’ “Caplinger Mills Historic District” book.

“A Polk County Family Histories II” was purchased from the Polk County Genealogy Society for the museum research library.

A copy of “A Missouri History of Cedar County” was donated to the Stockton Chamber of Commerce for their silent auction at the annual SAC banquet.

Life member, Bonnie Krenning, wrote a book about her grandmother’s early years, growing up in Cedar County, “A Old Country Girl’s Beginning – My First 90 Years; Book 1.” Bonnie donated copies for the museum research library.  She is currently working on Book 2.

The Cedar County Republican included Society information in the Cedar County Community Guide.

The Society only has three “Arnica, in Days of Yore” books on the shelf.  Anna Hopkins and Judy Nichols will try to work on the revised copy this summer, retyping the text and adding more photos.

Glenda Pate noted that she has almost finished one newsletter and is working on another.

Ellis Benham’s cousin, Fred Steely, passed away on Nov. 24, 2020.

The museum will resume regular open days beginning May 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be open the first and third Saturday of each month and during regular member meetings from 1 to 4 p.m. the last Monday of each month.

The next meeting will be April 26, at 1 p.m. in the Stockton museum at 106 West Davis Street. Meetings are open to the public. Free coffee is provided.  Masks are not required, but appreciated and social distancing will be practiced. For information, appointments or purchase of publications call 417-276-1142. Contact the Society by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.