Cedar County Historical Society meets

by Judy Nichols

The monthly meeting of the Cedar County Historical Society was held at the museum in Stockton on June, 25, 2018.  Members present were President Judy Nichols, Vice President Judith Cain, Treasurer Shirley Potts, Chris Barber, Ellis Benham, Bob Estes, Sharyl Henry, Joe B. Phillips, Bob Phillips and Luella Phipps.  Secretary Connie Maupin was absent.

The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  The May secretary’s report was approved.  Shirley Potts presented the treasurer’s report, Judy Nichols presented the museum maintenance fund report and both were approved.

Bob Phillips gave his monthly history lesson on the Blore Cemetery, located about a mile and a half north of Bear Creek, and a bit of history of the families who are buried there.  He related a recent story about taking some descendants of the families to visit the cemetery.  The cemetery has not been taken care of in many years, is not fenced and has broken stones.  It was noted that Missouri State law dictates that land owners must allow access to all cemeteries in the state regardless if they are private or public.  However, it is always best to stop and notify the owner or resident before you cross their land.  Most cemeteries in Cedar County are accessible without crossing private property.

Bob Estes’ new book, “Cemeteries of Cedar County, Missouri,” maps showing their locations with an index and GPS coordinates sold so well that inventory became very low.  Board members approved a second printing of the books.  Bob presented the copyright of the book to the Society.  The book price is still $10 if purchased at the museum or from a member of the Society.  It is $14 by mail that includes shipping and handling.  For information, contact Judy at 417-276-1142, e-mail at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com or by mail at our address below.

In February, 2017 Dr. Joe Dillsaver had asked permission to publish a segment of the “Caplinger High School 1917-1940” book, written by Louis V. Gannaway, that the Society held the copyright to.  He was happy to inform the Society that the book, “Marie and Clarence – Lives and Times,” was finished and a limited number of copies were published.  As promised, he donated a copy to the Society along with the original copy of, “Caplinger High School Memories 1926-27,” handwritten by his mother, Marie Ibach Dillsaver who was class president that year.  He also donated two copies of the original high school book and a copy of Bob Estes,’ “Caplinger Mills National Historic District.”

Members discussed working at the Wayside Inn Museum in El Dorado Springs in the evening hours during the annual picnic on July 19, 20 and 21st.  Luella Phipps also volunteered to work during the

El Dorado Springs Alumni meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21st.  Many of the alumni were her former students when she taught in two rural one room schools, Johnson and Fairview, and later at El Dorado Springs. 

Judy Nichols informed members that she received word that plans to revive the Arnica Picnic had been canceled due to lack of interest and people willing to work.  An interested party had asked her for copies of previous picnics to display during the event.

Judy Nichols and Chris Barber discussed the Society’s Facebook page, “Cedar County, Mo. Historical Society.”  A paragraph needed to be added to inform “Friends” on the page to contact the Society via the E-mail address for information or to purchase publications rather than using the Facebook message field.  Several messages were missed due the site not being checked often.  Chris will update the page and the publication list.

The Society’s annual meeting and election will be held on July 30 at 1 p.m. with a lunch for members at noon.  Members were reminded that their July 1, 2018 thru July 1, 2019 dues were being collected.  Single memberships are $15, Family memberships are $25 and Lifetime memberships are $80.  Dues are delinquent after September 30, 2018.  Members will receive a quarterly newsletter unless they are delinquent. The Society no longer uses Pay-Pal via the internet.  Checks or money orders may be made to: Cedar County Historical Society and mailed to PO. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785-0111 or can be paid at the museum.  If you have a phone number, e-mail or mailing address change, please let the Society know so they can update their membership list.

The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7 and 21, and during the monthly meeting held on the last Monday of the month from 1-4 p.m.  Admission to the museum is free, however the Historical Society and museum are not tax funded and operate on donations from the public.  The next meeting will be July 30, at 1 p.m. in the museum at 106 West Davis Street in Stockton.  Meetings are open to the public and free coffee is provided.  The museum is wheel chair accessible.  For information, appointments or to purchase publications, call Judy at 417-276-1142 or Shirley at 417-276-3337.  Contact the Society 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.