by Kathy Smith

The Cedar County Historical Society met at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, in the museum in Stockton.  Members present were Judy Nichols, president; Bob Phillips, vice president; Kathy Smith, secretary; Kay Snow, treasurer; Shirley Potts, assistant treasurer; Connie Maupin; Chris Barber; Barbara Fox; and Bob Estes. Visitors present were Ken Potts, Edna Johnson and Sheila Griggs Johnson.

There was no publication report, however Nichols reported that she is laminating sample books on display at the museum.

Phillips gave a program report about organizing a program for the museum where speakers will come and give a talk about the Civil War battle flags (mostly Confederate).

Snow reported the options available to get wi-fi at the museum are costly, with Straight Talk being the most inexpensive. It was decided to put the matter on hold until more money is available for wi-fi.

The re-inventory procedure of museum possessions was discussed.

Regarding the recycling of printer ink cartridges: Staples will take empty cartridges, in exchange for discount coupons on supplies. Nichols stated that Citizens Memorial Hospital recycles cartridges and she will check on their procedure.

Nichols distributed pictures of the Hartley safe. Different options were reviewed regarding the relocation and display of the safe. Nichols discussed the Gum Springs/Courthouse steps.

The society’s annual meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at The Boathouse Restaurant. Members will be responsible for their own bills.

We will sell our books at the Wayside Inn Museum during the El Dorado Springs Picnic on July 21, 22 and 23.

Nichols reported that the chamber of commerce is advertising the historical society on its website.

Maupin agreed to write an article regarding the society’s purpose for publication.

Duplicate books were donated to the St. Clair County Historical Society.

Snow stated that Norma Petty was delighted to have been made an honorary member.

Bob Phillips opened discussion regarding the use of the Gum Springs Church steps, once located in the old courthouse on the square, as a base for a county Civil War memorial. Procedures and different options were discussed on creating such a memorial.

Snow will check with the Stockton City Cemetery Board regarding what would be required to erect a memorial plaque at the site of buried Confederate soldiers in the cemetery.

New Deed of Gift and Deed of Loan forms were reviewed and approved for use by society officers.

So far, nothing has been received from the chamber of commerce regarding Stockton’s Black Walnut Festival in September. Nichols will check with the chamber regarding booth rental spaces.

Next month, the museum will be closed on Saturday, July 2. Nichols and Maupin will work at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16.

Discussed recycling some old print plates. It was discovered they were print negatives and will be retained by the museum.

Membership dues will remain the same this year: $10, individual; $20, family; and $75, lifetime. New membership cards, brochures and fliers will be printed.

The society’s Cedar County cemetery book price has been reduced from $35 to $25.

An 1885 Singer sewing machine with supporting documentation has been donated to the museum by Pat Rutledge. “Nations Beyond the Seas” textbook from Hartley School was donated by Barber.

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