Cedar County Historical Society meets

by Connie Maupin

The monthly meeting of the Cedar County Historical Society was held November 25, in the Stockton Museum.  Members present were President Judy Nichols, Secretary Connie Maupin, Assistant Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Luella Phipps, Sharyl Henry, Joe Phillips, Ellis Benham and Chris Barber.

President Judy Nichols gave the report of Museum Maintenance Fund expenditures.  This was also approved.

The first item on the agenda after the monthly reports was to be an update on long time member and dear friend, Luella Phipps.  The Society is happy to say Luella was present to make the update herself and is doing great.

Nine members toured the Stockton Dam on Nov. 26.  President Judy Nichols shared a few photos.  It appears that everyone greatly enjoyed the tour.  

Society members plan to put together a small book containing history and photos to sell during the 175th Anniversary of Cedar County celebration in 2020.  Several members have volunteered to help with this project which must be completed by July 1, 2020.

Joe Phillips is still looking into the possibility of a program on Col. Livingston and the Civil War.  A public announcement will be made if plans are finalized so that all interested parties may attend.

The Shady Hill Club held their November meeting at the museum which included lunch and a tour. 

President Judy Nichols is working on an idea to use some of the old jail stone chips and put small brass plaques on them stating, “Cedar County Jail 1880-2007” and sell them as souvenirs.  The project is still in the experimental stages.

Anna Hopkins has agreed to retype the book, “Arnica in the Days of Yore.”  

Judy Nichols suggested to members that a photo collection display be put together to show in the museum during the Walnut Festival.  There would be some cost involved to mount photos and build frames.  There is also a possibility of buying pre-made metal racks wholesale.  Cost comparison will be presented to members before permission is given to go ahead with the project.

The Society was notified earlier in the year by the Missouri State Historical Society of a project being undertaken by them in partnership with Missouri Star Quilt Company and Missouri State Quilters Guild.  They are teaming up to create the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt in honor of our state’s 200 year anniversary in 2020.  The Calico Clippers Quilt Guild undertook this task and have completed the quilt block which will join quilt blocks from each Missouri county in a quilt to be on view at the governor’s mansion on March 19, 2020.  

Gene Walden donated photos of Cherry Valley, Pleasant Ridge, Bear Creek and High Point Schools.  They will be placed into a notebook for viewing: “The Gene Walden School Photo Collection.”

The Society does not meet in December.  The next monthly meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Jan. 27, 2020.  The museum will be open during monthly meetings and resume bi-monthly open hours in April, 2020.  Admission to the museum is free, however the Historical Society and museum are not tax funded and operate on donations from the public.  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 471-276-1142, by email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, visit our Facebook page at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.