by Judy Nichols

The Cedar County Historical Society met at the museum in Stockton on Monday, June 24. The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Members present were: President Judy Nichols, Vice President Chris Barber, Treasurer Anna Hopkins, Ellis Benham, Bob Estes, Joe B. Phillips and Sheila Griggs.

Chris and Virginia Barber have finalized arrangements for our August program with speaker Larry Wood. It will be held Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Boathouse Restaurant in Stockton. Larry Wood has been writing professionally for 45 years. He is the author of two historical novels and approximately 500 magazine stories and articles. Wood has specialized in writing over thirty nonfiction historical books about the Old West and the Civil War and other subjects that occurred in or near his home territory in the Ozarks. He will be giving a synopsis of several of his favorite books and the Civil War history of the Ozarks.

Sheila Griggs, who organized the June Stockton Alumni School Reunion in Stockton, gave a recap of the successful event in June. Approximate attendance numbers were: 108 alumni, 33 spouses or significant others, 12 teachers, with 2 being alumni. Attendees came from 10 different states, with Missouri having the largest, at 95 alumni. Other states represented were: Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The oldest student was Gus Rutledge, from the class of 1949. Linda Burmester and Ramona York were applauded for their many years as employees. The Sunday church service was presented by 1991 alumnus, Reverend Kenny Batson. Sheila Griggs thanked the society members who donated the funds for the newspaper ad and helping promote the event.

Judy Nichols asked Sheila Griggs if she would be willing to submit a photo weekly or monthly, of a person, place or group to be identified. The society could then submit it to a local newspapers for folks to try to identify and for readers’ enjoyment.

Author and society member, John Beydler, has informed the society that he has completed his second book, “Picked Clean.” It will be for sale at the museum when copies arrive. A book signing and program will be scheduled in October at the Boathouse Restaurant. More information will be available at a later date.

The society is still waiting on the second set of records on the Caplinger Mills bridge from the Mo. State Archives. They reported that they are short-handed this summer and are still working on the 10 year span of microfilmed records.

Many used CCHS books are being sold on E-Bay at greatly inflated prices. It might be best to check the society’s book prices before buying on E-Bay.

The society is sad to hear that the Humansville Star Leader and some other small newspapers in St. Clair, Polk and Hickory counties are going out of business and the news outlets are up for bid. Judy Nichols will no longer be writing the article, “Between Arnica and Bugtussle,” that she has written for that newspaper since 2010.

Claud Hoffman, life member of the society, shared that he has moved from El Dorado Springs to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon. Claud is delighted with the move and looks forward to sharing old military stories with other veterans living there.

The little Niche store in the museum is still open, thanks to those who have generously donated resale items.

Best Choice, B.C. Selections and B.C. Clearly food labels and computer printer cartridges to recycle are still being collected as a fundraiser.

Donations to the museum research library this month: Bob Pyle donated a box of photos from Mary Oldham’s family; Melodee Chapman donated some used CCHS books and William and Lillie Burris family photos of students at the Independence School in the Wagoner area; Bob Phillips donated an old color photo of the 1924 Stockton School building, not long after it was built.

The annual meeting and election of officers will be held on Monday, July 29, at 1 p.m. at the museum. The museum will be open on July 6th and 20th, from Noon to 4 p.m. and July 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is always Free.

For information or appointments, membership inquiries or to purchase publications call 417-276-1142, 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.