Society mourns valued member, Luella Phipps

The Cedar County Historical Society met at the museum in Stockton on Monday, Aug. 26. Members present were: President Judy Nichols, Secretary Connie Maupin, Judith Cain, Ellis Benham, Laura Elliston, Sheila Griggs and Frank Stranimier. Vice President, Barber and Treasurer Hopkins were unable to attend.

Sadly, a long time and greatly valued member, Luella Phipps, recently passed away at the age of 97 years. Luella had planned her own funeral down to the smallest detail and it was a lovely service. The minister stated that he had never seen the church so full for a funeral for person of that age. Most family members and friends had already passed-on by that time. Luella was a much respected teacher and member of the community who will be fondly remembered.

In the absence of Bob Phillips to give his usual historical story, Judy Nichols gave a short history of the demise of the Cedar County Jail museum in 2007.

The society will be hosting a free program and book signing, by local author and society member, John C. Beydler. John’s latest book, “Picked Clean,” addresses the good and bad of the Civil War era in and around Cedar County. The program will be held at the Boathouse Restaurant, at Stockton, on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

Ownership of the Caplinger bridge continues to be reviewed. There are still many documents to study.

President Judy Nichols’ husband will be installing a new section of handrail for the museum’s entrance landing. A new “Museum” sign was installed on the glass of the new museum doors by Marcia Hornbeck. An awning for the new doors is still being researched.

The society contributed 15 copies of their book, “Touring Cedar County,” to the new Stockton School teachers who are teaching this fall.

The society will be receiving photos of the Pacetown Store, that was once southwest of Filley, from the Modglin Family, who bought the store from the Pace Family.

A lady is sending photos of Beydler and Deardorff families of Jerico Springs, to John Beydler to help identify. Copies will then be donated to the museum research library.

The annual Black Walnut Festival dates are: September 26, 27 and 28. The Museum will be open on Friday and Saturday, the 27th and 28th. and will include the annual White Elephant Sale. The society’s booth in the park will be open all three days.

Donations for White Elephant Sale are needed. All items MUST be clean and usable. Electrical items must be in working order. No clothing or shoes will be accepted. The society is not tax funded, it relies on sales from the little Niche Store in the museum and Walnut Festival to carry it through the winter months. Donations, memberships, book sales and fundraisers help preserve Cedar County history. Donations are greatly appreciated.

August donations to the museum archives: Shawn Abell donated a souvenir plaque with a Katy Railroad spike on it and another gold painted railroad spike from the Katy Railroad that was once in in El Dorado Springs. A Stockton School grade card from the 1962-63 school year by an unknown donor.

The museum will be open Saturday, Sept. 7, noon to 4 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 23, 1 to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28, 10 a.m. during the Walnut Festival. The regular monthly meeting has been changed to Monday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.

Meetings are open to the public and admission to the museum is Free. For information, appointments or to purchase publications: Call 417-276-1142, by E-mail at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P. O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.