Stockton City Cemetery walk approved for Oct. 22-23

The Cedar County Historical Society members gathered at the museum in Stockton for their monthly meeting. Those present were President Judy Nichols, Secretary Connie Maupin, Treasurer Sheila Griggs, Anna Hopkins, Bob Estes, Ellis Benham, Joe B. Phillips, Bob Phillips, Virginia Barber, Chris Barber, Heather Smith, Linda Betlock and Fred Alumbaugh.

Heather Smith, who is heading up plans for the Stockton City Cemetery walk this fall, reported that she, Linda Betlock and Sheila Griggs met with the City Council and were granted approval for the project. The event is scheduled for Oct. 22 and 23. Reenactors will be dressed in period clothing, giving interesting historical orations of a chosen deceased person interred in the cemetery. Tentative plans suggest the first walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. Following groups would be spaced out to not intrude on the group ahead, with the last tour to conclude by 9 p.m. Ticket prices have not yet been decided and will be sold in a booth set-up at the cemetery. Parking will be in the lot on the northeast corner of the cemetery. Further plans will be forthcoming.

History on the circa 1855-56 Hoff House given in the April newsletter was incorrect and will be re-printed. Judy Nichols is still working on typing the handwritten deeds and getting the Hoff/Mitchel deed as time permits.

The museum research library inventory project is on-going and there have been some interesting finds.

Also on view is the completed display of the resting couch donated by Judy Brumback, including the history. The unusual couch construction and its background are interesting.

The donated used ink cartridges have been sent in and a refund is forthcoming.

The society plan was to reprint the 1961 Plat Book and have it for sale during the Walnut Festival, but the printer is requiring that it be cropped, scanned and be placed on a flash drive. That is a time consuming job and Judy Nichols will work on it as time permits. The George Nafus Funeral Home book from Stockton 1904-1924 will be printed and for sale soon.

Barbara Baird wanted to present a program but had to cancel, she may try again at a later date. She has a travel blog on Facebook, “Accidental Ozarkian.”  https://www.ozarkian.com/a-visit-to-caplinger-mills-bridge/

The museum furnace is in need of service and discussion was held as to person/company to contact.

The museum will be open July 11 and 18, from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday, July 27. from 2 to 4 p.m. The next meeting on July 27, is the Annual Meeting and Election.

Donations:  Judy Brumback, resting couch. Kathy Sidenstricker donated two group photos: Boggy Springs School, 1937 and Fowler School, 1941. Bob Phillips donated a book, “Gravesites of Men Who Rode With William Clarke Quantrill” and a Stockton Tiger red cup.

The Cedar County Museum and Research Library are located at 106 W. Davis Street in Stockton. Admission is Free. For information, appointments or to purchase publications, call 417-276-1142, email at cedarcomohistsoc@gmail.com, on Facebook at “Cedar County Mo Historical Society” or by mail at P.O. Box 111, Stockton, MO 65785.