Quarterly Newsletter

Notes From The President...

As the first of the new Millennium winds down, we are reminded of the big question one year ago "Are you ready for Y2K?" The Webster County Historical Society met the New Year and new millennium with much enthusiasm as dreams and plans were finally realized for many who had worked and planned for a museum for Webster County. The major remodeling of the historic Carnegie Library, a landmark in marshfield, was officially reopened on June 4th, and the dream of many became real.

Once again we want to thank all the volunteers for the many, many hours of work to help acheive the goal of providing a museum for Webster County. It is impossible to list by name every individual who helped make things happen this past year. The financial support fromt he Webster Electirc Foundati8on was a big boost for our project. The sale of the History Books happened much sooner than anticipated. Many new members joined the Society with several additions to the Century Club and the Club Memorials.

The enthusiasm received from the Open House, the school tours, the special exhibit of old radios, the quilt exhibit, or maybe just an individual who fourn information they had been seeking, was the reward of those who volunteered to staff the Museum.

The Historical Museum board, the Society members, and volunteers have enjoyed the special activities of the year, such as the ice cream social and the annual pie supper and auction.

As we look forward to the year 2001, let us again all work together to finish some of the work and projects still needed at the Museum.

Thanks for all the help in the pas. Merry Christmas and may the New Year continue to bring progress for the Webster County Historical Museum.

Annual memberships are due January 1st and payable anytime. Dues are $5.00 or $50.00 for a lifetime membership.

The Society is looking into the possibility of reprinting the Webster County History book. If you missed out on our first printing, and may be interested in purchasing a history book, please call the Museum at 468-7407, giving your name, address and phone number. A list is being compiled to determine the amount of interest, and it may also allow you to take advantage of any pre-publication reduced price.

*Putting you name on this list does not obligate you to purchase.*

The limited edition Christmas ornaments have arrived and are available at the Museum for $12. This is the fifth in the series; it features the a Hubble Telescope.

Christmas Party

Talt and Paula Greer have graciously opened their home at 129 N. Elm, Marshfield, for our December meeting, which will be a potluck meal. Meat, bread, drinks, and service will be provided. Break out your favorite holiday recipes and bring a covered dish to share. In order to avoid the rush of the holidays, the meeting will be held December 12 and will start at 6:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Paula at 468-2324 by Monday, December 11.

Meeting Dates

December 12

January 23

February 27

Please note that the meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday at 7pm.

Museum News

Our recent bake sale and Holiday Open House were both very successful. Proceeds from the bake sale went toward the purchase of two stained glass signs for our gift shop. The signs are now in place and are an attractive addition to the Museum.

The resource room now had a micro-film/fiche reader, for which we are most appreciative.

The Museum has closed for the season. Anyone needing access to the Museum may make an appointment by calling the Museum at 468-7407 or 859-2036. An answering maching is now in place. Durning the winter months, some gift items such as the Jerry Rice prints, Hubble ornaments, books, etc., are also available through the Whitehurst Insurance office.

The Museum has seen over 4000 visitors this year with about half of these being school children, teachers and helpers on planned field trips. At this printing Webster Elementary third graders are scheduled to tour the Museum on December 15th.

We've had a great year! Thanks to all the many volunteers who made it happen. We look forward to the challenges ahead in 2001.

Gloria Carter's 1850 Wright County Gederal Census, Annotated, is complete and available for purchase. It not only includes the 1850 Census but also has additional information on many families. The easter one-half of Webster County was a part of Wright county prior to Webster County's formation in 1855. The 406 page pook with index sells for $33.00 and may be purchases from Gloria Carter, 733 S. Farm Road 89, Springfield, MO 65802.

The Nominating Committee has presented the following slate of officers for the year 2001 to be voted on at the December 12 meeting:

President - Don Rost

Vice-President - Paula Greer

Secretary - Suzanne Thoms

Treasurer - Paulene Dyche

Historian - Margaret Golden

Museum Director - Linda Blazer

At Large Board Member - Mike Brown

Program Chairman - no recomendation but thos agreeing to serve on the committee are: Mike Brown, Betty Young, Stan Whitehurst, Nicholas Inman, and Marth Marlin.

(At Large Board Member Bud Krueger has one year remaining on his term.

Other nominations will be accepted from the floor.

Thanks to the Nominating Committee for thier work.

The following is a list of new members:

Beulah and Otto Brashears

Homer and Louise Caughran*

Evelyn Close*

D.D. Hamilton Co.*

Doris Denby

Ivory Looby

Walter and Corine Myers

Genelle Reaves

Joann Robertson*

Dola Ross*

Colleen Stevens

Charles and Ruth Taylor

Ima Wilson*

We close the year with a record 124 members.

*Denotes Lifetime member

Our condolences to the family and friends of I.L. "Bid" Young who passed away November 7th. Bid was a long time member and supporter of the Society and had served in various capacities. In his memory, and original copy of the 1889 Goodspeed History and other items have been donated to the Museum.

Century Club memberships and Memorial are available to anyone making a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS QUARTER'S SPONSOR, Talt and Paula Greer