Historical Society Meets

The Macon County Historical Society met 4 May 2006 with Mark Crawford White and Bill Franke as guest speakers. Mark told of the class of 1955 celebrating their 50th reunion last year. They toured Macon, including the library and genealogy room. It was decided at that time to have John Stoeckly of Louisiana, Mo, a well-known artist to paint the Macon County Courthouse and Recorder’s Office to be auctioned at the July 8 Sesquicentennial celebration with prints to be sold individually. The proceeds from the painting will be given to the Macon Public Library Genealogy room. The painting will be on display at Macon Atlanaa State Bank, Macon Frames, and Sharon Scott’s Decorating in downtown Macon.

Bill Franke discussed the Pictorial History of Macon and told of the hours which John Dennis, formerly of Macon, and his sister, Amy Dennis Gosey of Clarence, had donated in getting the book ready for publication. He explained that it had been the prodding of Mark C White that had gotten the book started. He said there were many people who had donated hours, but mentioned Carol Phillips and Merlyn Amidei. The book will sell for $60 pre-publication and $70 afterwards. He is presently taking orders.

Bill encouraged everyone to walk up and down Vine and Rollins Streets to view the posters in the windows which tell the history of the location. Only two businesses have continually operated the same type of business, Rexall Drug Store and Franke’s Jewelry. There has always been a drug store and a jewelry store in those two locations. Most of the windows have been decorated by service organizations of Macon.

The Macon County Historical Society received a donation from the Mrs. Mary Hyatt Trust, Tulsa, OK. Mrs. Hyatt was born June 6, 1907 in Galesburg, IL and recently passed away. She and her husband, Dr. Emry Hyatt, formerly lived in Macon.

A donation was also received from Mr and Mrs Kenneth Plumb of Davenport, Iowa in memory of Laura Wilson Sloan who was born in Macon. The funds are to be used in the Genealogy Library.

Historic homes of over 100 years are being researched and the owners will be honored at the Sesquicentennial celebration July 8. If you own, or know of a home that would qualify, you may contact Carol Phillips, Merlyn Amidei, Doris Polak or Donna Ayers.

The Macon County Historical Society will be decorating a downtown window using historic books as a background.

The meeting adjourned with the next meeting to be held on August 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Apple Basket.