Quarterly Newsletter
PO Box 13 Marshfield, MO 65706 WCHS	Volume 3 Number 3-- September 2001

NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT Quite often we are reminded of the 1955 Centennial celebration of Webster County. As a result of the celebration, many people were made aware of how important it is to keep and preserve pictures and documents of events that happen in our county. The Webster County Historical Society and the Webster County Historical Museum have become an organization and a location to help in preservation of history and events that have happened and will continue to be a part of the history of our county. Much progress has been made to preserve and display a part of the history of our county since the Historical Society was formed during the time of the Centennial. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the help of Society members, the many volunteers, and the grants, gifts, and services provided to establish and provide a place to display historical items. The grants from the Webster Electric Foundation helped to restore the former Carnegie Library building into a museum. The funds recently received from the Baker family estate have permitted our long-range planning committee to examine the future needs of the Society and the Museum. The response to the sale of the Webster County History Book created the need for a reprint and these will become available soon. We plan to explore the possibility of printing more historical journals. Many people have contributed to the special displays each year since the opening of the Museum. The school tours have become a vital part of the day to day operation. For those who have never visited the Museum we invite you to come and spend some time learning and reviewing some of the history of our county. We invite you to attend any or all of the monthly meetings and we always welcome new members to join the Society. Don Rost, President

Book News Reprint of the Webster County History Book has been completed and delivered to the binding company. The Society does not have a definite date but is hopeful the books will be returned by the 1st of November. Planning Committee A Planning Committee has been appointed and is meeting weekly to work on short/long range goals for the Society. Among the items being considered is a 2002 budget, as well as the amount to be held in financial reserve, and the prioritization of future needs. When completed, the committee will submit their recommendations to the Executive Board. Anyone having a suggestion with regard to the future needs of the Society should contact Chairman Steve Page. The 2001 Treasured Tree ornament should be arriving very soon. This year features the Ritz Theatre, a favorite form of entertainment in Marshfield for many years. MEETING DATES September 25th October 23rd* November 27th *Meetings are held monthly the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Museum. The monetary gift left to the Society by Retha Baker is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated, as well as the display items given in her memory. Volunteers should be able to resume work on the probate files soon.

Museum News The Museum has been a busy place this summer. About 200 toured on July 4th. On August 6th, 1st Kids Day Care visited the Museum. They learned about pioneer life, rope making, photography and rural schools. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped. Quilts are still being accepted for the Fall Quilt Show. Stop by and view the quilts on display now through October. The Museum is interested in receiving old maps, school annuals, phone books, etc., from throughout the county. In addition to Marshfield, there is a special need for records from Elkland, Niangua, Seymour, Fordland, Rogersville, and Northview. Check with your neighbors and friends and help the Society improve the availability of county-wide community information on display in the Museum. The Webster County Historical Society had a booth at Marshfield’s Hometown Harvest Days. Society members and volunteers passed out brochures, took book orders, and sold items from the Gift Shop. Thanks to all those who helped. Joe Hosmer, who has long been interested in preserving old buildings, will be the guest speaker at the October meeting. Joe will explain the tax incentives available for historic preservation. As with all our meetings, the public is invited to attend. REMEMBER! Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month! Mark the date—October 23rd—on your calendar.

September Meeting Mike and Cathy Brown have graciously agreed to host the September meeting at their historic Walnut Springs Farm. This will be a pot-luck meal using old family recipes. Bring along a copy of the recipe and these will be compiled into book-form for distribution at a later date. As always, start time will be 7:00 p.m. If possible, bring a lawn chair. Steve Page will have the program. Anyone needing to carpool should be at the Museum at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Program Chairman Stan Whitehurst. Bake Sale There will be a bake sale at the Museum Friday, October 5th beginning at 8:00 a.m. So bake up your best goodies and have them at the Museum by 8:00 a.m. It would be very helpful if the baked items were already labeled and priced. Proceeds from the sale will go towards purchasing window blinds and a Formica countertop for the Resource Room. Society members extend condolences to the family and friends of Carl Young and Retha Stone Baker. Both were long-time supporters of the work of the Webster County Historical Society, and Carl was a charter member. . Remember! 2001 dues are past due! Provided herein is a list of paid members for 2001 and those who have recently paid as a lifetime member. If you do not find your name on the list and believe you have paid, please contact the treasurer at 859-7700. Dues are $5.00 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership. The Webster Electric Foundation recently approved the Society’s application for help on the heating/cooling system at the Museum, and presented a check for $9,840.00. The Webster County Historical Society expresses their appreciation to the Webster Electric Foundation and to those who participate in Operation Round-Up.

Century Club memberships and Memorial are available to anyone making a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more. Recent Century Club donors are Tom and Ruby Davenport. Recent Century Club Memorials are: Guy R. and Elva F. Hubbell; Seymour J. and Mary Ann Hubbell, Charles R. and Lockie May Hubbell by Jack Hubbell; Robert L. Jump by Betty Jump; and Retha Stone Baker. Century Club plaques are updated annually in the spring.
The Society can now claim world-wide membership as one of our newest members resides in Brussels, Belgium! An interest in history has no age limits. Our youngest member was only three days old, and our eldest... Recent paid members are: Allen County Public Library *Joe and Billie Arthur Jim and Sara Bouldin *Jim Bresee Norma Bumgarner	Wilma Bumgarner *Emalu Byrd Elsie Crump Kara Rae Cummings Bob L. and Anna L. Cunningham Doris Denby *William Dyche Joanna M. Hartman Keith and Lori Herring Kent Herring Tara Herring *Melba Hosmer *Jack Hubbell	Ron and Jan Hyde James Kendig Jim and Georgette Leach Ivory Looby Nick McLaughlin Connie Perryman Jean Singer Pat Thompson Pauline Wertz Nicole Williams Jim Wilson Jennie A. Wright *Denotes lifetime member

SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS QUARTER'S SPONSOR, Lurvey Carpet