The Oak Grove Historical Society
1300 S Broadway
Oak Grove, Missouri
Open Saturdays
from
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(Face Masks Required, due to Covid-19 Regulations)
Shining a Light to Our Past
2007 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Times
The Historical Society Meets on the 3rd Saturday of each Month,
10:00 a.m.
at the Oak Grove Historical Society, 1300 S Broadway, Oak Grove, MO
December 2007 - No Meeting - Open House
Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2007
The Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the Davis Center.
Minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported a balance of $2,394.53 after the purchase of a $2,000.00 CD.
Under old business, the executive board and other members determined the cost of printing donation cards and envelopes was too expensive at present. Karen may try to print some off the computer after the holidays.
Barbara Griffith reported that six more memorial plaques were ready to place with one more to be made and one more is suppose to be coming in. Bryan Hord reported that he needed to build another display board.
President, Karen Findley reported that she had purchased another CD for $2,000.00 at First National Bank. She also reported that she had about 76 ornaments still at her home.
Bryan Hord reported that work was continuing on the federal tax number. A budget needs to be done as part of the process. Hollis Dyer made a motion, seconded by Wallace Johnson, that Karen and Barbara prepare a one-year budget that can be modified and that the figures be used as a guideline. Motion passed unanimously.
On a motion by Barbara Lefholz, seconded by Kathleen Baer, the current officers of the society were re-elected for 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
CeCe brought information about Grain Valley's Historical Society's homes tour. The possibility of a Historical Society Homes Tour in Oak Grove was discussed.
Historical society plans for a Christmas Open House were discussed. Gaius Reinbold has offered his vacant building to the society, Wallace Johnson will loan his sleigh and Santa will be available for photos. Local music talent will perform. Members will donate refreshments, sell baked goods and crafts and attend. Plans for decorating the building will be made.
Meeting was adjourned and the December meeting will be the Christmas Open House on December 15. Next meeting will be January 19, weather permitting.
Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2007
The Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, October 20, 2007. Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer reported a balance of $3,563.53.
A motion was made by Barbara Lefholz, seconded by Bryan Hord, to have President Karen Findley place $2000.00 in a 9 month CD where she can get the highest rate locally. Members approved unanimously.
Karen Findley reported that the new order of Christmas Ornaments were in and that members could pick them up. Karen also thanked Danny Lane for copies of his Oak Grove postcards.
Carol Grote reported that S & S Printing would print a copy of the envelopes for donations to be placed at Royers.
There was general discussion about a Christmas activity and combined fund raising event. The committee will meet to make plans.
Wallace Johnson spoke of memories of Harold Costigan who was in the Batan Death March and in prision camps in the Philippines.
Several members of the society spoke of museums and towns they had visited and ideas from other historical societies.
David Church presented a program about his extensive collection of Indian artifacts. He presented an interesting, educational program and displayed some artifacts and answered questions. David is a recognized collector and authority on flint artifacts. Members of the Historical Society enjoyed the presentation. We thank David and his wife Robin for attending.
Meeting was adjourned.
Members present:
Carol Grote
Barbara Lefholz
Joyce McCrander
Evelyn Church
Becky Dyer
Hollis Dyer
Betty Johnson
Wallace Johnson
Bryan Hord
Kathleen Baer
Dan Baer
Mary Turner
Floyd Evans
Karen Findley
Ce Ce Morgan
Carol Nebgen
Becky Nebgen
James Nebgen
Charles Petty
Jack Robinson
Karen Prewitt
Susie Reed
Rosie Zimmerschied
Lexie Allen
Danny Lane
Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2007
The Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, September 15, 2007.
President Karen Findley introduced guest speaker, Danny Lane. Lane, former Oak Grove High School Band Director, collects postcards. He brought a group of old postcards that depicted scenes from the Oak Grove area. Mr. Lane spoke of the different types of postcards and members enjoyed listening to him and looking at the postcards.
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported a balance of $2,126.82. Karen Findley reported that a local sorority would purchase a plaque for Patty Waller.
Karen Findley visited the Jefferson County, Kansas museum and explained their method of displaying and cataloging photographs.
Karen spoke with Chamber of Commerce members on Tuesday and displayed Historical Society's Christmas ornaments and encouraged all to purchase some. She reported that Dr. Haley suggested the group send postcards abut the commemorative plaques and ornament sale to alumni of Oak Grove High School.
President reported that she has about 94 Christmas ornaments at her home. Becky suggested that the group order more of the ornaments. The possibility of setting up a stand at a football game was also mentioned.
Carol Grote will check with the Chamber office about the Desert Auction. The possibility of selling stepping stones and other crafts was discussed. Carol reported on the cost of having several different types of envelopes printed at S & S Printing. Bryan Hord made a motion, seconded by Barbara Griffith to have envelopes printed. The motion carried.
There was discussion about the historical society decorating trees inside and outside of the Davis Center for Christmas.
Bryan Hord suggested approaching the history teachers about getting students to write articles about the history of Oak Grove. He will check with the high school departement chair.
In new business, President Karen ask for feedback on the handling of funds and if members thought now was the time to open a separate building fund. Hollis Dyer suggested that the group maintain one account with different sub accounts tracked in the ledger.
Hollis Dyer asked for and received a short biography about each person on commemorative plaques.
The meeting was adjourned.
Present:
Betty Johnson
Wallace Johnson
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
Carol Grote
Barbara Griffith
Becky Dyer
Hollis Dyer
Verna Freels
Carol Nebgen
Becky Nebgen
James Nebgen
Susie Reed
Jeff Reed
CeCe Morgan
Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2007
The Oak Grove Historical Society met August 18 with 13 members and 3 guests present. President Karen Findley presided. The minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer reported a balance of $1,961.31. She will keep a detailed record of all income and expenses. Karen has renewed the CD for the year at 5.25 percent at 1st National Bank. The CD is located in Karen's lock box at 1st National Bank. Vice President Bryan Hord reported that 200 Christmas ornaments have been ordered. The ornaments are blue acrylic with a modified logo and Oak Grove Historical Society in smaller letters. The ornaments will arive in about three weeks. Members will need to sell the ornaments. More may be ordered if the 200 go quickly. Barbara Griffith reported that 25 plaques have been sold.
Bryan Hord and Wallace Johnson visited the Raytown Historical Society. The group meets four times a year. They publish a newsletter and business owners allow donation envelopes to be placed in their businesses.
Carol Grote spoke with Pete Royer who suggested S&S could print envelopes for the Historical Society.
Dan Baer suggested that selling different items would help keep the name of the organization before the public. He brought two items as samples.
Bryan Hord reported progress with filling out the tax forms for the federal exemption. Bryan also suggested a committee to contact and follow up with people about the names suggested for the commemorative plaques. They were Wallace Johnson, Barbara Griffith, Becky Dyer and Hollis Dyer. Bryan Hord and Hollis Dyer are working on a Civil War project to frame. There was discussion about a possible Christmas celebration. A committee was formed with Dan Baer as Chairman. Committee members are Kathleen Baer, Karen Findley, Bryan Hord, Betty Johnson and Wallace Johnson.
Karen mentioned the possibility of different speakers from the historical group being available to speak at the school.
President Findley supplied a computer so members could visit the Oak Grove Historical Society website. A phone tree will be used to contact members about the monthly meetings.
Meeting was adjourned.
Present:
Bill Web
Dan Baer
Kathleen Baer
Wanda Philpot
Larry Philpot
Evelyn Church
Betty Johnson
Wallace Johnson
Bryan Hord
Karen Findley
Barbara Lefholz
Carol Grote
CeCe Morgan
Verna Freels
Glen Lewis
Pat Lewis
Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2007
Historical Society met Saturday, July 21st at the Davis Building. Minutes were read, corrected and approved. Treasurer reported a balance of $1,709.91 after expenditures of: Stationary with logo - $155.44; Lickskillet Trophy $84 + $48; Wood material $102.75.
President Karen Findley reported on the recent trip to Clinton by group members to visit Henry County museum.
Karen asked and received permission to renew the Historical Society's CD note at the highest rate of interest she can get and reported that the Historical Society now has a post office box. The number is P.O. Box 942. The stationary with the logo was shown to members. A letter to explain the commemorative plaques and seek donations has been printed on the letterhead and members were encouraged to send them to families of those who might wish to participate in the program.
Vice-President Bryan Hord asked members to submit photos and stories to keep the web site updated. Dan Baer submitted a story he had written about the two Methodist churches in Oak Grove.
President Karen Findley displayed an example of a bulletin board featuring local historical photos and information. She asked that the group purchase several bulletin boards, place other historical photos and information on them and display them in some of the local businesses and city buildings, as this would be good public relations. Boards would be rotated every few months. Group will assemble boards at a regular meeting.
Karen also presented information about ordering commemorative Christmas ornaments to sell. On a motion by Bryan Hord and second by Hollis Dyer the group unanimously agreed to order 200 blue, with white christmas balls with historical society's modified logo. The set up fee and shipping for 200 ornaments is $71. The ornaments are $3.90 each and will sell for $10.00 or less.
Bryan Hord reported on the cost of filing for 501C-3 from the federal government. A motion was made by CeCe Morgan, seconded by Bryan Hord, that the society spend the $300 to do the paperwork. Motion passed unanimously.
Becky dyer suggested selling afgans with imprinted local historical sites. Becky will bring the information to the next meeting.
Carol Grote will keep a scrapbook for the group and also see about preparing memorial envelopes for the society to place in local funeral homes.
Bryan Hord suggested framing a copy of the Historical Society's mission statement and bylaws and several photos to be displayed with the commemorative plaque board.
Meeting was adjourned.
Members in attendance:
Hollis Dyer
Becky Dyer
Larry Philpott
Wanda Philpott
Carol Grote
Evelyn Church
Betty Johnson
Wallace Johnson
Floyd Evans
Barbara Griffith
Kathleen Baer
Dan Baer
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
CeCe Morgan
June, 2007 - No Meeting
Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2007
Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday May 19. Vice-president Bryan Hord called the meeting to order. Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer reported a balance of $1,225 in the checking account.
Bryan reported that a first and second place logo design had been selected and prizes given to the two Oak Grove high school art students. The first place design will be used on the groups letterhead.
There was general discussion about fund raising projects. Barbara Griffith suggested memorial plaques be sold with the names, birth and death dates to honor earlier members of the community including Oak Grove, Sni Mills, Chapel Hill, Mecklin and Bates City. The plaques will be mounted on a finished board for display in the Davis Building until a permanent home is acquired. The plaques will be sole for $50 each. A committee of Barbara Griffith, Wallace Johnson, Evelyn Church, CeCe Morgan was established to work on the commemorative plaques.
Other fund raising ideas were discussed, including a photo contest, car show, and Christmas ornaments. It was suggested that a letter to newcomers be included in the Welcome Bags distributed by the Chanber of Commerce.
Members were encouraged to think of events to be included in a time line and to bring photos to put on the web site.
Bryan reported that the filing fee for a 501C-3 was $350 for those groups whose income is under $10,000, and $650 for those who take in over $10,000.
Group was reminded that a group trip to the Henry County Museum in Clinton will be June 16 on the regular meeting day. Those not present will be reminded by phone.
Ray Morrison read a brief history of the Mecklin community provided by Wallace Johnson and writen by Miss Willie Pallette, Oak Grove, Missouri.
The meeting was adjourned.
Members in attendance:
Kathleen Baer
Dan Baer
Jack Hackley
Ray Morrison
Betty Johnson
Wallace Johnson
Carol Grote
Floyd Evans
Barbara Griffith
Marge Morrison
Bryan Hord
Evelyn Church
CeCe Morgan
Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2007
Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, April 21 at the Davis Center with Karen Findley presiding. A casual membership drive for interested, potential members who haven't been able to attend Saturday meeting was scheduled for Thursday, May 3, 7 p.m., at the Broadway Grill.
Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer reported a $900 balance in checking account and accepted dues of $150.
Carol Grote and Wallace Johnson volunteered to hand out informational sheets about Oak Grove Historical Society Saturday, April 28th at city wide garage sale.
President Findley reported on a meeting with a representative of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Karen, Bryan, Barbara, Hollis, CeCe attended the meeting.
Carol Grote and Wallace Johnson reported on a meeting with Freedom Frontier Heritage in March.
An addition to the mission statement and short and long term goals were approved unanimously after motion by Bryan Hord and seconded by Barbara Griffith. The revised bylaws were approved on a motion by Evelyn Church and a second by Ray Morrison. Vote was unanimous.
Karen, president and Bryan, vice-president reported on a meeting with Mark Fulks and Bryan Long where three possible permanent sites for the Oak Grove Historical Society were discussed. The possible sites are the garage at the Davis Center, the Broadway property of Max Swisegood, and the Broadway property that once housed Cora Vestal's Hardware. Discuss centered around the possibilities of acquiring, refurbishing and costs in these areas.
Mrs. Titus, high school art teacher, should have logos ready by the first of May. Members will vote and chose a winner.
Discussion of fund-raisers centered on Christmas cards and ornaments with an Oak Grove theme.
Meeting was adjourned. Members in attendance:
Bryan Hord
Wallace Johnson
Karen Findley
Evelyn Church
Barbara Lefholz
Barbara Griffith
Ray Morrison
Carol Grote
CeCe Morgan
Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2007
Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, March 3rd at the Davis Center. Karen Findley presided, minutes were read and approved. Treasurer is accepting dues voted on in the February 10th meeting and a bank account will be opened. Becky Dyer made a motion to add as dues $150 for a couple lifetime membership. Motion seconded by Marge Morrison and approved unanimously.
Marge Morrison's committee offered a mission statement for approval. Wallace Johnson moved the statement be accepted, it was seconded by Jane Langevin and passed unanimously. Committee will continue to work on bylaws and both long and short term goals.
Bryan Hord, vice president and chair of finance committee reported that he has been in contact with Rep. Ike Skelton's office, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Economic Development and the Missouri State Historical office and foundations. The general consensus is that while there are some grants available they are not usually given to start-up organizations. Suggestion is that the Historical Society write some applications to get name recognition and be in a better position for future years.
Truman Heartland Foundation recommended that historical society "partner" with them for a time to become eligible for grants. Suggestion was that the group focus on one aspect, such as preservation of documents. Bryan reported that there is an archivist available to speak to the group at a later date. Karen and Bryan will meet with representatives of the Heartland Foundation.
Bryan had also had contact with the Freedom Frontier National Heritage Program whose purpose is to promote and preserve the history of the Civil War in Missouri and Kansas. There are 41 counties included in this group. This group will meet Thursday, March 7 in Harrisonville. Society will try to send someone to the meeting.
President will contact Clay Barton about a federal application for a 501C 3, and contact Oak Grove
Mid-Continent about a small display area in the library.
Barbara Griffith had spoken with Bryan Long and Mark Fulks about a space in the Davis Building for the historical society and their suggestion was that a letter be written to the City Council requesting a meeting room in the Davis Building. Officers will compose and send a formal request to the counsel.
A permanent meeting date was adopted unanimously on a motion by Marge Morrison, and a second by Becky Dyer. The date will be the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Wallace Johnson made a motion that the Oak Grove High School art students be asked to design a logo for the society and membership cards be printed. Motion was seconded by Jane Langevin and carried.
A membership committee was appointed and included Marge Morrison, Wallace Johnson, Joyce Macrander, CeCe Morgan. All members will actively seek new members and sponsors.
A general discussion was held concerning potential fund raising projects. Carol Grote displayed an interesting collection of articles from the past that included the "going away" dress of Mrs. Ezra Williams, other clothing, musical instruments from her family, household items, quilts and newspapers. Wallace Johnson displayed the Oak Grove High School Class of 1935 graduation photo and numerous Johnson family photos of previous generations.
Motion to adjourn made by Jane Langevin, seconded by Evelyn Church.
Those in attendance were:
Floyd Evans
Barbara Lefholz
Becky Dyer
Mary Turner
Hollis Dyer
Carol Grote
Mark Fulks
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
CeCe Morgan
Wallace Johnson
Jane Langevin
Barbara Griffith
Marge Morrison
Evelyn Church
Joyce McCrander
Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2007
The Oak Grove Historical Society met Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the Davis Center.
Karen Findley, president, called the meeting to order and reported the following.
1. Confirmed the Oak Grove Historical Society has retained its "not for profit corporate status".
2. Clay Barton has drawn up a resolution listing the current officers, any two of which may open a bank account.
3. The society has a CD at First National Bank of Missouri, Oak Grove. Value is $1424.14 and it comes due in July 2007.
4. Information from Jan Redding, Grain Valley Historical Society, said that GV Historical Society bought their building, which was financed primarily through pledges from the community. They rent the building out to others and hold two major fund raisers, a Christmas Home tour, sponsors ads in the society's brochures, and an ice cream social. GV Historical Society works closely with the Chamber of Commerce. They have sought grant money ahd collect dues.
5. David Jackson, Jackson County Historical Society said items must be donated to them for insurance purposes JCHS does the preservation and local groups may borrow the items for displays.
Carol Grote was elected corresponding secretary.
Bryan Hord - vice president spoke about the information he had learned about grants. He recommended that the James Atherton Writing contest be entered for a potential $600 prize. Ray Morrison will work on a story he has written to submit.
Marge Morrison moved that the annual dues be set at $25 for an individual; $35 per couple; $100 individual lifetime membership and $150 for a business or organization. Ray Morrison seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Temporary commitees were appointed. Goals and Mission statement committee: Evelyn Church and Marge Morrison, Building location: Barbara Griffith and Carol Grote, Finance: Bryan Hord and others as needed.
Bryan Hord reported that his wife would be willing to help set up a web site when the group is ready to do so.
The meeting previously scheduled for February 24th was postponed until 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3rd at the Davis Center. Those in attendance were:
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
Floyd Evans
Barbara Griffith
Wallace Johnson
Ray Morrison
Marge Morrison
Evelyn Church
Carol Grote
CeCe Morgan
Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2007
A reorganizational meeting of the Oak Grove Historical Society was held Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Davis Memorial Center. Mark Fulks served as chair until officers were elected. Officers elected were Karen Findley - President, Bryan Hord - Vice President, Barbara Griffith - Treasurer, Cecilia Morgan - Secretary.
The group heard that the original Oak Grove Historical Society's corporation status is intact. Clay Barton, attorney has maintained the legal status. Karen Findley will contact him for more information.
Dr. Ray Morrison spoke about instructive tapes on setting up a historical society and on genealogy available at the Independence Library and Jackson County Historicial Society.
The decision was made to meet twice a month temporarily on the second and fourth Saturday of the month until reorganization is completed.
President Findley ask that the group think about a mission statement and short and long term goals for the society.
Wallace Johnson introduced the guest speaker, Ted W Stillwell, Independence. Stillwell is an author, artist and storyteller. He spoke about the early history of eastern Jackson County and presented the group with an autographed copy of his book "Portrait of the Past Vol. II".
Those in attendance were:
Wallace Johnson
Ray Morrison
Jane Langevin
Barbara Griffith
Mark Fulks
Mac McSpadden
Hollis Dyer
Becky Dyer
Dan Baer
Kathleen Baer
Bill Webb
Floyd Evans
Evelyn Church
Carl Kenyon
Charlotte Kenyon
Karen Findley
Bryan Hord
Ce Ce Morgan