As We Enter Our Fiftieth Year

SSCHS will celebrate it's fiftieth year as an organization in 2013. Last night we  looked toward that anniversary with the election of 2013 officers at the annual volunteer banquet. Pictured are (left to right): Sue Edwards (historian), Sue Lewis (curator, corresponding secretary), ElysaTurner (recording secretary), Donna Goldstein (vice president), Ruth McConnell (president), Carrah Efurd (Key editor), Paula Resch (volunteer coordinator), Senator Bruce Holland (board member), Glenda Wallace (past vice president). Not pictured in Cinda Bell (treasurer). Thanks to all who agreed to serve. Thanks to our volunteers for their many hours of service, to all who attended last night's event and to the youth orchestra under the direction of Charles Efurd for the wonderful entertainment they provided.

 

A Cheery Christmas at the Cabin

Over sixty visitors enjoyed refreshments and entertainment at the Historical Society's annual "Christmas at the Cabin" Sunday afternoon. With the temperature at 80 degrees, there was no roaring fire in the fireplace, but flickering candles and plenty of greenery made the cabin festive. It took many folks to make the day a success- the talented students who led us in caroling, the Society officers and vounteers who hosted the event, the guests who brought life into the old cabin. Thanks to all!

Catch us next Saturday from 10-2  at the bazaar at Curves on the Square. We'll be selling notecards with original art, our 50th anniversary cookbook, Old Jail ornaments, and the beautiful history of the Rox school, "If These Rocks Could Talk."

Christmas at the Cabin

You are cordially invited to join us for cookies, hot spiced cider and carols at the Vineyard Cabin Sunday, December 2, 1-4 PM. There will be roaring fires in the fireplaces and some very special gifts available for purchase (Historical Society cookbook and ornaments and hand painted ornaments from the Bell Park Foundation.)

Please make us a part of your annual holiday traditions. Come and go, come as you are!

And, now, a note for you Nancy Dane fans. As part of the Museum's observance of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War we have come to know and appreciate Nancy and her writing. Nancy's Civil War novels are now available as audio books and in hardback. Also, there will be a book signing at the Prairie Grove Battlefield Museum this weekend, Dec. 1st and 2nd.  The Park is commemorating the sesquicentennial with a big reenactment.  It should be a wonderful event for the whole family. Check out Nancy's website and her new facebook page. http://www.nancydane.com

Visit Us at Fall Fest

Greenwood's annual Fall Fest takes place Sunday afternoon from 1-5 PM at Bell Park. Hope you'll visit our booth. We'd love to visit with you.

We'll be selling our 50th anniversary cookbook "Receipts to Recipes," which is full of recipes and photos from generations of Greenwood cooks, the 2011 Key Magazine, Christmas postcards featuring a snow-covered Redwine Pioneer Schoolhouse, and baked goods (pumpkin bread, banana bread, cookies and cakes by the slice).

Enjoy a hayride, pumpkin stacking, all those great festival foods, and lots of crafts.
See you there!

Living in the Past

The second annual Burie Treasure event was a fun-filled day for all. Many thanks to our presenters, our guides and our guests. And thanks, too, for your generous donations toward restoration of Greenwood's old Norwood Cemetery. As the event wrapped up we were surprised - and delighted- to receive an unexpected visit from members of the Norwood family. More about that later!

Looking forward to our next Buried Treasure event. Aiming for May!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Saturday's wet weather didn't deter members of the South Sebastian County Historical Society from rehearsing for their upcoming "Buried Treasure" event at Liberty Cemetery. The family-friendly Tales of the Crypt type event will go on rain or shine, Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 PM at the cemetery, located at the intersection of Greenwood's Highway 96 and Ware Road. Actors will present biographies at the gravesites of eight  personalities who helped make Greenwood what it is today. Admission is by donation. Proceeds benefit the Historical Society.

While we're hoping for a sunny day, rain won't stop the show. In the event of bad weather, we will gather under the large brick pavilion on the west side of the cemetery. Parking will be on cemetery drive behind the pavilion on the west side of Ware Road.

Hope you can join us while we honor the memories of these citizens of yesterday.

Liberty Cemetery Circa 1909

Liberty Cemetery rests among the trees south of Highway 96 on the eastern edge of Greenwood. At one time, Old Highway 96 (now the northernmost lane in the cemetery) formed its northern boundary.  It looked much different in 1909 (see photo). Gone is the garden gate and gone are the fences and walls that marked family plots.

Join us Sunday, October 14 at 2 PM at Liberty Cemetery as we step back in time and celebrate the lives of eight Greenwood citizens You'll learn about the cemetery's history, a family's Civil War mystery, a family's Civil War tragedy, the workings of a pottery, how the city's first Boy Scout Troop was established and much more. Admission by donation. Proceeds benefit the South Sebastian County Historical Society.

Trip to Devil's Backbone Mountain Ridge Battle Site

Isaac's clouds cleared just in time for Saturday's tour of the battlefield on Devil's Backbone Mountain Ridge. Larry Puckett, in a woolen Federal uniform on this warm late summer day, was our guide. Beginning the tour adjacent to Stroud Cemetery on Stroud Road in south Sebastian County, he showed participants where the old Waldron Road passed through the valley and began its ascent into the mountains. It was over this military road that troops and wagons passed on that fateful September 1 so many years ago.

The battlefield is accessed via Boone Road or Nickeltown Road, but is located on private property. Heavily wooded and rock and boulder covered, it is a rugged site. One can imagine the challenge of drawing a wagon or riding a horse or mule over the terrain. It is said some families earned their livelihoods rescueing travelers and repairing their vehicles throughout the history of the road. (It was used as recently as 1930.) As Larry recounts the story of the battle, we can envision Rebels hidden behind every boulder.

We think about the men who were conscripted, who, having little choice in the matter, fired upon men who were at times their neighbors, relatives or friends. We think about those who fell. And we think about those women and children who were left behind. And as we ponder, a tabby kitten clambered across the rocks, chasing a butterfly.

Two Sources of Inspiration

They say "it takes a village." It sure took a village to replace the museum's old split rail fence last spring. A team of Society members provided the muscle. Bobby Mizell provided the know-how. Under Bobby's direction, the group purchased split cedar rails, hand cut, made the old-fashioned way, the ones Bobby said were "just right."
With Bobby at the helm, the guys stacked the rails, stopping often to reposition the ones that Bobby said "needed fixing." It was a great exercise in teamwork with the guidance of an inspiring leader. In the background, as they worked,we could see the coal car that Bobby and wife Martha donated to the Society during the construction of the Coal Miner's Memorial. We lost Bobby last week. He will be remembered for many things, among them his determination, perseverance and drive to make sure everything was done "just right." Bobby's can-do attitude inspired us all. Thank you, Bobby.

 Bobby, far right, in red cap.

Bobby in red cap.

Inspiration of a different sort springs from the enthusiasm of Becky and Robert Walker and Marion Mathis of Mansfield's Dixie Theatre Restoration project. They shared their successes and challenges with the Historical Society last night. They have the lofty goal of restoring the old theatre and are moving full steam ahead. Find them on Facebook and read about their upcoming fundraiser. Hats off to this group for saving this beloved old building.

Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

Chances are you've seen our bronze coal miner statue at the Memorial on the Museum grounds. Someone had to pose for the sculptor. Our model was George "Bud" Lewis. Bud was former owner and CEO of the Quality Excelsior Coal Mine in Greenwood and board member of the National Coal Association, which made him a natural as our model. Bud was a "model" in many ways: in kindness, gentleness of spirit, friendliness and compassion. The Society lost a dear friend and colleague when he passed away August 3.

Bud was the husband of past president Sue Cravens Lewis and an active member of the Historical Society. He will be deeply missed.

Days Gone By

Recognize this building? It's Greenwood's old Dawson and Stewart Dry Goods and Mercantile. In its current incarnation, it's a single story structure and houses an antique shop.  This photo is our evidence that there was once a second story. It contained a theater that showed movies and hosted traveling shows. The movie poster in this photo says, " Neal Hart in a Two Reel Special Western Drama." Neal Hart was a star of silent movies in 1916-1919. The poster on the far left says, "The Dog Catcher, a Clever Bit." We think this movie could possibly have been the Walt Disney silent movie, "Alice and the Dog Catcher," made in 1924. Beneath the womens' hats in the window, is a display of kewpie dolls. This information leads us to the conclusion the photo was taken between 1916-1924.

The Dawson-Stewart Building has survived two fires and the 1968 Category Five tornado that destroyed much of our city. Next time you drive past, envision it in its heyday, the screen door squeaking as it opens and Reba Dawson beckoning, "Hello! Come in!"

Meeting Tonight: Wear Your Thinking Caps!

Please join us tonight for our monthly meeting featuring G. T. teacher Carrah Efurd's quiz kids. They are sure to entertain and inform. Word is that audience members may be drafted! In other matters, we'll provide updates on upcoming events (Buried Treasure, Fall Fest) and projects (Forgotten Cemeteries, Freedom Fest).

We thank you for your enthusiastic support of our programs and activities. Since we opened for the season in May, we've had 793 visitors!

Forgotten Cemeteries

Please forgive our recent absence. Duty called and we answered. We have been swamped with maintenance projects and repairs, the behind-the-scenes activity that isn't typically seen when you visit the museum and grounds, but that is necessary when you are caring for vintage buildings and artifacts.

We find ourselves this hot summer thinking about some forgotten and/or vandalized area cemeteries that have come to our attention. We are launching into a project with some concerned citizens, Historical Society members and volunteers to investigate their status and, hopefully, begin repairs and make a plan for on-going maintenance. The task will take a lot of organization and dedication. We'll be looking for volunteers. Stand by for future announcements.

Hearts and Hands Prepare for Quilt Show

Dayton 4 Club members showed up Monday to weed, rake and sweep. What a wonderful surprise!  A big thank you to the kids and their moms.

Quilt Show is Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-4 at the historic Rock Gym. Vintage quilts will be displayed at the Old Jail during the quilt show. Hope to see you there!

Time to Get Out Grandma's Recipe Box

Calling all cooks! The Historical Society is publishing a collection of multi-generational recipes. Have some you'd like to share? We are looking for recipes from daughters, moms, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts...You get the idea. And we would love to include your multi-generational photo. So, please send photos and recipes to SSCHS, PO Box 523, Greenwood AR 72936. We need these by the end of the month, please. No original photos, please. Be sure to include your name and contact information.

Cookbooks will be published in time for Christmas gift-giving and will be reasonably priced.

Call for Vintage Quilts

If you would like to loan a vintage quilt for display at the Museum during the Airing of the Quilts, we will be accepting them at 1:00 PM, Wednesday May 16 at the Old Jail. You'll be asked to complete a short form giving information about the quilt.

Today's Visitors

Greenwood elementary school students began their annual visits to the museum complex today. Students and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to explore the exhibits and learn a litte local history.

Docents Dodge Deluge

Yesterday we had a steady rain a good part of the day, but it didn't deter a group of our docents from coming to the Museum to see what's new for the 2012 season. We are blessed with wonderful volunteers!

Volunteers with Coordinator Paula Resch (red shirt)
on the steps of the Old Jail.

Have you ever considered donating a couple of hours of your time now and then? We are always in need of folks who can welcome visitors, but also need extra hands to care for the grounds or do special projects. It's not necessary to be a member (though we'd love to have you!).

Volunteering at the Museum can be a great learning opportunity for home schoolers or a wonderful service project for high schoolers, too.

Those of us who spend a lot of time here see the parents who bring their toddlers, moms who bring prom-going couples for photos, brides and grooms who marry at the log cabin, and walkers on their way to the trail who check on our flowers. We see what a focal point the Museum District is to the community. We invite all ages and abilities to join us in preserving our history and keeping our Museum district beautiful and functioning. If you're interested in participating, please contact us at SSCHS, P.O. Box 523, Greenwood, AR 72936.

Annual Volunteer Tea and Training

This afternoon docents of the South Sebastian Historical Society attended the annual Volunteer Tea and Training. Following an orientation by Curator Donna Goldstein and Volunteer Coordinator Paula Resch and an opportunity to visit over punch and cookies, Fire Chief Stewart Bryan presented information on museum fire safety. A special thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time to attend and to our hostesses who prepared and served the refreshments.

We pause to recall and express thanks for the many contributions of long-time volunteer coordinator Jane Stewart Ware, who passed from this life on April 22.

Vroom, Vroom!

Lots of folks at the Square today for the vintage car show and forty + stopped by to tour the Museum. Thanks to all who came. We love to share South Sebastian County history. :)

Official first day of operation will be May 2 when busloads of school children begin their annual visits.

Kay Voss Discusses Quilt History

Kay Voss, the beauty and brains behind Mama's Log House Quilt Shop, entertained the members of the South Sebastian County Historical Society at Monday evening's meeting. Kay gave a brief history of quilting in America and displayed and discussed an array of vintage quilts, some of which are pictured below. Of great interest to the group were the Civil War era quilts- the cream colored Broidery Purse quilt (circa 1840) from Philadelphia featuring floral appliques and the black multicolored silk quilt from the same era made on the eastern seaboard. Also pictured are a pink and white cotton sateen quilt made in the 1920s by Nancy Orr or Ash Grove. President Ruth McConnell and Vice President Glenda Cox Wallace displayed vintage quilts made by family members.

Kay shared a few little known facts about quilts:

• Fewer quilts were made in the 1950s than at any other time in American history.





• Quilting resumed with the celebration of the Bicentennial in 1976.





• Popular quilting patterns were printed in the Kansas City Star.

Martha Beshears of Epsilon Sigma Alpha joined Kay in leading a discussion regarding the upcoming Airing of the Quilts quilt show. SSCHS Members were pleased to learn that popular local quilter Jeannie Evans will present a special display of miniature quilts at the show.

We hope you'll join us there.

Saturday, May 19, 9AM-5PM Sunday, May 20, 12PM-4PM

Historic Rock Gym

Greenwood, AR
Tickets are $5 and are available at the door

Vendors!
Call (479) 928-1600 or (479) 883-0254 for more information

April Activities on the Grounds

SSCHS volunteers have been busy this spring planting and painting, cleaning and sweeping.

Emily sits beside the washpot she planted with verbena and placed near the entrance to the Redwine Pioneer School. Roy, Tom and Joel are shown here with the sign they refurbished. SSCHS couldn't function without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Quilts on the Line, Trowels in the Dirt

Here at the Museum we're gearing up for the third annual "Airing of the Quilts." The event has grown. This year we're showing beautiful quilts in two venues- Greenwood's historic Rock Gym and the adjacent volleyball building. Plenty of room for quilts and more quilts- and vendors! The Historic Society will have a booth in the vendors hall selling vintage linens and sewing notions. We had so much fun packaging the offerings. We think you'll love our goodies.

So mark your calendars now. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door. A great Mother's Day gift!

On the gardening front...Things are taking shape, thanks to our wonderful volunteers. Emily and Red are landscaping the front beds. Woodland ferns have been planted, irises relocated, voilets transplanted. Sue has been busy with the west pocket garden and Joel and Donna have gussied up the beds beside the cabin gate. The water lines are installed. Time now to think about seasonal color. "Spring is busting out all over!"

If you'd like to help, volunteers are always welcome. Drop us a note.

Under Construction

If you've been by the museum complex in the last few days, you've noticed plenty of work underway. The cabin is undergoing maintenance, a water line is being installed, and landscaping is in progress. Pardon our mess! We are gearing up for our May 3 opening.

Thanks to all who are helping us get into ship shape!

Of Scouts and Spears

Scouts...Monday evening the Diamond Girl Scouts unearthed a time capsule buried in the Town Square (now Veteran's Memorial Park) some twenty-five years ago. A new time capsule was filled and placed in the west garden of the Old Jail Museum.  A crowd estimated at two hundred attended the event.

And Spears...Judge Jim Spears will entertain the Historical Society with a presentation regarding legendary U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves Monday evening at 7 PM at the Community Room of Farmer's Bank. All are welcome to attend. Judge Spears is the founder of the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative and serves on the Board of the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.