BOONE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY UPDATE

     It appears the Boone County Historical Society is "coming back."
     A few short years ago, poor leadership appeared to be the main culprit as this longtime community staple took a dive into a severe abyss.
     Thankfully, enough loyal supporters have battled through those tough times to, voluntarily, carry the BCHS on their backs to a better future.......one that seemed very much in doubt in those earlier times.
     A little history: The building at 602 Story Street, that is the main house for Society activities, was constructed in 1907 as the Champlin Memorial Masonic building. Mt. Olive Lodge 79 was the occupant until 1990 when the lodge was moved to 527 Marshall Street. The Boone County Historical Society was organized in 1966 and has been at the Story site, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, ever since.
     But back to the main story. Some legal matters that developed have been solved while others remain, such as a lawsuit filed by the former Society Director Mara McKay. A trail date for that suit has been scheduled for August 26, 2020.
     In the meantime, restorative activities continue. Meetings are being held on a regular schedule and at the annual membership meeting of the society last month, a couple dozen people were present and four new board members, Rita Knight, Sally Courter, April Burch and Marty Lamoureux, were unanimously elected to serve.
     After being completely closed for a time, with the help again of volunteers, some regular hours of operation at the History Center have been established. Office hours are 10 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays and museum hours will be on Wednesdays and Fridays for two to four hours each day and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Saturday.
     Volunteers have been working on needed repairs in various areas, painting and doing other such tasks. Estimates are also being sought regarding some needed repairs at the Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace, although there are indications some of that work will be done......again, voluntarily, and without cost
     Finding funding sources, of course, is a needed challenge. The city councils of Boone, Madrid and Ogden and the Boone county supervisors have or will be approached for possible aid. The Boone city council has already approved a $4,000 grant from the motel/hotel tax fund, pending the results of a long awaited state audit which has lingered for what seems like an eternity. That audit would, hopefully, provide some answers as to "what happened?"
     The Society does have some money in the bank and current bills are being paid BUT continued financial support is a "must." Efforts are being made to again build up the membership list to combine with any of those other financial "possibilities" that may avail themselves. Volunteerism is another much needed asset.
     Finally, a hearty shoutout to Interim Board President Jessica Stanley, Board Secretary Deb Duncan and various others who have been "on deck" while this ship has been "righted." Thanks to Judy Stumbo, Judy Russell, George Eckstein, Janet Krengel, John Stephenson, Larry Adams and any others who have had a hand in this restoration effort.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Rosalie Bradshaw, 100, Panora. Survivors include a daughter, Jeanette Brogden of Boone.............Robert Krull, 85, Boone. BHS-52. Was a mechanic while in the United States Air Force. Worked at Rolfes and retired as a maintenance engineer at the Boone County Hospital. He married Elizabeth Anderson, BHS-53, in 1976. Three step-sons survive including Scott and Jeff Landals both of Boone.
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