Volume 7, Number 8 - Summer 1981
20th Anniversary Celebration
by Edith McCall
This was a meeting in honor of those who had served to give birth to and sustain the Society, which began in 1961. Edith McCall, the first secretary of the White River Valley Historical Society, remembered that the organization was proposed by Elmo Ingenthron and the first get together was at the Taney County Courthouse. It was decided at that time that the focus should be regional rather than confined to Taney County, and hence the name as it is now known. The first regular meeting was held on June 25, 1961.
That first meeting 21 years ago was held at The School of the Ozarks, and included a free dinner for the payment of dues of only one dollar. Even then, a dollar was scarcely enough to pay printing costs of a quarterly; dues have gradually increased over the years to the eight dollars voted upon at this year’s meeting, also held at the School, but not including a free meal. S of 0 has maintained a supportive interest in the organization from the first meeting when Dr. Robert M. Good and Dr. M. Graham Clark both attended. Today The School of the Ozarks provides office space and many other services that aid in keeping the Society flourishing and growing.
The founders agreed that one important function of the organization should be the publication of a quarterly journal as a repository for much information that might otherwise be lost. The Society still seeks family stories of general interest, recollections of pioneers and events, old marriage and cemetery records, etc. for publication. The first issue was dated October, 1961, and copies of it now are treasured. Back copies of issues are available, through the White River Valley Historical Society, at Box 565, Point Lookout, MO 65726. Four issues of the publication are included in each membership per year and membership is open to any interested person for payment of eight dollars, to the above address.
Four past presidents were present at the June 14 meeting, and each in turn spoke of the highlights of their administration. Mr. Ingenthron, the Society’s first president, told of placing the first historical marker at Rockbridge. Other past presidents present to speak were Dr. Clark, Mrs. Ruby Robins of Gainesville, and Mrs. Helen J.H. Fletcher of Branson. Dr. O. Myking Mehus sent a written report since he was unable to attend.
Honorary members also were recognized and two (there are 7) were present: Mr. Ingenthron and Lucile Morris Upton, well known historical writer of Springfield.
Thirteen of the 26 charter members, who have maintained memberships continuously for 20 years, were present to receive certificates of merit from the Society. They were: Mr. Ingenthron, Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Robins, Dr. Clark, Mrs. McCall, Viola Hartman, Mary Sansom, Dr. Lyle Owen, Dr. Alice Nightingale, Chandis Ingenthron, Bessie Ingenthron, Elizabeth Brown and Ruth Asher.
The work continues and it is hoped that many more anniversaries will be marked in the future.
An installation of the 1981-82 newly elected officers by retiring president, Lucille A. Brown completed the day’s program. Fred Hartman of Kirbyville accepted the gavel and will serve as president for the coming year.
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