Volume 8, Number 8 - Summer 1984


President's Message
by Alan Schmitt

Hello, my name is Alan Schmitt and I am the new kid on the block. When I was growing up in Springfield, MO, I lived on what we affectionately called "the block." While it was one of many typical neighborhoods in the city, for those of us who lived there, it seemed more like a small self-contained community. Down on the corner was the neighborhood grocery store, two streets over was the park, the church was on the street behind us, and down a block from it was the schoolhouse. We even had a service station around the corner from the school. It was our little nitch in the world, a small town within a large city.

One prevailing characteristic of the block, typical of a small community, was the closeness of those who lived there and their reluctance to readily accept any newcomers to the neighborhood. Being the new kid on the block was tough! As soon as you moved in you were immediately placed on the witness stand and the neighborhood kids assumed the role of judge and jury. Everybody was checking you out, putting you to the test to see if you had what it took to be accepted. Only when they decided you were "cool," could you take your place in the group.

I am the "new kid on the block" of the White River Valley Historical Society. I am your new President and, according to the alumni of past presidents, at thirty-five I am really the new "kid" on the block! Because I am new to both the society and its presidency, I know you are going to be checking me out, putting me to the test, seeing if I have what it takes, and that’s alright. For you see, I will be checking you out as well, seeing if you have what it takes to carry on the rich heritage of our society and its role of main-taining and preserving the history of the White River Valley.

I am enthusiastic about the potential our society has, an enthusiasm that I hope will be tempered with patience. While I feel a real sense of urgency to improve and expand the work of the society, I realize that the world was not created in one day…it took six! I firmly believe in the advantages of setting goals and making long-range plans, and I will be working closely with the Board of Directors to achieve the stated purposes and objectives of our society.

Over the past year, and especially the past few months, I have been reading, brainstorming, and talking with many people about the role of an historical society. The result of my efforts has been the formulation of many ideas about the work of our society. I think they are good ideas, but they are by no means the final word on what the society can or will accomplish. They are simply my ideas, as one member of the group. We have over 250 more members, one of which is you! What are your ideas? It is your society just as it is mine, and you have both a right and a responsibility to be involved and give input to its operation. If we are successful, we can all take credit. If we fail, we must all accept the blame. I believe in the White River Historical Society and I believe in you!

I have heard it said that when you find a dead organization, chances are there is a corpse in the presidency. Well folks, you have a live one this year! I know you are counting on me to fulfill my responsibilities as your President. I WILL! Likewise, I am counting on you to fulfill your responsibilities as a member of the society. WILL YOU? Together, we can make it work!

Alan Schmitt

Installation, following election at the annual meeting on June 10, by Townsend Godsey included Alan Schmitt, president; Penelope Willard, vice president; Kathleen Van Buskirk, historian; Bill Cameron, Taney County Directors. Hold over officers and directors reaffirmed their commitment to serve. Chairmanships of committees were incomplete and will be announced at a later time. Program text on Powersite Dam by Tom Snyder is found elsewhere in this issue.

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