Volume 35, Number 1 - Summer 1995
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
by Jerry Gideon
Among the members of this organization are hundreds of stories about families, events, incidents and occurrences that are needed to be told and documented for the sake of adding to that which has already been accumulated and published by this organization.
Now is the time for each member to seriously consider, and become a contributor to the Editor for the Society’s efforts to record the important history of this, the White River Valley Region. Not only should we contribute, but we should encourage those of our families and friends to do the same.
I honestly believe that this organization is at the crossroads of its existence. It is imperative that we as members present our ideas and express our desires and our willingness to prevent that from becoming a reality. Without a doubt the Quarterly is one, if not the best, publication of this type being produced today. We owe a great deal of gratitude to this Editor and the others before him, and those who have supported them in this fine publication. Without it and the good programs at each regi.ilar meeting, we would not be fulfilling our obligation to the purpose and objectives as stated in Article II, Sec. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the bylaws. Of course, not every member falls in this category (I do and I know that), but many of us have much to offer and so, I here and now ask each of you to step forward and let us hear from you.
One of the most important moves to consider is a home for the Society. Until we put some roots in the ground, we are homeless. Now for the first time in a very longtime, we are looking at such a project, but it will not come about unless we are willing to work at it very hard. As many of you are aware, we have looked at the old Taney County jail building, built in 1913, overlooking the White River (Bull Shoals Lake) at the mouth of Swan Creek, the former site of the county seat ofTaney County in Forsyth, Mo. (town was relocated in 1950 to higher ground). This is the only remainingbuilding ofhistorical nature at the old town site and is overlooking the site where the courthouse of 1837, another in 1855, still another in 1890, stood. It is also the site of a Civil War battle and the old steamboat landing. This building housed the last man that was hanged in the State of Missouri, convicted of a capital crime. In recent years, it was the location where David C. Tate was captured for the murder of a Missouri state trooper.
I know of no other available site with more historical significance than this one, but if we are to embark on such a project, and we need a project, then we need to know it is not without some cost.
At this time, the City of Forsyth, willing to make us a lease to this site and building, has given approval to hook up the sewer, connect the water and install a new roof. However, other important matters need to be addressed, including utilities, insurance, renovation of the upper floor and some cosmetic work on the outside of the building. For a beginning, we might get by with the electrical system, but it, like the plumbing, is marginal. I feel sure the City will do all it can to help, but it can only go so far.
I am hopeful that before our meeting in September, the Board and I will be able to meet with the mayor and nail down many of our questions.
Looking forward to a great year I remain,
Jerry W. Gideon.
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