Sesquicentennial open house a success

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

More than 40 citizens participated at the Sesquicentennial History Book Committee's open house/workshop held at the Bushwhacker Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The history book committee was formed to produce a two-volume set history of Vernon County. This missive will include individual families, pioneer families, current and past businesses, organizations, clubs, churches, schools and military personnel. The book will feature hundreds of histories from all areas of Vernon County. Not only the people, but the events that make Vernon County a unique place to live and work need to be included. The open house was held to help citizens write their family histories. Knowing what you want to say to future family generations and historians can be intimidating. Just getting started can be the hardest part of all. Committee members who have written their own family histories thought having some help with those first few sentences would be beneficial. Committee members helped interested families get their information organized so they could get a better understanding of what they might want to include in their family history. The Nevada Public Library set aside two computers for the committee's use for the day. For those who couldn't type or had no access to a typewriter or computer, committee volunteers typed their stories for them as they dictated or read from their notes. Randy Bell, publisher of the history book, was very helpful in examining photos for contributors to make certain they would transfer well to book format. Past Vernon Country history books were available to review and get some ideas from on how to do their own story. Three high school juniors attended as they are writing a 300 word essay on the old Bryan School as part of their Advanced American History assignment for their teacher Ms. Pendrak. The lads found several people in the group who knew first hand stories about the old school. "We've found out a lot about it," Ben Wilson said. "Coming here today was really helpful," added William Bailey. "It's been very interesting," said Adam Gullett. Essays such as theirs will be vital for a rounded picture of Vernon County life over the past 150 years. Other students are working on related stories of local history. One unanticipated element of the workshop that produced a lot of inspiration was the open exchanges between attendees. While drinking the coffee and eating the home made cookies, many memories were shared about events common to all. Hearing about forgotten families or businesses, caused a flurry of input from all in the room. The need for and the value of a county history that spanned the lifetimes of those present became more and more apparent to all. Committee members reminded participants that tomorrow's history includes today's events as well as yesterday's. The families, business, churches, organizations and other groups need to incorporate their current activities into their histories. "We have between 80 and 90 stories already submitted, typed and ready to turn over to Randy," Betty Pitts, co-chairperson of the history book committee said. She is optimistic about how well the public is responding to this opportunity. "We've already sold several copies of the book," Pitts added. "They have been purchased from people in California, West Virginia, Texas and Kansas, as well as, local people." In order to have these historic collectible books complete and ready for delivery during the 2005 Bushwhacker Days celebrations, the family histories should be turned in by December 01, 2003. There is no charge to have your story be a part of this Vernon County history two book set. For more information contact: Betty Pitts, 417-465-2558, Helen Emery 417-667-6367 or the Bushwhacker Museum: Terry Ramsey, 417-667-9602.

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