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OHS Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1, January 1997
In this issue: Officers and Directors, 1996-1997
Newsletter Editorial Staff
Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Historical Society Building. The building is open to the public each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., by volunteers from the membership. President's Message Happy New Year to all of the O'Fallon Historical Society members and friends. The year 1996 was a very busy one, and 1997 should prove to be as busy and as eventful for the Society. The opening of the Society's Museum and the beginning of the restoration of the Rock Springs Cemetery were the highlights of 1996. The Society's volunteers, the backbone of the organization, made everything happen. Trying to mention everyone who gave of time and talent to benefit the Society inevitably would result in forgetting a few. However, special mention is made to Charles and Mary Helen Bevirt, who chaired the Ways and Means Committee; Mary Dodd and Dennis Lawler, who chaired the cemetery project; Betty Lehman and Carol Souza, who spent many hours cataloging the Society's accessioned materials and updating all of the records; Jo Shaw, who chaired the Saturday Special Programs; Tom Brennan, and Dennis Dodd, Dolly Hesse, Doris Johnson, Brian Keller, Ralph Keller, Joyce Koesterer, Bill Peach, and Fred and Mary Wiechert, who spent many hours in various capacities. Special thanks to the members of the Newsletter Staff for their efforts. Membership grew to 108 in 1996. The Society must continue to grow in membership during 1997. If you have not renewed your membership, please do so and invite another member of the family, a friend or a neighbor to join. City officials are still considering the Society's request for a long-term lease for the building that serves as the Society's Museum. It is imperative that the Society members work toward a firm commitment from city officials, so that the organization can move ahead. As Presdient, I urge your continued support and ask you to make an effort to recruit new members for the O'Falln Historical Society. Maurice A. Hesse
Short History of the O'Fallon Historical Society The O'Fallon Historical Society grew out of a conversation on Oct. 30, 1987, at the O'Fallon Public Library, among Brian Keller, Carol Souza, Librarian Mary Smith and Assistant Librarian Ann Glasscock. This group shared deep concern about the rapid disappearance of things connected with O'Fallon's past and the need to preserve them. Brian and Carol soon envisioned a society to meet this need. They reserved the display case at the Library for March 1988. Featured were photographs of O'Fallon's past lent by Chris Hamel, Sara Mae Hinchcliffe and Brian Keller. Sara Mae made the first donation by giving her photos to the yet-to-be organized society. By the end of the month, 23 prospective members had signed the roster. An organizational meetng was held Tuesday, May 17, 1988. A notice was posted at the library May 6. By the time of that first meeting, 62 people had signed the membership roster. The meeting was held at 8 p.m. in the east end of the library, with 20 people present. A motion to organize was made by Chris Hamel. Brian Keller became interim president; Carol Souza, interim secretary. An organizational committee was appointed consisting of Chris Hamel, Edna Wright, Martha Bode, Florence Waters, Carol Souza, and Brian Keller. Among the projects discussed were microfilming old Progress newspapers, starting a museum and cleaning up Rock Springs Cemetery. At the second meeting of the Society, on June 21, a Constitution and Bylaws were adopted. Annual dues were set at $5 for individuals and $8 for families. Also during June, Kenneth Joseph asked the Enterprise Grange if the log cabin in the park could be rented in August for a Homecoming historical display--something that usually was not done. The Grange approved the request and required no rent. The Homecoming Association liked the idea of the display in the park and backed it enthusiastically. The exhibit in the park was a great success and became a Homecoming fixture until 1996, when the exhibit was moved to the new Museum. To solve the problem of where to store collected historical items, the library board allowed the Society to use the old bank vault in the library basement. Brian and Carol spent Saturday, July 2, thoroughly cleaning the vault. At the Sept. 19, 1988 meeting the first officers of the Society were elected: President, Brian Keller; Vice-president, Kathy Danielsen; Treasurer, Carol Souza; Secretary, Jeanne Lawrence; and Directors, Doris Johnson, Bruce Nix and Frances Zotz. Later that year, the Society had an exhibit at the St. Clair County Historical Society House Tour--a card table in the street--and a display at the Christmas Walk at the Opera House Mall. The society was incorporated on Feb. 28, 1989, with the help of attorney Dale Funk. Ken Diel, local accountant, helped the society obtain tax-exempt status. On July 6, 1989, thanks to the help of publisher Linda Polston and editor Vandy Brewer, Brian Keller began writing a weekly column on O'Fallon history in the O'Fallon Progress. Vandy suggested the title "Our Town." Brian continued the column, a regular and popular feature, until April 29, 1993, when Doris Johnson took it over and continues writing it. During the fall of 1989, the Society publicly opposed the demolition of the old brick building, known as the old bus station, located at the northwest corner of Lincoln and State. An "Our Town" article about the building, a letter to the editor, and public comment by Society members before the Zoning Board of Appeals helped save the building. Probably the oldest brick commercial building in O'Fallon, it still stands. Since the first meeting in the old library, the Society has met at various locations, including the children's section of the old library, the back lobby of the Opera House Mall, the Opera House Mall conference room, the Opera House Restaurant, the conference rooms at the new library, and finally, back to the old library building. The Society has put together historical displays at such events as the St. Clair County Bicentennial House Tour and the Centennial of O'Fallon City Hall. It has spearheaded the publishing of a book on O'Fallon history, O'Fallon Through the Years; sponsored an oral history program; helped with microfilming of old issues of the O'Fallon Progress; helped preserve artifacts from the old Marie Schaefer School building and the old post office that were razed; and given many programs and presentations on O'Fallon history. Member Doris Johnson has indexed the marriages and deaths reported in the Progress since 1898 and has produced numerous scrapbooks. The initial restoration of Rock Springs Cemetery was accomplished in 1996 thanks to the dedication of members Mary Dodd, Dennis Lawler and many others. The dream of having a museum came to fruition in 1996 when the Society reopened the doors of the old library building on April 17 to display the many artifacts donated or lent by its numerous members and supporters. A formal dedication was held May 18 with Mayor Robert Morton, a representative of U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello and several city and township officials attending. While using the old library building temporarily, the Society hopes it will soon be granted an extended lease by the city. Past presidents of the Society include Brian Keller (1988-91), Carol Souza (1991-93), Berneice Reidelberger (1993-94), and Martha Bode (1994-95). Current president Maurice Hesse has served since 1995. The O'Fallon Historical Society, through its many volunteers, has done much to preserve the history of O'Fallon. The Society now carries the torch that illuminates the past of O'Fallon. May its light remain bright far into the future.
Ways and Means Thank you to all members who made the year successful. The sale of the remaining Centennial books netted $100. The monthly 50/50 raffle brought in $193. The traveling basket, on the go to members, earned $128. The quilt raffle made a profit of $2,261.29. Many thanks to Martha Bode and her crew of quilters, Leona Warma for the afghan, Century Printing of Belleville for the Cheesekeeper gift certificate, and Virginia Huller for the wall clock. Thanks also to the many members who sold raffle tickets at picnics and stores, and to the businesses that allowed us to sell. A big thanks to all members who bought and sold tickets. The raffle tickets were donated by Schildknecht Funeral Home.
Oral History The O'Fallon Historical Society has been gathering information from people in and around O'Fallon, about their family histories and lives. These histories are recorded and filed at the Museum. Histories recorded during the past six months include the following: A program on the Old Enterprise Farm (formerly the Trippel Peony Farm), located north of O'Fallon on the O'Fallon-Troy Road, was recorded. Richard Ellerbrake presented the information at a recent meeting of the Society. At the Nov. 19, 1996, meeting, a detailed history of the William G. Willard family and the Eureka Steel Range Company was presented by Josephine (Willard) Shaw, granddaughter of the company's founder. An oral history was recorded of Viola Dame (nee Suever), who was born at Crossroads, and later moved to O'Fallon. Her husband was Lawrence Dame. We recorded the life history of Laurine Mueller. Born in Columbia, IL, she told of her childhood and family. She married Edward Mueller and they lived in a rural area east of O'Fallon, where they operated an antique business.
Catalog Committee REMINDER: Please write down your name and address when signing an artifact into the Museum. If possible, please provide a little history of your artifact donation. If it is a photograph, please provide names of persons shown, and dates, if possible.
Screening Committee Almost any article may be used by the museum. The way it will be displayed will determine how long and how often it will be shown. Articles from individuals, businesses, and schools must be historical, for and about the O'Fallon area. Items connected with individuals, but not necessarily in an historical manner, also may be donated. Examples might include old firemen's helmets from other cities, and fire-fighting tools. These probably would be displayed during Fire Prevention Week. Military items brought home by local residents from foreign countries probably would be displayed only during United Nations Week. Old toys and Christmas decorations would be displayed at Christmas time. The Screening Committee will screen all donated items to determine if they may be used by the Society as historical items, and whether the Society has the space and capability for preserving them. This committee has authority to reject any items, as appropriate.
Exhibit Committee A "Salute to Veterans" exhibit was featured at the museum during October and November. Items from the collection of Elmer Crouch of Trenton, IL were on display, including mannequins wearing women's military uniforms from the 1940s to the present. Civil War memorabilia and a trenchcoat also were shown. The December exhibit was a display of "Old Toys and Christmas Decorations" of past years, brought by members of the Society. Our goal is to have seasonal exhibits throughout the coming year.
Special Saturday Public Programs Presentations on historical topics are being planned for the first Saturday afternoon of each month at the Society's Museum. The public is invited. The first program was held Saturday, Oct. 5, 1996 during Fire Prevention Week. The program was presented by Benjamin Hamm, a member of the O'Fallon Fire Department, on the history of the volunteer fire department. An old and a new fire truck were on display in front of the building. The program for Nov. 2, 1996, was presented by Josephine Shaw on the Willard Stove Foundry, Store, and the Willard family. A member of the Willard family, Mrs. Shaw displayed many pictures, articles and artifacts. Her discussion included The Eureka Steel Range Company, which operated in the O'Fallon area from the late 1890s to the mid-1930s. The December program was about the Taylor Opera House and Chautauquas. This program was presented by Don Moser, present owner of the Opera House Mall. Mr. Moser purchased the Opera House and converted the building into a mall. It now houses several businesses and shops.
Cemetery Project Restoration of Rock Springs Cemetery, east of O'Fallon, was undertaken with volunteer help from a large number of Society and community members. Many local businesses contributed to the effort by donating money or food or materials. Volunteer groups who worked several Saturdays, as well as individuals, cleared extensive brush overgrowth and fallen trees. For the winter, fallen markers have been placed on donated wood pallets, in preparation for repair this coming spring.
Looking Back
January 1935 - John Anheuser was named Acting Postmaster. In Memory
We are saddened by the recent death of our member: Individual Gifts REMEMBER the O'Fallon Historical Society with Individual Gifts. Gift cards sent by the Society will read as follows (as appropriate): CONGRATULATIONS - A gift in your honor has been made to the O'Fallon Historical Society on the occasion of your (Birthday, Anniversary, Engagement, Wedding, Grand Opening, Promotion, etc.). GET WELL WISHES - A gift to wish you a good recovery has been made to the O'Fallon Historical Society. IN REMEMBRANCE - A gift has been made to the O'Fallon Historical Society to honor the memory of _________________. SEASON'S GREETINGS - A gift has been made to the O'Fallon Historical Society to wish you a (Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Easter, Happy Thanksgiving, or Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year). THANK YOU - A gift has been made to the O'Fallon Historical Society to thank you for (preparing meals for the family of ________ during her/his fillness, providing transportation for her/him to the doctor's office, etc.). This gift was made by - Janet and John Smith OR Mr. and Mrs. John Smith OR The John Smith Family We pledge to use this gift to promote the Society's continued success and growth. Donor's address will be included. A thank you note will be sent to the donor. For GIFT CARDS, call 632-6773 OR Write Mrs. Maurice A. Hesse, 935 Pohlman Road, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Special Notice DUES: This will be the only dues notice that you will receive. Membership dues are due and payable on January 1 of each year. Dues must be paid no later than March 31 of each year. You will be dropped from the membership rolls if dues are not received by March 31 of the current year. Make dues checks payable to O'Fallon Historical Society, Inc. Mark your check "Dues". Your cancelled check is your receipt. Mail dues checks to: Treasurer, O'Fallon Historical Society, Inc. Following is a copy of the Society's Membership Application, which may be used for sending in dues, or for applying for membership. Please note the dues increase for 1997. Dues must be paid on time to enable the Society to set realistic goals each year. Increased membership also makes higher goals possible. All members, old and new, can strengthen the Society by recruiting others. Members, the life of the Society, are vital to its achievements and, by extension, to its standing in the community. Membership Application |
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