McLEAN COUNTY HISTORY & GENEALOGY NEWS
By Euleen Rickard
Since the museum acquired the Smith house in July 2002 much has been done to renovate the historic structure but nothing has captured the attention of the public as much as the dazzling new white weather board and trim. After many months of a run-down look it has suddenly emerged a shining white beauty on Main Street. Someone said, “It is so white you should change the name from Smith house to White house” but it will always remain the Smith house with a “new look.”
In the past those seeking the museum had trouble finding it as the house with its siding hanging and sign rusted and dirty, did not have the looks of a museum. Now, not only does the house look more like a museum, it has a new sign with big lettering that clearly states it is a museum.
We are indebted to Larry, Eileen, Darian and Erin Neal for the new sign and landscaping in front of the house. During a visit to the museum Eileen saw the need for a new sign and offered to donate one. Darian and his workers made the sign and with the help of Erin landscaped around it. Thanks to the Neals for the beautiful sign.
Also, thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the siding project.
Vice President Helen Anderson was a very deserving subject of a wonderful article by Jonna Spelbring in last week’s news. If you read the article you know that Helen has led an interesting and busy life. She is devoted to her family, to the work of the Chamber and diligently works to improve the museum. We are proud of her.
Welcome to our newest member, Doris Brenner of Calhoun.
Recent visitors were Terry Smith Larry and Eileen Neal, Darin and Erin Neal, Mattie Sutherin, Edwina Nalley, Minnie Martin and Dot Young, Owensboro; Jim and Betty Wiggins and Moses Johnson, Utica, Kentucky; Shirley Igleheart, Julie Shoptaugh, Sally Green and Linda Rawlins, Evansville, Indiana; Daryl and Darby Rickard, Peach Tree City, Georgia; Marty Littrel, Henderson, Kentucky; Phil and Cheryl Rickard Huff, Louisville, Kentucky, Caryl and Jerry Wilson, St. Louis, Missouri; Lindsey Wilson, Evanston, Illinois and Christin Stiles and Jonna Spelbring, Calhoun, Kentucky.
Out of state member Dr. A. R. Byrd of Tuscon, Arizona will conduct a class for beginning genealogists at the museum on Monday afternoon, September 20th at 1PM. Dr. Byrd has ties to McLean County as his mother was Addie Bryant Nall of Rumsey. The class is free and is open to the public.
Lindsey Wilson has updated the web site with new pictures, articles and a message board. Visit the web site and post a message: www.oocities.org/mcleancountymuseum
The Treasure House will be open Thursday and Friday September 9 and 10th, 7AM to five. The museum will also be open,11AM to 3PM.