The atmosphere was festive and the gathering had purpose as the members and guests of the Switzerland County Historical Society met on Monday, November 3rd at the Jack Sullivan Senior Center in Vevay for their Annual Meeting. With tables boasting fall décor, the always popular pitch-in dinner started the evening. Homegrown and homemade was in abundance and provided for a delicious dinner. The business meeting followed with an upbeat outlook on the challenging year ahead as we face budget cuts from funding sources. The election of officers retained the present Board of Trustees whose experience and knowledge of the organization will prove beneficial this coming year. They are president Sundra Whitham, vice president Allen Bear, secretary Joyce Benbow, treasurer Anita Danner, and trustees Helen Parks, Barry Brown and George Reed. Director Martha Bladen reported on the many accomplishments made possible by our devoted volunteers and the grants from Switzerland County Tourism, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Humanities Council that made special events happen. Big Doin’s Tent Chautauqua, the Rural Heritage Tour, Storyfest, Planting the Seeds of History and A Country Christmas couldn’t have happened without their participation and collaboration. Ellyn Kern then presented the First Family award to Ella Grace Stow Woodfill, who gave an enlightening presentation on her family genealogy. For acceptance as a First family, the recipient must prove their connection to descendants who settled in Switzerland County prior to 1855. Ella’s g-g-g-grandfather Jonah Stow (1780-1840) was a Continental soldier during the American Revolutionary War, fought at Lexington, MA and was captured by the British. After the war, as a soldier he received a land grant from President Jefferson and came to Switzerland County, Indiana. He and his family established Stowtown (on Stowtown Road) near East Enterprise, where he and his sons farmed much of the land between East Enterprise and Center Square. As the grand finale to an already interesting evening, Donna Weaver presented a program on the “Art of Money”. Donna’s artistry is evidenced in over 50 designs on coins and medals she has done for the U. S. Mint, including 12 state quarters, six America the Beautiful quarters, the 911 Silver Medal, and four Code Talker Congressional Medals. In addition to sharing her work, Donna’s presentation included the changing faces of Lady Liberty on coins over the years. Special displays that highlighted the meeting were the wedding dress Andrea Kappes styled for the reenactment wedding of Emily Thiebaud and John Malcomson during the Rural Heritage Tour, a slide viewing of the wedding photographs by Anjali Fong Photography, and a collection of rare coins to reinforce The Art of Money program. What a delightful evening! The Switzerland County Historical Society welcomes new members. Visit switzcomuseums.org or stop by the museum at 208 East Market Street in Vevay, open daily from noon to 4 pm. Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote the history of Switzerland County, Indiana. Join us!
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 13:45:57 +0000
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