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Archive for Wednesday, January 9, 2008

January 9, 2008

The Monticello Community Historical Society elected Bertha Cameron as its president Dec. 15 at the society's annual business meeting. Cameron is a founding member of the organization in 1988. Cheryn Swanson is the new vice president.

Current president Cindy Ashby will step down, but retain a seat on the board of directors. Ashby has served as president since January 2003, during which time the organization moved into and renovated the old fire station at 83rd Street and Gleason Road. The building has been renamed the Monticello Historical Station at Floyd Cline Hall and serves as a permanent home for the society and the Monticello history museum being created by the organization. There is also a meeting/reception room available for rent in the building.

In August 2005 the Monticello Community Historical Society facilitated the move of the old Virginia School building from its original site at 79th Street and Clare Road to its current location on the USD 232 Mize Elementary school property on Mize Road. It remains on both the State of Kansas and National Parks Register of Historical Buildings.

The society will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in 2008 and plans to have a special event to mark the occasion.

According to Cameron, the focus for the next two years will be on completing the new museum so it can be opened to the public.

The next meeting will be Feb. 14 with a program on black history in the Monticello area. The featured speaker will be Harrison McCallop, a lifelong member of the community.

For more information, call (913) 441-2871.