Last night was "celebrity" night at the Wellsville Historical Society's monthly meeting. None other than Minnie Pearl stopped in, gave a big "howdy!" and stayed for a chat with those members in attendance. Bless her heart, she was radiant even with the price tag still hanging from her hat. She is still a real down home lady and regaled us with many tales of life in her neck of the woods. They say laughter is the best medicine and I believe if anybody was feelin' poorly last night they were cured by the time Minnie bid ado.
Pvt. Nick Dauka of the 4th Armored Div. Historical Group was welcomed as a new member. Nick is a senior at Mt. Union and has an intense interest in all things historical. After spending last week-end with us he decided to sign up. Glad to have you on board Nick. Welcome.
Society President Brassy Beresford reviewed last week-end's event with the 4th Armored group. They returned for the second time this year and put on quite a display of the life & times of soldiers that served in that WWII division. The turn out for this year's visit was better than it was the last time with steady crowds checking it out and even some WWII vets reminiscing over what they experienced in those days.
Brassy went on to thank some area residents that loaned their memorabilia to the exhibit. Those folks were Charlene Walsh, Phil Corsello, Tim Ferguson, John Sawyer and Bob Laughley. Charlene's father was an actual member of the 4th Armored Division in Europe and she graciously donated Charles Taylor's keep sakes to the museum. One of those items was a large map of Germany that Taylor had notations made of all the places the 4th went through. One of those notations said "stole chickens". After requisitioning the chickens they took them back to the farm they were staying at and asked the lady farmer to cook them up for the men. She remarked that it had been a really long time since they had some fresh eggs. So, the G.I.s went back and got her some eggs. In her appreciation of getting the eggs the lady gave Taylor a watch which is still in their possession.
Discussion was held on some possible upcoming events. Byron Carter offered to set up his BBQ at one of the events. Byron tells me he uses an old family recipe for his sauce and he works culinary magic with his chicken and ribs. Makes me hungry just thinking about them.
Another event is a sort of Antiques Road Show with a certified appraiser checking out your antiques for a nominal fee. He is donating his time to the museum and who knows? You may have a highly valued item in your possession. We'll pass on additional information once we learn the details.
The next scheduled event is on Sunday, July 12, at 2 P.M. with Wayne Cole presenting a history of street cars and buses. Both of these played a big roll in our history and Mr. Cole is an expert in the history of their development. It's free of admission and open to the public.
In addition to Mrs. Walsh's gift, Mr. Harold Baldwin donated a large picture frame and a sketch of the steamboat East Liverpool. The sketch was drawn by Mr. Baldwin his freshman year in high school. He has also previously donated steam boat models that are displayed in the museum's Boat Room.
Getting back to Minnie...she told us she noticed that Indian Chief Logan was prominently displayed at the museum but there was no evidence of Chief Shortcake. He was also a very well known historical figure who's tribe camped out along the shores of Yellow Crik before Joe Wells ever settled here. You'll have to ask any members that were there last night to tell you the story. Chief Shortcake's story is one for the books.
Minnie was portrayed by Hancock County Historical Society's Janet Kellor. Janet is the mother of seven boys and comes from New Cumberland, WV. She is very entertaining. Sorry about the fuzzy picture. Minnie wouldn't stand still long enough.
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