Hempstead County Bicentenial Committee Meets

By Submitted, 08/8/18 9:52 AM

The Hempstead County Bicentennial Committee met Monday August 6th at the Tailgaters meeting room. Richard Read presided over the meeting. McCaskill Mayor Marion Hoosier gave an update on the recent Mayor’s meeting and reported some activities undertaken by Emmett Mayor Dale Booker. Read gave an update on the Time Capsule. He noted the state archives has offered 4,000 microfilm images for the cost of the microfilm which would be $180.
Read and Mayor Hoosier discussed the… proposed plaques for the townships. Keenan Williams noted we should be able to determine if there is money for the plaques after the December celebration. Catherine Cook noted the recent plaque installed at the Northside Park cost $1,000. The group voted to limit immediate funds towards passports and the December celebration.
Tarona Armstrong of the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site said she and County Judge Haskell Morse have drafted a letter to invite President Clinton to the event. Armstrong said they hope to hear something next week. Judge Morse Morse, Armstrong,and Josh Williams will serve on an event committee.
Josh Williams gave an update on publicity and the website.
Keenan Williams gave an update on memorabilia. He noted eight of the commemorative Bowie knives remain for sale and noted most of the silver coins have been ordered. Keenan Williams also noted the tokens need to be produced for those who are completing their Hempstead County passports.
Highway signs were discussed and Judge Morse noted the highway department says Bicentennial road signs would not be possible.
Richard Read asked about asking all County churches to ring their bells at some preordained time in the county. The measure was tabled.
Ken McLemore of the Hope Schools gave an update on the Hope Schools Hall of Fame and noted a program has been scheduled along with a reception.
Mayor Hoosier noted he had talked to new Blevins Superintendent Stephanie Dixon about a proposed History Fair. Further discussion on the History Fair was tabled.
Josh Williams gave a report on the History Committee. He noted there is a tour August 26th of Guernsey, Fulton,and McNab. He also mentioned sending events to hempstead 200@gmail.com. Williams noted the Watermelon Festival is promoted on the Bicentennial site as is Washington’s “Music In the Park” August 18th.