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Historical Society resumes meetings

Posted 4/1/23

After a three-year hiatus, the Bedford County Historical Society resumed its customary meeting schedule with its spring quarter meeting on March 20, in the Fellowship Hall of the First United …

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Historical Society resumes meetings

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After a three-year hiatus, the Bedford County Historical Society resumed its customary meeting schedule with its spring quarter meeting on March 20, in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church on the Square in Shelbyville.  Guests included James Cortner, Judy Hornaday, Lee Travis, and Cynthia Ashley.

A potluck supper kicked off the meeting at 6:30 p.m., hosted by members Tom and Rhonda Styer, Trish Hubbard, Sandra Smith, Sarah Hill, and Gene Williams.  Decorations featured a St. Patrick’s Day theme for the serving and dining table décor. 

Following the pot-luck meal, the society held a business meeting to inform members of society business over the last three years and the current status of affairs.  Recording Secretary Faye Fuller gave the secretarial report, followed by Treasurer Hazel Foster’s financial report.  President Al Simmons reported that membership was at an all-time high and urged prompt renewals of 2023 membership. 

Simmons thanked Carol Roberts, Andrew Cortner Gore, Carolyn Smotherman, and the Coffee County Historical Society for materials and articles used in the spring issue of the quarterly.  He reported that the society is progressing toward electronic availability of past issues of the quarterlies and should be completed by late fall.  The society provided several tables of free, excess copies of past issues to attendees. Simmons also reported that the Poplin History Award applications were being evaluated, and honorees will be announced at each high school’s Awards Day Programs in May.  Honorees will be invited to the June society meeting for further recognition.

The society will be 50 years old next year and is considering activities to celebrate its golden anniversary.  Simmons requested recommendations from attendees on celebratory activities.  He also noted that the next meeting of the society’s Board of Directors is on April 12, at the Public Library at 1 p.m.; he asked anyone with inputs or questions to attend the meeting and present their concerns.

After the business meeting, Simmons introduced society member and Bedford County Archives Director Carol Roberts who presented the program featuring “Distilleries of Bedford County in the Pre-prohibition Era.”  Her presentation highlighted dozens of licensed distilleries in the county, particularly those along Shipman’s Creek and its tributaries.  She had copies of her book on the same subject for sale to attendees. The book is also available on Amazon.

Simmons concluded the meeting, reminding members that the next meeting is scheduled for June 19 at the same place and time with Randy & Freda Head, Louanne Neeley, Daniel Jackson, Carolyn Jones, and Marty Davis hosting.