The Roane County History Society met at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22nd for its first regular meeting of 2012 with thirteen members and two guests present. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present. Denver Gandee led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all. The minutes from the December 2011 meeting were read by Susan Tucker and approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given by Carol Board-Westfall reflecting a balance of $16,250.62

Linda Liss, Membership & Corresponding Secretary, reported present membership at 201, which included two new members. She also reported that she had replied to several inquiries and had sent greeting or sympathy cards where needed.

Liss extended her appreciation to the Society for nominating her for the 2012 History Hero honor held on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at the Culture Center in Charleston as part of History Day at the Legislature. Thirty-four West Virginians were honored for their contributions to their respective communities and/or societies.

She also reported on the Annual Scholarship Essay, that several Senior high school students have picked up the scholarship applications. The society will present a $750 scholarship to the writer of the best essay interpreting their family genealogy. Essay deadline was, Friday, April 6th. The scholarship will be awarded at the Roane County High School’s annual awards ceremony later this Spring.

Guest and former society member, Judy Hildreth, has new books for sale. She has compiled the Birth Records for Calhoun County, WV. Letters A through H. are now available. You may email Judy at jhildreth961@yahoo.com to place an order.

A collection of 1980’s & 90’s obituaries from the Calhoun Chronicle and the Glenville Pathfinder were donated to the society by Mrs. Elaine Gates. The clippings will be organized into albums and placed in the society’s history room.

The R.C.H.S. is also in receipt of a large portrait of three Greathouse Unknowns, [pictured in the photo section of this website]. It was donated to the society by member Cheryl Moss Holbrook and her brother Greg Moss. It was found in their late grandmother’s belongings and believed to be descendants of Joseph “Joe” and Katherine “Kit” Webb Greathouse. If you recognize this trio, please contact Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com or post a reply to this article or with the photo.

Mark your calendars, the 17th Annual Genealogy Fair sponsored by the Roane County Historical Society will be held on Saturday, September 22nd at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. More information to follow.

The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to: Okey and Mary Young, Patty and Bernard Wyatt, Denver Gandee, Carol Board-Westfall, Phill “PJ” Miller, Linda Liss, Hazel Gandee, Peggy L. Starcher, Rick Greathouse, Reva Paxton, Susan Tucker, and guests Judy and Mason Hildreth.

The next meeting of the Roane County Historical Society is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library, lower level. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcome.