Historical Society receives Governor?s Community Participation Grant

The Roane County Historical Society, Inc. met on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in the Roane County Library downstairs meeting room.

The meeting was called to order by Rick Greathouse, President. Jack Nida led the opening prayer and the pledge to the flag was recited.
Susan Tucker, Recording Secretary, pro tem, read the minutes of the May meeting, which were approved unanimously.

Carol Board-Westfall gave the Treasurer?s report.

Linda Cottrell Liss, Membership/Corresponding Secretary, reported the gain of one member for a total membership of 192. Dues, $12, for the 2010-11 fiscal year are payable at this time. She also reported that the ?Historic Buildings in Spencer, WV? brochure has been reprinted, with 100 being sent to the WV Welcome Center at Williamstown, WV per their request.

Old Business:
Susan Tucker reported that a digital photo frame loaded with past genealogy fair photos has been placed at the Roane County Library to help promote the society and the fair. She has ordered two additional digital frames to display photos during this year?s fair.
Susan suggested that a FaceBook on-line site for the Roane County Historical Society be established. With general approval of those present, Susan will take care of this. Also, it was suggested that perhaps older issues of ?The Journal? newsletter be posted to the society?s website. Guidelines need to be drawn up with regard to this proposal.

There is no further report on the Essay Contest Scholarship at this time.

Society member & Roane Co. Delegate, Bob Ashley, presented a 2010 grant award certificate to the society representing a $3,000 Governor?s Community Participation Grant received recently. This is the second year the society has been awarded the grant.
The Society needs to identify additional homes or buildings in the area that were built in or before 1910 for possible recognition with a plaque as we did with the 2009 grant. It was also suggested that perhaps the society recognize the late Congressman, Harry C. Woodyard, [1867-1929]. Woodyard, who served nine terms, was the only U. S. Congressman from Roane County.

A nominating committee, Susan Tucker, Linda Liss and Jack Nida, will prepare & present a slate of officers for the 2010-11 year at the July 22nd meeting for election.

It was noted that several previously unread Roane County cemeteries have been identified and read. There are many updates needed for already read & published cemeteries. Perhaps it is time to compile an additional ?Cemeteries of Roane County, WV? volume.

The meeting adjourned with a 17th Birthday Celebration of the R. C. H. S. Refreshments were served to, Carol Board-Westfall, Rick Greathouse, Susan Tucker, Jack and Jean Nida, Hazel Gandee, Bob Ashley and Linda Cottrell Liss.

Comments and/or questions may be directed to Linda Cottrell Liss, Corresponding Secretary, at WVRoots@aol.com

Historical Society Adopts a Log at Fort Randolph

On Thursday, May 27, 2010, 7:00 p.m., members of the Roane County Historical Society, Inc. gathered at the Roane County Library, lower level, for their regular monthly meeting. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order & welcomed those present. Jack Nida led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited.
Susan Tucker, Secretary pro tem, read the minutes from the April meeting which were approved. Minutes from the March meeting were also approved.
Carol Board-Westfall gave the treasurer?s report of receipts and disbursements for the month of May 2010.
Linda Liss, Membership and Corresponding Secretary reported that we received four new members in April-May and reports one member?s death, bringing the current membership to 191. Annual dues are due by June 30th. Members are urged to check the mailing label on their last newsletter to confirm their individual expiration date. She also brought the membership up-to-date on correspondence she had received. One in particular from the West Virginia Welcome Center at Williamstown, WV requested 100 of the Historic Buildings in Spencer, WV brochure to display at the Welcome Center. A motion was made and approved to have additional brochures printed to take care of the request.
Carol Cronin, Newsletter Editor, reported that the Volume 17 ? Summer issue of ?The Journal? is a work in progress and should be ready to take to the printer soon.
Carol Board-Westfall reported that two new books have been added to the society?s library: (1) ?Images of America ? Wirt Co., WV? by Richard Lowe, (2) ?Marking Our Past ? WV Historical Highway Markers? published by the State of WV.
We were reminded of the 16th Annual Roane County Genealogy Fair to be held on Saturday, September 25th at the Heritage Center Community Building in Spencer. Additional details will be announced after the June meeting.
There was nothing further to report on the 2011 Genealogy/History Essay Contest Scholarship at this time.
Susan Tucker presented an idea of using Digital Photo Frames loaded with photos of past Genealogy Fairs as an advertisement of the upcoming Fair. She has one loaded with photos and will place it at a strategic Spencer area to announce and advertise this up-coming annual event.
Rick encouraged members to visit the West Virginia GenWeb site, that the site has some recently added features and the Roane County Historical Society?s web site can be located at wvroane.org. We were also reminded that the Roane County Library?s web site has a listing of individual family histories that can be accessed in the Society?s library on the building?s lower level.
Rick Greathouse reported that he attended a war reenactment at Fort Randolph, in Point Pleasant, WV recently. While there he learned that the palisade timbers around the fort are deteriorating and need to be replaced. To that effort an Adopt-a-Log Campaign is in progress. The R. C. H. S. voted to adopt a log in memory of Roane Countian and Revolutionary War veteran, Samuel Tanner. A plaque with the names of donors will be located in the fort?s trading post.
The nominating committee for the R. C. H. S. will meet in June to nominate officers for 2010-11. The election will take place in July 2010.
The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to those present: Susan Tucker, Carol Board-Westfall, Patty Wyatt, Rick Greathouse, Jack and Jean Nida, Hazel Gandee, Linda Liss, Denver Gandee, and Carol Cronin.
The Society?s annual birthday party will be held at the conclusion of the June 24th meeting. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcome.

Times Record - Thurs., 3 June 2010 p. 6A

Stella J. Anderson, 79, of Spencer, died Thursday, May 27, 2010 at CAMC General Hospital, Charleston after an extended illness.
She was born in Spencer, a daughter of the late Elbert Madison and Cleora Starcher Tanner. She was a homemaker. She was a former employee of the Hughes Drug Store fountain, and a former member of the Linden Homemakers Club. She was also a member of Spencer Advent Christian Church, American Legion Post 21 Auxiliary and the Roane County Historical Society.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Rev. Willis E. Anderson of Spencer; children, David H. Anderson of Walton, Marlena Anderson Daily of Savannah, Ga., Jerry Willis Anderson of Peniel and Lena Mae Burgess and Barbara S. DeWeese, both of Spencer; a sister, Helen Howard of Reedy; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Waybright; and brothers, Hershel and Arlie Tanner.
Service was Sunday at John H. Taylor Funeral Home, with Rev. Garry L. Bowen officiating. Burial was in Spencer Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at taylorfuneralhomeinc.com.

Stella was a long-time member of the Roane County Histoical Society, Inc. We extend our sincere sympathy to her husband, Willis, and family.

OBIT - Sidney Daily News 24 Feb 2010 (on-line)
Emogene Harris Allen

New Knoxville - Emogene Harris Allen, 75, of 19100 East Shelby Road, New Knoxville, died on Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at her home.

Helen Emogene Harris was born on Nov. 6, 1934, in Great Bend, Meigs County, the daughter of Dexter and Helen (Proffitt) Harris. Emogene was involved with cooking and sewing in home economics while in school. At county fairs she entered cooking, canning, baking and garment making contests. She graduated from Racine High School in 1952, and on May 30 of the same year married Howard R. Allen of Pomeroy, whom she met two years earlier in her hometown of Great Bend. Together they raised five children.

She is survived by her husband Howard R. Allen, of New Knoxville; three brothers, Dale (Jean) Harris of Grove Hill, Ala.; Paul (Marilyn) Harris of Racine, Charles (Waynita) Harris of Portland; five children, Cindy Lou (Michael) Fort of Indianapolis, Ind., Krista Sue (Roger) Wulber of Willowdell, H. Steven Allen of Indianapolis, Ind., Michael C. (Jenny) Allen of New Knoxville, Daniel H. (Shelby) Allen of New Knoxville; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Emogene worked in a Bible Bookstore in Xenia for a number of years. She also coordinated and traveled for the Xenia Chapter of the American Red Cross doing presentations to promote Red Cross Blood Mobiles.

In 1962, Howard and Emogene Allen first took the foundational class on Power for Abundant Living offered by The Way Ministry and began their nearly five decades of involvement with the ministry. From 1966 through 1998, Emogene managed The Way International Bookstore operations. It was in this capacity that she was instrumental in developing many of the procedures for mail order and item preparation, inspection, and distribution that later branched off into other Departments at The Way International Headquarters. In 1977, Howard R. Allen was installed as the second Secretary-Treasurer of The Way International, and Emogene faithfully supported him in this service.

Emogene and Howard received the distinction of First Way Corps (a ministerial training program) in 1994 and recognition as emeritus Way Corps in October of 1998. Together they served with faithfulness and commitment to God and the ministry. With loving and dedicated service to God's people, Emogene's example has inspired many followers of The Way. She awaits the return of Christ and the rewards of the future.

A recognition service will be held at The Way International Headquarters in New Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those who prefer to make a personal financial donation may send it to "In Honor of Emogene Allen" at: The Way International, PO Box 328, New Knoxville, OH 45871.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home in New Knoxville.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.
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Imogene Harris Allen was a long-time member of the Roane County Historical Society, Inc. We extend our sincere sympathy to Mr. Allen and family.

The Roane County Historical Society, Inc. met on Thursday, April 22, 2010 for their regularly scheduled meeting. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order.
Susan Tucker served as secretary pro-tem.
Carol Board-Westfall gave the Treasurer?s report for the month of April 2010 and reported that all bills have been paid.
The sending of greeting cards policy was discussed. The practice of sending cards for known member illnesses, family deaths, etc. will be continued.
Carol Board-Westfall reported that one book, The History of Calhoun County WV-1989, published by the Calhoun County Historical & Genealogical Society, has been added to the Society?s library.
Reminder: Please mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Roane County Genealogical Fair, Saturday, September 25, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m. at the Heritage Park Community Building, 110 Church Street in Spencer. This event, sponsored by the R. C. H. S., will have many vendors selling their genealogical books and products.
New business discussion:
Jay and Maggie Volkwein, guest attendees, of Calhoun County, are doing research for a book on Island Run in the Smithfield District of Roane County. They are interested in finding people with stories and/or old photographs of that area. If you have items or stories to share, please contact the Volkwein?s at 18508 South Calhoun Hwy., Orma, WV 25268
Mr. Denver Gandee, guest attendee, Spencer resident and C.S.A. Civil War buff, is searching for information regarding the Civil War service of Confederate soldier Joseph Alexander West, (1820-1890) who is buried at the Goff Cemetery on Goff Hill behind present-day WalMart. Mr. Gandee would like to have a C.S.A. military marker installed in memory of Mr. West?s service. You may contact Mr. Gandee at 304-927-1824 if you have information to share.
Mr. Allen Arnold, guest attendee, led discussion and proposed that the R. C. H. S. sponsor a Cast-Iron Cook-off to be held during Spencer?s Heritage Days Festival next year (May 2011). The event would include community cooking and recipes of old-time cooking in cast iron cookware. No action was taken at this time. Mr. Arnold will gather further information and report back at a future meeting.
Old business discussion:
Essay Contest Scholarship: Claudia Jorgensen reported that she had talked with the guidance counselor at Roane County High School. She received positive feedback for the scholarship to be implemented during the 2010-11 school year. Guidelines will be worked out for prospective essay participants to follow. Mr. Marvin Stemple, who brought the idea of the essay contest to the society, read excerpts from a Harrison County school essay that had won in a previous year?s competition.
Discussion continued with regard to recognizing additional historical buildings or houses built 1910 or before with a bronze plaque. In 2009 the society researched and recognized 18 historic buildings and homes in Spencer with a plaque and a brochure giving their history. If you own or know of a building meeting the 1910 criteria, please contact Carol Board-Westfall at legallady@hughes.net.
Members and guests in attendance were, Rick Greathouse, Carol Board-Westfall, Susan Tucker, Bernard and Patty Wyatt, Okey and Mary Young, Stephanie Poole, Paul Hughes, Denver Gandee, Wilma Rhodes, Brenda Konarski, Claudia Jorgensen, Jay and Maggie Volkwein, Theresa and Madison Parker, Marvin Stemple and Allen Arnold.
The next meeting of the historical society will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 7 p.m. on the lower level of the Roane County Library. Guests are welcome and members are urged to attend. You may contact Linda Liss, WVRoots@aol.com, for more information.