Florence Historical Society meets
Florence Historical Society held its June 10 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Harvey House Museum. Members in attendance included Neva Robinson, Marjorie Jackson, Twilah Williams, Judy Mills, Rick Burcky, Sarah Cope, and Mary Jane Grimmett.
Patty Williams, representing the Florence Ambulance Service, reported a blood pressure machine has been purchased by the ambulance service and installed at the Florence Public Library. Due to the generosity of family and friends for the memorial for Jim Baldwin, the service was able to purchase the machine and make it available for use of Florence citizens.
Neva Reid received correspondence from the 1953 Florence High School class and from Margo Yates of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. A dinner was served to the alumni class and refreshments for a bus tour were served recently.
Plans were made for an appreciation dinner to be held June 14. The annual "picnic in the park" will be from 5-7 p.m. June 28, or until the food is gone. The fish fry and mountain oyster feed will be held at Grandview Park. Salads and desserts also will be served. This fund-raiser helps to support the museum.
It was reported the Florence Harvey girls will be at the Cowtown Museum in Wichita in July reminiscing about the Fred Harvey days. Judy Mills and Neva Robinson will give presentations on Saturday, July 19, and Kristal Timm and Sarah Cope will be on hand Sunday, July 20.
Members were very appreciative of the 1880s conductor's uniform given by the family of Gladys Lespagnard. It was worn by the father of Gladys.
It was reported all of the Harvey House cookbooks have been sold and a new order has been placed.
Rick Burcky announced the Harvey House web site will now be on the City of Florence web site. If anyone has historical articles or photos, they can be sent to Mary Jane Grimmett, who will be in charge of typing the newsletter. It will be mailed out four times a year to keep members informed of happenings at the Harvey House and to encourage new memberships.
Everyone is invited to attend the meetings and help to preserve the history of Florence. If you are unable to attend, but still would like to join the organization, you may pay your dues and receive the newsletter. Dues of the society are only $10 per year or a lifetime membership of $100. They may be sent to Twilah Williams.
