OCHS members observe year of recovery

After a year spent recovering from a nearly-disastrous fire at the local museum, relief and gratitude were the common themes expressed Friday during the Osage County Historical Society’s annual meeting and dinner.

Members made special presentations to the out-going OCHS president, Jack Shoemate, who was recognized for his guidance during the difficult times.

“He did a truly remarkable job of getting our museum back open,” newly-installed President Kathryn Swan said of her predecessor.

Shoemate will continue to serve on the organization’s board of directors.

Another OCHS director, Frederick Drummond, said Shoemate was the driving force behind “rejuvenating” the museum through an expansion project launched in the wake of the January 2013 fire — which caused extensive smoke and water damage throughout the building.

Approved by acclamation at the meeting were the 2014 slate of directors comprised of Swan, Shoemate, Drummond, Patty Gambill, Garrett Hartness, Shirley Roberts, Jerry Franks, Lu King, Rauk Friend, Ann Leatherman, Roger Lloyd, Nancy Woodyard, Frank Lorenzo, Linda Simms, Mark Simms, Tennie Slone, Judy Taylor (emerita), George Weston and Julia Wilson.

More than $2,400 was raised for the OCHS by a live auction conducted by the local auctioneering team of Jim and Debbie Taylor.

Garnering the top bid of the evening was a limited-edition Pendleton blanket, which brought $600.

Other high bids during the event were received for a Woody Crumbo print ($400), a Boy Scout miniature bronze ($400), a painting by Woody Dr. Robert Chesbro ($350) and a first-print hardcover edition of ”The Mullendore Murder” book ($230).

District Judge John Kane provided musical entertainment for the event.