This is where you can find out about events and meetings concerning our museum!

Next Meeting is June 6th at 3:30 at the museum!

Merkel Historical Scoiety met on May 2 with 50 members and guests present for a hamburger cookout at the home of Jerry and Zoie Russell.  President Larry Gill called the meeting to order and welcomed guests.  He thanked the Russells for hosting the crowd.  Treasurer Tommye Niell gave the financial report and Larry read the recent memorials:  Bettie Sue Woodall by Joe & June Gregory, Pat & Larry Gill and Mary Stanley;  Pauline Butman by Billy Bob & Pat Neff;  Slim Goodwin by Mary Stanley;  Cathy Springer Leavell by JoAnn Mashburn;  Novel Baize by Mary Stanley and Wilson Williams by Mary Stanley.\par
     A recent note from Truett and Leota Patterson was read to the club.  It was announced that we are raising money to add 5,000 square feet to the museum.  a $25,000 pledge has been made and we need to raise funds to match the pledge.  Larry announced that Jimmy and Joan Neill have donated materials to fence the museum block.  Corky Cox has offered to assist in getting the fence erected.  The drawing for the beautiful red and green afghan made by Dee Forseland was held.  Mickey Odom won the afghan.\par
      It was announced that the Fortnightly Study Club is getting Christmas ornaments that advertise Merkel.  They want to share the expenses and the profits with the Historical Society.  Jerry Russell interrupted the discussion to announce that large hail and tornados are headed toward Merkel.  The meeting was ended and Kirk Castleman led a prayer.  Many club members stayed to eat and a few headed for home like a covey of quail!

Board Meeting:  Nine members of the Merkel Historical Society Board of Directors met in a called meeting at the museum on May 4.  President Larry Gill called the meeting to order and thanked the Russells for the picnic.  The group discussed the Christmas ornament project with the Fortnightly Study Club, but no decision was made.  Zoie Russell suggested that we host an open house at the museum and encourage local business owners to attend.  The date for the open house was set for June 13 from 6:00-9:00 P.M.  Finger foods and refreshments will be served with Zoie coordinating the event.\par
     Gill asked the board to consider the new museum addition.  He announced that prices to erect the building have gone up in the last few months due to heavy building in this area, costs of cement and gasoline.  It was announced that prices on the slab, building and plumbing are currently being taken.  We have $25,000 promised and need to raise an additional $25,000.  The group will look into grants and donations.\par
     Waymon Adcock suggested that we fence the museum property as soon as possible.  Jerry Russell is checking on the fence materials.  Zoie Russell made a motion seconded by Waymon Adcock to host a 125th Merkel birthday celebration on Oct. 7 behind the museum.  All voted in favor.  The event will include a chuckwagon, vendors, the Horse Whisperer, square dancers, yarn spinning, a blacksmith, horseshoe throwing, children's games, etc.  Larry asked that everyone plan now to order frontier clothing to wear and to present other ideas for the event. \par
     Larry announced that the museum was offered a 1940 Ford pickup from the movie "The Last Great Picture Show."  He declined the offer due to the condtion of the vehicle.  It was also announced that we are working to put a military tank and helicopter on the museum grounds.  Larry thanked the board members for their attendance.

I am (Thomas) currently working on a new website for the museum so that we can have more pages and pictures, I will be out of town for the rest of May but hope to have it up for the June Meeting!  Thanks for your patience, Check out my new site at www.SeekerBug.com

The Phone Number for the museum is 1-325-928-9912

Get your name crocheted in Lace, contact Larry Gill for more info!

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