JERSEY: Historical Society holds annual meeting
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By Steven Spencer
The Jersey County Historical Society announced the naming of the genealogy center to The Lois Lock Genealogy Research Center at their annual meeting on Sunday, March 19.
The Historical Society said Lock is one of the longest serving volunteers and has been largely responsible for the growth of the research facilities and available genealogical information.
“Jersey County’s finest genealogist, she has donated thousands of hours toward the improvement of the society. Where we are as an organization is largely to her credit and she is, by far, our greatest asset,” the Jersey County Historical Society said.
During the meeting, the Historical Society’s 2023 scholarship was awarded to Drake Goetten for his essay on
his Great-Great-Uncle Willie Goetten and his time as a student at St. Mary’s Westwoods.
This year, the scholarship essay asked a specific question by having applicants interview people in their lives who have seen significant change in the community or the world as a whole. Each essay was then submitted to the Historical Society’s family files, helping bolster research while at the same time getting students involved.
“Because of the research that we have now we’re able to bolster what we know about St. Mary’s Westwoods,” Connor Ashlock said. “He talked a little about the school in there, talked a little about his experiences with one in particular teacher, and that really helps give us a better qualitative understanding about our history. That’s something thats very important about our work here.”
During the meeting, the board also discussed a busy 2022 with the Tying the Knot tour, the Dearly Departed tour, Christmas tours and fresh paint on the outside of the Cheney Mansion.
“The museum has a new law and government room, the school has a new exhibit, they overhauled the wedding and military room exhibit. On the technology front, we launched a new website and continue to scan families and our collection of high school year books,” Marion Phipps said.
The popularity of the Cheney Mansion for paranormal tours has grown over the last year the board said before presenting a video of a door closing on its own that was caught by paranormal investigators on Saturday night.
The board also voted to approve renewed terms for board members Marion Phipps, Beth McGlasson, Ashleigh Hamilton, Connor Ashlock and Sheri Droste.
Before finishing the meeting, Stan Sinclair presented a slide show on the history of buildings, churches, businesses and schools in Jerseyville.
