Highland County Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary, Part XXVI
By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society
And so, the second half of the series of articles commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Historical Society begins. A recap of celebratory events will start us off.
• 50th Anniversary Party: The membership and guests gathered at the Highland House on May 20 in celebration of the Society and Founders on the actual date of the formation of the Society.
The Hon. Judge Rocky Coss spoke on the importance of preserving history and acknowledged the dedication of the Highland County Historical Society. Founding member Bob Hodson commented on the efforts of his colleagues in the founding of the Society 50 years ago and his appreciation for the continuing commitment throughout the half-century since.
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• Tour of Homes: June 28 dawned bright and sunny and remained so throughout the day, admidst many days of rain before and after, blessing the Tour of Homes. Avery Applegate chaired the committee including Kati Burwinkel, Maxine Kratzer, Maggi Horst, and Caroyl Reid who created a great day for nearly 400 guests and volunteers to visit 10 unique buildings in or near Hillsboro.
• Festival of Bells: The Festival Committee honored the Society by inviting us to ring in the festivities. Society Founder Bob and Dorothy Hodson did the honors while Society President Arlene Cole, Highland House Director Vicki Knauff and I cheered them on.
• Tim Koehl provided the idea and rig for our participation in the Festival of the Bells Parade on July 2. Tim pulled the wagon bedecked with flags, signs and C.S. Bells on which rode historic characters portrayed by Bronwyn Jones, Avery Applegate, Kati Burwinkel, Kelli Burwinkel, Debbie Koehl, Howard Kelly, Noah Moore, and Bob Nickell.
Homer, Amy Schneider and Director Vicki Knauff appeared as themselves all decked out in red, white and blue.
Down in history will go the fact that this effort was great fun and won the first place trophy for theme.
• As is traditional, the Hillsboro Woman’s Club hosted the Highland House Museum during the festival weekend. On Saturday, there was perhaps record attendance for a single afternoon with over 75 festival-goers individually and in small groups touring the house.
They enjoyed all but one section of the museum still not yet put back together due to renovation and the Memory Garden recently spruced up by Brad Roads and with the commemorative plaque in place donated by Margaret Van Frank and annuals planted by Lana Daniels. And so very importantly, contractors Brad Tira and Wayne Dance and their skilled crews completed the removal and rebuilding of the back wall of the Highland House. It is incredibly beautiful and authentic with original brick cleaned and reused. The ramp is still to be added, the lawn renewed and some side windows replaced but they are on the agenda.
The continued success of our Capitol Campaign led by John Kellis will enable the maintenance and care of the holdings of the Highland County Historical Society.
The treasures of the Highland House will be continued next week.