The Leeds Historical Society had a party last Saturday at Rowan Oaks to celebrate 10 years of working to preserve the history of Leeds.Lawn chairs were spread around the yard to allow some partygoers a chance to visit while desserts were being organized inside the house and hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled outside in preparation for the party.
People trickled in for the first hour or so with various dishes brought to help feed the 60 or so people who attended the party.
After the food was served and everyone had caught up on social affairs, desserts were served and a watermelon was sliced to finish the meal.
Once the meal was finished, it was time to conduct a brief business meeting, led by society President Frank Little.
Former society presidents Marie Cromer, Judi Isbell and Rep. Owen Drake, R.-Leeds, congratulated members on a good job of keeping the society going and expressed their pride in the progress made since they had been president.
Society Board of Directors Chairwoman Martha Smith took the floor to take nominations for officers for the next year.
The motion to accept current officers; including Little, Loretta Veasey as vice president, Jane Henry as public relations and publicity director and Willa Dean Hinson as treasurer; passed with no opposition.
The members also voted to appoint Jason Courson as the at-large committee member, bringing “someone young into the society.”
The board of directors will also continue to consist of Smith, Drake, Bob Forman, Christine Marsicano and Britt Spears after the society voted to keep the lineup the same.
Little took over the meeting again to announce that plans were in the final stages for the society to officially move its office into the depot and manage the day-to-day business needed to keep the museum in the depot well maintained.
As a president’s report of the last year, Little told the story of being contacted about taking her position by Pat Hall, executive director of the Leeds Scenic Byway Committee.
“My first thought was, ‘Who is Pat Hall?’,” Little said. “After that I asked, “Why me, Lord?’ I felt like I was in too many organizations at the time and didn’t need another one. But I couldn’t turn this job down because my family has been in Leeds since 1819 and I am aware of my heritage. It has been my duty and honor to serve and I am amazed by the dedication of the members of this society.”
Smith was also voted chairwoman of the board of directors without opposition for a second year.
Councilwoman Carol Phillips, who attended the party, said the society is a wonderful organization and said if anyone needed help with anything from the council, they knew where to find her.
Mayor James “Tac” Whitfield said the City Council would present a 10-year appreciation proclamation to the Historical Society at its Monday, July 7, meeting.
