Holt County Confederate Memorial Day
Join us at Union Cemetery on April 25, 2021, for Holt County’s Confederate Memorial Day. Historically, this holiday is celebrated in many states on the last Sunday of April. Veterans of American wars will be researched; their graves will be decorated with flags and names read on an honor roll; there will be histories of selected veterans; speeches, poems, period music, and a salute will be fired by period re-enactors. Holt County’s Civil War skirmish, the Battle of Blair Lane, will be commemorated also. This program will commemorate and honor Holt County soldiers who fought in our nation’s wars, especially those who fought in 19th-century and early 20-century conflict, but with primary attention to those who fought in the Civil War. This mission is to honor and make citizens aware of the history and sacrifice of the county, state, and nation to celebrate our freedom heritage and unique American experience. The outdoor program is open to the public. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted. For more information, please visit our website: www.holtcountymohistoricalsociety.com
Holt County Bicentennial 200 for 200
To commemorate 200 years of Statehood, Holt County’s Missouri State Bicentennial Committee proposes to collect 200 of “something.” Each year citizens of Holt County collect toys, clothing, and useful items to give to needy children of Holt County to help with their Christmas celebration. The committee proposes this year to collect 200 pairs of socks. These socks will be forwarded to the toy committee, to put into the goody bags for the children. The goody bags will also include other clothing items, food items, toys, candy, and a gift card to a local merchant. Bins will be placed in strategic areas such as local merchants and grocery stores for collection.
A Woman’s Herstory Program: Famous Missouri Women
A Woman’s Herstory Program: Famous Missouri Women honors the part that Missouri women have played in state and national history. Four female seniors from Holt County high schools have been selected to research and write an essay on famous women who are from, or have influenced, Missouri. These famous women include entrepreneurs, pioneers, politicians, philanthropists, educators, athletes, and more. Their stories were forwarded to both of the Holt County newspapers and displayed on the following Facebook pages—Holt County MO Historical Society; Mound City; Forest City; and Oregon municipal pages.
Murders, Mysteries, and Mayhem
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? Our committee has researched several stories of murder and mayhem from over 100 years ago such as a bludgeoning, stabbings, love-gone-wrong, robbery, jail breaks, horse thievery and some good old Jesse James legends. By focusing on some of the more unsavory, yet titillating, side of our county history, we will be able to also honor the brave men and women who helped to solve the mysteries involved. Our original plan was to present a community program to highlight some of these titillating stories, but because of the current pandemic now propose to offer one or more stories in county newspapers and social media each week for several months, running from the first of September through the end of 2020.
A Woman’s Her-story Program: Famous Missouri Women
A Woman’s Her-story Program: Famous Missouri Women honors the part that Missouri women have played in state and national history. Several female seniors from Holt County high schools have been selected to present information on famous women who are from, or have influenced, Missouri. These famous women include entrepreneurs, pioneers, politicians, philanthropists, educators, athletes, and more. A brief overview of the strides made by women in past years will be presented as well. Area businesses have been solicited for donations to help provide a small scholarship to each of the participants.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is being re-scheduled. Details to follow.
Salute to Holt County Veterans
PAST EVENT
Salute to Holt County Veterans paid homage to Holt County veterans of World War I, with special focus on Company L, a unit comprised almost entirely of Holt County men. This program provided historical information about the part that Holt County men and women have played in war and peace-keeping efforts on the part of the State of Missouri and the United States as a whole. The program was open to the public and presented as part of the Holt County Missouri Historical Society’s annual meeting, held Sunday, November 3, at 2 pm, at the Holt County Courthouse in Oregon, Missouri.
Voices of the Past
PAST EVENT
Voices of the Past, a program of the Holt County Missouri Historical Society and Holt County Bicentennial Committee, brought Holt County pioneers and citizens to life through actor portrayals and highlight the cemeteries in which they are buried. The program, open to the public, was held Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the historic State Theater in Mound City, Missouri.
Historical View of Forest City
PAST EVENT
Forest City, in Holt County, has a rich history. From the time it was platted in 1857, through its days as a major port on the Missouri River and industrial years supporting a brewery and cannery, to its evolvement into a quiet farming community, Forest City has remained a vital part of Holt County history. On Sunday, June 9, the Holt County Historical Society provided a walking tour of Forest City’s historic buildings, including St. Patrick’s Church and City Hall, as well as a trip to its still-working drug store.