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| Columbian, Neotorical historical societies at HHS |
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| Question: Do you have any information on two organizations - one called the Columbian Historical Society, and the other the Neotorical Historical Society? |
| Answer: After hours of searching and a "brainstorm" that these two organizations might be connected to the school, we finally found the following information and even a picture of the members of both societies. This proves one should never give up, just keep looking until you find what you need. |
| The Columbian Historical Society was organized September 11, 1922, at the local high school, for the purpose of having a program one day each week, instead of the regular lesson studies. The time of having these programs was later changed to every two weeks. Then, every other Friday, students had current events and on the days programs were given, each pupil had to answer roll call with a current event. |
| The school organization had a terrible time keeping a leader. The first president, Miss Louise Martin, served several weeks then left. Miss Phyllis Parks was chosen as the second president, but she only served a few weeks before moving away. The third president, Erwin Greenhaw, was then elected. But like the two previous presidents before him, he too moved away and they were once again left with a vacant office. |
| Many of the students wanted to give up and disband, but others wanted to try once again to elect a leader, so nominations for a fourth president were in order. Lawrence Clark won the election. Other officers were: voce-president, Albert Beene; secretary-treasurer, Miss Nola Coker; and sergeant-at-arms, Charlie Floyd. |
| The group of high school students decided to complete the organization by choosing a name, motto, colors and a constitution for the society. After much discussion, the name "Columbian Historical Society" was chosen. The motto, "The Door to Success is Labled 'Push'" was chosen and the colors were red, white and blue. These students took this organization very seriously, and excellent historical programs were given by members of the society. |
| Members of the society were Austin Barker, Phil Baumgardner, Willis Bradshaw, Albert Beene, Thelma Czech, Clyde Eoff, Lawrence Clark, Anna Fowler, Charles Floyd, Jane Greene, Loyd Jackson, Rufas King, Carl Moore, James Norton, Bernice Rowland, Faye Tims, Hugh Snapp, Miriam Clark and Nola Coker. |
| The Neotorical Historical Society boasted more members than the Columbian Historical Society, although this group had the same goals and rules. Officers were: president, Mae Nicholson; secretary-treasurer, Lucille Rowland; reporter, Genevieve Holt; and sponsor, Miss Alverta Wallace. |
| The roll of the Neotorical Historical Society included John Andrews, Tina Mae Bailey, Gladys Brazel, George Brooks, John Brooks, Henrietta Coffman, Fred Duncan, Flossie Eoff, Mary Sue Greene, Thelma Hamm, Genevieve Holt, Bill Hudspeth, Constance Hudspeth, Carrie Ingram, Leota Ingram, Mabel Ingram, Alfred Johnson, Mayne Johnson, Vernon Jones, Catherine Larimer, Mildred Lively, Almarine Maggard, John Paul McAlister, Hermina Merrell, Mary Milum, May Nicholson, Elsie Noble, Gerry Orr, Rex Poynor, Hazel Price, Lucille Rowland, Claire Simpson, Faye Tims, Irene Walker, Jeane Walker, Velna Wagley and Eugene Wilson. |
| Many of you will recognize the above names, since many went on after their school days to become some of the county's leading citizens. Old school annuals, especially those from the 1920s and 1930s, hold a wealth of information about student participation in various activities. The Hi-Y Club and the Lanier Fine Arts Club were also mentioned as two more clubs in 1923. The Phil-up Stand was erected by the senior class in December 1922 for the purpose of raising money to meet the incidental expenses of starting the annual. Hamburgers were sold two days a week for about two months with great success. It was used several times by the various classes to raise money for different purposes. Everything considered, the little stand lived up to all that its name suggested. |
| Information obtained from the 1923 Harrisonian provided the answer for today's history question. Take some time and drop by the Heritage Museum and visit the second floor School Room. You will be surprised what you can find! |
| The museum, located on the corner of South Cherry and Central Avenue, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is only $2 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult. |
| This column appears Fridays in the Harrison Daily Times. Mail questions to Boone County Heritage Museum, P. O. Box 1094, Harrison, AR 72601. Marilyn Smith can be contacted at bchm@windstream.net |
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