Lucas County Health Center Volunteer Program

This article appeared in a Chariton Newspaper in May of 2005

LCHC Volunteers log more than 10,000 hours

Lucas County Health Center Volunteer Services recently honored the dedicated volunteers who work to preserve Lucas County's historic past while working at the Lucas County Genealogy department at the Chariton Library. Over the past three years, genealogy volunteers have donated more than 10,000 hours researching local records. Recognized during National Volunteer Week from left are volunteers Larry Shriver - Pioneer Cemetery; and Darlene Arnold, Gwen Sims, Connie Smith, Sharon Neel and Lois Orfield - Genealogy. These tireless community members show remarkable patience in their work to preserve Lucas County family histories. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lucas County Genealogical Society was founded in April of 1976 in order to preserve, collect and make readily available the historical and genealogical records of Lucas County Iowa and to help local and distant persons to research their ancestry.

The Society maintains a library collection housed in the Family History Room (now known as the Lucas County Genealogical Society Room), lower level of the Chariton Public Library at 803 Braden Ave.

Volunteers work in the Genealogy room to maintain a large assortment of Lucas Co. family histories, and newspaper records, including obituaries stored in a many drawer card file. This card file contains cards filed alphabetically by Surname referring to notebooks of obituaries or referring to correspondence with family members or other resources, such as Family History books.

Betty Cross doing research

Karen Patterson, Darlene Arnold, Betty Cross, Melody Wilson, Mary Ruth Pierschbacher, Mabel Schluessler, Connie Smith, Dorothy Allen, and Sharon Neel are some of the volunteers that work in the Genealogy Room making sure records are kept up to date, research is done, assisting visitors, answering emails, etc.

Volunteers visit Lucas County Cemeteries to take pictures of the headstones and then Darlene Arnold places the pictures, with a brief description, on Iowa Gravestones on the Internet. 

Have you heard about "Grave Witching"? Click on this website for an interesting article about grave witching: Grave Witching.

The Iowa State Historical Society gave over 140 microfilm rolls, containing copies of the newspapers in Lucas County dating back to 1867, to the Chariton Library years ago. Volunteer, Darlene Arnold started an every name index, from the newspapers stored on these microfilm rolls, over 20 years ago. Recently the name index was placed on the Internet at Chariton Newspaper Index. Since then, researching requests, from all over the country, have doubled. Volunteers are available all year long to answer the hundreds of requests for information generated by the index on the Internet. During the first two months of 2010, there were over 500 requests.

April 18, 2012, Darlene was recognized for her years of volunteer service at a Volunteers Award ceremony where she was presented with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by Veronica Fuhs, hospital CEO and Linda Baynes, director of Volunteer Services. This award can only be presented to a volunteer who has given over 4,000 hours of volunteer time. We know Darlene has given more time than that to help people find the histories of their families.

Lucas County is lucky to have so many volunteers working out of the Lucas County Health Center doing all kinds of volunteer work. For information on these volunteer opportunities or services, contact Linda Baynes, LCHC Volunteer Services Department at 774-3226.

Country Cabins Glamour Camping Resort

Back in June 2011 I wrote an article about Jerry Wells' old cabin after I had interviewed Nick Cattell, (click here to see that article: Jerry Wells Cabin.) This month Nick held an open house at the cabin site, which he has transformed into the Country Cabins and Glamour Camping Resort.  This concept is Lucas County's new and exceptionally unique combination of camping and motel luxury.  The Resort is now open and ready for travelers.  The themed suites have been constructed with reclaimed and re-purposed building materials and decorated with historic heirlooms of bygone eras.  The cabins are located just east of Chariton on Hwy 34 adjacent to the Trading Post and Soda Pop Saloon.

Cabins include vintage campers, (aluminum luxury travel trailers that debuted in 1936), a small pull-along and pop-up, a custom made Harley teardrop and a huge fifth-wheel. Each suite has two or three bedrooms, futons, two baths, and additional spaces in the specialty camper that is either enclosed within the unit or attached.

There are five themed suites within the Cabins.  Each suite can be a home away from home for 10 to 12 people with shared common areas.  Camp Cheyenne's western theme is "The End of the Trail" patterned after a lone figure of an Indian on his weary horse. (Pictured below with Nick sitting on the bed).

Camp Mercedes is a tiki themed room reminiscent of a tropical paradise with palm trees and other Polynesian decor.

Camp Tucker is the Harley Davidson themed suite.  The bedding is in the traditional Harley colors.  The wall behind one bed is recycled tin.  On it hangs a motorcycle. Tin has been salvaged from an old shed and incorporated into the decor.  The camper inside one of the bedrooms (shown above) was custom built and has fenders off a 2000 Fatboy Harley.

Camp Bentley has an actual grill out of a Bentley luxury car.  It is the distinguished heritage that is the essence of Bentley that influenced Nick's decision to incorporate into this unit memorabilia from Mallory Castle.  This room has lumber salvaged from Mallory Castle and some milled from surrounding trees.  There is a huge slate fireplace in Camp Bentley - one of three fireplaces from the Castle.

Camp Whitney, is a pop-up that sleeps six people.  The suite has an additional four beds and a futon, so a family of at least ten can be accommodated.  Two dozen old wooden decoys from Jerry Wells and his dad can be viewed in glass displays.

In the campground area full hookups are planned for the first thing this upcoming year and also several tent sites will be available along with tent rental.

The complex will be managed by Nick's son, Brad and his financé Desiree since Nick plans to continue to drive truck for Hy-Vee.  A tour can be arranged or just stop by.  They are eager to share the memorabilia of this area.  More information is available on Facebook or at www.country-cabins.com or calling 641-217-0534.

Bikers Against Child Abuse

This article appeared in the Chariton Herald-Patriot on March 28, 2013 written by Sandra Knebel

April the Month of the Young Child

Bikers Against Child Abuse Make Victims Feel Safe

Sarge (left) and A-Train (right) explained to a room full of community members

supporting the efforts of Parents & Children First Child Abuse Prevention and 

Awareness that the mission of BACA is to create a safer environment for abused

children and empower them to become happy kids again.

Five big and burly motorcycle riders, arrived in their leather togs decorated with pins and patches representing the BACA program of which they are a part, were present last week for the Parents & Children First Child Abuse Prevention Awareness luncheon.  During an inspiring video and personal presentation, members of the Central Iowa Chapter of the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) shared their mission statement - to create a safer environment for abused children.

The video was the first explanation of what BACA means.  The BACA founder, known as "Chief", is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist working with small children between the ages of 3 and 8, most of whom have been abused or hurt in another way.  He would see incremental changes taking place, but then the perpetrator would cruise by the house or have access to the child again that would compromise his progress.  "My frustration grew and grew, " he said.

Because of the childhood experiences Chief had with bikers, he decided to ask some of his biker friends if they would be willing to help support a child.  It was apparent to him that there were people who wanted to fight child abuse, but they did not have an organized way to do it, so Chief put out the call.  For the first ride, 27 motorcycles showed up with about 40 people.  "This result clarified the vision," Chief said.  "This was something that could help children in a substantial way."

BACA's first level of intervention is to make a visit to a child.  A whole chapter of bikers ride to the child's home.  They want their strength of numbers and tough biker persona to be seen for what it is - a demonstration that they are a force in the child's life and that they are there to create a safe environment for them.  "We become a part of that child's family," Chief said in the video. "The message to each child is very clear that when they are part of our family, we don't run, we don't hide, we don't take cover.  We stand tall and will stand right beside you, in front of you, in back or around you, to make sure that you are safe."  The demonstration is meant to empower children to not be afraid of the world in which they live.

Each child is assigned two "primaries" so there is never a 1-on-1 situation.  The primaries will be in contact with that child on a regular basis and be who the child can confide in.  It is the primaries who may get the phone call from a child that sends them running out the door, jumping on their motorcycles, and eventually hugging that child so he knows he is someone who is loved and cared about.  Once the process develops between the primaries and the child, group visits are scheduled monthly or bi-monthly when activities are organized to reinforce a child's feeling of empowerment and safety.  As the relationship continues, trust becomes a power for the children and they begin to accept that they can be what they need to be.  The BACA members will do whatever it takes to make the fear go away.

A child's BACA family will accompany the child in court.  They will not let a child face something like that alone.  These kids are part of our family and it is important that we follow through with what we say we are going to do and part of that is going to court with them.  We ask them, "Are you ready?" and when they say 'yes', we take their hand and walk in with them - a bunch of bikers showing family strength.  Our presence evens the odds.

Our reward is watching the faces of the children light up again - to see life, that was taken away,  come back to them - the innocence that was stolen in the night by some thoughtless thug.  We want our kids to feel the force of love that comes to them from us from all sides and encircle them.

The presentation ended by inviting the public to call if anyone knows of a situation where BACA could help create a safer environment for an abused child.  The group is contactable by e-mail at centraliowabaca@gmail.com or calling the helpline at 515-789-0101.  For more information, visit the BACA international website at  www.bacaworld.org

Chamber Youth Group

Chamber Youth learn about restoration plans for square

The Chamber Youth met recently with Alyse Hunter, President of the Design Division of the Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street.

Hunter talked about the buildings and the current changes and future changes to the Chariton Square and the plans for its beautification and restoration.  The Chamber Youth had lunch sponsored by Ameriprise Financial and learned many interesting facts about the buildings that they did not know or had never noticed.

The Chamber Youth meets each month with a program and lunch, learning something about the community in which they live.  If you are interested in sponsoring an event please contact Shantel Dow or Cindy Laing.

Pictured are the members of the Chamber Youth group.  Front from left:  Ryley Heffron, Alexis Curran, Cierra Covington, Leah Dow and Alyse Hunter, President of the Design Division of the Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street.  Back row from left:  Trevor Steinhausen, TJ Hockenson, Daric Laing, Devin Harberts, Sawyer Dow and Jon Wilson.

SPLASH in Chariton

Appeared in the Chariton Leader February 5, 2013

by Kris Patrick, Staff Writer

The local SPLASH Pod described their organization to the Chariton Rotary Club explaining they are far more than a group presenting local grants.  SPLASH is a Youth Pod sponsored by the school and supported by the DEKKO Foundation.  The Foundation developed the Youth Pod concept as a way of educating youth about philanthropy, service and giving youth the opportunity to gain real world experience.

Students are invited to apply to be a member of SPLASH in the spring of their 7th year.  After acceptance, students are members of SPLASH from 8th grade until graduation.  

SPLASH granting cycles are November 15th and February 15th.  

SPLASH also encourages youth development by volunteering at the preschool level and has a middle school volunteer program.  SPLASH services include making BOO BOO bags, Children's Shopping day, helping families in need and partnering with Rotary in the Back Pack buddies project.

SPLASH has established an endowment with the South Central Iowa Community Foundation so local donations can be directed to the Chariton Back Pack Buddies Project.  Each month SPLASH members help pack food for chronically hungry children at Columbus and Van Allen Elementary schools.

Historic District Designation Explained

At a public meeting on Tuesday evening, January 29, Molly Myers Naumann explained the process of including Chariton as an historic district to the National  Register of Historic Places.  The complex process takes twelve to fourteen months and several meetings with the State Historic Preservation office.  "Basically a historic listing shows your sense of pride in your buildings," said Naumann.  The Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street and the city of Chariton are partners in the application process.

Once the State office approves the application it is submitted for review to the National Parks Service where they have nine weeks to review it before accepting or declining the application. 

Pictures will be taken of the Chariton district in the spring of 2013.  A survey and drawings will also be vital to the grant application.  A formal presentation to the Iowa Advisory Committee will be done in February of 2014.  If the application is accepted the Department of the Interior approval could go into effect mid June of 2014.

News on the Charitone

Check Frank's website for the latest news on the progress for the Charitone.  This one is the restaurant.Lucas Countyan about The Charitone

Roaring 20's Piano Returned to Chariton High School

1929 Mason & Hamlin Grand Piano back at CHS

Mike Deatz plays the newly rebuilt and restored piano,
which was last used in 2005

The newly restored and rebuilt 5'8" piano is again sitting in the Chariton High School music room.  The piano was in need of repair and it was taken away to be restored last fall and is now back in service at CHS to be enjoyed by music students for years to come.  CHS Vocal Music Teacher, Mike Deatz, who has been at CHS for 33 years, fell in love immediately with the piano when he first came to Chariton in 1980 and he wrote a grant to rebuild and restore the piano this past summer.  Deatz, who is retiring at the end of this school year, was happy to give back to the school by making it possible again to have a top-of-the-line instrument in the vocal music room.  The total cost to rebuild and restore the grand piano was $17,740.  The Vredenburg Foundation donated $15,240 and the Chariton Alumni Association contributed $2,500 for the restoration project, which was done in Colorado by Greg Shaffer, who used to live in Iowa and had tuned pianos in Chariton years ago.

SCICF has $90,000 Available for Grants

Over $90,000 in grants available to Lucas County

The Lucas County - South Central Iowa Community Foundation grant deadline is approaching.  To be considered for a grant, applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2013.  This grant application is available to non-profit organizations located and/or operating within Lucas County.  Applications may be obtained at the Foundation website at www.scicf.org under the Lucas County tab, or by contacting the Foundation office at 108 N. Grand in Chariton, 641-217-9105.

Lucas County SCICF Board Directors are:  Adam Bahr, Betty Hansen, Mary Stierwalt, Ray Thurlby and Jim Wright.

Lucas County Health Center Annual Homemade Candy Sale

The Lucas County Health Center Volunteer Services to hold

 Annual Scholarship Homemade Candy Sale.

The Candy sale will be held this year on February 14, 2013 beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the atrium of the Health Center.  Two $500 scholarships and a $200 donation to IHERF are given each year to students pursuing a career in the health care field.

There are 3 ways you can help support the scholarship program, make and donate candy, send a check to LCHC Scholarship Fund or come to the Health Center and purchase homemade candy for your valentine. 

For more information about the event please contact Linda Baynes at 641-774-3226.  Please mark your calendar and come see us on Valentine's Day

Grand Opening at new Shopko

(Photos by Bill Howes)

The former Pamida store at 1901 Court Ave in Chariton is now a Shopko store.  On the morning of January 10, 2013, several people spoke to the large crowd that had gathered to wait the opening and receive free $10 gift cards, hoping they were in the first 100 to enter the store.  The Chariton Ambassadors were present for the official ribbon cutting, which took place out in front of the store.  Also, Shopko presented a check for $2,500 to the Chariton Schools to be used for document cameras for each of the schools.  Chariton Schools Superintendent, Paula Wright wa present for the check donation.  Shantel Dow, Chariton Area Chamber/Main Street Executive Director gratulated Manager Rania Snider and her crew for a job well done.

The ribbon cutting was held and Smider cut the ribbon with her assistant manager, Judy Fitzgerald, standing next to her and Meves holding the bow on the ribbon.  Ambassadors Mary Stierwalt and Linda Baynes held both ends of the ribbon.

  

Brian Meves, on the left, the regional manager with Shopko Hometown Stores, speaks at the Chariton Shopko Grand Opening along with Shantel Dow on the right.

Top Stories of 2012 - Main Street Community

Hay Bale Contest

The two youth judges and the three adult judges all selected the same winnter, which was the 18 ft. hay bale drummer teddy bear done by Elyssa Black.  Black is a junior at Chariton High School and her entry was one of the entries in the Youth Category.

Pictured above is one of the 18 entries in the Lucas County Hay Bale Contest.  The diverse and creative hay bales may be found throughout Lucas County.  Entries come in all shapes and sizes from a square bale shoe to a three story teddy bear playing the drum.  This innovative ecotourism event is a perfect opportunity to educate children about the importance and impact hay has in our lives and we enjoy the creativity of local Lucas County residents.

Second place Hay Bale winners are pictured above.

Charitone Hotel Sign

Review A Book Club

Appeared in the Chariton Leader June 26, 2012  written by Sandra Knebel

This photo of the first members of the Review A Book Club was taken at the home of Mary Levis by John C. Rhodes for the Chariton Newspapers in the late 1050's.  Pictured are the original members:  Back row, standing:  Atha Crist, Donnelle Cusack, Mary Levis, Margaret Strange.  Seated from left:  Audrey Rhodes, Francis Young, Carol Laing, Gloria Nodgaard, Sue Johnson, Joyce Curtis, Darlene Johnson.  Seated on the Sofa:  Anne Larson, Mary Ellen Young, Barbara Driggs, Ginny Egeland, Marge Threlkeld, Charlene Meyer.  Seated on the floor:  Sherrill Garton, Patsy Hixenbaugh.

Hellyers Remember the Charitone Hotel

This article appeared in the Chariton Leader on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Sandra Knebel Staff Writer

It's been a lot of years since Bob and Barb Hellyer took their turn at owning the Charitone Hotel.  Some memories have faded with time, but others remain.

"It was back in 1957 when we bought out Harold Brightwell and opened Hellyer's Jewelry on the east side of the square," Bob remembered.  "It was a time when Chariton, like many small towns, was going through a transition.  There were a whole series of changes at that time in both managers and owners."

There was another restaurant in town, but at the time, the restaurant in the Charitone Hotel was the favored place for people to gather for coffee.  "It was really nice," Bob continued.  Then he laughed and said, "The hotel was where all kinds of skulldergery got its start!"

As Barba and Bob remember, the hotel was managed by Jack Clark, the son of the hotel's owner at that time.  The owner lived in Ottumwa.  Jack and a friend lived upstairs in an apartment on the third floor.  Maxine Paush was running the restaurant and, later, took over running the hotel when Clark left.

Bob said he wasn't clear about just when the hotel rooms were converted to apartments, but remembered that his dad and his friends, Mike Davis and Layton Atwell lived there for awhile.  They would come in for the winter and were the last ones he thought that actually lived at the hotel.  "I don't remember her name, but do remember there was a lady, a real class act, from Corydon who wore diamonds that used to come there, too," he said.

After the Clarks, Hellyer said there was a series of people and businesses in and out of the hotel.  "We could see it was deteriorating fast," Bob said.  "There was no evidence of apartments anymore as I recall and all the grills and equipment for cooking were gone.  I know we hauled seven refrigerators out of the basement.  The restaurant was the last thing to close.  We didn't want to see it go down further.  We thought it might be a good place for the jewelry store with the addition of antiques so we decided to buy and try to salvage it.  We thought apartments would be good to have again for people who wanted to retire.  The location was convenient for the Square and they would still have their own place to live."

There was a problem with the roof leaking and the Hellyers had planned to put on a corregated steel roof.  The plan was to let the water drain off the back.  First, they had to put on wood to nail down the new roof.  That was when they learned that the building was really unique.  The architect, Bill Perkins, designed it so water drained down the center of the building - which was unheard of.  But it's true.

When everyone else tried to fix the roof they were closing up the drain because they thought that drain was a vent.  Like all vents, it is supposed to breathe.  So instead of leaving it open to let water go down, they were trying to build it up, thinking that it was leaking around it.  It wasn't leaking.  It was trying to do what it was supposed to do.

The Hellyers later decided not to purchase the building for various reasons.  Later, Gilworth Furniture Store moved from the south side of the Square into the hotel for awhile and then there were different efforts by different people to try to resurrect what was.  But times were changing. 

The news of the most recent plan to restore the Charitone Hotel met with excitement in the Hellyer household.  "It was what we always wanted, but could not accomplish ourselves," they said.  "It was the reason we originally got involved.  We absolutely did not want the building torn down.  We can't imagine that corner of the Square vacant."



Caleb Olson on Jeopardy

I have been told it will air Thursday afternoon May 3, at 3:30pm on Jeopardy.
Chariton High School senior, Caleb Olson, has been nominated to be a contestant on Jeopardy.  He will be participating in a teen tournament for high school students.  The taping is done in Los Angeles on February 19. 

Caleb is the son of Pastor Paul and Denise Olson of Chariton.  Paul is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Chariton.

Since the last two rounds of the show are being taped in April, Caleb was not sure when the show would be telecast.

In order to be nominated to be on "Jeopardy," Olson said he took an on-line test and did an interview in Kansas, MO.

Congratulations Darlene Arnold

Darlene was recognized for her years of volunteer service at a Volunteers Award ceremony on Wednesday, April 18. She was presented with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by Veronica Fuhs, hospital CEO and Linda Baynes, director of Volunteer Services. This award can only be presented to a volunteer who has given over 4,000 hours of volunteer time. We know Darlene has given more time than that to help people find the histories of their families. Thank you, Darlene.

Who Do You Think You Are? April 27 7:00 p.m. NBC

Friday Night   April 27 at 7 P.M. 

Rob Lowe ventures into his past to discover his family tree 

Law Center Deemed 'Endangered' by Preservation Iowa

written by Sandra Knebel

Chariton Leader January 24, 2012

The old Lucas County Law Center has been listed as one of the state's top 10 Most Endangered Properties for 2012 by Preservation Iowa (formerly known as the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance.)  Listed as the Lucas County Sheriff's Residence and Jail, the building dates back to 1916.  The Chariton Historic Preservation Commission submitted the nomination to the Endangered Properties list in December.  The Board of Supervisors were informed that the nomination was submitted after meetings to discuss any options that might be available for the jail.

For nearly 25 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has spotlighted places that are endangered as a catalyst for communities everywhere to fight for the irreplaceable landmarks that define the past.  The mission is to save great moments in history with preservation of the special buildings and historic sites that are gradually slipping away.

In the case of the jail, the roof of the building is severely deteriorated and may not withstand another severe winter and/or significant rain amounts.  Currently, the Board of Supervisors plan to demolish the now empty building if no other use or owner can be found by the spring of this year.

Mary Reeves Memorial

There will be a memorial service for Mary Reeves, 66, of Russell, who died, Friday December 30, 2011 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to the Chariton Christian Church furnace and air conditioning fund. Online condolences may be left under the obituary category of http://www.powersfh.com/.

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 07

11:00 AM Chariton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1100 Ilion Avenue Chariton, IA 50049

Mary Louise Reeves, daughter of Mary Ellen (Ansley) Reeves and William Clinton Reeves was born April 4, 1945 in Chariton, Iowa. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1963. She moved to Des Moines and began to work for the Internal Revenue Service. Later in 1965, she began her career with the Social Security Administration holding many different positions with her favorite being a Data Review Technician, serving 42 years before retiring in 2007. After retiring, she moved to Russell, Iowa to be near family. Mary was a member of the Chariton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she held the position of Deaconess; she was an active Russell museum volunteer, active in the local genealogical society, local cemetery board and active in her favorite scrapbooking groups.

Mary Louise Reeves

December 30 -- Mary passed away the evening of December 30th.  We will all miss her so much.  We were all blessed by her friendship -- by the joy she showed when sharing good news with her, her compassion for us when we were in pain -- her loyal loving spirit, which she shared everytime we were together.  Thank you God, for giving us such a good friend.

Frank's blog -  http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/2011/12/mary-louise.html

From Darlene and Sheryl:

We have losted a great friend and sister: Mary Louise‏ went with the angels at around 10:30 Friday Dec 30, 2011 May she send all of the answers to our genealogy problems.

God rest her soul.  More later on services.

Sheryl

Note: She is being cremated. I think they are planning the services for Saturday, Jan. 7, 11:00am, at the Christian Church with lunch to follow. If this is not correct, I will e-mail you back. The family has asked that there be no flowers, instead Mary Louise had many projects going so they would like the memorials to go in her memory to one of these projects. One that she was working hard on recently was the furnace fund for the Christian Church. She was appointed curator at the Russell Museum so there are projects there. We now have another "Genie Angel" to look over us.

Darlene

Donation to Circle of Life Hospice

On Friday, Dec. 9, the US Bancorp Foundation donated a $1,000 check to Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton.  The money will be used towards the completion of the tree planting being done at Legacy Lodge Hospice House.  So far 17 trees have been planted at Legacy Lodge and six more large trees will be planted.  At the left is Chariton US Bank Branch Manager, Bob Stump, presenting the check to Circle of Life Administrator, Sherry McDonald.  (Bill Howes photo).

Attention!! Genealogical Research Room Move

On the lower level of the Chariton Library, the music room has always taken up the largest part of the area.  Recently the books and videos have been moved upstairs leaving a large open area.  The Lucas County Genealogical Society has been invited to occupy this space. 

If you try to visit the genealocial research room and no one is there, you will need to check in upstairs and obtain a key to enter the research room.

The volunteers who have always been there to help researchers will still be there to help, but the group is working on setting up volunteer hours to assist you.

The front doors will remain open, as will the doors from the north-side parking lot.  The area to the stairs, the elevator, the meeting room and the restrooms will still be accessable.

Be patient, volunteers are working to get accessability back to normal.  Once everything is arranged, the inconvenience will be worth it.

William M. Johnson, Civil War Vet gets Flag



At 1:10pm, to honor it being 110 years since William Johnson  died, the American flag was placed on the Civil War marker by Darlene Arnold and at 1:11 on 11/11/11 it was waving to honor this long forgotten Vet.  He passed away on August 4, 1901.  A ceremony was held on Veterans day, 2011 at the Chariton Cemetery.  30-35 people were at the event to honor him.

Chariton American Legion Post #102 Commander, Don Garrett (second from left) read a prayer in honor of Johnson at the ceremony.  Pictured below, from left are Legion members Dave Amos, Don Garrett, John Murphy, Melvin Grismore and Mary Katherine Laird.

Some people shared their feelings before the flag was placed on the marker.  Chariton resident, Ursula Bingham spoke and said, "I'm not a veteran but my husband Clint is.  I'm really proud of Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher for digging into this story about William and making this possible," she said.

Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher from the Lucas County Genealogy Society in Chariton, did the research and discovered where Johnson was buried in the Chariton Cemetery and that the grave was unmarked.  Darlene obtained a Civil War marker from the Veterans Affairs in Chariton to put on his grave.

Johnson's great-grandson, Phi Pastoret, will be in Chariton on Memorial Day 2012 when a bronze military plaque should be in place at his gravesite.  Darlene also said that Johnson's great-great granddaughter, Cheryl Nedberg of Indiana might also be in attendance on that day.

(Photos by Bill Howes)

Long Lost Civil War Soldier

I have been on a mission to find a lost Civil War Soldier. A month ago I was contacted by a fellow in Arizona, Phil Pastoret, looking for his gr-gr-grandmother who supposedly was buried at Brownlee cemetery, according to her obit. Mary Ruth and I met with him, when he was here and went to Brownlee to witch out the graves. We asked him about his gr-grandparents. His gr-grandmother is buried in Wisconsin. He knew nothing about his gr-grandfather. The soldier's name was William M. Johnson. When we looked for him we found his obit, saying he was in the Chariton Cemetery (no stone).  But in the 3rd quarter newsletter I had put in an article about a Chariton man having 2 wives. This was him. So, it took us on a very interesting journey. The article indicated that when he went off to the Civil War he just didn't show back up. Now after indepth research we find that is not so and there is a longer, more amazing story which I hope to have in the 2nd quarter newsletter next year.

Anyway, we are having a get-together at the Chariton Cemetery on Veteran's day at 1:00 p.m. for anyone that can come. The Legion will have members there and they are going to have a short service, with TAPS. I went to the VA office here in Chariton and got a Civil War marker and a flag. Pass the word to anyone you think would be interested and if you can, come join us. Bill Howes from the paper will be there. The Lucas County Historical Society will use their camcorder to tape this. It should be very touching. If you have any thoughts or ideas, just send me an e-mail at lucasgene@hotmail.com. This grave is straight down the road west from the main gate, before the first corner.

"For the first time in 110 years, a flag will fly on the unmarked grave, in the Chariton Cemetery, of Civil War soldier, William M. Johnson, on 11-11-2011, Veteran's day. William M. Johnson died August 4, 1901. Thru the efforts of William M. Johnson's great grandson, Phil Pastoret, and with the help of two local genealogists, Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher, this was accomplished. At 1:00 p.m. we will meet for the Legion presentation, and at 1:10, 110 years after his death, a flag will be put on his Civil War Marker and at 1:11 p.m. on 11-11-11 a flag will be blowing and we will honor this Civil War soldier."

Thanks, Darlene Arnold, Lucas County Genealogy Society

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Howes, from the Chariton Herald Patriot, wrote another article on November 10, 2011, with a photo.  The following are exerpts from this article along with the picture.

William Johnson's service to his country seemed to have gone unrecognized since the Iseminger American Legion Post, of which he was a member, held a military service for him following his death in August 1901.   Even though a service was held, no marker was put on his grave.

Johnson's military service and grave were recently tracked down by persistent and diligent work of two local genealogists, Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher.  Both are long time members of the Lucas County Genealogy Society.  Arnold recently put a Civil War marker on Johnson's grave to commemorate his service.

Pictured is the Civil War marker that was recently put on Civil
War veteran William M. Johnson's grave in the Chariton Cemetery.
Longtime Lucas County Genealogy Society member, Darlene
Arnold and Johnson's great-grandson, Phil Pastoret put the marker
on his grave.  An American flag will be flown on the marker for the
first time in a special ceremony on Veteran's Day. (Bill Howes photo)

On Veteran's Day services were held at Johnson's gravesite.  The Chariton American Legion Post #102 did a short service then played Taps.  Arnold placed a flag on the Civil War marker on Johnson's grave.  Many residents from Chariton attended this ceremony.

Through the efforts of Pastoret along with Arnold and Pierschbacher the process of finding out about Johnson started when Pastoret contacted the genealogy group about finding Pastoret's great-great grandmother, Phoebe (Boylan) Johnson.  Phoebe is buried in Brownlee Cemetery just north of Williamson.

Arnold then looked up William's obituary in her archives of the Chariton Newspaper.  His obituary stated that he was a Civil War soldier and was buried in the Chariton Cemetery.  When Arnold and Pierschbacher looked at their cemetery book, Johnson's name wasn't in there.  So they then looked at the Chariton City Hall's records and they found him.

Check Donated to Food Bank

Dr. Phillip Sundquist (right) donates a $400.20 check to the Inter-Church Council Ministry Center's Food Bank recently.  Accepting the check on behalf of the food bank is Ministry Center Director, Cheryl Downard (in center).  Pictured at the left is Chariton Chamber Executive Director, Shantel Dow.  (Bill Howes Photo).

Blacksmith Shop at Lucas Co. Historical Museum

At the Museum's open house held on October 15, the new blacksmith shop was open for the public to see.  The building has a blacksmith shop in the front and a workroom in back that's used for making museum displays and for storage.  (Photo and story by Bill Howes).

The Chariton High School Building and Trades class under the direction of instructor Jeff Tordoff built the outside of the building.    Former Lucas County Historical Museum Director, Jerry Book, along with his son, Vern, Larry Shriver and Bill Marner did the dirt work for the building.

Jim Secor helped level off the inside of the building and put down some of the floor.  Bob Ulrich, Rodney Peterson and Marner did most of the inside work on the building.

The building was financed by a generous gift from Lynn Johnson, the former president of Johnson Machine Works in Chariton.  It was also paid for by grants from the South Central Iowa Community Foundation. (SCICF).

Lucas County Law Center

The new Lucas County Law Center, 48559 Hy-Vee Road, just south of the Hy-Vee maintenance garage, held its open house the weekend of Oct. 7 - Oct.8, to show off its beautiful new building to the public.  In the picture above is the view of the east side of the building where the entrance is located.  The new law center is a 24-hour holding vacility with four holding cells.  They moved into the new building between October 22 and October 24

Ukrainian Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity

Chariton's Ukrainian community celebrated its's second annual Festival on Saturday, September 17.  The weather was cool with scattered showers, but that did not stop the courthouse square from filling up with people.  Home cooked Ukrainian food was displayed on a large table including home-cooked traditional perogies, some breads, cabbage rolls, borsch, blintz and a variety of other choices.  To wash the food down there was a Ukrainian soft drink known as "Kvass".

Accordians and other musical instruments, native to the Ukrainians, were played giving live music to the crowd. Children and adults were dressed in traditional attire and a speaker shared Ukrainian history.
(Article in the Herald-Patriot, September 22, 2011, was written by Sandra Knebel)