Wise County Historical Society Activities 9

The Heritage of Wise County and The City of Norton: Vol. II

More History, more Photos, more Folklore, Full of surprises! This book is a MUST for Wise County researchers, or if you have ties with Wise County in any regard. It will intrigue you with its many stories of Wise County’s early days, its towns, communities and people who made it all happen.

Comments: "The book is a great buy at any price."
"I love it. I can hardly put it down!"
"It is better than the first book." (Volume 1)
"The Wise County Historical society did a great job with this book."
"It is one of a kind and will be a much sought-after collectors item and heirloom one day!"  1133 pages, photos, Index, 9 x 12. Price: $65.00, plus shipping charge. (See chart for postage).

The Heritage of Wise County and City of Norton, Vol II contains the following chapters:

In the Beginning,  Frontier Forts,  Indian Atrocities along the Clinch,  Powell and Holston Rivers,  Early Frontier,  Early Houses,  Wise County,  Princes Flats... The city of Norton,  Our Towns,  James Taylor Adams (writings),  Edward L. "Buck" Henson, Jr. (writings),  Our People,  Memories

February 14, 2002

• The minutes of the October 4, 2001 meeting were read and approved, with the exception of the   number of books ordered.  This figure was changed from 2,500 to 2,000. 

• Bill Porter said he thought we should exchange quarterly magazines with the historical societies in the mid-west as so many of our people went west.

• Rhonda Robertson and Wanda Rose said that sometimes we  send our Appalachian Quarterly, which consists of 112 pages out and get only a short newsletter in return.  This will be discussed further at our next meeting.

• Bill also announced that there will be an annual Chamber Gala on April 13, 2002.  The charge for a\participating in this will be $50.00

• The Melungeon gathering this year will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 20, 21 and 22nd. in the Memorial Park at Fort Henry Dam in Kingsport, TN. It was unanimous that our Society will not set up  a table at that meeting.

• Bill also reported that the UNIBIND representative will be here on Tuesday, February 26th, and that anyone who wishes to do so can come  to the office and watch the demonstration.

• Wanda requests that more attention be made to filling out subscription forms for the Appalachian Quarterly. Sometimes she gets a check or cash for a subscription but there is no completed form to tell who the subscription is for, not their address.

• Wanda also reported that we now have a CPA, Mr. Rogers Viers, who is handling our account books.  Mr. Viers has completed an Internal Financial Statement dated December 31, 2001.

• Discussion was held as to whether or not we wish to put an ad in the Mountain Remembrances.  Bill Porter and Rhonda Robertson both expressed their opinion that we should put an ad in the paper.

• Jack Kenned has asked if anyone knows where the old Drag Racing field was located in Coeburn back in the 1960's.  He would appreciate any information on this.  Bill Porter said he would tell Mr. Kennedy to contact the office of the Town of Coeburn, and that he may also search the old Coalfield Progress papers for more information on this.

• Family History Day was discussed. Bill Gobble will ask the Administrator, Mr. Sealover, if he has any objections to our putting up tents, flags, balloons, etc. on the courthouse lawn,  and if the courthouse rest rooms could be made available to the public during the Memorial Day weekend., Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th.  

• We have been looking at a new copy machine and Bristol Office Supply will bring one in for demonstration.  They will bring the machine in and let us use it for two weeks. 

February 28, 2002

• Treasurer's report. Payment for the new binder has been made
• Contacted Coalfield Progress about the ad in upcoming Mountain Remembrances
• Bill Gobble talked to Mr. Sealover about Family History Day.  Mr. Sealover gave his permission for us to use the courthouse lawn to set up tents on Saturday and Sunday, May 25th. and 26th.  He advised that we get insurance to cover this period, and Wanda Rose said she would take care of this. Our Society will not be selling any food or drinks. Mr. Sealover said that Jack Kennedy will probably have his office open on that day and the rest rooms will be available to the public.  Bill Gobble also got permission to use the section near the jail.   There will be no booths available for Crafts - only Family History and Books.  
• The Fall Fling has changed their date to the last weekend in September this year. Their theme will be "History and The Future."
• Angela Stallard has brought 5,000 family histories to be put into our computer. These have been brought in by children in grades K through 8 at the J. W. Adams School in Pound. 
• Bill Gobble would like to do a book on the Dotson Family.
• Suggestions made by Angela Stallard to have on Family History Day are:
      1. Basic Genealogy classes taught by Sherron Stallard
      2. Advanced Genealogy classes, including how to use microfilm and checking on    
           military records.      
• Sharon Stallard will be teaching classes on the above subjects the first three weeks in May no Wednesday nights, from 6 to 7 p.m.  These classes will be taught at the Library in Wise and the Library will furnish snacks and refreshments.  These classes are free to the public.
•    Many other suggestions were made by Angela and Bill Porter.          

April 4, 2002

• Family History Day will have several writer's  here.
• Rhonda Robertson will be at one table to answer questions on the families of Beverly, Cantrell, Church, Elkins, Dale, Branham,Collins, Thacker, Gilley, Hall, Hubbard, Mullins, Powers and Jones.
• Bill Gobble will answer questions on the George Wells family out of Grayson County, and Bill will also have a data base in the office on many families, which he will share.
• Bill Gobble said he will copy and rebind the Gilley book, compiled by Charlene Gilley Colerick of Kingsport, TN. We plan to invite Ms. Colerick to be here on that day.
• During Sherron Stallard's genealogy classes to be held at wise County Library every Wednesday during May, she would like to give a prize each night.  It was suggested that a World War II book, a Banner book and three subscriptions to the Appalachian Quarterly.  The Library will be advertising these classes on radio and television  and Sherron and Angela will be teaching the classes. 
• A World War II book has been given to Jarrod Addison to give as a prize on Prom Night in Wise. Also a World War II book has been given to the Chamber of Commerce.
• A long discussion on a new copy machine was  held and the "Copy Machine Committee" will make the final decision on what to d about this.
• Wanda Rose reported that at the fourth Melungeon Reunion this year, they will be giving a report n the DNA testing which they did. They have sent out newsletters including directions n getting to the reunion.
• Wanda Rose announced that the Fall Fling will be on October 5th and 6th this year on the courthouse lawn.  They are asking the churches and other groups to come up with new events. The theme of the Fling this year will be "Remember the Past - Imagine The Future."  Angela Stallard is a member of the Fall Fling Committee and they will be meeting the first Thursday of every month until October.
• Wanda reported that we have sold 606 Volume II books, out of 2,000. It was suggested that a few of the books be taken to the genealogy classes to be held at the library in May.