Stone County Courthouse Celebrates 100th Year
October 1, 2020
Relics from 1920 courthouse time capsule
Cindy Hembree
On Saturday, September 26, curiosity and anticipation lured approximately 130 Stone County residents to the courthouse in Galena. At the onset of the 100th-anniversary courthouse celebration, friends congregated amongst themselves. Much of the chatter was about their interest in what would be revealed in the time capsule planted in the building’s cornerstone one hundred years ago. “The discovery of a time capsule in the courthouse was a complete surprise to me,” said Darrell Harris, an area resident. A clear sky and the eighty-four-degree weather made the afternoon pleasant for the outdoor presentation. The Flying Buzzards provided music and comedic entertainment for the assembly. “The event reminded me of an old-time town picnic,” said Julie Green, President of the Stone County Historical and Genealogy Society.
Early arrivals toured the courthouse. There were several short biographies and a few items displayed on all three floors. The exhibits centered around significant events and people who made big news since Stone County was established. The most prominent figures featured were two gentlemen who happened to be politicians. William “W. D.” Craig was the longest resident of Galena in 1920. He was a Galena merchant, and the first Democrat elected to be a state representative from Stone County. The other was Truman S. Powell, a businessman from Reeds Spring, and a state representative for the Republican party.
The hallway on the first floor also possesses the “Scroll of Honor.” The scroll holds the names of Stone County residents, living and deceased, who have served in the military from the Civil War to the present day. Several of the spectators rushed to look at the many entrants to find their friends and loved ones.
After the journey through the courthouse, Julie Green greeted everyone and handed out the event programs and flyers. The flyers gave information on how the county had grown in the last one hundred years.
Once everyone took a seat, Green gave the welcoming speech before introducing the Master of Ceremonies, former Presiding Judge George Scott. Scott shared anecdotes and facts about his family history. His grandfather, Rufe Scott, was an acting judge until 1963 when at age 93, he suffered a stroke while holding court. He passed shortly after that.
Next, Southern Commissioner Hank Smythe led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Northern Commissioner Wayne Blades giving the invocation. Presiding Commissioner, Mark Maples informed the crowd that the search for the time capsule started on the wrong side of the building. Senator Brad Hudson shared with the congregation that he thinks of his two grandfathers when he thinks of the courthouse. One of them served as a game warden, while the other has his name on the Scroll of Honor.
The speaker that captured the attention of everyone was a twelve-year-old boy. Connor Wilkinson, a seventh grade Galena student, opened with the statement, “In 1851, people started coming to Stone County. I don’t know why.” The entire crowd chuckled at his confession. The rest of his stellar speech regarding the county was knowledgeable and well-spoken.
After the formalities, the items inside the time capsule were revealed. The congregation was invited to view the encased treasures. While waiting in line, Denise Dickens, Stone County Commission’s Administrative Assistant and Stone County Clerk, Kristi Stephens, stood by, passing out Yocum Silver Dollars. Upon receiving them, Commissioner Smythe advised not to try spending the coins.
The copper time capsule resembled an antique metal cracker canister. Inside the container were several business cards of those present when the time capsule was placed in the cement vault. A picture of W. D. Craig, several 1920 stamps and coins, a small wallet-sized Bible with the name “Porter” embossed on the cover, a 1920 copy of the Stone County News Oracle, a telegraph and postcards were among the many items found.
The public can view these and all the other artifacts in the time capsule and a copy of the Scroll of Honor at the Stone County Historical Museum in Crane. For more information, contact Julie Green at 417-239-7527.
On Saturday, September 26, curiosity and anticipation lured approximately 130 Stone County residents to the courthouse in Galena. At the onset of the 100th-anniversary courthouse celebration, friends congregated amongst themselves. Much of the chatter was about their interest in what would be revealed in the time capsule planted in the building’s cornerstone one hundred years ago. “The discovery of a time capsule in the courthouse was a complete surprise to me,” said Darrell Harris, an area resident. A clear sky and the eighty-four-degree weather made the afternoon pleasant for the outdoor presentation. The Flying Buzzards provided music and comedic entertainment for the assembly. “The event reminded me of an old-time town picnic,” said Julie Green, President of the Stone County Historical and Genealogy Society.
Early arrivals toured the courthouse. There were several short biographies and a few items displayed on all three floors. The exhibits centered around significant events and people who made big news since Stone County was established. The most prominent figures featured were two gentlemen who happened to be politicians. William “W. D.” Craig was the longest resident of Galena in 1920. He was a Galena merchant, and the first Democrat elected to be a state representative from Stone County. The other was Truman S. Powell, a businessman from Reeds Spring, and a state representative for the Republican party.
The hallway on the first floor also possesses the “Scroll of Honor.” The scroll holds the names of Stone County residents, living and deceased, who have served in the military from the Civil War to the present day. Several of the spectators rushed to look at the many entrants to find their friends and loved ones.
After the journey through the courthouse, Julie Green greeted everyone and handed out the event programs and flyers. The flyers gave information on how the county had grown in the last one hundred years.
Once everyone took a seat, Green gave the welcoming speech before introducing the Master of Ceremonies, former Presiding Judge George Scott. Scott shared anecdotes and facts about his family history. His grandfather, Rufe Scott, was an acting judge until 1963 when at age 93, he suffered a stroke while holding court. He passed shortly after that.
Next, Southern Commissioner Hank Smythe led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Northern Commissioner Wayne Blades giving the invocation. Presiding Commissioner, Mark Maples informed the crowd that the search for the time capsule started on the wrong side of the building. Senator Brad Hudson shared with the congregation that he thinks of his two grandfathers when he thinks of the courthouse. One of them served as a game warden, while the other has his name on the Scroll of Honor.
The speaker that captured the attention of everyone was a twelve-year-old boy. Connor Wilkinson, a seventh grade Galena student, opened with the statement, “In 1851, people started coming to Stone County. I don’t know why.” The entire crowd chuckled at his confession. The rest of his stellar speech regarding the county was knowledgeable and well-spoken.
After the formalities, the items inside the time capsule were revealed. The congregation was invited to view the encased treasures. While waiting in line, Denise Dickens, Stone County Commission’s Administrative Assistant and Stone County Clerk, Kristi Stephens, stood by, passing out Yocum Silver Dollars. Upon receiving them, Commissioner Smythe advised not to try spending the coins.
The copper time capsule resembled an antique metal cracker canister. Inside the container were several business cards of those present when the time capsule was placed in the cement vault. A picture of W. D. Craig, several 1920 stamps and coins, a small wallet-sized Bible with the name “Porter” embossed on the cover, a 1920 copy of the Stone County News Oracle, a telegraph and postcards were among the many items found.
The public can view these and all the other artifacts in the time capsule and a copy of the Scroll of Honor at the Stone County Historical Museum in Crane. For more information, contact Julie Green at 417-239-7527.