Yalobusha Historical Society Minutes – Dec. 18, 2008

The Yalobusha Historical Society held its regular monthly meeting Dec. 18 in its headquarters, the historic and beautiful Presbyterian Church in Coffeeville. The huge holiday wreaths on the front doors welcomed 45 members and guests. Once inside, the holiday theme continued, from the gorgeous arrangement at the rear of the sanctuary to the altar in front, and around the railings of the choir loft, tastefully done by a former church member ( and Society member) Dot Criss. At the close of the meeting, everyone enjoyed a delightful social period in the fellowship hall. It, too, was beautifully decorated, compliments of the Society’s Program Chairman, Opal Wright. The Society is grateful to these ladies for helping to make this meeting, the first Christmas one  in the new quarters, a memorable one.

  President Mike Worsham welcomed everyone, especially the visitors. He turned the program over to Opal, who did a wonderful reading, “The Three Kings,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, based on the biblical account of the birth of Christ. As she read, Sonny Hubbard softly played “We Three Kings of Orient Are” on the newly-tuned  piano.  (The piano was given to the church many years ago by the late Mrs. Carolyn Bell, who taught music in Coffeeville School for many years)  Opal  called on Lawrence Litten for prayer,  and then introduced Jackie Austin Weibley and Morris “Sonny” Hubbard, both of Grenada. Jackie and Sonny (along with Lawrence Litten) attended school  together in Grenada and went their separate ways after their school years ended. Jackie was a professional singer and Sonny a professional musician for many years. They returned to Grenada following retirement, and teamed up to share their love of music at various church and civic functions. The Society is indeed grateful to them for making this meeting such an enjoyable one.   The January 15 program will be brought by Mark Fielder, of Gore Springs. He will speak on “The Tunnel Project,” his efforts in searching for the legendary tunnel that supposedly runs under the streets of Grenada. This promises to be a very interesting program, so the Society invites everyone to come out to hear Mark talk about the tunnel, an amazing story of the Civil War history of Grenada. (Sarah Margaret Hallum will speak in February, R.O. “Red” Riddick, in March)

   Jackie did a variety of traditional holiday songs, beginning with “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” followed by “Toyland, Joyland” and “Santa Looks A Lot Like Daddy.” Then came the beautiful Squire Parsons’ song “Sleep, Little Baby, Sleep.” Among the other songs, some as group singing, were: “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas,” “Deck The Halls,” “Joy To The World” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” (Sonny almost made that Baby Grand literally ROCK, with his spirited playing!) Jackie then ended with two classics, “Silver Bells” and “White Christmas.” By this time, everyone was feeling the Christmas spirit, and adjourned to the fellowship hall, where a sumptuous array of holiday treats awaited, including Opal’s tasty punch and Pat Brooks’ hot mulled cider. There is an amazing sense of camaraderie  among the Society members, and those who are not present are missing out on a really good experience. Thanks to everyone who made this meeting such a good one.

   The 2009 membership dues of $15.00 may be sent to YHS, Box 258, Coffeeville, MS 38922. (A Society membership would make a good Christmas or birthday gift) Chris Morgan’s book, “Yalobusha Bound,” is available for $65.00, shipped.  

 

ATTENDING: Tom and Alma Moorman, Peggy Boyett, Betty Miller, Dick and Jackie Weibley, Sonny Hubbard, Mike Worsham, Opal Wright, Lawrence and Bettie Litten, Dot Criss, Richard Crenshaw, Dot Baker, Carl and Mae Vick, Robert Barton, Joy Herron, Joy Tippit, Pat Brooks, Bobby and Bobbie Hutchins, Billie Rotenberry, Dave and Emma Hovey, Sidney Bolick, Jerry Brown, Ray Cox, Eddie Nelson, Raymond Bruner, Bill Bruner, James Person, Frances Stewart, Dude and Lois Camp,  Sarah H. Williams, Harold and Lena Jones, Jimmie and Francine Pinnix, Thelma Roberts, Bea Collins, Ida Mae Jones, Alice G. Landreth and Julia York Fernandez.

Betty R. Miller

226-6975