Hopkins Historical Society Minutes for March 24th

President Allen Thompson called the meeting to order.  Members present were Anna Mae Thompson, Rod and Joyce Hennegin, Ed Newbury, Ruth Anna Florea, Kay Ann Coleman, Teresa DeMott, Mary Kay Clements, Marcia Cline, Lois Brand, Don and Judy Crane and visitors, Paul Nelson, his friend Alyssa and Karen Switzer.

The Fall 2025 minutes were read by Joyce.  Anna Mae moved to accept, Lois seconded, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was passed out to all.  Kay Ann moved to accept, Anna Mae seconded, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Marcia has posted new donations, still needs ideas for trivia.  Karen suggested adding Venmo to our FB page so dues or cash donations could be done easier. Paul will look into setting it up with Marcia and Lois.

Allen reported that Ron Cross repaired the water damage from leakage on the floor and wall of the restroom by replacing flooring and sheetrock.  Also, Ron will work on the concrete at the back door so water will drain properly this spring.

The rules for donations and the cemetery supplement were tabled as Denise was not present to report.

NEW BUSINESS

Election of Officers was held: Marcia Cline was nominated for Vice President by Mary Kay and unanimously approved.  Ruth Anna moved we keep the 2025 officers plus Marcia for 2026. Approval was unanimous. Board members for 2026 will be 1 yr. Ruth Anna and Kay Ann, 2 yr. Rod and Marcia and 3 yr Mary Kay and Ed.

Karen Switzer brought donations to present:  Dr. Kirk glasses, a school history book, a home medical book and school annuals.  Pat O’Riley donated school annuals, 3 boy scout books, and Hopkins business memorabilia.

Don asked to present a request from the Hopkins American Legion. Looking to the future when they may lose their charter, they would like to donate all they have to the museum.  Included is the plot of ground on the North side that is currently being upgraded for a veteran’s memorial.  If they donate to the museum, it would include maintenance of that plot.  Joyce moved we accept the responsibility from the Legion when that time comes. Ruth Anna seconded. Motion carried.

 Schedules were passed out for summer open days. Clean up day before opening will be Wednesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. at which time members present will look at the Maurice Peve building next door.

Fall Meeting date was set for Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Teresa moved to adjourn, motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

 

Hopkins Historical Society Minutes for October 14th, 2025

President Allan Thompson called the meeting to order on October 14th, 2025.  Members present were: Anna Mae Thompson, Joyce and Rod Hennegin, Ruth Anna Florea, Kay Ann Coleman, Pat O’Riley, Lois Brand, Denise Reasoner, Marcia Cline and new member, Ed Newbury.

The Spring 2025 minutes were read by Joyce.  Pat moved to accept, Denise seconded, motion carried.

Lois passed out treasurer’s report with explanation. Mary Kay moved to accept, Kay Ann seconded, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Marcia had no new Facebook issues. Discussion was held as to trivia notes; Denise will send ideas to Marcia.

The back door has been replaced by Ron Cross. He also repaired the shed door that was damaged from a break in.

Joyce reported on the metal sign on the front outside of museum.  Melissa Brown will work on it if someone will take it down.  Allan will see to taking it down. 

NEW BUSINESS

Marcia Cline was appointed Vice President pro-tem until election in the spring due to Garland O’Riley’s death.

Joyce reported donations this past year as follows: 45 Pics/Hopkins Misc donated by Lois Brand and Cindy Scarborough; Newspaper Index, Nodaway County 1869-1900 donated by Patricia Combs O’Dell; a book – Life and Death in Nodaway County 1890-1904 compiled in 1992 by Janet Hawley and donated by Sandy Ferguson; 3 books also compiled by Janet Hawley and donated by Sandy Ferguson: Murder Book 1/ 1861-1865, and  Murder Book 2/1886-1899, Murder Book 3/1899-1922.  Revised Statutes—MO 1919, donated by Martha Morton family.

Allan discussed the fact that the cement at the back door is not high enough causing water to pool against the door from the drain.  It needs to be broken up and new cement poured to slope away from the door.  Mary Kay moved we ask Ron Cross to take on the job with help from our members.  Lois seconded, motion passed.

Joyce will ask Melissa to also consider painting the trim around the large window in the front and the front door as she has already agreed to paint the sign.

Lois asked if we would consider storing the large amount of PEO history files from the past in the museum. Denise held discussion on whether we could accept these types of donations and how it might affect the museum in the future; how paper donations have to be stored, and also that we might consider some rules about what we will accept in donations.  She will call Paul Nelson, the Baptist minister who has expressed a desire to be of service to the museum as he has a degree that might lend some insight.

Mary Kay brought up the project of updating the Cemetery Supplement.  Discussion was held as to the city’s responsibility to furnish us with information.  Denise offered to call City Hall for an update on that info.

The “soft” spot just inside the bathroom floor was brought up.  Mary Kay made a motion to ask Ron Cross to look at it and advise needed work.  Marcia seconded, Motion carried.

The Spring Meeting with election of officers will be held March 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Pat moved to adjourn, Marcia seconded, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

  

Cleanup Day for Hopkins Historical Society Building Set for April 22nd

March 25th Minutes of the Hopkins Historical Society meeting

President Allen Thompson called the meeting to order. Members present were: Anna Mae Thompson, Garland O’Riley, Rod and Joyce Hennegin, Don and Judy Crane, Marcia Cline, Kay Ann Coleman and Ruth Anna Florea.

The Fall 2024 minutes were read by Joyce. Judy moved they be approved. Marcia seconded.  Motion carried.

Lois’s treasurer report was passed out and read by Garland in her absence.  Don moved we approve, Anna Mae seconded. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Marcia had no new Facebook items.  She still needs ideas for Hopkins trivia. We will post pics of new donations as we get them.

Allen reported that Jerry Roush will replace the rotted frame at the bottom of the back door.

Joyce reported the cabinets in the back have been moved in order to access the floor drain.

NEW BUSINESS

The metal sign outside the front door needs repainting as does the frame around the window.  Joyce will contact Melissa Brown to see if she is interested in the job.

Clean up date for Opening will be Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00

Schedules for 2025 were passed out.

New donations were a Ukelin, an instrument donated by Judge Charles Massie family; and memorabilia from Kenny Pettlon.

Election was held with same slate of officers by acclamation:  Allen Thompson, President; Garland O’Riley, Vice President; Lois Brand, Treasurer; and Joyce Hennegin, Secretary.  Board members were: 1 yr. Don and Judy; 2 yr. Ruth Anna and Kay Ann; and 3 yr. Rod and Marcia.

Fall Meeting for 2025 is set for October 14^th at 7 P.M.

Judy moved we adjourn. Don seconded. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

History of the Hopkins Journal Printing Presses

The Hopkins Historical Society was established in 1998, beginning with the donation by Russell and Anna Cross of the building that housed the Hopkins Journal, a weekly newspaper published for over 100 years. The Journal was first published in 1875 by owner and editor James M. Pierce who owned it for 2 years. From 1877-94 six different editors tried their hand at publishing. William Lincoln Moorhead, the “Deacon” as he was known, became editor and publisher in November 1893 until his death in 1939. His daughter, Helen Moorhead Wright and her husband Joe became editors and publishers for 19 years. Russell was a foster child of the Moorheads and worked in the Journal office as a young boy, until eventually he and his wife Anna bought the business in 1958.  From 1893 until the Journal was sold in 1977, it was continuously run by family, ending with Russell and Anna in 1977. 

The printing  equipment used by the Journal was donated with the building and is still housed in the Museum. From it’s founding in 1875 until 1909, The Journal was printed on a completely hand-operated, one-page Washington printing press. In 1909 a Country Campbell printing press, powered by a gas engine, later replaced by an electric motor was used until 1953. At that time a Babcock 10 Optimus was purchased from the Wright’s from the defunct Maryville Tribune. The Babcock, known as “Big Bertha,” came with a “folder.” From 1875 until 1909, every page of The Journal was folded by hand; but with the addition of  the Dexter folder, which operated off the same drive shaft of the Country Campbell, made the weekly folding job much faster. From being folded by hand to turning out 1,000 to 1,200 quarter-fold copies an hour was a huge improvement. However, the Dexter had a few quirks, and the Deacon and later on Joe Wright were known to use foul language to help it along.  During these times, Lawrence Sargent, longtime pressman and strong Christian, was warned to cover his ears. Most of the printing equipment used by Russell and Anna for the Journal and their printing business later on are still on display in the museum for viewers to enjoy. 

The massive, yet delicate, spring activated hot metal (525 degrees) linecasting machine on display is a Linotype Model No. 5, manufactured about 1910, was rebuilt and purchased by Deacon Moorhead for the Journal in 1927 and was  used for 70 years until it became obsolete. It weighed approximately 2000 lbs  and was geared to make six castings per minute, which in newspaper work is about 3 columns per hour.  It was rebuilt twice in the Journal shop, in 1950 and 1965. 

The Galley Proof Press on display was manufactured by Nolan. It was used to pre-proof linotype and advertising composition before the type is locked on a press for final printing.

The Chandler and Price 12 X 18 Craftsman Platen Printing Press on display was used for commercial printing  in the Journal and later in Cross Printing for 45 years. The press was purchased from the defunct Maryville Tribune in the mid 1950’s.

A metal casting on display was originally the bed of a one-page printing press used by the Journal. It was replaced by the Country Campbell in 1909 and thereafter used as a makeup table.

There are several other antiques such as a hole punch, ad plates, pig molds and a table top cabinet with many drawers of letters in different styles and sizes to put together an article one letter at a time.

Last but not least, a wall in the front room of the museum was dedicated by Russell and Anna Cross to “The Way It Was.” This wall holds the last 8 pages of the Journal printed letterpress with columns of print and ads. Also on the wall are several “tools of the trade” for viewing.

The Hopkins Historical Society is located on the East side of the North/South Main street of Hopkins and is open from the first Tuesday in May to the last Tuesday in October from 1 pm to 3 pm or by appointment.  The museum has many items of Hopkins history besides these mentioned above. Visitors are always welcome!

Credit to Co-Publishers, Russell and Anna Cross, Hopkins Centennial and A Time Capsule of Hopkins History

Hopkins Historical Society Minutes for March 21st, 2023

SPRING 2023 MEETING MINUTES OF THE HOPKINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MARCH 21, 2023  7:00 P.M.

In the absence of President Allen Thompson due to illness, Vice President Garland O’Riley  called the meeting to order.  Members present were:   Marcia Cline, Anna Cross, Ruth A. Florea, Judy Crane, Kay Coleman, Don Crane, Mary K. Clements, Lois Brand, Joyce Hennegin, Rod Hennegin, Garland and guest from Hopkins City Hall, Krystal Bowen.

Minutes were read by Joyce and approved.

Treasurer Report was presented by Lois  and approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Newspapers.com status was tabled until Fall due to absence of Denise Reasoner.

Joyce introduced guest Krystal who explained what information she needs to complete Hopkins Cemetery records.  The cemetery  book was sent with her for reference to aid her work.

Marcia shared information that has been posted on Facebook and asked members to contribute ideas for Tuesday Trivia.

Joyce reported that postcards were mailed out in February for dues and information on museum.

Garland reported that the storm door in the back has been installed and shed would be painted when it warms up.

Garland also reported that the new blinds in the front windows have been installed .

NEW BUSINESS

Garland submitted a bid from John Scarborough to repair holes above front window from old blinds, paint front room, replace 20 stained ceiling tile and replace bulbs that are burned out for apx. $1200. Ruth made a motion we accept the bid, Joyce seconded, motion carried.  Work will start  March 27. Joyce also requested to have John add a board rail for pictures  to the North wall in front room.

Museum schedules for 2023 were passed out.  April 19 at 1:00 was chosen for cleaning day before opening of museum in May.  Hopkins Picnic volunteers were:  Lois, Thursday, Rod and Joyce, Friday and Saturday to be determined later.

Joyce reported on new donations that have been added:  Sandy Alexander, Becky Bolyard, Sandra Wray, Mike Spalding and Pat Stites. Joyce also requested permission to add a Rainbow pedestal to museum which was approved.

Election of Officers was held:  President, Allen Thompson; Vice President, Garland O’Riley; Secretary, Joyce Hennegin; Treasurer, Lois Brand.  Board members are: 1 yr. Ruth Anna  & Kay Ann, 2 yr. Marcia & Denise, 3 yr. Don and Judy.  Joyce moved to approve,  Marcia seconded, motion carried.

The Fall Meeting will be held Oct. 3, 2023 at 7:00.

Judy suggested that we offer Cemetery Books and the Time Capsule books for sale at the Beef & Noodle dinner on Sunday, March 26 which was approved.  Don and Judy volunteered to man a table with the books.

Judy moved we adjourn, Joyce seconded.  

Meeting adjourned. 

Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

Hopkins Historical Society Announces Summer Schedule, New Leadership

The Hopkins Historical Society Museum is now open to visitors following closure during the winter months. Volunteers will greet folks each Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm. The museum will also be open each night during the annual Hopkins Picnic from August 4th, 5th, and 6th as well as by special request.

During a recent meeting of the organization, Allan Thompson was elected President. Reelected were Garland O’Riley (Vice President), Joyce Hennegin (Secretary), and Lois Brand (Treasurer). Six additional members compose the board.

Since the demand for the Hopkins Cemetery books exceeded the supply, the Society voted to order 100 reprints. The order has now been fulfilled and the books are available at the museum in Hopkins. The cost of each book is $35 and includes the original cemetery book with burials dating from August 7th, 1850 through December 31st, 1998 as well as the 11 year supplement covering burials from January 1st, 1999 through March 31st, 2010. The books were researched and compiled by Anna Cross and the late Russell Cross.

Marcia Cline has set up a Facebook page for the historical society and has assumed the responsibility of choosing and entering newsworthy announcements.

Dues are now payable to the Hopkins Historical Society, the amount being $10 per person. Send dues to Lois Brand, 29370 140th Street, Hopkins, MO 64461.

Proceeds from dues help defray expenses of utilities and maintenance of the museum.

The forthcoming digitizing of the Hopkins Journal newspapers came as great news to members of the historical society. Denise Reasoner has been in contact with the State Historical Society of Missouri and made arrangements to be a part of the Missouri Digital Newspaper Project. Newspapers from every county in the state will likely be included in the project.

As soon as the journals are digitized, the news will be available to read and research free online.

The fall meeting of the Hopkins Historical Society will be Tuesday, October 25th.

–Anna Cross, Historian

Hopkins Historical Society Now Open for 2022

The Hopkins Historical Society began opening last Tuesday, May 3rd and will be open every Tuesday from 1 pm to 3 pm through October. Dues are welcome for anyone interested in preserving Hopkins history by sending $10 to Lois Brand, 29370 140th Street, Hopkins, MO 64461. The following are the minutes from the annual meeting held April 26th:

Denise Reasoner, who was asked to conduct the meeting, opened the meeting.  Members attending were Allen and Anna Mae Thompson, Mary K. Clements, Teresa DeMott, Pat O’Riley, Ruth Florea, Kay Coleman, Lois Brand, Anna Cross, Denise, Joyce Hennegin, Garland O’Riley and Marcia Cline.

Joyce read the minutes of the Spring 2021 minutes. Teresa made a motion to approve, Pat seconded, motion carried.

Lois gave the Treasurer’s report.  Balance on hand in checking as of 4/1 is $192.20, Balance in MM account is $58,347.77, and balance in CD’s is $20,217.96.  She also stated she is transferring $700 from MM to checking for operating expenses ASAP. Discussion was also held as to having 2 signatures on these accounts.  Pat agreed to sign with Lois. Lois will check into needed paperwork.

OLD BUSINESS

Denise gave a report on accessing the Hopkins Journal on Newspapers.com.  Darla Thompson has signed the necessary papers and all files are complete. The Journal is 2nd in line to add so hopefully it will be complete this year.

Marcia Cline has agreed to be the Administrator for HHS Facebook Page.  Discussion was held as to setting it up, whether to be members only or Group, etc. If possible it will be both,  so anyone can see posts and we can send notices to members only. Some suggestions for posting are  Officers, Hours, new items donated etc. Suggestions for members only are upcoming meetings, Dues, etc.

Much discussion was held regarding reprints of the Cemetery Books. Whether it can be printed or will have to be copied. It was decided we need at least 100 copies. This reprint will include the separate supplement we have to be included in the back.  Joyce agreed to get quotes. Also, a new supplement from March, 2010 to current is also needed. This item was tabled until Fall meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Schedules were passed out for 2022 season.  It was agreed to meet Tues. May 3rd at 9:00 am to clean the museum for visitors.  Hopkins Picnic volunteers are:  Thursday, Teresa and Mary K.: Friday, Lois and Denise; and Saturday, Joyce and Rod.  It was suggested we try to stay after the program for awhile.

Joyce reported donations since our Spring 2021 meeting. 

Meetings for 2022 were discussed.  Denise moved we have 2 meetings a year, spring and fall. Garland seconded, motion carried.  Oct. 25th was designated as Fall meeting date.

Election of Officers was held.  Denise asked Joyce and Lois if they would retain their offices for another year, to which they agreed.  Teresa made a motion to accept, Pat seconded.  Motion carried.  Pat nominated Allen for President, Teresa seconded. Motion carried.  Lois nominated Garland for Vice President, Teresa seconded.  Motion carried.  Board members elected were:  1 yr members – Teresa and Mary K.; 2 yr members – Ruth and Kay; 3 yr members – Marcia and Denise.  Teresa moved we accept these board members, Pat seconded.  Motion carried.

Garland asked for discussion on property.  The back door needs a new storm door and the shed needs some work  including paint.  Lois moved we appoint Garland to purchase a new door, he offered to install it; and for he and Allen to look over the shed for improvements.  Mary K. seconded, motion carried.

Teresa moved we adjourn the meeting, Pat seconded. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

Hopkins Historical Society Back in Business

The Hopkins Historical Society is back in business following a year long recess because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A group of interested officers, board members, and volunteers attended an organizational meeting on May 4th at the museum in Hopkins. Members were eager to proceed with forward-thinking plans to research, collect, exhibit, and preserve the many resources that tell the history of Hopkins and its residents. 

Jim Cline was elected President; subsequently, he passed away on May 27th. Other officers elected were Garland O’Riley (Vice-President), Joyce Hennegin (Recording Secretary), and Lois Brand (Treasurer). Brand has served as treasurer since 1998.

The museum officially opened to visitors in May and will continue to be open each Tuesday afternoon at 1 pm throughout the summer and fall months. Volunteers will be there to greet and assist visitors.

Since March marks the beginning of a new year, dues of $10 per person are now payable. Some supporters have chosen to pay $20 to make up for 2020, when the museum was forced to close. The money collected from dues is used for the operating expenses of the museum.

The museum will be open all three nights of the Hopkins Picnic, August 5th, 6th, and 7th from 7 pm to 9 pm.

The book, “A Time Capsule of Hopkins History” is available at the museum. The 285 page book was researched and compiled by the late Russell and Anna Cross, former editors of the Hopkins Journal. The book contains a chronicle listing of events in Hopkins as they were recorded in the newspaper filed dating from the 1890’s to 2002.

–Submitted by Anna Cross, Historian, Hopkins Historical Society.

Hopkins Historical Society Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The 20th anniversary of the Hopkins Historical Society was observed March 27th during a meeting of the organization held at the museum in Hopkins.

Jim Cline, President, welcomed the group to the evening gathering after which he entertained with the reading of interesting excerpts from the book, “A Time Capsule of Hopkins History.” The 285 page book was researched and compiled by Russell and Anna Cross, former editors of the Hopkins Journal. Published in 2002, the book contains a chronicle listing of events in Hopkins as they were recorded in the Journal in files dating from the 1890’s to 2002. A few copies of the book remain in possession of the Hopkins Historical Society and are available for purchase at the museum.

In addition to President Cline, other officers reelected were Garland O’Riley (Vice-President), and Lois Brand (Treasurer). Joyce Hennegin was elected Secretary to fill the vacancy left by Linda Cross, who chose to retire after serving for several years. Elected for a one-year term, Anna Mae Thompson is the only new member serving on the board.

Since March marks the beginning of a new year for the organization, annual dues of $10 per person are now payable. The money collected from dues is used for the operating expenses of the museum.
With springtime came thoughts of maintenance and “sprucing up” the museum building. Following a brief discussion, it was decided to promptly move forward with the installation of new carpet. A cleaning day will be determined following the carpet project.

The summer and fall schedule calls for the museum to officially open for visitors on Tuesday afternoon, May 1st at 1 pm. It will continue to be open each Tuesday afternoon through October. Volunteers will be there to greet and welcome visitors on those designated days. The museum will be open Friday and Saturday nights during the Hopkins Picnic in July.

The group was pleased to accept the donation of a glass display case from Ernie Bosley, a resident of Hopkins. The case will be moved and set in place following the carpet installation.

The Hopkins Historical Society was organized March 19th, 1998. The idea of forming a historical group was introduced by Russell and Anna Cross. Open to the public, the first meeting was held at the Cross family home in south Hopkins in February, 1998. The concept was enthusiastically received by interested citizens of the community who made plans to move forward with an organization committed to preserving the history of the then-126 year old town. Now, 20 years later, the mission remains the same: to research, collect, interpret, exhibit, and preserve items that tell the story of Hopkins and its residents.

–Submitted by Anna Cross, Historian, Hopkins Historical Society.

Hopkins Historical Society Seeks Volunteers, Members

The Hopkins Historical Society is seeking volunteers as well as members. They operate the Hopkins Historical Society & Museum Building, located next door to the Hopkins Bar & Grill. Hours this year will be from 1 to 3 every Tuesday starting in May and running through the end of October. There are copies of old Hopkins Journals, memorabilia, models of old cars, and historical information about the town.

The building is staffed on a volunteer basis. To volunteer, contact President Jim Cline at (660) 254-3711. To join, send annual dues of $10/year to Lois Brand, 29370 140th Street, Hopkins, MO 64461.

The society held its annual meeting last Tuesday night. They will run a booth at the Hopkins Picnic this summer to raise funds for the building. Proceeds will go to defray operating costs and building upkeep. Work is needed on the south wall so it won't leak. A cleanup day was scheduled for the afternoon of April 28th, in advance of the opening of the building.