USA > Kentucky > Madison County > Glimpses of historic Madison County, Kentucky > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
209
LODGES
and enthusiastic class of candidates. This Council contains a num- ber of eminent Masons, and I predict will make a shining mark among the Arches."
Berea Council No. 95, Royal and Select Masters, Chartered October 19, 1926, Ist Illustrious Master, Wm. E. Farmer-
This Council was actually set to work on April 20, 1925 by M.I. Grand Master Wm. Carson Black, who has this to say in his annual report concerning the organization. "The second Council organized was at Berea, on April 20th, and with me there was Deputy Master, John H. Lawson of No. 77 (Cumberland Council No. 77 of Barbourville, Ky.). After the organization, several companions assisted us in conferring the degrees upon eleven can- didates."
Berea Council was consolidated with Richmond Council Septem- ber 10, 1941.
Richmond Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar, Chartered 1875, Ist Commander.
On August 8, 1875, Richmond Commandery, Knights Templar was organized with twelve charter members. This Commandery with a humble beginning now has over three hundred members. It has never ceased to work from the day of its institution .- By Charles K. A. McGaughey, P.M.
THE ELKS LODGE
Richmond, Kentucky Lodge No. 581 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, United States of America was organized under and by virtue of a charter granted by the Elks Grand Lodge during its annual Convention in June, 1900.
The Order of Elks was founded during the latter part of the 19th century by men who believed in the sacred principles that were exemplified by our Declaration of Independence. In fact, they adopted the American Flag as their emblem, thereby linking the destiny of Elkdom with that of our great nation.
It was near the close of this century that the Elks and their work became known to the people of Madison County, Kentucky. A few of our citizens that were acquainted with them and what they stood for decided that a subordinate lodge in Richmond was not only needed but could and would perform a public service to the people as a whole. This, B. P. O. Elks No. 581, Richmond, Kentucky was chartered.
210
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
The Richmond Elks Lodge, like most all other worthy organiza- tions, had a most difficult existence in its pioneer beginnings al- though its charter members were composed of Madison County's leading farmers, professional and business men of that era. They were few in number but strong in mind with an ambition to succeed fortified with the untiring energy and will to practice the principles of the Order, known throughout the United States to be Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
The early years of Richmond Lodge are most interesting to anyone concerned about the history of our community in that they follow the true theme of our American progress. The original members did not have the financial resources to assist them in their program that we enjoy today; in fact, the early records reveal they did not have at their disposal a lodge room or a place in which to hold the necessary meetings. It was only through the generosity of another lodge that quarters were acquired for occasional gatherings.
Although, the first members of Richmond Lodge found it difficult to pay their meagre operating expenses they always found a small gift or rendered a service to those near them that were even less fortunate. Charity being one of the cardinal principles of Elkdom throughout its life, the local lodge has almost without exception joined with other organizations in assisting them in any worthy cause.
One has only to look back to the year of 1936, at which time the Kentucky Elks Association was in convention in Richmond. It will be recalled that the people of our great state were suffering from that dreaded disease of Tuberculosis. It was at that meeting of the Kentucky Elks that they, through the foresight of the members of Richmond Lodge, decided to lend every effort at their command to assist the medical profession of Kentucky to stamp out this killer of our citizens. In a few short years all of us have seen the result. There are few persons in Madison county who have not, on more than one occasion, seen the "Elks T.B. X-Ray Unit" parked in places nearest to those desiring X-Rays to determine whether or not they could be so unlucky or unfortunate as to have contracted this horrible plague. It goes without saying that the fee or cost for this public service is free to all persons.
The Richmond Elks Lodge is proud that this great statewide movement originated here and continues to make marked progress each ensuing year.
211
LODGES
There are still many people in and around Madison County that remember when the present site of the Richmond Elks Building was a small retail business establishment. It was only a few short years after the local Elks received their charter from the beginning of World War I a portion of the present building was completed and during the year of 1954, it was extended, remodeled and made more attractive. A few of our older friends often inquire how the local lodge members, coming from such a small beginning, could have progressed so far in a relatively short time of fifty-five years.
Since the year of 1900 Richmond Elks Lodge has been most successful, hardships notwithstanding, in its efforts not only to become a part of our beloved community but to join with other progressive parties in making Madison County, Kentucky, a finer, cleaner, better and a more attractive part of our nation in which to live. It is the united effort and determination of all Elks to love and respect the rights of all free men; to be loved, to be respected and finally to be known by all the world as men who thoroughly enjoy being Americans !- By Warfield Z. Miller, Past Exalted Ruler, B. P. O. Elks No. 581; Past District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler, Kentucky, East.
ODD FELLOWS
The local lodge of the Independent order of Odd Fellows (Madison Lodge No. 14 I. O. O. F.) is a fraternal brotherhood, a member of the State Association which maintains a home for aged members and a home for children of members who are left dependent. Both homes are located at Lexington, Kentucky.
The Odd Fellow's Lodge in Madison County is over one hundred years old. It was the 14th lodge in the State as shown by its number. According to records in possession of Roy Montgomery, Richmond, Kentucky, Madison Lodge No. 14 I. O. O. F. was organized April 27, 1843, by M. W. G. Master Litham and R. W. G. M. Hinkle of Louisville with the following as charter members: R. D. Mahoan, I. C. Peacock, Wm. L. Neal, Pat W. Clarke, David I. Fields, Wm. L. William, and I. P. Ballard.
During the year of 1843 there were seventeen more members initiated and one honorary member, making a total of twenty-five members. The books show a membership of fifty-three and four honorary members by 1847. This fraternal order has been active
212
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
through the years, developing a large membership which visited the sick and gave support to members in need of support as well as support to the orphan's home and home for the aged.
Many good business men and others of distinction have been members of this fraternal order. This short space will not permit mention of their names. The lodge was built in 1903, a building known as the "Opera House." This property was later sold to Schines Theater. The Lodge then acquired the building near the Post Office where K. U. is now located. This was sold in 1942. The Odd Fellows recently acquired the large brick building on the north-east corner of Irvine and Second Streets. The Lodge plans on having a Lodge Hall on the second floor in the near future.
The Lodge meets on the first and third Tuesday evening of each month .- By a member.
THE RED MEN
The Red Men was organized with the Boston Tea Party and George Washington was one of their first members.
The Red man's ship is made up of men of all professions, both high and low. They do not have an orphans home, but they have a home for every orphan, that is, the child is placed with some near relative who is paid by the state organization to care for him.
The Red Men are known as a Tribe and the Tribe in Richmond, Floating Canal No. 76 was organized in 1902 with twenty-seven charter members.
All members bear some Indian name, for example, the officers of the Tribe are Sachem, Senior Sagamore, Junior Sagamore, Prophet, Chief of Regards, Keeper of Wampum. The head of the national organization is known as the Great Incohonee.
The ladies branch of the organization is known as the degree of Pocahontas.
CHAPTER XIX
Organizations of Women
THE BOONESBOROUGH CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The Boonesborough Chapter Daughters of the American Revolu- tion was organized in June, 1896 by Mrs. Sallie Gibson Humphrey Chenault with fifteen charter members. Mrs. Chenault served con- tinuously as regent for nine years.
The first project of the chapter was to promote interest in memorializing Fort Boonesborough and its early occupants. Through the efforts of especially Mrs. Chenault and Mrs. James W. Caperton its goal was realized on October 5, 1907, when a large square granite monument, on which the names of the pioneers in the fort were inscribed, was dedicated on the site where the original fort had stood. The marker is enclosed by a substantial stone fence.
From 1907 until the time of her passing in 1945 Mrs. Caperton served as monument chairman and during those years several markers were erected. The bronze Boone Wilderness Road tablet in the courtyard and a similar one at the intersection of the upper and lower Boonesborough roads were erected in 1927 as markers of the Boone trail, through the generosity of Mr. J. Hampden Rich of North Carolina in cooperation with the Boonesborough Chapter. This group aided the Boone Family Association also in the placing of a bust of Daniel Boone in the Hall of Fame in New York City.
Since the chapter had the privilege of naming the beautiful new reinforced concrete bridge at Boonesborough in 1931, it reciprocated by placing a bronze tablet with a replica of the fort on a monument made of Kentucky granite at the Madison County entrance of the Memorial Fort Boonesborough bridge.
In 1937 Twetty's Fort, which is elsewhere described in this volume, was recognized by appropriate ceremonies and the un- veiling of a bronze tablet on a granite base. The same year the D.A.R. placed a bronze plaque of Daniel Boone in the foyer of Hiram Brock Auditorium on the Eastern Campus.
The fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was the incentive for
213
214
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
another celebration, which was the placing on the front of the courthouse just back of the beautiful classic columns, a handsome bronze plaque on which were inscribed the names of the Madison County boys lost in World War I. About the same time the chapter marked the graves of all known Revolutionary soldiers in the county.
Dr. James Carson of Calhoun, Georgia, erected in 1942 a monu- ment to the memory of his grandfather, the famous Indian scout, Kit Carson, at his birthplace on the hill near the intersection of the Tate's Creek pike and Goggin's Lane and presented it to the Boonesborough Chapter D.A.R. and the state of Kentucky.
About this time the chapter adopted the plan of making a dona- tion in money to the Telford Community Center as a memorial to deceased members to replace the customary floral offering.
During World War II the membership was engaged in raising money for the various war funds and promoting projects including bundles for Britain, buddy bags, selling war bonds, red cross work, and raising funds for blood plasma. During the regency of Mrs. Allen Zaring under the enthusiastic leadership of Mrs. M. C. Kellogg $2050 was raised for a blood mobile on which was inscribed in bold type "Boonesborough Chapter D.A.R."
During the past ten years the Boonesborough chapter's member- ship has gradually increased until now it ranks favorably with the larger chapters in the state.
LAUREL RIDGES D.A.R.
It was in the afternoon of March 22, 1930 that a group of women met in Woods-Penniman Building to complete the organization of the local D.A.R. Chapter in Berea and to install their officers.
The following ten members were present: Mrs. John F. Smith, Mrs. Frank Hays, Mrs. J. W. Stephens, Mrs. J. L. Gay, Mrs. C. H. Burdette, Mrs. R. R. Coyle, Mrs. J. M. Kinnard, Mrs. T. J. Osborne, Mrs. Janet Murbach and Mrs. Ellen H. Mitchell. The other two charter members were Mrs. I. N. Odell and Miss Grace Wright. There were also six guests present. Among them were Mrs. Grant E. Lilly, Past State Regent; Mrs. Charles A. Keith, Past State His- torian; and Mrs. Tutt Burnham, Registrar ;- all of Richmond, Ken- tucky.
These women had long been D.A.R. members and they helped to launch the new chapter of twelve members.
215
ORGANIZATIONS OF WOMEN
The Chapter was later called the Berea-Laurel Ridges Chapter. Mrs. John F. Smith was organizing Regent and was elected as first Regent.
Through the years the Chapter has been busy with its various activities-having patriotic essay contests, giving History and Good Citizenship medals to high school students, sponsoring a nursing scholarship and helping worthy current projects.
There are forty-three members in the Chapter at the present time.
THE RICHMOND WOMAN'S CLUB
The Richmond Woman's Club was organized in 1904 with Mrs. Frank Jennings president. It was inactive from World War I until 1923, at which time it was reorganized with the following officers: President, Miss Willie Kennedy; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. R. E. Turley, Mrs. James W. Caperton, Miss Lucia Burnam, Mrs. Waller Bennett; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Jack Phelps; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Sallie Yates McKee; Treasurer, Mrs. C. B. Brittain; Auditor, Mrs. Hale Dean.
The Woman's Club was active in early years in various civic projects. In 1924, during the presidency of Miss Kennedy, the club started a public library. It was housed in a small building belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan B. Deatherage on North Second Street. A few years later, Mrs. James R. Burnam, a devoted supporter of the Woman's Club and the public library, furnished, rent free, a small building in the rear of her residence where the library remained until her death in 1944, at which time she bequeathed her home on West Main Street to the Richmond Woman's Club for a public library.
This library is now incorporated and operated by a board of trus- tees from the Woman's Club under the terms of the will of Mrs. James R. Burnam. The late Mrs. Warfield Bennett was chairman of the Library Board when it began in 1924 and was followed by Mrs. Murison Dunn who is now chairman. Mrs. H. H. Brock has been Librarian since 1941.
Due to the expense of this enterprise an annual fee of $2.00 was charged for use of the books. Later the dues of club members in- cluded a library membership. This has been the main project all through the years.
The club has been affiliated with both state and general federa-
216
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
tions since its organization. Originally there were four departments, Art and Literature, Garden, Music and Community. Today three are active. The first two mentioned and Mothercraft. The last two function as important committees.
The Woman's Club at first met in homes of various members, then later in church parlors. It was evident that if the club con- tinued to grow, it would need a club home. When Mrs. W. A. Fite was president 1925-27 the sum of $375 was raised and set aside for that purpose. The club also furnished a room in the Pattie A. Clay Hospital.
During World War II club members devoted many hours to Red Cross work. Club savings were put into defense bonds.
During the administration of Mrs. C. T. Hughes a Junior Woman's Club was organized.
In 1950-52 during the presidency of Mrs. J. C. Ballard member- ship reached 180. Interest in a club home was revived. The Ways and Means committee, with Mrs. George Robbins, chairman, spon- sored style shows which netted $510 for the fund.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Hugh Porter president 1952-54 the club decided to build an auditorium costing approximately $11,000. The building committee with Mrs. Keen Johnson chair- man perfected plans for a beautiful auditorium with a colonial en- trance, powder room, and kitchen.
The club started to build this auditorium with only a small part of the money needed to finance it. The sum of $6500 was raised by the sale of the rear part of the lot devised to the club by Mrs. James R. Burnam. The finance committee of which Mrs. Lee J. Owsley was chairman did an excellent job using various fund raising projects. Several public minded citizens and club members made nice donations.
This nice auditorium was built, paid for in full, and dedicated November 5, 1953 in an impressive ceremony. The assembly room is panelled in soft green straited plywood with matching woodwork. Among the furnishings is the baby grand piano on which John Jacob Niles composed many of his famous ballads. After this outstanding accomplishment for civic improvement, along with the other activi- ties, the Woman's Club was selected by the chain store council as the outstanding club of Richmond, and a banquet was given the club celebrating this recognition.
217
ORGANIZATIONS OF WOMEN
Lack of space prevents mentioning all the outstanding club mem- bers who have given of their time and means to further cultural, civic and benevolent projects. The club has always been a potent force in life of the community. Each year it sponsors the Heart Drive, a Girl Scout troop, a Flower Show, a Music Contest for teen- agers, an Educational Forum only, and works with Service Club's Council to promote recreation program for children through the summer. It is a member of the Board of Trade. For the past several years the club has received an honor certificate from State Federa- tion and blue ribbons for art programs and exhibits.
April, 1954, the club held a 50th anniversary tea. Miss Helen Bennett has been a continuous member since its organization. Miss Mary Q. Covington has been press chairman 25 years.
The present administration under presidency of Mrs. Lee J. Owsley, with Mrs. Carl Brown, chairman of ways and means have paid the note on the piano, purchased an electric stove and re- frigerator. The main new project is civil defense .- By Mrs. H. O. Porter and Mrs. Murison Dunn.
THE RICHMOND JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB
The Junior Woman's Club of Richmond, Kentucky, was organized in 1948 by the Richmond Woman's Club under the direction of Mrs. Charles T. Hughes, at which time she became the sponsor of the Junior Woman's Club. The objective of this group of young women was to enjoy fellowship together, while performing worth- while services at the local, State, and National level.
The first meeting, February 18, 1948, was held in the home of Mrs. Hughes, at which time their first President, Mrs. Edgar L. Adams, was elected. On March 10th of the same year, Miss Chloe Gifford, President of Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs, pre- scented the club charter, issued the ninth day of March.
In October, 1948, Mrs. Samuel Christopher was elected President to succeed Mrs. Adams, who resigned. Early in the history of the Club attention was given to the local fund drives such as Tubercu- losis Association, and in February 1949, a liberal donation was given to the Madison County Health Program. An event which has been carried on annually since 1949 is a party for Brownie Scouts, which is held during Girl Scout Week.
Mrs. Jack Morrow became the Club's third President for the year
218
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
1949-1950. In December of that year, members donated canned goods to fill Christmas baskets for the needy of Madison County. The Club contributes annually to the International Scholarship Fund and the Junior Travel Fund, the Kentucky Federation Junior Projects.
The President for 1950-1951 was Mrs. Ralph Mays, who was later chosen Sixth District Junior Representative of the Kentucky Federa- tion of Women's Clubs. The Club has continued through the years to contribute to the National Health Drives. As a Christmas project that year, articles were purchased to fill Christmas stockings to be sent to a veteran's hospital in Kentucky.
In the year 1951-1952, when Mrs. Helen King became President, the Club elected to carry on the Kentucky Federation Junior project of adopting a child at Beulah Heights Orphanage, Beulah Heights, Kentucky. The little boy continues to be remembered with gifts on special occasions during the year.
Under the presidency of Mrs. William Isaacs, 1952-1953, the club ordered an Oxygen-Air pressure Lock, which was donated to the Pattie A. Clay Infirmary, a partially charity hospital of Richmond. The "Air-Lock" has proved to be an invaluable in- strument, having saved the lives of many new-born infants handi- capped by respiratory difficulties. Funds were raised through various projects with additional help of interested individuals and other civic clubs, and on February 27, 1953, the "Air-Lock" was installed at the Infirmary. An honor bestowed upon the Richmond Junior Woman's Club during that year was a dinner given by the Chain Store Council of Richmond, for being voted the outstanding civic organization of the year.
Orphans were the Club's chief concern in 1953-1954, while Mrs. Hubert L. Cornelison, Jr. was President. The final payment of the "Air-Lock" project was made, and for the yearly project the Club elected to send an orphan honor student from Madison County to Midway School for Orphans at Midway, Kentucky, paying her registration fees and sending her a weekly allowance.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs, sponsored an Amer- icanism campaign that year, for the restoration of Independence Hall. The Junior Club worked in cooperation with the Rich- mond Woman's Club on the Americanism campaign and donated a money prize for a local school student, who entered the Essay
219
ORGANIZATIONS OF WOMEN
1
contest, "What America Means to Me." Wayne Smith, an ele- mentary student at Model High School of Richmond, was the winner of the Essay contest and he was the Junior Club's entry to the National Contest.
In October, 1953, Miss Jane Congleton, a member of the local club, was elected to become Sixth District Junior Representative at the Sixth District Meeting in Georgetown, Kentucky. Also during that year Mrs. George Robbins, member of the Woman's Club was selected to become the Junior Club's sponsor to succeed Mrs. Charles Hughes.
The Executive Committee of Kentucky Federation of Woman's Clubs asked the Junior Club to present Mrs. Hubert L. Cornelison, Jr. as a candidate for Fourth Vice-President of the State Feder- ation for 1954-1956. This is the only office in which a member of a Junior Club can hold a position on the State Board, also mak- ing the title State Junior Chairman. In June, 1954, at the Fifty- ninth Annual Convention of Kentucky Federation held in Louis- ville, Kentucky, Mrs. Cornelison was installed in office by Miss Chloe Gifford of Lexington, Kentucky, Second Vice-President of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
The Club erected two safety signs at the entrances of Rich- mond on U.S. Highway 25, with the purpose of making their com- munity a safer place in which to live. It was within that year that the club received a 100 percent honor certificate certifying that the Club had met all the requirements necessary for the Honor Roll in the State Federation.
The 100 percent Honor Certificate was received again in 1954- 1955 under the direction of Mrs. Byron W. Silk as President. The Club chose to sponsor again the Madison County student at Midway School and participated in all State Junior Projects. The outstanding accomplishment for the club that year was the project of sponsoring a group of underprivileged children at the local Telford Community Center. Each Friday night during this club year a group of members went to the Center to entertain these children and to serve refreshments. In April, 1955, the Club had a clothing drive and all that was collected went to the Telford Center to be distributed to the needs of any under- privileged children.
Two members were appointed to represent the Club on official
220
GLIMPSES OF HISTORIC MADISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
boards in Richmond. Miss Mary Brittain was chosen to serve on the Community Board of International Relations, and Mrs. J. Miller Lackey, Jr., to serve on the Active Hospital Board.
The Junior Department of Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs sponsored a contest, "Youth Cooperation," for all Junior Clubs of Kentucky. In recognition of outstanding achievements in youth conservation, the Richmond Junior Woman's Club was awarded first prize of $100 in this contest. Projects included volunteer work at the Telford Community Center, a campaign to combat horror comic books, the compilation and printing of an interdenominational book, "Prayers for Children," along with the other achievements of that year.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.