Spring 2007                                                                       Volume 34 #2

SPRING HAS SPRUNG NEW LIFE INTO HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY!

Wow, is this an exciting time to be a member, re-join, or sign up for the first time! So many new things are going on. It is indeed an exciting time!

WINTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 21

In case you missed this event, I truly feel bad for you. We had a great time. Professor Bill Hanna from Blackhawk College gave a fantastic presentation on “Looking for Chief Blackhawk, or someone like him” Our members learned that an Indian Village existed right here in Hampton (about where the boat launch is)  The presentation was presented from the Native American point of view, a truly different perspective. The concept of land ownership by humans was an alien concept to the Sauk & Mesquakie tribes. They believed that they were part of the land since their bodies came from the land and returned after death. No single person could own it!

BILL’S OOPS COLUMN

This may become a regular feature in our newsletter, but I need to mention Elaine Ryerson, who serves as a board member. I forgot to mention Elaine in our last newsletter. Elaine is a very kind and giving person. She gives some of the best tours at the museum, and always lends a helping hand at most functions! Thank you so much!!!

NEW BASEMENT LIGHTS ARE HERE!

The executive officers chose Flick’s of Moline as the vendor. 21 fixtures will illuminate the basement for future fun & activities. Mike Tappero of Hampton will install them. They are designed for the period, and will add a “riverboat gambling look” to the basement. Are you ready for some BINGO??  Stay tuned, we are working on the details.

HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT HAMPTON SCHOOL CARNIVAL

HHS members Jane Cady, Bobbie Hanson, Bobbie, Bill & Cheryl Beals set up an informational booth. The response was very good. The 5^th grade & up students could take a 5 question quiz on Hampton History. Those that scored 3 out of 5 or higher won a free Student membership to the Society through September 2008. Several students scored perfect on the quiz!! 8 students won the free membership & we welcome them to our Society. (The kids also won some extra candy). No child went away empty handed. Student Members Kayla Jared & Kelsey Tobbs won the Grand Prizes of a Special Edition Marvel Comic book on “Epic Battles of the Civil War”! Way to go kids!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Be sure to mark May 16 @ 7PM on your calendar. We have a Special Guest Speaker lined up! Marlene Gantt, the renowned history column writer from the Moline Dispatch will be at the Hampton United Methodist Church (corner of 4^th St & 2^nd Ave). Her topic will be on The History of River Transportation. As many of you know, Hampton was started as a place where the newly invented steamboats could purchase wood fuel in 1828. Don’t miss this one!! Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. A small donation is requested for refreshments.

CLEAN THE MUSEUM DAYS

May 18 & 19, 10AM are designated for members to help in light cleaning of the museum. We have chosen two days this year in order to provide more time for people’s busy schedule. Please donate a small amount of time and help our museum look sharp for the upcoming opening to the public on Memorial Day. Please bring cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners, shop vacs, etc…

HHS’S ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE - MAY 28, 2007 - 10 AM

Our beloved annual service will begin at the Soldier’s Monument next to the Village Hall. We intend to honor Hampton Veterans, now deceased who have served in conflicts from the Blackhawk war of 1832 to the Global War on Terrorism. I guarantee that after leaving this sobering event, you will discover the true meaning of Memorial Day. This is a popular event, and is usually covered by the media. Please bring flowers as you deem appropriate to toss into the Mississippi in remembrance of our deceased war veterans. Immediately following the service, the museum will open its doors for the season. Be sure to check out the new exhibits!!

A WORD ABOUT DUES

Our organization relies heavily on the generous & prompt payment of membership dues. If you haven’t paid for this year yet, please send your payment as soon as possible. Without you, there will be no museum in Hampton. If you are not sure if you have paid, look at the mailing label on your  news letter. The year corresponds to the number on the label. If you have a 07, you are paid through September 2007. If you have any questions, please contact Vice President Rocky Nelson @ 309-755-0362.

NEW SERVICE E-MAIL OF NEWSLETTER

Effective immediately, you may choose to have your newsletter e-mailed to you instead of using paper. This would certainly help the Society if most members could do this.

Please contact Bill at 755-8370, or wbeals@mchsi.com, if you would like your newsletter e-mailed. To make sure that each member that signed up for e-mail delivery received an e-mailed copy, we will give you a paper copy & an e-mail copy, until you e-mail Bill Beals @ wbeals@mchsi.com and inform him that the new e-mail delivery is working. We want to make sure every member gets a copy!!

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

 It is very important to keep our membership growing!  We ask that each member contact 1-2 friends, neighbors or relatives this month and tell them about the Society. We are working on new informational brochures to help, but our growth largely depends on you!