The Moniteau County Historical Society hosted its annual show & tell presentation of objects of historical significance at its January 2020 meeting.
The show & tell presentation serves as an opportunity for Historical Society members to share details of items that may have been passed down in their families or obtained elsewhere. A wide variety of items were presented, from an old set of sleigh bells to a quilt signed by every United States governor in 1995-96, including Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan and then-Texas Governor George W. Bush. Other items included one member's baby dress, handmade by her aunt; what was believed to be an old spoon or coffee scoop, carved from wood; a framed handkerchief from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair; a commemorative tie from the Democratic Convention of President Roosevelt's inauguration year; property deeds dating from the 1800s; an 1881 Benjamin Franklin stamp; a print of John Everett Millais' "A Flood"; old medical gear, such as ankle and back braces and an ice pack; an old light bulb; a 1939 "pianoette"; and a "Foul Killer" chicken guillotine.
Prior to the show & tell presentation, the group held its first regular meeting of the 2020 calendar year, and also the first since the group's annual dinner meeting last November.
The group is gearing up for some upcoming dates of note, including the museum and genealogy library opening in April. Sights are also set on hosting a fundraising chili supper sometime soon.
After collecting money for the Historical Society scholarship at the annual dinner meeting, scholarship information was sent to Moniteau County's three high schools in December, to be disseminated to students who may be interested in applying.
The Moniteau County Historical Society's next regular meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 10.