Williamson County Illinois Historical Society

A Christmas lunch for the historical society staff was held on December 14^th, 2023 at the Asian Star restaurant in Marion. The lunch was a thank you and late year get together for the board members and active volunteers that serve the historical society. Those present from L-R are Leeann Johnson, Charla Murphy, Sharon Vansaghi, Lisa and Andrew McRoy, Michael Spinks, Sam Lattuca, George Mavigliano and Helen Lind. Not shown are Debbie Lattuca, taking the picture and Gloria Spinks who arrived later.

A membership meeting of the Williamson County Historical Society was held on October 8^th, 2023 at 2 P.M. at the society’s museum/library at 105 S. Van Buren in Marion. The state of the museum was laid out by current president Sam Lattuca indicating the current status of programs that are in progress and membership. Lattuca displayed the latest accessions to the museum, including a turn of the 20^th century mourning dress, bonnet and cape, the christening gown belonging to Oldham Paisley from 1892 and more. Oldham Paisley was part owner, editor and reporter of the Marion Daily Republican newspaper in Marion from around 1915 through 1974 as well as serving both in WWI, WWII and the reserves. A program related to archeological and historical research done on the old Slave House, also known as the Crenshaw house was shown.

Our next membership meeting will be held on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, 2:00 PM at the museum. Elections will be held to compose the board of directors for the year 2024. All board positions except for two director slots are to be voted on. Nominations can be made all the way up to election time, so if you have an interest in helping guide our society or know someone who might be interested, be sure to contact us or you may place names in nomination at the meeting prior to the election.

Our meeting will have a 30 minute program on an SIU archeological dig and research done at the old Crenshaw home known as the “Old Slave House” now owned by the State of Illinois.

Please be sure to check and see if your dues are caught up by looking at the date on the latest mailing label. If you’re dues are paid up it will say 2023 or higher. Membership dues will increase from $20 to $25 for next year, 2024, due to rising costs after remaining the same for 15 years.