Chaffee Historical Society museum may reopen soon

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The Chaffee Historical Society is back on track to reopening its museum.

The museum, 109 S. Main St. in Chaffee, was the home of the Lankford Drug Store that was opened in 1928 by former mayor Lesley Lankford.

For about the last year and a half, the building has been empty because of structural issues of an adjoining building. But in May, historical society treasurer Barbara Arnold said an inspector approved the society to move back into the building.

The historical society is accepting members for those interested in Chaffee's history and requires only a $10 annual due to join.

"Our museum has a lot of railroad memorabilia," Arnold said. "We used to be a railroad town, or at least it was once upon a time. Some family members bring back their family's memoirs, and in the past we've had children come in for school tours. We just like to show the way people used to live."

The society was established in 1996. In 2003, it laid a brick walkway in front of the museum where people can buy a brick for $25 the museum will engrave. Arnold said there still is room on the walkway for anyone interested in buying a brick.

Plans for the next historical society meeting is on hold, as well as establishing hours for the museum, because its president is undergoing health issues, Arnold said.

She encourages those who are interested to contact her about joining the society. She said the society really could use some "manpower" to get the museum ready to reopen.

For more information, call Arnold at 573-887-3272.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

Chaffee, Mo.