Jackson Heritage Association greets incoming officers, awards supporters

The Jackson Heritage Association's 29th annual banquet was held at Bent Creek recently.

The 2006 directors and officers were sworn in by the Rev. Grant Gillard. They are president Kyle Mabuce, vice president Kevin Schearf, treasurer Cheryl Mabuce, secretary Bonnie Macke, Mike Hess, Steve Green, Pat Fosse, Vicki Lane, Mary Ann Burgess, Phyllis Seabaugh, Justin Gibbs, Alberta Dougan and Cathi Stoverink.

Patsy Johnson was named the recipient of the 2006 Joyce Peerman/JHA award and was recognized for her many years of service.

Johnson, who taught in Arkansas and then spent 37 years teaching in the Jackson School District, was instrumental in rescuing the Oliver House Museum, a JHA treasure.

Oliver House project

In 1977, her son, Maurice, drew dollhouse plans from the Oliver House for creation of a replica. Johnson and Kathryn Cochrane detailed the dollhouse inside and out to raise awareness historical value of the Oliver House. The women transported the model to schools and organizations to promote the need to save the deteriorating structure.

Johnson recently received the Women's Impact Award from Girl Scouts of Otahki Council and has received both Girl and Boy Scouts highest awards. From almost two decades of quilting at New McKendree United Methodist Church to teaching more than 3,000 students in the Missouri Hunter Education program, Johnson still continues community service through JHA and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Also at the meeting, Unsung Hero Awards were presented to Jean Seabaugh and Gillard.

Activities in the past year for the Jackson Heritage Association included a change of venue for the association's historic photos and heritage information to Cape Girardeau County Archive Center, an art contest featuring the historic C.H. Wolters' harness shop with entries from more than 160 area schools.

Mabuce thanked members for donations to the 100-Mile Yard Sale and the Cape Girardeau Master Gardeners for work in rehabilitating and enhancing grounds at Oliver House Museum.