Smiling because they’ve just won two genealogical society recognitions are, left, Sharon Autrey and Raydeen Edwards. Cass County Genealogist, journal publisher and historian Evan Evans is at the center.
Genealogy awards
Cass County’s Genealogical Society, now in its 50th year, stopped for a moment last week to host its Christmas dinner and recognize two of the year’s most helpful individuals.
Raydeen Edwards of Atlanta was selected to receive the Myreline Bowman genealogist of the year award for his preparation and presentation of several programs during the year.
Sharon Autrey was surprised to receive a certificate of appreciation as an individual who assists the society whether a member or not. Autrey in her role as assistant librarian at the Atlanta Public Library is continually serving as a contact person and promotor of the society.
The local genealogical society is one of the most active in the region at its location on the second floor of the Atlanta Public Library. The society has a collection of over 5,600 books and publications. Among these are many histories of near-by counties along with a large selection of books on the southeastern United States.
The society also has a “best collection” of Native American, African American and Oklahoma research material. A massive vertical file of Cass County churches, schools and families has some 1,500 folders.
Other special items include a large antique and newer collection of maps. Census records, early tax roles and newspapers can be found on 850 reels of microfilm. A large military collection includes the 100 volume set of the Correspondence of the Civil War.
The society meets monthly noon on the second Thursday at the Queen City First Methodist Church. Its monthly dues are $20. Minutes of board meetings and a Cass County Connections journal usually with over a dozen local impact articles are included. The society’s contact phone number is 903-796-3081.