The Lincoln County Historical Society met on Wednesday, September 5 for a noon covered dish luncheon. The squash casseroles were superb. The slaw with pineapple was outstanding. The fresh garden vegetables of all varieties were reminiscent of another place and time.

Weems Pennington III, now a cardiologist in Augusta, gave a very thought provoking talk on Cardiovascular Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease. The symptoms of these diseases and steps to take to take care of yourself were presented. Detailed questions were posed to Dr. Pennington after his talk and he answered them completely in terms all could understand. Margaret Pennington and Peggy McMillen were special guests at the luncheon.

Among the items of business discussed were an Augusta Canal Boat tour investigated by Anneice Butler. Most in attendance were interested in going. Discussion on the new rental policy for the May House, Park and Pavilion was tabled until comments submitted so far could be incorporated by the committee for all to review prior to a vote.

The Country Store is up on the trailer and parked next to the road in Woodlawn. DOT permits are expected any day. After the rafters were removed from the store, an additional 1,245 dirt dauber nests were discovered for a total of 6,459 in the attic of the 100 year old store. Jerry Stone wanted to make sure the footings area at the park was ready to receive the store when the Beggs team gets the Hogan store to the park.

The Society once again thanked Lamar Garrard for his generous donation of a 1941 Lincolnton phone book. There were only 79 telephones shown for Lincolnton. Discussion on where to keep such treasures was tabled for a later decision.

The Society then moved into a discussion of Pioneer Day, scheduled for November 17, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Friday before will be for the school children to visit the park. Barney Zellars and Russel Reese will make their sorghum syrup from fresh squeezed sugar cane to once again delight the children. Mark Davis, the Society's blacksmith will teach the children the basics of foundry work. Miss Ann, Miss Gloria and Miss Emily will be decked out in period attire in the cabin to tell stories. Miss Mobley Ross will open the School House to a new generation of students and tell them how things used to be. The cotton gin always fascinates the children when Mister Wyatt and Mister Larry show the complete cotton cycle from seeds to shirts. Master Sawyer Jerry Stone is on a search for a worthy log to saw up for the children. Miss Flo's ladies will be cooking over an open fire to feed the kids a snack like they have never tasted before. The Friday before Pioneer Day is always so much fun and is one of the reasons all the work is worth it.

Members were encouraged to put information on Pioneer Day into their church bulletins so that everyone can take advantage of a day of good clean family fun. Pioneer Day details have been sent to many local and regional newspapers, magazines and radio stations. All prospective vendors and craftsmen for Pioneer Day need to check with Nina Albea or Carol Reese, Team Leaders for the Country Store. Christie Bryan and Lavina Marlow have some special entertainment planned to be scheduled around the tractors. Anyone interested in performing needs to contact them. Ben Ross wanted to make sure the Historical Park gets a good sprucing up before Pioneer Day. Mr. Ben has also adopted the garden spot beside the Log Cabin and has planted a fall garden that will be beautiful for Pioneer Day. Nancy Inglett will show visitors to the Doctor's Office medical implements and practices from a time before CAT scans and MRI's.

Jerry and Frankie Phillips will once again have free cotton candy for children of all ages on Pioneer Day. The tractor show and free hayride are being organized by Mr. Russel, Mr. Buddy and Mr. Buddy. Miss Flo reported that Buddy Hawes was working on a solution to be able to cook French fries and apple fritters at the same time. Mr. Murray Norman will have fresh apple cider for all visitors to sample. Anneice and Billy Butler's soap was a sellout last year so visitors will need to get to their black iron pot early to get a unique gift for those special names on their Christmas list. Jane McWhorter will be washing clothes over an open fire like our great-great-grandmothers did 200 years ago before the spin cycle was invented. Ben Ross reported that the ham and bisquits would be on the menu again at the Smoke House. Labels for the Willingham Poss Grist Mill grits and corn meal are designed and ready to print. Anyone who would like to show their quilt in the Quilt Show is encouraged to call Miss Nobie Dean Hawes. Keeper of the cooking fire, Forrest Inglett, will be tending the fire around the oak tree stump near the 200 year old cabin. Miss Linette reminded the nimble jointed that turnip green picking time was coming up.

All agreed that the PA system put up by Buddy Marlow was very effective. A special surprise is being planned for all members, attendees and visitors who dress in a pioneer costume.

The Society welcomes Tara and Marsha Willingham, Steve and Lynn Odum and Wayne Beggs as new members for the month of August.

The Society's next meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2007 at noon at the May House.