Kinmundy Area Senior Citizens
Kinmundy, Illinois
We are looking for photos of people and/or places from around Kinmundy & Alma. Can you help?
Or maybe you have stories or memories from the "Good Old Days"? What do YOU remember?
The Kinmundy Historical Society would be honored to preserve your memories and stories. We also have the
equipment to scan (or copy) your photos so that they may be enjoyed now as well as for generations yet to come!
We would love to hear from you! For more information, please contact:
Dolores (Ford) Mobley – Dolores@ford-mobley.com
208 Joan Dr.; Divernon, IL 62530; (217) 625-7527
or
Gladys (Corrie) See – gsee49@yahoo.com
408 S. Washington St.; Kinmundy, IL 62854; (618) 547-7731
Click to return to
"The Kinmundy Express" - July 3, 1975
"Kinmundy Senior Citizens"
"Ten Year History" - Lura (Williams) Robnett - June 1985
On Thursday, June 26, 1975 the Kinmundy Woman’s Club gave a tea from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Community Center sponsoring Kinmundy Senior Citizens. Lucile Hays, Woman’s Club president and Judy Broom and Helen Hanna presided at the tea table. Bessie Marohl of Patoka, Marion County Aid for B.C.M.W. (Bond, Clinton, Marion and Washington) county office gave necessary information and answered questions. Bessie came back many times thereafter to help us out. Nelle Hower served as temporary president to year’s end—election on December 1 gave the position to Kenneth McCarty, who held the presidency to July 13, 1978. Thereafter the following were presidents 1 year: Albena Zivney, Gail Hines, Ferdy Leach Hammer, Edith Ronk, Rudy Cengr, Margaret Shufeldt and Edith Doudera. Only exception here was Gail Hines who died in March during his term. Ferdy finished his term and had the following year also.
Within a year from our opening date hospital equipment was turned over to seniors from the American Legion. Equipment has been kept up to date and kept moving. We have added many pieces to this—some from our treasury but much from donations and it continues to roll—more important pieces soon. Hugh Copple and others are to be commended on their good work in this department.
In less than 2 years from our beginning a Reading Center was being discussed by Lucile Hays and others, which soon led to a Library for Kinmundy Area—as soon as Oran Alderson and his good helpers got all the shelves ready. This cost us $200 per year for the books on rotation from Cumberland Trail Library but the money is always there to pay. Elsie Cengr has been a moving source in this project but she has had many good helpers.
Early the School Board gave Senior Citizens permission to meet at the Grade School Gym and we did for some time but in 1977 the Lions’ Club decided to finish the Community Center with the cooperation of the Senior Citizens and that was accomplished. Since then the meetings have been in this building. The Lions put in a loud speaker in 1981 and that has been a great help for some of our members. The same year, 1981, a Summer Reading Program was started for Grades and High School—we gave free library cards to them for the summer—parents responsible.
In the summer of 1982 Senior Citizens planned a big celebration for Lewella Neathery on her 100th birthday. A book was prepared, “This Is Your Life” with Open House at the Community Center from 2 to 4 p.m., November 28, 1982. Lew is still with us.
A month later we were making a Senior Citizen float for Labor Day Parade. On one side of the float is said, “May You Live Long Enough To Join Us”.
Senior Citizens have applauded and tried to help E.M.T. from its beginning, donating and attending functions. They have sold tickets for the $10.00 Appreciation Dinners and attended when possible.
No names in our membership crop up oftener than Rose Curry and Edith Ronk—they are always busy. Think of the planned trips to the ball games, to Sullivan and Springfield, to the Music Man in Carbondale and Grant’s Farm—we can go on and on here. These took much planning and Rose and Edith had much help. Think of the good old stand-bys: Margaret Shufeldt and the Kenneth McCartys and Olga Copple and her beautiful decorations, you know them—I don’t have to mention them all or how much they all loved and appreciated.
Senior Citizens have lots of good music, especially since the Bailey Family donated a piano. That was a good program the Hartleroads put on in 1983. And Dean Russell came with his groups several times and their historical pageant. Remember that?
But what about Connie Engel and her Flip Flashes? And the Kinder Kare groups? And do you remember the Railroad men who talked about Railroad Safety? And the geologist about Earthquakes? And Sheila Ashby who talked of the Nursing Program? It came at the right time for me after I was in the hospital—those nurses are so wonderful for senior sick folks.
Well, I’ve left out so much—like Betty Mulvaney and the unstinted time she has given for our Blood Pressures—and Lois Aumiller and her dolls and all those Bake Sales and Bazaars Albena and others put on. We’ve made lots of money, we’ve collected lots just by passing the dishes around and we’ve had fun spending it for good purposes. And we’ve eaten well—we have super cooks in this group.
Have I tooted our horn long enough?
Guess I’d better sit down.
On with our second decade!
NOTE: Written by Lura Robnett after serving 10 years as Secretary for the Kinmundy Area Senior Citizens. Read at the 10th year celebration at Kinmundy Community Center in June, 1985.