The Clark County Historical Society (CCHS) held their semi-annual meeting in Stanley on Saturday November 2, with the Stanley Area Historical Society (SAHS) serving as host organization.  Prior to lunch the Board of Directors met to discuss recommendations regarding several agenda items that were to be part of the regular meeting agenda.      

After the potluck lunch, Dave Jankoski, president of the host organization, welcomed the attendees. He provided an overview of the development of the Stanley organization and reported on the passing of Connie Pozdell and her contributions to SAHS. Jankoski introduced Landon Wilson, an intern student from UW-Eau Claire who has been working at the SAHS since June. He shared information on the internship program from UW-Eau Claire and what have been his experiences.  Wilson is playing an important role currently as he is carrying on the Digitization Team’s work. 

President Charlotte Tetzlaff called the meeting to order with a total attendance of 19 present. Represented historical societies were from Colby, Spencer, Owen-Withee, Loyal, Greenwood, Neillsville and Stanley.

In formal business Lee Kaschinska, of Colby was elected Vice-President and Chris Patton of Greenwood was elected Treasurer. Both had previously served in those positions. In the only other business item, it was voted to raise the annual dues to $35 per member organization, which contributes towards covering the expenses of printing, mailing, paper and envelopes of the newsletter and other mailings. 

The Owen-Withee Area Historical Society was welcomed as a new member of the umbrella Clark County Historical Society. They have been organized for several years and have acquired the historic former Owen City Hall, a WPA built building, as their museum. They will be a participating organization in the forthcoming Owen Centennial that will be celebrated in the summer of 2025. They will also be the host of the CCHS meeting on June 7, 2025, to be held at the Woodland Hotel, which is in the process of being restored.

In other reports, Colby celebrated the restoration of their caboose, Spencer helped celebrate their community’s Sesquicentennial, Greenwood reported increased visitors to the Branstiter Museum this year, and Neillsville reported on their groups move out of the Clark County owned Jail Museum, as disrepairs have caused some damage to artifacts, with roof issues being the main cause. The future of the historic jail is now in the hands of the county board. They have now relocated to a downtown store front, with decisions still to be made on the fate of the former museum’s artifacts.

Before and after the meeting, the Stanley museum was open for tours.