First Ice Cream Social for GCHS Successful In Spite of Rain
By Glen Blesi
OWENSVILLE -- On Sunday, July 11, the Gasconade County Historical Society (GCHS) held their first ice cream social and old-time games event. It was held at the society’s museum on McFadden Avenue in Owensville. During the event, McFadden was closed between 1st and 2nd streets.
The ice cream social was designed to attract young people to the society and get them interested in local history. It offered games such as stilt-walking, rope-jumping, egg (ping pong ball) in spoon racing, ball and cup racing, flying wooden propeller launching, drop the clothespins in the milk bottle, corn cob lawn darts and sack races. Participants got in about an hour of game time before the heavy rains began and cut short the fun time. About 15 children were on hand to enjoy the games, plus a number of adults.
In addition, ice cream was of course offered, as well as other desserts. The museum was open for anyone wishing to see their displays. Many saw the Indian artifact display, which will be on hand in the museum through the summer. The building also afforded an unexpected opportunity to take shelter from the rain.
GCHS purchased the museum building about 20 years ago and renovation began in 1992. It was built about 1908 and served as a hotel for railroad passengers. It was used by locals and drummers, salesmen passing through, alike. Later it was a boarding house, antiques store and warehouse for Jost Tire. GCHS opened the building as a museum in 2000. Hours for visitation are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Monday hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is open from March through December. Tours can also be arranged by appointment.
GCHS hopes to make the ice cream social an annual event. Member John Wilding, who organized the games, said, “It’s good to see people having fun and when it is wholesome fun, so much the better . . . the kids there today got their daily dose of exercise!”