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| Lee Ward |
On Thursday evening,
October 2nd at
6:00 pm the Bates County Museum will hold a very special dedication
service prior to the annual Heritage Dinner and program. One year
ago, Butler and Bates County said goodbye to a woman who was and is
irreplaceable. George Ann Fisher lost her battle with cancer after a
long courageous fight with the disease. George Ann, husband Jim and
mother-in-law, Louise Fisher, always supported the museum with their
time, talents and gifts. As a loving remembrance to George Ann’s
life, Jim Fisher graciously donated the funds necessary to build a
structure on the grounds of the museum that will now house many of
the artifacts still held in storage.
Jim currently serves as
the Bates County Historical Society & Museum’s President and he
will be among the guests present when the new building is dedicated.
The Board and many other volunteers are working to have several
artifacts moved and positioned by the October 2nd
dedication. The museum is extremely grateful to Jim and his family
for this wonderful addition that will allow visitors to view even
more of Bates County’s rich history.
Following the brief
dedication ceremony, the 6th
Annual Heritage Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. The Free Will Donation
dinner is sponsored and catered by Ritchie and Debbie Davis,
Butt-Head BBQ, of Adrian. A variety of desserts prepared by Society
members will top-off the meal. Reservations are not necessary but
would be appreciated so please call the museum to save your seat.
Once dinner is concluded,
Mr. Lee Ward of Independence will present a program titled, Jesse
James: Alive then Dead. Many will remember
Lee from a program in 2010 about Civil War embalming practices. His
book, “Coffins, Kits and More,” will be available that evening.
For forty-five years, Lee worked as a funeral director and embalmer
and owned Ward Funeral Homes in Chilhowee and Urich. He also owns
and maintains a private museum dedicated to the Civil War and funeral
merchandise up to the 1960s.
The museum extends an
invitation to the public to attend these special events and thanks
everyone who supports the museum and assists in Preserving Our
History and Sustaining Our Heritage. Call for reservations.
660-679-0134.
