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About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 2015)
12 — THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 Local Wingville Cemetery gets historic marker CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Chapter Regent (Presi- dent) Meschelle Cookson welcomed the crowd and introduced herself, and then the individuals ac- companying her near the marker, which were Chap- ter Vice Regent Roberta Morin, Chapter Chaplain Wilma Johnson, Chapter Secretary Theona Hamble- ton, Chapter Registrar Lynne Zwanziger, Honor- ary State Regent Ellen Hopkins, and fl ag bearer Dave Hunsaker. Cookson said this dedi- cation is a “…fi rst for the Lone Pine Tree Chapter. Maybe not the last, but, certainly the fi rst historic marker dedication,” and explained that Hopkins is also the State Historic Preservation Chair and the Northwest Division Historic Preservation Vice Chair. Cookson introduced Hunsaker as the “HO- DAR” of Joyce Hunsaker, prompting some laughter from the crowd. She elaborated on the acronym, which means Husband Of A Daughters Of The American Revolution member. She said, “And, the only time we’re allowed to say the word DAR is in the term HODAR. And, if it weren’t for a lot of HODARs, we would not be able to be here today. And, we’re very thankful for their participation, as well.” Cookson introduced other Chapter members in the crowd, including Programs Offi cer Carol Guthrie, Historian/Public Relations Offi cer Dorothy Robertson, Lillian Dens- ley, Ethelyn Williams (the organizing Regent of the Chapter on April 22, 1995), Joyce Hunsaker, Cherlyne Allen, Treasurer Shirley Simmons, Kath- ryn Pitcher, Joan Smith, and State Historian Tami Snedden. Cookson said, “Bill Har- vey, our (Baker County) Commissioner, came to join us today, and, it’s a great honor.” After intro- ducing other attendees, she asked those present to join her in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed immediately by singing of the “Star Spangled Ban- ner,” led by Morin. Hopkins led the dedica- tion, including the follow- ing words: “Early pioneers of the Oregon territory settled in this community called Wingville … The cemetery was established by Wingville Grange No. 150, which purchased 10 acres from Tom Bailey and his wife, for a two dollar gold piece, on April 8, 1878. On December 8, 1883, the trustees of Wingville Grange No. 150 deeded 2 ½ acres, for $50, in the northwest corner of the cemetery, to Wingville IWOF Lodge 59. “On behalf of the Na- tional Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Oregon State So- ciety Of The Daughters Of The American Revolution, it’s this Honorary State Regent’s and Historic Pres- ervation Chairman’s honor to dedicate this Wingville Cemetery marker. To all who pause in this place, may this marker make the effective voice of the memorial. “May it remind them of the nobility of lives who lived in service to our na- tion, and make them aware of the ever continuing cause of selfl ess service. May this site keep alive the appreciation of our Godly heritage. In the name of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, we dedicate this marker.” Hambleton and Zwan- ziger pulled a red and white cloth cover from the stone marker, which was followed by enthusiastic applause from the crowd, and then prayer, led by Johnson. The marker, produced by Dennis Teskey of Stone Tributes in Baker City, reads: “Wingville Cemetery. On April 8, 1878, this property was purchased by the Wingville Grange No. 150 for a two www.Facebook.com/TheBCPress dollar gold piece. Placed by Lone Pine Tree Chapter, NSDAR 2015.” Before the crowd dis- persed, Cookson said, “Pri- or to us leaving, can we please take a moment of silence for the September 11 14th anniversary.” She thanked everyone present for their efforts associated with the dedication. The marker can be seen near the Wingville Cem- etery sign, located 10 miles northwest of Baker City, off of Wingville Lane. The sign reads: “Wingville Cemetery, 1878-1962. The community of Wingville was settled in 1862. Its name originated from the southern Democratic settlers who were consid- ered the ‘right wing’ of the Confederate Army. A diphtheria epidemic in 1878 created a need for a cemetery. Many graves are unmarked. Most wooden markers were burned in range fi res. There are records of 135 burials.” According to Lone Pine Tree Chapter documenta- tion, the Chapter, part of OSSDAR and the National Society Of The Daughters Of The American Revolu- tion (NSDAR), supports “National DAR Schools; our local and state youth through school historical essays and scholarships; Chemawa Indian School; our local, state, and national veteran’s organi- zations and hospitals; pro- motion of adult literacy; state DAR museums; and preservation of genealogi- cal records.” The objectives of DAR are historic preservation, promotion of education, and patriotic endeavor. The Lone Pine Tree Chapter’s monthly open meetings are held alterna- tively at the Sunridge Inn Restaurant in Baker City, and the Flying J Restau- rant in La Grande, on the second Friday of each month. A no host lunch, at the Sunridge Inn at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Chapter meeting at noon, was held after the dedication. Todd Arriola / The Baker County Press Members of DAR stand beside the newly unveiled marker. Todd Arriola / The Baker County Press The ladies in red were visible from a distance along Wingville. Haines Rodeo Court Tryouts! Haines Rodeo Grounds September 20, 2015 Sunday — 1:00 p.m. Judged on horsemanship, appearance & interview Call Angie for more information 541-403-2671. Wicked Ways Masquerade Ball HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2015 at the historic Geiser Grand Tickets are just $20 each. Buy yours today at the front desk of The Geiser Grand Hotel or online at www.theBakerCountyPress.com Book signings • Carriage rides Gothic specialty cocktails • Limited theme menu Music and dancing Special TAPS family “reveal” for ticketholders only! Subscribe to The Baker County Press today! See order form inside for more information. Annual rates as low as $29.95! All local. All relevant. Every Friday.
