The Frank and Anna Hunter House has opened its doors for its 49th season as the County Museum, which means, of course, that the Pocahontas County Historical Society is 50-years-old. Pioneer Days is recognizing this golden anniversary by honoring the society (which introduced Pioneer Days), on its badge and with its Parade Marshals.

B.J. Gudmundsson designed the badge which shows items from various collections in the museum and the 1981 History Book, compiled by the members, in a single year. Invited to be marshals are the four current members who attended the organizational meeting in November 1961: Jane Price Sharp, Carolyn Burns, Bob Jacobson and Bill McNeel. The Pioneer Village will be located at the Museum this year, as well as the usual Friday Pocahontas County history and spelling bee contests for both children and adults. Children under 12 are also challenged to locate in the museum the items pictured on the badge. If anyone has Pioneer Days clothing, tucked away in drawers or closets, which you are willing to loan for the Pioneer Days celebration, please contact the Museum or Denise McNeel at 304-799-4369.

The museum's hours will continue to be 11-5 Monday thru Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. This season's host will be recent PCHS graduate Khristian Smith. While volunteers will also be docents. If this is something you would like to do, let us know. Admission fees are $4 for adults and $2 for children, with a family admission (two adults and all accompanying children) for $10. Membership in the society is $10 a year; any donations toward the upkeep of this 107-year-old home and its grounds will always be gratefully received. The membership newsletter will be mailed out to current members before the end of June. We acknowledge with gratitude a grant of $3,000 from the Snowshoe Foundation and a donation of $1,000 from Bob Jacobson, which will be used this summer to continue much needed repairs to the house.

In a later article I plan to list items whose donors we know. Perhaps you would like to see items used by your ancestors, relatives or by a former teacher, doctor or merchant. We also have local history and genealogy books on sale. Come and revisit us this special anniversary year.

And, by the way, we are still looking for an ice box to fit in the cubicle on the porch.