Melville/Qulin Historical Society
Volume-4 Issue-2 February 2008
I would like to dedicate this month’s newsletter to all our members, and thank them for their support. Without their continued support there would not be a Historical Society. Hats off to all of you!! This is your organization and we would like to hear from every member who has a good idea, grievance or a need, which is related to preserving the history and heritage of Qulin.
Having said that, please know that we are off to a good start in hopes that this will be a great year for the Historical Society. We hit the ground running at the Board Meeting on January 17, 2008, with seven members attending: Glen Sedrick, Larry McGee, Robin Hall, Pat Bradley, Darrell Bradley, Linda Johnson, and Lola Haynes. Some of the items discussed are as follows:
Member Lola Haynes addressed the fact that she would like to see a portion of the museum dedicated to the military; perhaps something like a “WALL OF HONOR”. Glen responded that he thought it was a great idea, but suggested that due to limited space we display a 5X7 military photograph with identification (name, branch, year, etc.) and then have a corresponding book containing additional information on the military career of each individual. Motion was made and second to incorporate the military memoirs. So get together your family’s military accomplishments, and grace us with them at one of our monthly meetings.
We also need volunteers for the ballot to run for election to the board of directors. Our mission is to preserve and perpetuate the history, artifacts and heritage of the Qulin, Missouri area; to raise and expend funds for this purpose; to solicit memberships and to disseminate information and knowledge to the general public; to present various programs, performances and productions which are designed to heighten public awareness and appreciation for our heritage. Membership is open to all people who have a genuine desire to preserve the heritage and past of our forefathers. I know there are qualified people out there who have the knowledge and desire for this organization. Please step forward and let us know that you would be interested in serving a position on the board of directors to help us accomplish these goals.
The next meeting will be held on February 21st, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Museum Building, we hope to see everyone there.
Citizen Profile: Floyd Drew
(By: Lola Haynes)
There’s a long long trail that has no ending. Every road has a turning . Every turning of that road has a new experience. Everything has a beginning and an ending; even our very own special friendships and our God-given lives. Our lives are full of doors. When one door closes behind us, a new door opens for us to enter into.
This story is mostly about the closing of an old door, and openings of new ones.
The main subject is a veteran of World War II, Floyd Drew. Floyd was born September 8, 1925 in Qulin, Mo., the son of Del and Ruth (Jones) Drew. He lived most of his life in Qulin, and was of the Baptist faith.
Floyd Drew was one of my very special friends during our school days in Qulin School. Floyd was a true friend to everybody, but to me he was very special. He would help anyone in need of minor things that he was able to help with, like school projects.
All students who were promoted to the 9th grade had to buy their school books. My mother and her dear friend shared their monies to buy one set of books for me and a friend, Stella Spencer, to use. In 1939, when I became a graduate of the 9th grade, the Great Depression was still in effect. Stella had moved away before 10th grade started, so I had no one to share expenses of books with.
The red brick school where I attended my last school days was being discarded as the main school, and a new high school was built by the WPA. On my first day of school in 1940 at the new building (10th grade) I had hopes of finding someone to share books with or finding books to buy at a reduced cost. This was not possible they had all been taken during spring break. Our Superintendent, Mr. P.H. Sturgeon, tried to find books, but there were none available. When I walked out that school house door and it clanged closed behind me, I felt as if I had just been closed out from the whole world. Although I held my head up high, chin up, and dry eyes inside the building, when that door closed, the tears began to fall profusely. I cried all the way home (4 blocks). I couldn’t see anything amidst the tears in my eyes. My face was so wet with tears; it was almost as if I had fallen into a river. And in fact, I really had. I had fallen into the River of No Return! No more formal school for me at Qulin. I never knew what happened to Floyd Drew for several years after that.
(This photo is of Lola Scott Haynes and Floyd Drew at the 9th grade END OF YEAR school picnic at Keener Springs in May of 1940)
After school ended for Floyd, he became the Qulin Postmaster; serving for about 37 years. Everyone loved, honored, and respected him. On January 20, 1943 he married Nadine Davis, who was a beautiful and kindly person.
On Friday, January 4, 2008, our dear friend Floyd Drew, 82, of Poplar Bluff, passed through his last door on earth and through a new door into a better place. He was a resident of the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Mo. His beautiful wife Nadine survives. Other survivors includes one son Allan Drew of Wappapello and his wife Joyce; one daughter, Tammy Knight of Poplar Bluff, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dell and Ruth Jones Drew, and one son, Ray Drew.
From the Desk of Robin Hall
I always try to compile this newsletter using a smorgasbord of topics; past events, articles that I’ve read old-timers corners, etc. As I pondered on a topic for this issue I had to reflect on the tragedies that we have witnessed over the past several years. It reminds me of a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs. Our Columbia space shuttle and 9-11 were both great losses to our nation. The courageous men and women that lost their lives will not be forgotten. I think each of us would agree that we can take nothing for granted. Life is uncertain and we must make the most of our time with our families and friends. I once read an article on Charles Schultz and his philosophy. It really hit home with me and I want to share it with you.
“Charles Shultz Philosophy”
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions.
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five Heismann trophy winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headlines of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. If we would only take the time to smell the roses, can you imagine the impact we could have on everyone we meet? It would be powerful.