Leadership Clinton’s class of 2017, along with the Leadership Clinton’s Youth class, held its second session of the year on Oct. 20 — History and Culture Day.
We started the day at the historic Murphy Theatre in Wilmington. Jennifer Hollon, board member for the Murphy Theatre gave the class a brief lesson on the history of the Murphy. Built in 1918 by brothers Frank and Charles Murphy, the beautiful Murphy Theatre was a gift to the Clinton County community.
A tour of this historic theatre was given by Maretta Alden. We were able to further enjoy the theatre during a presentation about the United Way. Executive Director Amanda Harrison explained the importance of this program and how it helps people connect to available resources in their time of need.
Walking from the Murphy, the class visited the Clinton County Veterans Memorial. City Council President Randy Riley talked about the process of building the memorial, from the inception in November 2005 to the dedication on Veterans Day 2008.
We continued our day at the United Methodist Church. Rev. Dean Feldmeyer spoke of the early buildings that housed the church to the present day building erected in 1928. The current church has some of the original bricks used in 1865. The class enjoyed the many beautiful one of a kind, stained glass windows in the church sanctuary during Rev. Feldmeyer’s presentation.
Wilmington Friends Meeting was the next stop on our walking tour. Pastor Julie Rudd spoke about the history of their church and the Quaker way of life. Nancy Bernard was also on hand dressed in the typical Quaker fashion of days gone by. We learned the they live by S.P.I.C.E.S (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship).
Lunch was graciously provided by the Wilmington Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Ladies Auxiliary. President Christy Siders shared how the Eagles and Auxiliary help children in our community through various fundraisers.
The last location of the day was the Clinton County Historical Society. Director Kay Fisher and Deb Edgington gave a tour of the center and shared their extensive knowledge of Clinton County, including interesting facts about Eli Harvey, General Denver, Matthew Rombach and George Clinton. One interesting fact: Wilmington was the location for a prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Taylor Stuckert, Executive Director of Clinton County Regional Planning Commission, gave us great insight into economic development and historic preservation by linking the past, present and future of our community.
Lenna Mae Gara, Outstanding Woman of Clinton County, gave our last program of the day: Separate and Unequal — the issues surrounding segregation in Clinton County during the late 1800s to 1950. Her focus was Midland School.
