News : 150+ Women recognized as part of Vinton Sesquicentennial

By Ann Harrison

This idea came from listening to a Western Illinois College history professor speak about the importance of recognizing all parts of our heritage.   (Their community has just celebrated 200 years.). Ideas for our sesquicentennial were being discussed and while talking with others it was easy to think of current and historical individuals that were due recognition.  Soon a small group of interested folks met with Vinton Unlimited Director, Melissa Schwan.  By the end of that meeting, we decided we were going to focus on current and historical women.  The decision to focus on women was a result of scanning a few past history books.  There were very few women mentioned! So the committee was moving toward recognizing current and historical women that may have been “special” in any variety of ways.  The influence may have been family as well as the community.  Almost anywhere the first name to be mentioned was Esther Williams—over 60 years at the Cedar Valley Times. 

Simple forms were developed—print or on-line—for anyone to submit names that they felt were deserving of recognition.  To encourage interest and participation group programs were given, articles were written and conversations sparked many names as memories were stirred.  One name helped everyone think of another.

Before too long—Over 150 names had been submitted. Each name had an interesting impact on our community—some about their family; some on business and some even more broadly in our state.  Some individuals had very special skills they shared giving and caring to many others.
 
Now, these women will soon be recognized with a large 150+ jigsaw puzzle display window in downtown.  There will be the publication of a small book available tor purchase in August.  There are photos for nearly all of the listed women.
 
Members of the sub-committee working in many ways on this project are:
Nancy Beckman, Roxann Ervin, Ashley Hesson, Martha Long, Connie Ogier, Roxie Higgins, Therese Foth, Ann Harrison, and Melissa Schwan.

Be sure to check out upcoming events on https://www.vinton150.org/