DECATUR -- Since its conception last October, the Decatur Historical Committee began work on the preservation of the rich heritage that defines the city of Decatur. The historical committee will host the Decatur Historical Forum June 1 at 5 p.m. in the meeting room at Decatur City Hall. The topic for the evening's discussion will be the origins of the the Decatur post office and the town's namesake.
Bob Tharp, as part of his campaign, promised to put together the historical committee to solicit citizens' involvement in the community.
Mike Eckels, chairman of the committee, has a long background in historical preservation. He has worked as historian for both the Arkansas Air and Ozark Military Museums since 1991. In the past three years, Eckels has worked as the curator for the J. Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum, a part of the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Working with these organizations has instilled a deep commitment to the accurate preservation of history, something he hopes to pass on to residents of Decatur.
"I have always been committed to telling the story of both aviation and military history," Eckels said. "Since coming to this community as the Westside Eagle Observer reporter, I have discovered the fascinating historical background of Decatur and I am committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of this great city."
Mark Wilkins (vice-chairman), Donna (secretary) and Clarence Amos, Linda Martin (council representative), Pat and Lester Austin, and C.L. Abercombie are all life-long members of this community and have seen Decatur grow and prosper over the last several decades. The artifacts they possess, along with their knowledge, will help to document and preserve the history for future generations.
The committee recently began work on collecting the oral history of Decatur. The first interview, appropriately enough, was long-time resident Leonard Truitt. Truitt is one of Decatur's oldest residents. He remembers a time when orchards and berry farms were Decatur's main agricultural crops during the early 20th century.
In the coming months, members of the committee, along with juniors from Decatur High School, will conduct interviews for the Decatur Oral History Project. The stories they collect, along with photographs and other artifacts, will go into a new book on the community. The book project is planned to begin sometime in 2019.
For more information on the historical committee or becoming a member, contact Mike Eckels at 422-0208 or the city of Decatur at 752-3912.
General News on 05/25/2016