Historical Society’s Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration Features Story of Judge Greenwood

­­­ 
Everyone loves to celebrate birthdays and the South Sebastian County Historical Society is no exception.  The community is invited to join the Society Monday, February 18, 7 PM at the Farmer’s Bank Community Building as we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of our founding with a special presentation and birthday refreshments.
 Former mayor Ken Edwards will present on the topic of Judge Alfred Burton Greenwood, the prominent pioneer for whom our city is named. Judge Greenwood was a leading citizen of his day, having served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, as a member of the State House of Representatives, State Prosecuting Attorney, Circuit Judge, and Congressman. In March of 1851 he met with Commissioners Reuben Coker and John David Arbuckle in the home of Eaton Tatum, then the temporary seat of justice, to select a permanent county seat.  The Reuben Coker home, near the town square, was selected as the site and Coker declared the city “Greenwood,”  in honor of the man who represented the “finest tradition of the Southland, a gentleman and a scholar of integrity, one of the outstanding men of his time” according to biographers Dr. H. G. Alvarez and Means Wilkinson.
The Dulcimer Darlings will entertain members and visitors with a selection of popular tunes from Judge Greenwood’s era.
Membership applications will be available for those wishing to renew or establish membership. Annual dues are $15 for an individual and $25 for a family. Members are entitled to a copy of the Society’s annual publication, The Key.  Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7 PM in the Community Room of Farmer’s Bank, 71 West Center Street in Greenwood.  Each meeting features a guest speaker presenting a topic of interest to residents of Sebastian County.