The old Latter Day Saints church (where some of us attended when we were so small/young) has now been purchased by the town of Runnells and made into a Historical Society. It has been an interesting adventure to watch come to life. Some of us "De Joode's" are members. Barb and Bill McGrean are active and helping to make the old building come to live. Just thought I would share some pictures (taken by Barb) for all to enjoy.
The church was purchased in 2010 by the town of Runnells. Carol Elam (Melvin De Joode's daughter) is the president for now. There has been a lot of work put into getting the building in shape to become the Historical Society for Runnells.
The long wool skirt belonged to our great grandmother (West) It was always stored in the old round wooden box. A quilt had been started with the squares of wool pieces but never finished.
The old metal lunch box was carried by Art De Joode when he worked in the coal mines. Art was working in the mines when he got the news that Orpha had just delivered twins (Beverly and Barbara), and he said he just started working harder...
I remember the cream pitcher (bottom shelf) was a gift that the old lumber yard gave to his customers.
The old clock that hung in the Runnells School assembly sitting on a bookcase. Remember how we all use to watch hoping it would soon be time for the bell to ring and get out of school.
And then, there were the class pictures taken every year. The pictures are in a folding glass case that you can scroll through and view. Third from bottom - Orpha Jane Harmison (De Joode). Orpha graduated from Runnells High School and there were seven of her children that also graduated from the same school.
Third from bottom (Norma Jean De Joode - Wyant). As you can see, Norma was the Secretary and Treasure of her class. The oldest of Art and Orpha's children.
Helen De Joode - Eiselstein second from the right top roll. Grace De Joode second from right top, and Audrey Harmison second from right in second row are our first cousins.
Trudy De Joode - Hauserman second from left top row.
Carolyn De Joode - Richeson second from right bottom row. Carolyn was valedictorian of her class.
Dick De Joode second from right top row. Dick was the King of the football team during his senior year. Beth Ann Hammer was the queen, My first cousin Stanley Harmison is the last one top row.
Phyllis De Joode - Connett first one in the third row down.
Marian Jane De Joode - Adams first one third row down.
Donna Lea De Joode - Miller third from left in the bottom row. Fourth one over in the second row is another first cousin Raymond Harmison.
And then Southeast Polk school was built and the rest of our family graduated from there.
It will be interesting to see what else appears at the society in the small town or Runnells. Looks like a few of us help make some "history". Enjoy
