The purpose of this note is to bring you up to date on some of the things going on at Clover Bend. The Board of Directors is accelerating the placement of the granite slabs containing all the names of graduates of CBHS. The price of granite is increasing so rapidly that the cost has more than doubled since the first slabs were laid. The same is true for the cost of engraving. If we don’t get all the graduates names on the granite slabs, that part of Clover Bend’s history will be lost. As people move away from the local area, or die, it is more difficult to contact family members to complete the names on the record slabs. For these reasons, we are in the process of collecting the money for completing the next several years’ slabs. At this time, the cost is $65.00 per person or name. The class of 1961 has been completed. The class of 1962 is working to finish their class marker. Norma Fowler Butts, 870-886-6647, and Janice Thatcher McEntire, 870-935-3682, are coordinating these efforts. The class of 1963 is also in the process of finishing up their class marker with Patsy Gosha Mosier, 870-236-2145, as coordinator. The classes of 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968 are also beginning their projects. If you are a member of one of these classes and will help in contacting your classmates, please let us know here at the web site or call Viola Meadows at (H) 870-869-2708 or (C) 870-759-0717.
2011 has been an historic year for CBHPA. We’ve had many problems, such as the flood this spring and the dry weather this summer, but there have been many noteworthy accomplishments. As most of you know, CBHPA was awarded grants by various government agencies during the past two years. It has taken a lot of hard work and untold amounts of time by the board members and volunteers, but contracts have been let and work has started on several projects. We are just about certain that all the work will be completed before next years’ reunion.
1. The Gymnasium will be refurbished, including refinishing the floor and repainting. The electrical work and air conditioning has already been installed.
2. The Home Economics Cottage will be refurbished, including repainting.
3. The farmhouse is sitting cock-eyed on the foundation. The flood water caused damage and the house will have to be leveled, squared and plumbed.
4. Old Main will be repainted inside and a lot of work will be done on it. As you are aware, artifacts have been removed from the walls and cases and have been placed in boxes. A major refurbishing will take place in this central building on our campus. New air conditioning has already been installed. All class photograph composites which hang on the walls in the auditorium have been severely damaged by moisture, heat and cold temperatures and dirt. They have been digitally photographed and retouched. The results are beautiful. The composites will be reprinted on new photograph paper and hung in their original frames on the auditorium walls. There is a lot of work to do on this project and we must find a way to pay for the reprinting of the class photographs. If you would like to sponsor this project, a special memorial will be placed in the auditorium to acknowledge the person or persons who provided the funds for this important project. The cost is $2,000. The effect will be stunning. Please contact any board member or email this web site (cloverbend@suddenlink.net).
5. Work will also be done on the Agriculture Building/Fire Department.
This is a lot of information to absorb at one time. At the heart of the matter is the need for help: both volunteer and financial. Please do your part.
