RCHS to Celebrate 50th Birthday

In 2026, the Ralls County Historical Society proudly celebrates its 50th birthday—marking five decades of preserving, celebrating, and honoring the rich history of Ralls County. This milestone offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the Society’s accomplishments but, more importantly, to express heartfelt gratitude to the individuals whose dedication laid the foundation and to those who continue to support its mission today.

According to a 2002 Ralls County Historical Society newsletter, longtime president Ron Leake noted that the Society’s first meeting took place in late 1976, with 1977 marking its first full year of activity. At that time, annual membership dues were just $2.00—a modest fee that nevertheless represented a meaningful commitment to preserving local history for future generations.Those early members formed the cornerstone of an organization that has endured and grown for half a century. Individuals and families who paid the inaugural membership fee in 1976–1977 included Malcolm, Emily, and Ben Akers; Roberta Blackwell; Howard and Dorothy Burdett; James Burchfield; Randall Beedle; John, Joy, John, Andrew, and Philip Briscoe; Irene Bowling; Mrs. Gerald Begley; Judy Couch; Harlan and Sue Cramer; Greg Croll; John A. and Emma Croll; Dr. John G. and Marsha Croll; Austin and Mary Chenoweth; Glenn Diffenderfer; Jim and Marta Davidson; J. Allen and Dorothy Eichenberger; Raymond Erb; Kathleen Epperson; Mary English; Richard and Frances Fields; Betty Flowerree; Roy and Shirley Fishback; Birney and Frances Fishback; Dr. Phillip Foreman; Mrs. Harold Flowerree; Tom and Sharon Flowerree; Loretta Gough; Stanley and Dorothy Goss; Glenn and Marjorie Gilmore; Dave Griffen; Robert and Mary Jo Graham; Linda Sue Galloway; Joe Hardy; Bob Hicks; Oliver and Goldena Howard; David Henderson; Paula Harness; Martha Howald; Russell and Leona Itschner; Millard and Clara Johnson; Kay James; Marty Judlowe; Mary Kirk; Carol Krigbaum; Ron Leake; Rose Lyng; Leo Lyng; Carl and Rhoda Leake; John Lyng; Glee Lemon; Judge James and Mary Lee Lemon; Virgil Megown; Edward and Nadine Morawitz; Mrs. James Mitchell; Maurice and Sue Ellen McElroy; Becky Toalson McUmber; John E. Mills; Mary A. Mayhood; Everett Mahood; Glenn and Opal McCollum; Robert Nester; L. D. and Zella Norris; William and Margaret Pritchard; Frances Pike; Carl and Martha Patterson; Opal Palmer; Madeline Rule; Frances Ross; Kay Ritchie; John Rodgers; Walter and Vivian Roland; Billie Ray; Edna Snow; Mrs. John Simmons, Jr.; Blanche Swon; Ted Summers; Nellie Swift; Kayrl Silvey; Bryan and Margaret Sanders; Christine Strode; Roy Snedigar; May Snedigar; Neva Toalson; Ila Woollen; Willis and Sue Williams; Anna Dean Woollen; Tim Waters; Duane and Roberta Wheelan; Sharon Wright; Dr. and Mrs. B. N. Winchester; Warren Wells; Cecelia White; and Fern Watson.

While time has passed, the spirit of those early supporters remains strong. Remarkably, several founding members continue to actively participate in the Society today, including Ron Leake, Ben Akers, Judy Couch, Martha Howald, and Sharon Wright. Their continued involvement serves as a living bridge between the Society’s earliest days and its present mission. Ron Leake has served as president since 2002, providing steady leadership and an enduring commitment to the preservation of Ralls County’s heritage.

Over the past five decades, the Ralls County Historical Society has grown into a cornerstone of the community. Its accomplishments, too numerous to list in one article, include countless examples of stewardship of Ralls County documents and artifacts, including preservation projects and a wide range of publications and educational programs that bring local history to life. Each initiative reflects countless volunteer hours and a shared belief that Ralls County’s stories matter.

The Society’s 50th anniversary will be celebrated with a Lasagna Supper and 50th Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with an auction beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at the MTRDC Multipurpose Building, 42440 Delaware Lane, Perry, Missouri. Both dine-in and carry-out options will be available, and free will donations will be accepted.

In addition to the meal and auction, the evening will include special recognitions and displays highlighting the Society’s 50-year history, offering attendees a chance to reflect on the people, projects, and progress that have shaped RCHS since its beginnings in 1976.

As the Ralls County Historical Society marks this significant milestone, it does so with deep gratitude—for the founders who had the foresight to begin the organization, for the volunteers and leaders who carried it forward, and for those who continue to participate and support its mission today. The community is warmly invited to attend the Lasagna Supper and 50th Birthday Bash and help celebrate 50 years of preserving Ralls County’s past while looking ahead to its future.

His presentation featured sunrises and sunsets over rustic barns and historic churches, wildlife in motion, and the many waterways that wind through the county. Stinson reflected on how much he enjoyed serving as sheriff, particularly the conversations he shared with Ralls County residents. Growing up as a pastor’s son, he found special meaning in photographing local churches.

The Ralls County Historical Society extends its thanks to Brad for sharing his photographs and reminding us all of the beauty that surrounds us here at home.

These amazing ladies were some of the individuals that baked the donated food and served it at the 2023 Lasagna Supper.

Thank you to the following individuals for their contributions to the auction:

• Bill and Judy Heim, East Edge Express

• Debbie Hodges

• Tara Comer, Ralls County Collector

• Ralls County Groovy Gardeners Master Gardener Group

• Richard and Janet Berry

• Linda Hodges

• Michelle Keil, Gateway Realty

• Luke Mitchell, High Point Land Company

• Bailey Beef Company

• Shirley Levings, Arlington Antiques

• Corey and Alex Fry, The Junction

• Delores Woodhurst

• Marie Lawrence and Judy Heim

• Sharon Wright, The Flower Shoppe

• John Lake, Brian Hodges, Junior Meuhring, Ralls County Commissioners

• Brandy Flynn, Ralls County Clerk

• Gina Jameson, Ralls County Circuit Clerk & Recorder

The feature item of the evening was a painting of the Ralls County Courthouse.  The painting will be on display at the museum, and the owners’ names will be shown alongside the painting. Below is the list of this year’s proud co-owners of the painting.

• Ernest Nelson Harlow Family

• Raleigh Roy Diffenderfer Family

• John and Sharon Lake

• Brian & Linda Hodges

• Scott & Ashley Hodges

• Brian & Delores Woodhurst

• Beinhoff Funeral Home

• Bill & Judy Heim

• John & Mary Wallace

• Charlie & Mary Sue Mitchell

• Shawn & Michele Keil

If you want to be involved with the Historical Society, please send an email (rwleake@aol.com) or get in touch with Ron Leake (573-248-6147), Linda Hodges, Sharon Lake, Carolyn Trower, or Delores Woodhurst.  We are hoping that volunteers will continue to spend time organizing the museum and keeping it in good condition. We are always in need of volunteers to be at the museum during the summer hours when it is open.  Also, it’s not too late to become a member of the Ralls County Historical Society. Individual, family, and business memberships are available. A membership form is available on our website (rallscohistoricalsociety.com).

Ralls County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Ralls County Historical Society is a 100% volunteer-run organization that relies on fundraisers, membership dues, and donations to provide ongoing services to the entire county.  All money raised by the Ralls County Historical Society is used to continue to preserve and share local artifacts and our county’s history. 

Click here to see all photos and videos from the 2023 lasagna supper!