Report on Previous Auxiliary Meeting

Our Last Meeting

Our last meeting was in Springfield, Missouri, September 25-28, 2019.    The theme was “Jewels, Clothes and Frontier Living”.  

Our hostess was Catherine Trahin who planned many fun and interesting activities for us! This was the M-WTCA’s third visit to Springfield, Missouri.

On Thursday there was a tour of the Pythian Castle built by the Knights of Pythias in 1913 as an orphanage. Then, as property of the US Military, it was a prison for prisoners of war.  Today the Pythian is home to many special events in Springfield.   There was also a tour to the Sporting Arms Museum and Archery Museum at Bass Pro World Headquarters.  Fascinating displays including show guns used by John Wayne as well as some of Annie Oakley’s guns. Many folks went to the Wildlife Museum   and the Aquarium.

The book was “Where Lilacs Still Bloom” by Jane Kirkpatrick.  Kirkpatrick’s book weaves fact with fiction to share the story of Hulda Klager’s life (1863 – 1960) with her dairyman husband, Frank, and their four children.  Hulda lived her life with tenacity and generosity as she persisted as an ordinary woman with a dream to hybridize beautiful lilacs. A short video of today’s Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens was included.

Springfield area is home to 3 very important animal sanctuaries and research facilities.  On Friday night, staff from the National Tiger Sanctuary   presented a program about this special non-profit facility.  NTS is a rescue organization that provides a permanent home for exotic and domestic animals. Their diverse learning campus is dedicated to preservation of the environment and exemplary animal care.

On Saturday at the Auxiliary lunch, we were honored to have Springfield Historian John Sellars present a program on interesting Springfield history: Origin of Route 66, Wild Bill Hickok Shootout, Laura Ingalls Wilder and much more. Sellars presentation includes many historic photos.

A wonderful time was enjoyed by all. It was great to see old friends and make new ones!! We all look forward to our Spring 2020 meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Please Join us!!

For more information about the Auxiliary, you may contact Auxiliary President Jane Giese or Catherine Trahin, Vice-President of Meeting Planning.