July 1, 2007, marked the end of an era for residents of the Union County town of Shannon City. The local United Methodist Church held its last Sunday service that morning, after being a part of the community for 118 years. First services were held at a school house north of town before a permanent church facility was constructed in the summer of 1889. The building saw a number of upgrades through the years including the addition of a basement in the 1940s, exterior updates in the 1980s, and finally, changes to lower the sanctuary ceiling and remove stained glass to create a more comfortable environment.
In an article from the Creston News-Advertiser, church members recalled elaborate Easter pageants, the live Christmas nativity scene, and the annual fried chicken supper held each September. But, member Alice Ringberg summarized the challenges facing the church: “We couldn’t meet monthly expenses because of the declining congregation. People were getting older and passing away, [and] we just didn’t have many people on Sunday coming to worship.”
Though the United Methodist Church affiliation was discontinued in 2007, the well-maintained building now serves as the non-denominational Shannon City Community Church.
Postal service came to the Jasper County town of Mingo in December 1883. Mail volume in the growing community warranted two deliveries daily to the post office by 1910; that year, revenue from the office exceeded $800. In 2008, the post office moved to the former home of Mingo Trust and Savings Bank. The high rent associated with the upgraded facilities nearly led to an emergency closure of the Mingo Post Office. Town officials averted the closure by purchasing the old bank building and significantly reducing the monthly rent.
The Wayne Baptist Church in the Mitchell County town of McIntire was organized in 1865, with first services held in various homes and then the local schoolhouse. The first permanent church building was erected in 1884 on the north edge of town. The building was moved to a more central location within the community and served the congregation until a fire destroyed the church in 1962. Replacement building plans were created, and the current church was constructed shortly after.
A community library was established in the Webster County of Harcourt on July 1, 1950 by the local American Legion Auxiliary. After three years, the library became tax-supported with money appropriated for operations from both the town of Harcourt and the Lost Grove township. The library moved to its present building in the late 1970s; it’s open four days each week.
The Crawford County town of Charter Oak was established in 1869 by W.H. Crombie, who purchased the property to divide into lots. The town’s name came from the state tree of Connecticut, which is considered a symbol of freedom in America’s path to independence. The town was officially incorporated on February 6, 1891.
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