COTTAGE GROVE – As the Cottage Grove Genealogical Society delves into the rich history of local servicemen and women, a heartfelt tribute is taking shape, honoring their bravery and sacrifice.
CGGS is hosting a Military Open House on Wednesday, April 22, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the Shepherd Room at the Community Center, at 700 E. Gibbs Ave. There will be displays of military items and information on researching ancestors who served.
“We will have Ed Smith, a local military expert, on hand if the public has questions or would like help identifying items pertaining to a war,” Debra Stiff Monsive, society president. “Plus, we have 3 Rosies coming; they are centenarians!” and will be available for the public to meet them from 2-3 p.m. They will also have Rosie books for sale.
It all started last year with a few clippings, when volunteer Carolin Pettit began transcribing a collection of newspaper clippings the CGGS inherited after one of its long-time members, Phyllis Pruitt, passed away.
Pettit started clipping articles about young men and women she knew who had joined the service during World War II. Her father, George Foster, served in World War I, and he made her a box to hold the 3”x5” cards to which she attached newspaper clippings with added information on many of them.
“We realized she hadn’t put all the dates on the clippings, so we started looking for the dates,” Monsive said. “The research began in earnest as we wanted to publish a book about the men and women who served from South Lane County/North Douglas County, basically from Creswell to Yoncalla and from Lorane to Disston.”
The book, 613 pages and counting, will be available before Memorial Day.
The open house will include a raffle with DNA Kits, a Spa Gift Basket, books, a Genealogy Tool Box with a Membership, and more. There will also be a silent auction for 100-plus framed pictures.
