Friday, March 11, was the date for the annual banquet of the Lawrence County Historical Society. It was held in the Moody Room of the Williams Baptist College Cafeteria with a wonderful meal being provided by their catering service, Fresh Ideas.

The room was decorated with displays of Lawrence County’s historical events provided by Ethel Tompkins. Also, Tom Moore provided the display of photos of the many schools that are a part of Lawrence County’s history — down from over 85 schools to Walnut Ridge, Hoxie, Black Rock, Sloan-Hendrix and Hillcrest now.

Lisa Perry, archivist at the newly-opened Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives in Powhatan, was guest speaker. She shared more information about what is available there, the rules and regulations, as well as possibilities for volunteering or for internships for college students.

Steve Saunders gave a history of the original Lawrence County, which was part of Missouri Territory before Arkansas became a state.

LCHS President Lloyd Clark introduced Jon and Lesa Walter, who are responsible for the society’s website. He also spoke about projects that are in the future to commemorate the Civil War in Arkansas, the anniversary of Arkansas Statehood and other events.

Special guests in attendance were State Senator Robert Thompson of Paragould, Ben and Dixie Owens of Jonesboro, Bill and Angie Rainwater of Jonesboro and Dr. Ralph and Billie Joseph of Walnut Ridge, as well as Emma Agnew of Jonesboro, Pat Johnson of Pocahontas and Fayth Hill-Washington of West Memphis, guests of Ethel Tompkins, and representing the Hoxie 21, school desegregation period of time.