December 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

December 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in December of 1997.

Town Merchants again ran weekend specials both weekends before Christmas for the benefit of the entire community. Local citizens have become accustomed to and appreciate the efforts made by the local merchants to meet their holiday needs.

The Town Council awarded the Cable Contract for the community to Ozarks Communications, Inc. (OCI). President of OCI, Matt Winslow, said that his company is dedicated to getting service to all interested residential and commercial customers as soon as possible. The OCI Internet infrastructure is already in place and will also carry the cable signals. Specific information will be provided to customers as each segment of the community is made cable ready. Orders can be placed online, by telephone, or by stopping by the OCI office, he added.

The Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society at their monthly meeting announced that new officers would be elected at the January meeting. Several new committee chairs would also be sought, so members were urged to think about which positions they would be willing to fill for the coming year.

Locals:

The annual Bevins Trust Christmas Dinner for employee families was held on Friday afternoon, December 12. Eligible employees and their families were fed and entertained in assigned shifts again this year at the Heritage Room of the Homeplace Country Inn, so that all work assignments could also be covered. Santa Clause appeared at each shift with gifts for the children aged 12 and under. This is an annual event for the Bevins Trust affiliated companies that reached across the community in its impact. All participants welcomed this event as a fine company benefit.

The United Methodist Church Choir presented Handel’s Messiah on Sunday evening at the church with standing room only for this fine seasonal concert.

Social Notes:

Christmas eve candlelight services at the United Methodist Church were each well attended this year, as has been the custom. By holding services at 8, 10, and midnight, each individual and family can attend a service that meets their needs and fits with their family traditions.

Family Christmas dinners were hosted by, among many others: Matt and Susan Winslow, Harry and Sarah Flanders, Peter and Shiela Gates, Travis and Laura Inman, Bart and Linda Bevins, and Don and Linda Kirk.

Cop Shop:

A total of only five DUI charges were made following several Christmas parties at the Oak Springs Country Club this December, down from nine the year before.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)