Five units carry on Massac County HCE tradition

• Town and Country Unit started in 1988 as a result of two other units, Willing Workers and Sundowners, consolidating. Some of the members at that time were Ruthie Busclas, Betty Diles, Bobbi Giffin, Jane Gregory, Sharon Huffman, Paula McIntosh, Marla Turner, Mary Wessel, Ann Schneider, Joyce Taylor, Ann Windhorst and Rozann Wilkins. Their focus has been on supporting county-wide projects through making bookbags, quilts for babies who have been diagnosed with AIDS and cancer and dolls to be given to hospitals and medical offices. They also prepare gift baskets and cards to thank the 911 emergency agencies, donate school supplies to students each year and volunteer for county-wide community events. Current members include Janis Bradford, Carroll Duncan, Mina Haverkamp, Sharon Huffman, Janet Maggio, Brenda Martin, Paula McIntosh, Suzanne Sanders, Ann Schneider, Dorothy Sparks, Joyce Taylor, Beverly Warfield, Mary Wessel, Chris Wiedeman, Rozann Wilkins and Ann Windhorst.

• George’s Creek Unit started in 1947 with 18 to 20 members from the New Columbia area of the county. The unit name mirrors a large creek that flows from the north half through the entire precinct. Some of the lessons their unit shared in the early days of the organization were “Efficient Use of the Sewing Machine” and “Checklist of Hazards in the Home.” Some of the original members were Inez Bolts, Minnie Glass, Marie Hardin, Evelyn Korte, Edith McBride, Edith Mescher, Gladys Harper, Letha Nutty, Pearly Pullen, Frances Rice, Vivian Robertson, Alto Smith, Anna Smith, Arbie Staton, Agnes Girtman, Ernestine Turner and Ruth Worthen. Members who remain part of the unit are either related to the original members or live in the New Columbia area of the county. They include Kathy Hutcherson, Betty Travis, Mary Lou Stratmeyer, Brandie and Mary Stafford and Debbie Williams.

• Volleville Unit started in 1947 with members who lived in and around the old Volle Store on Route 145, located northeast of Metropolis. Some original members were Ethel Krueger, Evelyn Hunerkoch, Alice Meinders, Reba Volle, Mable Pansing, Dora Bremer, Helen Walter, Hilda Obermark, Dora Teckenbrock, Lizzie Kruger, Alfreda Hausman, Amelia Kraper, Ollie Buddenbaum, Alice Teckenbrock, Elsie Weaver, Alice Meinders, Meta Hunerkock, Melva Schwetman, Lula Meinders, Susie Schwetman and Amelia Helmantoler. In the early years, members met in homes, enjoyed a potluck lunch together and worked on craft projects, such as upholstery of chairs, lamp shades and basket weaving. As more members began working outside the home, meeting times moved from midday to evenings. Current members are geographically located throughout the county now, but their goals, like all the units, are to learn, spend time in fellowship and share. Current members include Tami Crest, Judy Duckworth, Judy Ferguson, Susie Henley, Shirley Jennings, Raye Kelly, Carol Kent, Diana Kruger, Eleanor McAtee, Judy Parr, Sandy Robbins, Evelyn Tanner, Millie Wilson and Norma Korte, who is a daughter of a Home Bureau and Volleville unit charter member.

• Mailbox members can also take part in and receive lessons from HCE. At present, there are five who are unable to attend regular meetings, but want to be involved with community projects.