Republic Historical Society

HEY REPMO... DID YOU KNOW?! As we continue to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the City of Republic throughout 2021, we'll be sharing some historical photos a...nd facts over the next several months in partnership with the Republic Historical Society. Today's highlight and piece of Republic history is a prominent fixture located at the intersection of Main and Highway 60 - the REPUBLIC arrow. In October 1948, a group of businessmen, all members of the Republic Lion's Club, contributed to a fund to purchase two neon signs to be placed at highway intersections to mark the north and south boundaries of Republic. Additional contributions from local merchants assisted the Lion's Club in reaching their goal of $800.00, the total price for the two signs. On May 5, 1949, the signs were installed at S. Main Street and Hwy 60 and N. Main Street and Hwy 174 (Hwy 166 at the time) to welcome visitors and residents to Republic. One of the signs was removed sometime in the 1990's; however, the sign located at Main and 174 stood until June 2006, when, due to vandalism, the City of Republic made the decision to remove the sign in order to preserve it. The sign sat in storage until 2011 when the arrow was given to the Republic Historical Society. This dedicated group of volunteers applied for grants and hosted fundraisers in order to fund a complete refurbishment of the sign. On March 11, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held for the newly refurbished sign. The arrow serves as a reminder of the past and all those who contributed to the initial project in the late 1940's. Post your photos (past or present) with the arrow in the comments! We've added some additional articles and photos as well. Interested in learning more about the history of the City of Republic? Visit the Republic Historical Society museum located at 146 N. Main Street! The museum is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The 2021 Sesquicentennial Calendars are now available at Main Street Boutique during their working hours: Monday through Saturday 10 - 6, and Sunday 10 - 2. Check out the amazing store, and support the Republic Historical Society while you are there!

This is Henry Saltillo, age 8 , eating ice cream at the Annual Rural Schools Rally in 1938. He went to Beulah school. This is one of the photos we are preparing for our book on rural schools of the area, Readin’, ‘Ritin’, and ‘Rithmetic.

Here today selling the 2021 sesquicentennial calendars from 10 AM - 5 PM only $5.00 !!!

See you Saturday!

Patsy Trogdon April 6, 1933 - September 7, 2020 The Historical Society lost a beloved friend Monday with the passing of Patsy. A charter member, she turned her love of historical preservation into years of service in restoring photographs, creating displays, and serving as Historian for the Society. Our love goes out to Jack and her loved ones. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Republic Historical Society or the First Christian Church. Please see meadorsfuneralhome.com for a complete obituary.

You can order the calendar now by clicking on the gray Paypal box under the cover photo. You don't want to miss this one!