Reilly Springs native, Kerry Bailey, secures a sign to the fence, near the site of
"Violet's Well" in preparation for a Community Scavenger Hunt.

 

Reilly Springs Community Uncovers
History as They Prepare For Scavenger Hunt

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

This July 5, 1872 grave of a five-year old boy, named Kilgore, was one of the sites
on Saturday's Scavenger Hunt. The small boy was run-over by a wagon and
perished during the formative years of the community. His grave is located in
the old part of the Reilly Springs Cemetery and was marked with a minature wagon.

 

"I've lived here all my life and I'm learning about some of the community's history!" exclaimed Missy McLarry, as she learned about some of the sites for last Saturday's Reilly Springs Scavenger Hunt.

Local historic sites were noted as stops for the hunt and provided an education for several community members, as they made preparations for the event. "I travel past the Reilly Springs Cemetery, almost every day, going to an from my house, but just never stopped to consider what history lies within the boundaries of the graveyard," expressed Carla Walters. "It's exciting to learn about the lives of some of these people, who lived here many, many years before I arrived!"

"And, I had no idea that before I was born there was a cache of dynamite found, just down the road from where I grew-up," exclaimed Kendra Wallace Daniels. "It's great to learn about some of the people that are distantly kin to you and to learn that they had some of the very same problems and circumstances to deal with, that we do today, only many of them didn't have the luxuries to combat them with, that we enjoy today!"

Saturday's first ever, Reilly Springs Scavenger Hunt, sought-out some of the historic sites, graves, and points of interest in the community, to let those participating learn about the community history. Signs were posted on fences near the sites and at the graves of some of the people with historic pasts.

 

 

 

 

This historic grave, in the Reilly Springs Cemetery, is the resting place of little
Joyce Genelle Payne, who perished in the New London School Explosion, on
March 18, 1937, when natural gas trapped beneath the school and caused one
of the most famous school disasters in our state and nation's history.

 

 

"It's really rather simple to come up with these people and events," expressed Bobby McDonald, local community historian. "There's some kind of history at almost every turn, in this community. Some people might not consider all of it really 'monumental' history, but it's interesting nonetheless!"

"I had no idea that Bonnie and Clyde was sited in this community, back in the 1930's when they were going through the country!" expressed Walters. "That helps to bring history alive!"

 

 

"And, I knew our community was named for the underground springs, but I had no idea where they were located," exclaimed McLarry. "It's great to just find out where they are and to relate that my family members probably drank from them and certainly went swimming or was baptized in one of the pools that they made in our community!"

"I want to bring my kids, the next time we do this and let them learn about the many, many historic sites that are all around us!" continued McLarry.

With Saturday's cool temperatures, it was a perfect day for a scavenger hunt and helped the entire community learn about their history.

"We plan on hosting another one, maybe in the fall, where we will 'uncover' additional historic facts and add to our list of items that people will be looking for," explained Kenni Jo Wallace, a member of the Reilly Springs Community Center Board and Reilly Springs native. "It's a great way for folks to learn about our local history and to share family fun and quality time with your children and grandchildren!"

 

Bailey secures a sign at the site of the Reilly Springs "Dipping Vat," where community cattle
were required to be brought and dipped during the 1930's for "Tick Fever." Many local
cattlemen hesitated to bring their cows and the law forced them to meet the requirements. The
site is located about 2 miles south of Reilly Springs on land owned by the McKay family.

 

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