The Cleveland County Historical Society met on March 20 at the Cleveland County Library in Rison with nine members present for the first meeting of 2025 and to plan for the rest of the year. The main topic of discussion was the best day and time to have meetings. The group present voted to meet on the third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland County Library four times a year. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:30.p.m. at the library.Other topics of discussion included possible projects and programs of historical or genealogical significance. Locating, restoring and keeping up old and abandoned cemeteries was mentioned. Several members have been involved in the restoration and upkeep of the Cherry or Temperance Chapel Cemetery on the Mt. Elba Road. This cemetery has recently been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cleveland County has 14 buildings or properties which are on the National Register, even though some have been torn down. The old Phoenix Hotel was one of those places that had to be demolished a few years ago because it had begun to collapse.Other places on the Register are the old Mt. Olivet Church built in 1867 and the Mercantile, once the County Clerk's office which was built in 1892. Both buildings are now located at the Pioneer Village in Rison. Since 2026 is the 250th birthday of the United States, the CCHS along with KickStart Cleveland County and other organizations will soon need to begin planning for a Sesquicentennial Celebration.Anyone wishing to join the Cleveland County Historical Society is welcome. For further information or a membership form, contact the Cleveland County Library, or call/text (870) 550-8028....
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