This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the February 10, 2011 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

            As I write this, it the first day of February and we have had a four day break in the weather with almost spring-like days.  I think the winter weather is almost over but we’ll wait for the ground hog’s prediction (smile).

            We have received an interesting picture from Bobby Reynolds of High Point, NC of his uncle Harold C. Stites (born in 1908) beside a car with the name “Bridgecroft Children’s Home, Bloomington, KY” on the door.  He thinks the car is a 1929 Chevrolet and as the car does not look new, he is guessing the picture was made in the 1930s or early 1940s.  He knows that the children’s home was managed by Dora Bridges b. 1879 Lost Creek, TN, daughter of Robert Bridges and Mary Duke.  She died in October of 1948 in Magoffin Co. KY and was buried in a cemetery across from the children’s home. Mr. Reynolds would like to learn something more about his uncle who worked at the home as well as information about the children’s home.

            We have found a news clipping written by Helen Price Stacy which mentions that the Dora Lee Children’s Home was instituted in the old Bridgecroft Children’s Home by two missionaries, Rev. Wilma Miskoley and Miss Margaret Wood who left Cincinnati, OH to come to Morgan County on a mission of child evangelism in the mid 1940s. Phyllis Williams Salyer has told us that the Dora Lee Children’s Home of Bloomington, KY first originated in Cannel City in a small house behind the home of Dr. J. D. and Dora Lee Whitaker; therefore it was named after Dora Lee Lykins Whitaker.

            A news article by Dana Lyons in 1977 tells that Wilma Miskoley, a missionary for 50 years and Margaret Wood Fletcher, doing faith work for about 35 years have operated the home for 30 years and provided care for over 900 children in that time period.

            We would appreciate hearing from anyone with more information about the Bridgecroft and/or the Dora Lee Children’s Home. 

            The month of February will conclude our time frame for receiving material for the Magoffin County Sesquicentennial book so we invite all those who wish to do so to send in their story and pictures for this book.  Several families have sent a photo essay and we have heard from several churches, civic organizations and local businesses.  We urge you to participate in this printing project.

            The committee for Magoffin County’s 150^th birthday has been preparing for the burying of the 2010 Sesquicentennial Time Capsule for Magoffin County.  The original time capsule that was used during Magoffin County’s Centennial Celebration was a homemade one made by Belsey Connelley in 1960.  Last week’s Salyersville Independent newspaper had a list of items that it contained.  That time capsule was first buried in the corner of the yard of the old courthouse that was torn down to make room for the current Justice Center.

            Another time capsule is set to be buried the 22^nd of February and if you want to put something in it, please contact Mr. Tim Watkins at the courthouse.  I understand that the committee will be making you aware via the newspaper, radio and local TV of some suggestions as to the items you may want to put in the time capsule. 

            Put the date of Feb 20^th, Sunday afternoon, 2 p.m. on your calendar and meet with us at the historical society.  At that time we will review ideas and suggestions as to the projects to be undertaken by the historical society during our 33^rd year, 2011.  We would appreciate your input and encouragement as we contemplate the future of the Magoffin County Historical Society.

            This has been on my mind more and more lately and I speak for myself and myself only, as my age is catching up on my memory.

            Can we continue with our activities such as Founders Days with the same gusto as of yesteryear when we involved nearly every family in Magoffin County and region?  I volunteer my time and it gives me pleasure to have something I’m interested in doing to while away my time.  Connie and Dorothy spend more hours than I do at the work I’m not capable of doing.  We get help from the city and county as well as other organizations and individuals during the Founders Day festivities but it seems the enthusiasm of the celebration is dwindling.  Has it run its course?