Old Probate Records Featured in July 25 Program, 7 p.m.

Jim McAllister knows the White County Courthouse from top to bottom. This White County Historical Society board member is coordinating a new public service that has taken him from the attic to the basement. It's the topic of the next meeting of the Historical Society Monday, July 25, at Harding Place in Searcy. Almost 10 years ago, McAllister learned that many unbound Probate Court documents dating back more than 150 years were stored out of sight and almost out of mind in the attic of the Courthouse. The storage area was dusty and hot in the summer, cold in winter. Undaunted, McAllister and other volunteers - with the approval and support of County Clerk Doug Faith and his successor Tanya Burleson - sorted through the hundreds of files. Documents were unfolded, flattened and placed in acid-free folders, then a computer index of the files' contents was created. The Historical Society then purchased a photocopier and three new file cabinets and moved the newly organized materials downstairs to a basement area that is climate controlled - a boon to preservation and volunteer comfort. Today, requests are coming in from all over the country and McAllister's team is busy photocopying materials for a modest fee which pays for WCHS supplies. Many fascinating items have been found in the old files. These will be discussed at the next meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Come learn about White County's "treasures in the attic!"