Wingard to speak at Historical Society Meeting

By Barbara McLaurine

The Bullock County Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. in the Union Springs Presbyterian Church Sunday School Room at 205 Hardaway Avenue East.  President of the Society, Dean Spratlan has invited Stephanie Wingard to present the program on the historic 1880 Josephine Hotel and the builder Robert A. Fleming. Joyce Perrin is the current owner of the Josephine Art Center. The Art Center is where local artists can display and sell their art in different mediums. A museum is located in the building highlighting the history of Union Springs and Bullock County. The Josephine Art Center is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Stephanie Wingard is a multi-talented individual with an insatiable thirst for learning and exploration. With a diverse range of interests and passions, Wingard has established herself as a creative force in various fields, including music, traveling, jewelry design,painting, blogging, and writing. Wingard’s love for history and learning has been a lifelong passion, and her guilty pleasure is indulging in historical documentaries and reading. She is a descendant of the Mayflower, which has fueled her fascination with the past and has inspired her to delve deeper into the stories and lives of the people who have shaped our world. Wingard’s most significant accomplishment to date has been her eight-year journey to uncover the story behind The Josephine Hotel in Union Springs, Alabama. Her curiosity led her to learn everything about the man who built the hotel and named it after his accomplished and virtuous wife. “My goal was to clear up any misinformation about the  hotel,” says Wingard. This journey has not only honed Wingard’s research and writing skills but has also allowed her to appreciate the importance of preserving history and the stories of those who have come before us. When Wingard is not writing or researching, she can be found camping in the mountains with her husband and beloved dog, Lucy, where she immerses herself in the beauty of nature and paints with her watercolors. Wingard’s dedication to creativity, learning, and discovery is an inspiration to those around her, and she continues to explore new avenues and challenges with enthusiasm and passion.

The citizens of Bullock County are invited to attend and hear the dynamic speaker. Anyone who has pictures or local history of the Josephine Hotel is encouraged to attend and share the information.

The Historical Society is actively seeking new members. The yearly dues are ten dollars and if you are unable to attend the meeting, payment may be mailed to the Society at PO Box 563, Union Springs, Alabama 36089.