Submitted By Becky Tucker
Rhea County Historical Society

The regular meeting of the Rhea County Historical and Genealogical Society was held on Sunday, Jan. 20, in the Chancery Courtroom of the Rhea County Courthouse. Officers elected for the following year were: Tom Davis, president; Bob Simpson, vice president; Steve Snyder, secretary; Pat Guffey, treasurer; Betty Randolph, registered agent and Justin DeFriese, Gary Drinkard, Becky Tucker, Ralph Green, Tom Taylor and Ron Harris, directors.  

Outgoing president Justin DeFriese reported the following accomplishments of the society during 2012:  

1.  Coordination with MainStreet Dayton for the treatment of trees on the courthouse lawn,

2.  Celebration of the bicentennial of the establishment of Washington,

3.  Expansion and advancement of the museum located in the courthouse and

4.  Receipt of reference books and research materials from the Betty Broyles’s estate.

Featured speaker John Fine discussed the history of numerous national and state flags.  He discussed the adoption of various flags and the significance of their colors and designs.

The Historical and Genealogical Society is open to all individuals with an interest in learning local history.  Regular bimonthly meetings are held at the Rhea County Courthouse.  Contact Tom Davis at davisto@bryan.edu for additional information concerning the society.