GREENVILLE -- In 1818, nearly three years before Missouri became a state, Wayne County was one of the largest territories of the area. It was actually larger than four states combined at the time -- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Delaware.
Community members and history enthusiasts came from all over the area to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Wayne County and learn about the history of Old Greenville Saturday.
The 27th annual Old Greenville Days featured over 75 local and distant food and craft vendors while music from bluegrass groups brought the festivity alive for attendees this weekend. During the middle of day Saturday, the Bicentennial ceremony was held.
It began with a tribute to the flag by the singing of the national anthem. Chairmen of the Wayne County Historical Society, David Bollinger, introduced Kenneth Keathley, relative of the Street family who brought the first church to Wayne County.
"My great-great-grandfather, Rev. William Street, was the first individual to bring a church into Wayne County." Keathley said. "Him and his brothers were split in the Civil War but God brought them back together. I am thankful for the churches that were planted here years ago and I am thankful for the generations of community members that continue to support the churches in Wayne County."
Keathley introduced Project Manager of the Wappapello Army Corps of Engineers, Cindy Jackson, to talk about the past damage that was done to Greenville and how the plans to revive the area are succeeding quickly.
"This area has been voted as the one of the top 100 campgrounds for years and we want to continue this high recommendation even after the devastation the ground endured." Jackson said.
Jackson explained how storms affected the campgrounds in the spring of 2017 but said they are progressing quickly.
"As the military slogan says, 'Army Strong', we have been and will continue to be army strong in repairing the damage of those storms and make the area even better than what is was prior," she said.
The president of the Wayne County Historical Society, Linda Lunyou, explained what the society has done to help the Army Corps repair and preserve the Old Greenville area.
"This Historical Society has done much and will continue to assist in the changes made to area." Lunyou said. "We have moved lodge homes in the area to aid in preservation of those artifacts. This would not have been possible without all of the manpower that was volunteered."
Wayne County Presiding Commissioner Brian Polk and others ended the ceremony with a new slogan change for the county.
"I am so proud of the workers and the community that have put forth so much effort in the reconstruction of the Old Greenville Recreational area." Polk said. "To continue on speaking of pride, from today on, we will have a new slogan I hope you all adopt -- 'Wayne County Proud'"
Family members of some of the oldest families of Wayne County were also recognized, including Bicentennial Committee member Brenda Malloy Davis among others.
"My family stretches back all the way to 1803. I am in the family line of Francis Clark." Davis explained. "Being able to help make this event happen and also look back at my family history is so awesome. Also, it is so amazing to meet people from the area and talk about their history in Wayne County to find out that we are related in some way."
Mayor of Greenville Caroll Rainwater explained his family history and the importance of the event held in Old Greenville.
"I have lived here for 77 years and my family dates back decades before me." Rainwater said. "This is a huge milestone for the community and its great to have so many people attend this great event. It's home to me and so many others."
Old Greenville Day festivities concluded Sunday with a church service at 9 a.m. and bluegrass throughout the day until the 5 p.m. closing ceremony.
Members of the Bicentennial Celebration committee hope to hold additional celebrations this year, including an event closer to the Dec. 11 date when the county was created.
If interested in helping with the festivities, donations can be mailed to Wayne County Bicentennial, P.O. Box 241, Greenville, MO 63944.