MADISON – Members of Madison Station Historical Preservation Society or MSHPS gathered on June 18 for their annual picnic . . . always an anticipated event but this year carrying special significance with a valued milestone and a formal resolution from Montgomery.

Society members gathered on the beautiful front lawn of Dennis Vaughn’s home on Front Street in downtown Madison. Vaughn owns the Hertzler-Vaughn Home, constructed in 1905.

This year, the society reached its 40th anniversary, giving the membership an added boost for the picnic’s celebratory tone. MSHPS was established and incorporated on March 22, 1984.

“On June 18, 2024, the 40th celebration of the founding of Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, in conjunction with our annual picnic, was truly a grand celebration of our 40 years!” MSHPS President Debbie Overcash said. “The society was excited to welcome Alabama State District 25 Representative Phillip Rigsby to present a state resolution congratulating the society on our work completed and all the work our group continues to accomplish in the historic area of Madison.”

“In addition, the society recognized our only charter member still active (very active), as well as participating with many other committees in our community. Our deep and heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to Dennis Vaughn for moving to Madison in 1983 with his wonderful wife and former Madison City Clerk, Joyce, for loving this community and its people and for truly being a ‘doer’ in our community,” Overcash said.

“Dennis Vaughn is a true Madison jewel,” Overcash said.

For live entertainment, MSHPS members at the annual picnic and 40th celebration were also happy to welcome the “No Name Band.” “They were amazing and elevated the event to a new level,” Overcash said.

MSHPS has an ongoing commitment to help with downtown residential and commercial building preservation; maintaining the Roundhouse; helping Old Madison Cemetery; participating in Madison Street Festival; Memorial Day ceremony; and Christmas events by providing Open House at the Roundhouse and partnering with the city for Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail and Madison Christmas Capers.

In addition, the historical society was proud to serve as a major supporter of the Madison Sesquicentennial Committee in 2019. Several MSHPS members participated on the event committee in leadership roles: Debbie Overcash, President; John Rankin, Subject Matter Expert; Doug Smith, MSHPS member-at-large; and Charlie Nola, representing both MSHPS and Madison Historic Preservation Commission.

Current officers of the historical society include President Debbie Overcash; Vice President/Acting Secretary, Doug Smith; and Treasurer Cindy Sensenberger.

Madison Station Historical Preservation Society continues as an all-volunteer group. The society meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Madison City Hall. All residents are welcome to attend.

For more information, email Debbie.overcash@gmail.com.