In the Beginning . . . The Society is an outgrowth of the establishment and development of the Johnston Library, opened in July of 1988. The first librarian, Lori Belknap, received many queries from newcomers concerning the history of the area. She, in turn, asked Robert Otto, who was chair of the Library committee, about this history. Bob, a Johnston native and retired Johnston High School principal, gathered a group of individuals who were familiar with the area's history. This included Otto, Lowell Temple, Jeanne Hansen, Barbara Zorn, Ray Schleihs and Lori Belknap. They gathered information from organizations, churches, descendants of early settlers, and other sources in Johnston (including their own memorabilia) to compile the history. Nancy Sandstoe typed the the document, which was "published" in 1994. A copy is kept at the Library. The next development was an invitation from Bob Otto to others in the community who might be interested in the history of Johnston. He called a meeting, held at the Middle School. Ray Schleihs remembers setting up a display at an event held at the Village Square Mall intended to publicize and find those interested in Johnston history. |
