Saturday Club of Cotter

06/18/2026

Throwback Thursday – May 2, 1964

Final Meeting - The Club met in the home of Mrs. Jerry Morris for the final meeting of the 1963–1964 Club year, with Mrs. John Deatherage presiding. Roll Call was answered with either a recipe exchange or the name of a typical American food.

Mrs. Adams expressed her gratitude to the Club members for remembering her during her recent illness. She then gave the devotional, reading from Matthew 16:32–39.

Mrs. Pitman reported a treasury balance of $20.65.
Mrs. Boyd reported $100.23 in the memorial fund.
Mrs. Thompson reported $72.40 in the cemetery fund after paying the City of Cotter for three months of summer upkeep.

Mrs. Pitman distributed recipe booklets and presented an engaging program titled “Whatever Happened to American Cooking?”

Installation of officers was conducted by Mrs. H. H. Raymond:
Mrs. Rex Dilbeck – President
Mrs. Frank Carlisle – Vice President
Mrs. A. C. Boyd – Secretary
Mrs. C. W. Kenyon – Treasurer

06/17/2026

The Cotter Cemetery is one of our community’s most sacred places — a resting ground filled with history, family legacy, and deep personal meaning. The Saturday Club of Cotter, together with the City of Cotter, remains committed to preserving, protecting, and respectfully maintaining this important part of our town.

As part of this shared stewardship, both the City and designated members of the Saturday Club work to ensure that all gravesites remain safe, orderly, and in compliance with the cemetery ordinances. These guidelines exist to protect the grounds, allow for proper maintenance, and ensure that every loved one is honored with dignity.

We kindly ask the public to respect these ordinances and to remember that only family members, close friends of the deceased, or authorized individuals from the City or the Club should be removing items from graves. Removing items without a connection to the deceased is not permitted and is considered grave desecration.

The intentional theft is considered a severe taboo and a criminal offense. Such acts are viewed as traumatic to families and a violation of human dignity.

As we continue our restoration efforts, the Club will also be placing donated items of reverence — especially for our Veterans — to honor those who served. We ask that these items remain undisturbed so that the individuals they represent may continue to be honored appropriately.

Thank you for helping us protect this sacred space and for supporting the ongoing work to preserve Cotter Cemetery for generations to come.

06/13/2026

06/11/2026

Throwback Thursday – May 16, 1987

Thirteen members met at the home of Mrs. Robert Fielding for the final meeting of the 1986–1987 business season. The treasurer reported a balance of $84.23.

The Scrapbook Committee was recognized for winning first place in the Harrison District contest. Mrs. Pitman and Mrs. Rankin were acknowledged for completing the ESO Reading Program.

Of the 105 women in attendance at the State Convention, 15 were members of the Saturday Club.

It was also announced that the Cotter Saturday Club will now be known as the Saturday Club of Cotter, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Arkansas.

Beginning June 1, 1987, a walking club will meet at 6:00 a.m., three days a week.

Submitted by Maxine Raymond, Acting Secretary.

06/10/2026

REDUCED PRICE — Was $40, Now $30

Your donation helps replace approximately 160 worn, broken, or missing veteran grave markers at Walnut Hill Cemetery. The photos show the weathered markers alongside the new ones.

Each marker holds a U.S. flag and stands as a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice, and service — not only on Memorial Day, but throughout the year.

A Meaningful Gift
You may dedicate a marker in honor or in memory of someone special, or you may purchase one to place on the grave of a veteran you personally know. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate personal legacy and national service.

06/07/2026

In our recent search for a volunteer to revitalize the weather‑worn wooden sign at Walnut Hill Cemetery, the Saturday Club received an unexpected surprise.

Justin Morrow, City of Cotter Public Works Director, located a second historic sign that had been forgotten in storage.

Justin explained that both signs were handcrafted by Mr. Jim Groth, formerly of Cotter and possibly now living in Louisiana, using wood from an original walnut tree that once stood in the cemetery. Mr. Groth created two identical signs back in 2015—one was installed on June 1, 2015, and the second was set aside for future use in case of weather damage.

Over time, that backup sign was tucked away and forgotten until Justin recalled its existence and tracked it down. Thanks to his effort, the newly rediscovered sign will now replace the weathered original at the cemetery.

Our gratitude goes to both Mr. Groth and Justin Morrow.

Their craftsmanship and stewardship continue to support the revitalization of Walnut Hill Cemetery and help preserve Cotter’s history.

06/04/2026

Throwback Thursday – May 2014

Members submitted their volunteer hours for the month. It was reported that the Club mailed out more than 100 fundraising campaign letters to support the Walnut Hill Cemetery, raising over $2,000.

The Butterfly Garden bench was ordered, and preparations were underway for the annual Salad Luncheon. Several members planned to assist with the Club’s booth at Gassville in the Park.

An online vote was held to approve sponsoring a student for summer basketball camp at a cost of $110. The Club ultimately approved funding for two students to attend.

05/28/2026

Throwback Thursday – May 20, 2017

Updates were shared on recent activities, including the Chamber of Commerce meeting, Parade, Children’s Activities, and Trout Fest.

Flags and banners were scheduled to be placed on Veterans’ graves by Chamber Board Members for Memorial Day. The Memorial Day service was set for Tuesday, May 30th, with Jessie Stevenson performing the National Anthem. The VFW and American Legion planned to sponsor the event and provide free hotdogs from 4–6 p.m.

The National Guard Units from Marion, Baxter, and Searcy Counties were scheduled to be present on June 5th at the Mountain Home Junior High, offering free medical services to Veterans.

The Club planned to present a $1,600 check to the City of Cotter as its annual contribution toward the upkeep of Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Seven members of the “Friends of Butterfly Garden” committee spoke before the City Council.

Annette Thrasher’s note cards and magnets were approved to be sold at City Hall and potentially at the Tourist Information Center.

A total of $1,310 in ticket sales and sponsorships was raised for the Salad Luncheon.

This was the last meeting of the 2016-2017 business season. Their summer social gatherings were planned for: June 17th, July 15th, and August 19th.

05/28/2026

Saturday Club of Cotter — Summer Season Begins

With the close of our official business season, the Saturday Club of Cotter is stepping into one of our favorite traditions — Summer Season Gatherings.

For the next three months, members have the option to join in relaxed, come‑as‑you‑can meet‑ups at local eateries throughout our community. These gatherings are a simple but meaningful way we show support for the wonderful small businesses that make Cotter and the surrounding area feel like home.

No agendas.
No minutes.
Just fellowship, good food, and a chance to lift up the businesses that have always lifted us.

As we pause from formal meetings and step into summer, we carry forward the same spirit that has guided this club for more than a century — community, connection, and service in every season.

Here’s to a summer of supporting local, sharing stories, and strengthening the ties that make the Saturday Club of Cotter endure.