Learn about the once-thriving Cole County communities of Stringtown and Millbrook at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church (Stringtown), Lohman.
The Cole County Historical Society's sixth Getting To Know Our Communities program will feature the Rev. Jacob Mueller discussing the church's history, followed by residents of the former communities of Stringtown and Millbrook sharing their histories.
Stringtown was a booming stagecoach town on Stringtown Road prior to the railroad. Millbrook was an independent town with its own post office on Route D.
Those who attend the program are encouraged to bring stories, pictures and memorabilia.
The summer program began a few years ago but missed the 2015 season. Many people asked the society to continue it, said organizer Doris Schmutzler.
The historical society holds a collection of records, pictures and documents of the entire county. However, some residents have the misconception it serves only Jefferson City and state government, Schmutzler said.
"These programs give the historical society the opportunity to go out and feature those small communities," she said. "And it gives our county residents opportunity to learn more about them."