The history of Conquest continues to honor senior citizens awarded the “Key to Conquest” at the annual Senior Citizens Picnic.
- Vince and Eleanor Cook and Ella Dunn were honored in 1997. Vince was an astute banker and supervisor of the town for many years. He also served as treasurer of Conquest (Countryside) Church. Eleanor was the historian for the town of Conquest, helping preserve our precious heritage, and an active member of Eastern Star and musician for Conquest (Countryside) Church. Today, their three boys and grandchildren are an honor to them.
Ella Dunn was a symbol of giving. She shared her garden vegetables and flowers with anyone in want or need. Her good nature inspired many. She was always ready with a smile and wave to Lake Road passersby and was a blessing to her family. She was an avid seamstress and crochet master. Her potholders graced many bazaars and are still being used in kitchens all over Conquest!
- In 1998, honorees were the Roberts and the Goulds. Chuck and Carolyn Roberts both come from a heritage of public service in our town of Conquest. Carolyn's great-grandfather was the first supervisor. Her dad, J.D. Crowell, was a town justice and on the town board. Chuck's dad was a supervisor and built the first town garage. The couple has lived and worked in Conquest their entire lives. Through their business of the fruit farm apples, cider and ice cream (some said would never work) they met everyone in town and many, many visitors remember the “best ice cream around.”
Chuck and their children Mike and Laura, would take a cooler down to sell ice cream at the Conquest Rural Fair. They have been active in Grange, avid fire department supporters, and taken on jobs as tax collector, election inspector, soil and water board, and church leadership activities.
Paul and Martha Gould were also noted for their local business. Their vegetable stand was the most visited place on Route 38. Especially famous was the freshness of their sweet corn. Not only was it among the earliest on stands, but just-picked. While Martha monitored the stand, Paul would harvest corn several times a day, making it a matter of personal pride to only sell the freshest!
They were also active in the Conquest Fire Department. Paul would start the barbecue fires at 6 a.m. on Mother's Day, to be sure the fire was ready and chicken and chops perfectly cooked. Their family is also an honor to them, with wonderful children and grandchildren taking on the responsibilities of making this world a better place.
- Ernest Stoneburg and Harold Ireland were the 1999 Senior Citizens of the Year. Ernie (Stoney) is one of the kindest coaches ever to grace a ball field. He lived and breathed fair play, and gave every child a chance to play baseball. A generation of Conquest boys and girls learned the basics of fielding, hitting and running from this man and his “good hit, that's okay, hit it next time,” and quick pats on the back have shaped successful careers. His towering presence on a makeshift field built character.
Harold Ireland turned the job of a dump custodian into a Conquest public relations position. He recognized the opportunity in seeing most everyone in town on a regular basis and made the Conquest landfill a place to “meet and greet.” His patriotism was legendary. For a time we were the only dump in the county boasting an American flag at our facility.
Harold was known to all and a friend to all, sparing no one his scrutiny or his handshake. These men, in their humble ways, demonstrate the best of Conquest.
Joni Lincoln is the historian for the town of Conquest
Ella Dunn was a symbol of giving. She shared her garden vegetables and flowers with anyone in want or need. Her good nature inspired many. She was always ready with a smile and wave to Lake Road passersby and was a blessing to her family. She was an avid seamstress and crochet master. Her potholders graced many bazaars and are still being used in kitchens all over Conquest!
- In 1998, honorees were the Roberts and the Goulds. Chuck and Carolyn Roberts both come from a heritage of public service in our town of Conquest. Carolyn's great-grandfather was the first supervisor. Her dad, J.D. Crowell, was a town justice and on the town board. Chuck's dad was a supervisor and built the first town garage. The couple has lived and worked in Conquest their entire lives. Through their business of the fruit farm apples, cider and ice cream (some said would never work) they met everyone in town and many, many visitors remember the “best ice cream around.”
Chuck and their children Mike and Laura, would take a cooler down to sell ice cream at the Conquest Rural Fair. They have been active in Grange, avid fire department supporters, and taken on jobs as tax collector, election inspector, soil and water board, and church leadership activities.
Paul and Martha Gould were also noted for their local business. Their vegetable stand was the most visited place on Route 38. Especially famous was the freshness of their sweet corn. Not only was it among the earliest on stands, but just-picked. While Martha monitored the stand, Paul would harvest corn several times a day, making it a matter of personal pride to only sell the freshest!
They were also active in the Conquest Fire Department. Paul would start the barbecue fires at 6 a.m. on Mother's Day, to be sure the fire was ready and chicken and chops perfectly cooked. Their family is also an honor to them, with wonderful children and grandchildren taking on the responsibilities of making this world a better place.
- Ernest Stoneburg and Harold Ireland were the 1999 Senior Citizens of the Year. Ernie (Stoney) is one of the kindest coaches ever to grace a ball field. He lived and breathed fair play, and gave every child a chance to play baseball. A generation of Conquest boys and girls learned the basics of fielding, hitting and running from this man and his “good hit, that's okay, hit it next time,” and quick pats on the back have shaped successful careers. His towering presence on a makeshift field built character.
Harold Ireland turned the job of a dump custodian into a Conquest public relations position. He recognized the opportunity in seeing most everyone in town on a regular basis and made the Conquest landfill a place to “meet and greet.” His patriotism was legendary. For a time we were the only dump in the county boasting an American flag at our facility.
Harold was known to all and a friend to all, sparing no one his scrutiny or his handshake. These men, in their humble ways, demonstrate the best of Conquest.
Joni Lincoln is the historian for the town of Conquest
