Cassville historian Steven Mann presents at DAR meeting
Historian Steven Mann with Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Regent Bonnie Yetter.
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Pictured, Steven Mann tells stories of the American revolution in Monett.
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October 2, 2019
History comes to life when a really good history teacher brings it. That is exactly what happened on Saturday, September 14, when former Cassville Schools history teacher and author Steven Mann shared stories about the writing of our US constitution with members of Daughters of the American Revolution, Monett chapter. Mann set the scene for a group of men, debating how to give citizen rights and state representation to the new 13 United States of America.
Steven reminded us that the articles of confederation, predecessor to the constitution, was weak, allowing each state to operate as a separate foreign country. After America won its independence, it became clear that we needed a more central form of government. Hence “in order to form a more perfect union….” the 13 colonies were each invited to send delegates to the convention, Rhode Island being the only hold-out. Ben Franklin was 81 years old. Delegates met throughout the hot summer, in secret, behind closed doors and windows. Mann helped us imagine hygiene and dietary customs of the day, bringing humor to the scene.
Steven Mann also taught at Crowder College and today is retired and writing fictional short stories. The Alexander McNair chapter welcomed guests from other chapters and new members to the event.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, October 12, and will feature an award-winning Kansas City artist Sarah Poff, whose paintings portray local stories from history. Several of her paintings are about Barry County during the Civil War, where her family has lived since 1850.
History comes to life when a really good history teacher brings it. That is exactly what happened on Saturday, September 14, when former Cassville Schools history teacher and author Steven Mann shared stories about the writing of our US constitution with members of Daughters of the American Revolution, Monett chapter. Mann set the scene for a group of men, debating how to give citizen rights and state representation to the new 13 United States of America.
Steven reminded us that the articles of confederation, predecessor to the constitution, was weak, allowing each state to operate as a separate foreign country. After America won its independence, it became clear that we needed a more central form of government. Hence “in order to form a more perfect union….” the 13 colonies were each invited to send delegates to the convention, Rhode Island being the only hold-out. Ben Franklin was 81 years old. Delegates met throughout the hot summer, in secret, behind closed doors and windows. Mann helped us imagine hygiene and dietary customs of the day, bringing humor to the scene.
Steven Mann also taught at Crowder College and today is retired and writing fictional short stories. The Alexander McNair chapter welcomed guests from other chapters and new members to the event.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, October 12, and will feature an award-winning Kansas City artist Sarah Poff, whose paintings portray local stories from history. Several of her paintings are about Barry County during the Civil War, where her family has lived since 1850.
