Bill Reaves

In addition, he was the Society’s first lifetime member and the first person to write and publish a book for the Society.  She also noted that until his very last days Bill Reaves continued to research and submit articles to the “Whittler’s Bench.”  Susan Carson ended her remarks saying that Bill Reaves: “…had come under the spell of the history of our area and became a Southport treasure.” 

The first book Bill Reaves wrote for the Society was Southport (Smithville) A Chronology Volume I (1520 -1887).  The book went on sale, with a great deal of pride, at Southport’s 1978 Fourth of July celebration. The July 27, 1978 issue of the “Whittler’s Bench” reported that, during the three-day festival, Bill Reaves autographed over 300 copies, as they were sold.  The newsletter further noted that many out-of-town visitors, as well as Southport residents, were eager to buy the book.  Copies were also purchased by mail and sent to locations in Michigan, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.  Following Volume I, Bill Reaves continued to donate his work to the Society and wrote Volumes II, III, and IV of the Southport (Smithville) Chronology.” Each volume was proudly published by the Society.