By Karolyn Gephart
Debra Harkleroad Sasser is the new President of the Friendswood Historical Society.
Sasser has been involved in the organization for more than 20 years.
She was recommended by Friendswood resident Verla Perry during a time when former Mayor Evelyn Newman was president.
“It was 1998-1999 and the group had people involved that were so much a part of Friendswood and its history,” Sasser said. “The group continues to have outstanding members who add so much to the organization.”
The Historical Society is composed of a nine-member board. Members include Friensdwood Historian Joyce Baker, Council members Steve Rockey and Sally Branson, former Mayor David Smith, former Council member Mel Measles, Tim McCall, 20 year member and outgoing President Ann Whitaker, retired Library Director Mary Perroni and Sasser.
Sasser is one of five generations in Friendswood. Her grandfather owned the Glines Barbershop. Her aunt is Huberta Mora, the first Football Sweetheart in Friendswood. Sasser has so much history through the generations that anyone talking to her can get a great mental picture of what Friendswood was like in years past.
Sasser herself has served as treasurer for the Historical Society, then Secretary and now President.
The Friendswood Historical Society is one of many local volunteer groups that has an active partnership with the City of Friendswood. One of the Society’s main tasks is preserving and maintaining the Frank J. Brown Heritage Museum, the Glines Barber Shop and the Perry Home. Activities include Historween in October and the Ice Cream Social in September (Labor Day).
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Library but will soon move to the first Tuesday to hold the meetings in the Joyce Baker Conference Room.
