Watseka museum to honor musicians
Town & Country Journal writer WATSEKA -- The Old Courthouse Museum will soon have a room that honors The Country Combinations, also known as TCC, a musical group which has been entertaining in the area since 1970. Founder and president Leland Ponton of St. A... moreWATSEKA -- The Old Courthouse Museum will soon have a room that honors The Country Combinations, also known as TCC, a musical group which has been entertaining in the area since 1970.
Founder and president Leland Ponton of St. Anne said the group has earned about $52,800 in 32 years at 47 events to benefit worthy causes.
Ponton refers to TCC as "the musical legends of Beaver Creek" in his monthly newsletter "The Urban Messenger." That's because most members live in the Beaverville, Martinton, Papineau and St. Anne area.
The lead singer is Scotty Jackson of Papineau. In fact, he's the main reason the band started up again, Ponton says. He has appeared in Nashville and in Europe. He won the a vocalist contest in 2001 at Branson.
Charter members besides Ponton are Kenny Floriant of Papineau and Cheryl Heagle of rural Martinton. Other members are secretary Judy Jackson of Papineau, treasurer Scott Jackson of Papineau and equipment inspector Darryl L. Ponton of St. Anne.
A recent recipient of their fund- raising skills is six year old Tyler Warren for whom the group earned $2,000 in October. His parents are Tammy and Tony Warren from Buda. Grandparents are Ponton's friends Finis and Carol Wright, formerly from the area. Tyler underwent bone marrow surgery and is doing well at St. Jude's Children's Memorial Hospital in Memphis.
Leonard and Joan Wisniewski of Martinton received $7,000 from a TCC benefit Aug. 10 to help them cope with the loss of their home to fire.
Among the memorabilia to be displayed at the museum is a fiddle used by Ponton's father, "Papa" Joe.
Museum secretary Judy Ficke says the room will be painted by custodian Paul Bowers of Schwere who is also a board member.
The room will be decorated like a scaled down barn interior with a stage. That's because the early appearances by the band were in barns where square dances were held.
A glass case will be provided for the violin and Lee's guitar which will be displayed for special occasions.
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