One by one, people walked up to Glenda Stockton and, in a teasing tone of voice, asked her, "Have you changed your mind, yet?"

Each time, she laughed and said no.

Stockton, 81, is retiring as the longtime president of the Friends of Jefferson Barracks. This non-profit organization works for the preservation and improvement of St. Louis County's Jefferson Barracks Park Historic Site.

Over the years, FJB has raised money for repairs on the visitors center, new parking lot lights and a concession stand.

Friends and members surprised the Lemay resident on Wednesday with a party at the Old Ordinance Room at the park.

Amidst cake, punch and congratulations, she sat down and talked about her time with the Friends of Jefferson Barracks.

Question: When did you first join the Friends of Jefferson Barracks?

Answer: I joined around 1985. The group had just started and there were just six people in it. Now, we've got about 60 members.

Q: Why did you join?

A: I like history and I was looking to be involved in something. I had a friend who told me about (the FJB), so I joined.

Q: When did you become president?

A: To be honest, I don't really remember. It was about 15 years ago. I'm one of those people that just starts working on what needs to be done. Eventually, I became the president.

Q: Is the Friends of Jefferson Barracks really needed? A: Yes. Without the volunteers and members, a lot wouldn't get done. We've applied for grants and hosted fundraisers for repairs, things that the county couldn't afford to do. We've done a lot of things. It takes real commitment.

Q: What kind of improvements has the FJB helped make to the park? A: We've done a lot of things. Over the years, we've raised about $100,000 for repairs on the visitors center and $12,000 for the parking lights. We've worked to keep the historical buildings in good shape.

Q: Why move on?

A: I'm 81. It's time to turn it over to somebody new. We need to attract younger people to the club. Right now, the members are all seniors. The trouble is that younger people don't want to join community groups.

Q: What are your plans now?

A: I'm joining the Jefferson Barracks Community Council. We keep track of all the local groups working on historical sites. The council also works to preserve and promote the park's history.

Q: Have you had fun all of these years with the FJB? A: I've enjoyed it a lot. Like anything else, it has had its ups and downs. At times, it's been like going to work, wondering how you got involved in it. We've had to deal with politics and the county, but you can see what we've done. Our work is important.

Q: What's your favorite part of the park? A: The cemetery. We owe so much to those people who rest in that cemetery for being where we are now.

To join the Friends of Jefferson Barracks, call (314) 544-5714 and leave a message, or go to www.friendsofjeffersonbarracks.com.