Galesburg Historical Society, Inc.

 MINUTES OF THE March 2011 MEETING

      Galesburg Historical Society, Inc. met March 23, at First Christian Church at 7 p.m.  Those attending were Ron Peck, Bill Butts, Amanda Banks, Marj. Edlen, Trish Johnson, Jerry Ryberg, Rex Cherrington, Naomi Law, Ed Metz, Nancy Goff, Jan Kaspar, Norma Stiegel, Karen Mitchell, Deb Sugai, Dave Bernhart, Lisa Bernhart , Debbie Hagan and Edie Metz.  Also present were two guests: Roger Lamm and Mark Ebner.

      The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given.

       Minutes from the last meeting were read and corrected.  Jan Kaspar was listed as attending in February, but in fact she did not attend the meeting.  Marj. Edlen moved to accept the corrected minutes and Jan Kaspar seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

        The treasurer’s report was given.   Naomi Law moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Marj. Edlen seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

         Marj. Edlen presented a nomination slate for the Board of Trustees.  The slate consisted of Deb Sugai, Norma Stiegel, Naomi Law, Trish Johnson, Jan Kaspar, Rex Cherrington, Debbie Hagan and Marj. Edlen.  A motion to accept the nominated slate was made by Nancy Goff and was seconded by Lisa Bernhart.  The motion carried.

       There was no Vice President report for the meeting.  President’s report was a commendation to Naomi Law for working on the kiosk at Sandburg Mall which has been a successful endeavor for the Society in displaying history to the public.  President Peck also reminded everyone that the Civil War Seminar will be held on April 21, 2011 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Public Library.   A poster committee, Nancy Goff and Marj. Edlen will design and distribute the posters for this event.

       A standing ovation was given to Marj. Edlen on the success of this year’s Chocolate Fest.  Marj. suggested we buy our own chocolate fountain for next year. 

        Railroad Days committees reported on the coming event in June.  The Flea Market will try to get more food vendors and will have Mexican music.  Chairman Naomi Law also would like to have more historical characters to walk through the crowds.

Amanda Banks, chairman of the Tram tour, reported the theme of this year’s tour is ”The Roaring 20’s”.   This tour will take tram riders through the 20’s with flappers, jazz, women acquiring the vote and speakeasy raids.  Historic places and events of the time will be shown on the tour. 

         As the kiosk has been good for us , a discussion was ensued on a possible renting of a space at the Sandburg Mall for our Museum.  There are spaces available however, many things have to be considered and weighed as to practicality and feasibilty.  This will be addressed later.  Much thought has to be put into a decision.

        Ed Metz gave the History Moment on “Parts Stores, Past and Present”.

         President Peck reported he had looked into replacing the Lombard Tree which was destroyed shortly after being planted at Lombard Middle School in June of 2010.  He had located trees of the needed variety from 6 foot to eighteen foot in the price range of $175.00 to $300.00.  More discussion will follow with the principal of Lombard and the Society. 

          The Abraham Lincoln books that were ordered to complete the distribution to all the schools were received and delivered.  However, the cost of the books have gone up and the extra books being ordered were cancelled in hopes the cost would come down.  The first order, the books cost $7.99 but when reordered had gone up to $13.48.  Trish Johnson will check on alternate sources and also the original source, Barnes and Noble.

       Trish Johnson reported on P.A. systems she researched.  Music Makers and Cherry Street Guitar were contacted and both had systems at $700.00.  The group decided a moisture proof, wireless system would be best.  Trish will find out more about the systems and report next month.

        Mark Ebner spoke to the group about the April 9^th Candle Lighting Dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall.  This is part of the planned activities to celebrate the 175^th anniversary of Galesburg.  He invited everyone to attend in period costumes or just dress up.  Cost is $50.00 per couple or $30.00 single ticket.  It is a dinner/dance affair with interaction between entertainers and the crowd.

        Deb Sugai reported on a meeting she attended with the Community Foundation on how to obtain funding for nonprofit groups.

        A tour of Newman School in Knoxville was brought by President Peck.  A tour on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for the group could be arranged through Naomi Law who has an interest in the school.  It was decided to wait until the weather improves

      Bill Butts moved for adjournment and Rex Cherrington seconded the motion.  Meeting was adjourned. 

                                                       Respectfully submitted, Edie Metz