Marcus Historical Society Meeting

April 23, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, April 23 at the Farmers State Bank meeting room.

The minutes of the March meeting were approved as published in the Marcus News.  The treasurer reported a $500 lifetime member contribution from James McGhee of California.  A new lock was purchased for the Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society at a cost of $41.14.  The balance in checking stands at $2,210.16.

Members of the public relations committee were unable to be present but stories will be coming out in the Marcus News and the Cherokee Chronicle.

The Society will be sponsoring the Marcus city-wide garage sales and this information has been published in the Marcus News.  Dates are Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16.  The Historical Society will hold its own sale in the Reed Center and will ask for the donation of items priced by the donor.  Receipts will be made available for those who want to use their donations as tax deductions.

A variety of other fundraisers were outlined including the selling of engraved plates on a plaque, a calendar featuring historical pictures, and decks of cards with personal and historical pictures on the card faces.  With the latter, individuals and businesses could "buy" a card on which to place a picture.  Woven throws are also a possible sale item.  A mass mailing will be undertaken by the fundraising committee.

Writing of the INS grant is nearing completion.

The website www.MarcusHistoricalSociety.org has experienced more than 200 "hits" so far this month.  Something new on the website is an "In the News" page.  Garage sale forms can now be printed from the website.

Since the last meeting, the Board accepted an offer from the Dorr family for a furnace and an air conditioner to be salvaged from the former Clarence and Nancy Hohbach farmhouse.  Marcus Lumber is removing this equipment and re-installing it at the Reed Center.  They will also convert the furnace from propane to natural gas usage.  This donation has been made on behalf of the children of Fred and Anna Dorr.

Zach Rassel has volunteered to mow the Reed Center grounds this summer at no charge.

The Society has been accepted as a member by the Iowa Museum Association.  This membership should aid in the quest for affordable insurance coverage.

Iowa Surplus, administered by Iowa Prison Industries, has refurbished computers to be given to non-profit entities.  Computers are given on a first come first served basis and are available on the first working day of the month in Des Moines.  A member who has a daughter in that area will see if she can be on location May 1 to pick up a computer.

The Reed Center is able to use Faith Lutheran Church's property tax exemption for the remainder of 2007 but will need to file a property tax exemption form by February 1, 2008.

A letter was received from the Marcus Fair Association concerning booth rental at the 2007 Marcus Fair.  A motion was made by Jim Nielsen, seconded by Jerry Meylor to purchase 16 ft of space for a total of $80.  Motion carried.

The next meeting will be held the fourth Tuesday of May, May 22 at the Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society.  Electricity, gas, and water will be turned on.  Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend.

Attendees:  Faith and Don Specht, Mary Peterson, Galen Ducommun, Jim Wiese, Fran Briggs, Fran Zembsch, Marian Johnson, Jerry Meylor, Jim Nielsen, June Dias, and Maxine Shea.

Respectfully submitted,