Marcus Historical Society Meeting

August 28, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, August 28 at the Reed Center with president June Dias presiding.

Additions to the July minutes are as follows:  mary Peterson was in attendance at the July meeting.  Galen Ducommun donated the $32 to install an operating system on the computer from IPI and also donated a printer.

Bonnie Husman gave the report prepared by treasurer Jerry Meylor.  The checking account balance stands at $3962.05 and the savings balance at $1693.

The fundraising committee reported that approximately $2500 had been taken in at the Marcus Fair.  Lifetime membership were purchased by Jim Nielsen and by the Meylor family in honor of their father, Jerry.  ($1,000)  The remaining money was raised by sales of calendars and Bob Reed's books, pre-sales of playing cards, and regular membership and renewals.  The playing card company has been contacted and they claim the cards are printed and waiting for shipment at an airport in Asia.  Calendars are presently on sale at Jeff's, Foods, Marcus Hardware, and the Marcus Public Library.

The Society's first newsletter was printed and mailed or hand delivered July 27.

A $300 grant has been awarded to the Society by INS (Iowa Network Services).  This grant will be matched with like dollars by Westel Systems.

The building committee reported that re-roofing may take place as soon as this week.  A temporary electrical fix has allowed the air conditioning to become operable.  However, until a new box is installed, the basement is without electricity.  Bob Boothby and Mike Barry will work on the electrical upgrade.  Bids on the basement cleaning have been tabled for the present.

October 25, 2007 is "Lights On For Museums!" night.  The Society hopes to have lights on at the Reed Center that night.

The PastPerfect software program designed for museum accessions and record keeping is highly recommended by area curators.  If the Society were to purchase this program the newly acquired computer would have to be upgraded.  June has been exploring avenues for doing this.

Liability and property insurance is in effect as of July 25.  The cost, with elimination of terrorism insurance, is $703 per year.  Farmers State Agency will allow the Society to pay on a quarterly basis without fees.

President June attended the recent area meeting of small museums (SMUG) at Sanborn.  She learned many do's and don'ts dealing with such matters as membership, cataloging and more.  Attendees were able to tour both the Sanborn Preservation Society museum and VanderHaag's Past Memories.

A report was made on the Society's booth at the 2007 Marcus Fair.  Many compliments were received on the display of items dealing with our community.  Fifty-five calendars were sold and 65 decks of cards were pre-sold.  The Fair Board has given permission for the Society to leave their display cases in the building for future fairs.

Ballots for election of new Board members were included in the recent newsletter.  Ballots need to be received by September 21.

A discussion was held about membership renewal reminders.  Mary Peterson, Sherree Ogren, Fran Zembsch, and June Dias will serve on a membership committee which will address this issue.

A reminder was made to members to update the hours on their volunteer cards.  Meeting adjourned.

The next regular meeting will be held at the Reed Center on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00pm.

Members present:  Galen and Pat Ducommun, Sherree Ogren, Mary Peterson, Fran Briggs, Fran Zembsch, Bonnie Husman, June Dias, Maxine Shea, and Jerry Meylor (after a previous commitment).

Respectfully submitted,