Marcus Historical Society Meeting

October 23, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at the Reed Center with sixteen people in attendance.

The minutes of the September meeting were approved as published in the Marcus News.  The treasurer reported a balance in checking of $6,731.92.  Insurance and an $85 printing fee have been paid.  The new roof is completed.  Mike's Construction has been paid $4,060 as bid to remove old shingles and install new roofing and to dispose of old materials.  There will be a bill for roofing materials at Marcus Lumber.

Income included sales of cards and calendars, new memberships, and membership renewals.  Another $100 plaque plate has been sold.  Postcards were mailed Oct. 16 to remind members of annual dues and responses are being received.

Some members have been at work on cleaning the basement and Clarence Hohbach has hauled much of of the debris.  President June Dais thanked Mary, Sherree and others for painting the front door, window trim, and front railing.  The building is now ready for gutters.

The committee for "Lights on for Museums!" night (Oct. 25) has developed a plan.  There will be five rooms of displays with the following five general themes: Quilt/Afghan, Clothing, Toys, Church, and Centennial/Miscellaneous history.  The meeting room will be used for serving refreshments.  There will be a collection box for free will offerings.  Setting up will begin at 2pm and the building will be open to the public from 6 - 8pm.

A second request to Gateway has been made for the donation of a better/faster computer.  A decision was made to keep the Founder Membership open temporarily until the "mass mailing" responses have stopped.

A grant in the amount of $200 has been received from Julia Meylor Simpson's Rhode Island employer.

A display case has come to the Society from Peace Lutheran Church.

A grant writer's workshop will be held Nov. 13-14 in Sheldon.  The Reeds have already sent a check for one member of the Society to attend.

A discussion was held as to what remains to be done before the Reed Center can officially open to the public.  Some needs are: interior paint, better locks/security, and lighted exit signs (an insurance requirement).  An accessions committee needs to be formed and headed by a volunteer curator.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 27 at 7:00pm in the Reed Center.

Those attending:  Elaine Rassel, Linda Wheeler, Jim Wiese, Galen Ducommun, Jerry Meylor, Clarence Hohbach, Dave Peters, Faith Specht, Thelma Gravenish, Mary Peterson, Jim Nielsen, Fran Zembsch, Bonnie Husman, Sherree Ogren, June Dias, and Maxine Shea.

Respectfully submitted,