Marcus Historical Society Meeting

October 24, 2006

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, October 24, 2006 in the Farmers State Bank Community Room.  Fourteen members and one guest were present:  Bonnie Husman, Mary Peterson, Fran Briggs, Sherree Ogren, Thelma Gravenish, Patty Erickson-Puttman, June Dias, Maxine Shea, Jerry Meylor, Jim Nielsen, Rita Delperdang, Margaret Dorr, Fran Zembsch, Jim Wiese and Gerald Pallesen.

Jerry Meylor gave the treasurer's report.  There was a beginning balance of $2575 and one expenditure of $90 to the Woodbury County Extension Service for a grant-writing workshop leaving a balance of $2485.  A donation to the society in memory of Joan (Garlow) Reed was made by Bob and Maxine Reed.

Since the secretary's report had been printed in the Marcus News, only the last (incomplete) paragraph was read.

Patty Erickson-Puttman, whose Marcus ties include an aunt, Thelma Gravenish, spoke to the group about grant writing.  She wrote grants while employed by SIMPCO and with her present job does some grant writing for Woodbury County.  Patty said she had done some research on the internet and had found a historic site preservation grant for which the society might want to apply.  This, like many grants, would require a local match, a project proposal, a budget, and a detailed plan.  Whether applying for this grant or any other Patty recommends pulling together the most comprehensive project plan possible and if receiving the grant "be ready to go tomorrow."  She emphasized that in grant writing you need to remember that it is their money, you want it, but you need to prove that you deserve it.  Local support, including letters of support from businesses, organizations, the clergy, and families are invaluable.

In an Executive Board decision, the society sent Caryn Barry to attend a two-day grant writing workshop sponsored by the Woodbury County Extension Service.

The society has officially applied for 501(c)3 status with the aid of King Reinsch Prosser & Co. LLP who have a Marcus office.  Their time has been donated.

Copies of the Constitution and Bylaws have been labeled with "Adopted September 2006."

A letter was received from Bob and Maxine Reed which states that they have withdrawn their offer on the Danish Church building and will put this money into whichever building the society chooses to purchase.

Jim Nielsen reported that contractors representing three firms and a roofing company have looked at the buildings presently under consideration.  These structures include the Danish Church building, the Marcus News building, and the former Niemann building.  The contractors have given rough estimates of the cost and repairing and remodeling each building and making it handicapped accessible.  The roofing company has given bids on two of the roofs.

Setting a goal date for a decision on the purchase of a building was discussed.  It was decided that the society might want to wait until the 501(c)3 status is approved by the IRS and a fund drive can be begun.  In the meantime several publications are available to the Board and/or members to read.  Two of them are "Starting Right: Basic Guide to Museum Planning" and "The Field Guide for Museums."

The president asked for volunteers for a Public Relations Committee.  Thelma Gravenish and Margaret Dorr will serve.

A motion was made by Jim Nielsen, seconded by Maxine Shea to reimburse Caryn Barry for expenses related to the grants workshop she attended on behalf of the society.  Motion carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28 at the Farmers State Bank Community Room.

Respectfully submitted,