Dec. 1, 2015
The Dec. 1, 2015 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Mary DeFazio, Bill Donato, Dan and Maureen Driscoll, Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, Glenn Humphrey, Howard Ohlhous, and Anna Wolfe.
The minutes of the Oct. 6 meeting were read and approved.
Anna gave the Treasurer’s report. Three new members joined in October. KHS has $823.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $3,541.57 in the SEFCU savings account. Anna was reimbursed $25 for the purchase of Peter Lindemann’s book A Crooked Gun: The Civil War Dead of Schoharie County. Donna gave Anna $7 received from visitors to the Saddlemire Homestead during the HHA Farms and Artisans Tour in September. Donna submitted a bill for $34.29 for the purchase of 3 copies of the book Henry and the Cannons, the story displayed on the StoryWalk in the Knox Town Park from August through November.
Donna displayed items donated by Margaret Torok: 7 chapter books, the genealogy of the Meigs/Ogden Families, Sanitary Laws and Regulations of the Town of Knox 1885, and news items about town officials. A photograph of V.B. Wolfordand wife and a framed marriage certificate, received by John Elberfeld, were also displayed. Glenn made motions to accession all of the items, and Jay seconded the motions. The motions passed. The binders in the Homestead can be used for the genealogies that we are collecting. The photograph will be placed in a file cabinet in the Homestead. The framed certificate will be placed in the storage area in the Town Hall basement.
Dennis mentioned that additional shelving is needed in the School Room.
Glenn checked with Train Station quilters to see if anyone had a suggestion about cleaning the Bicentennial Quilt. Glenn was referred to other people and he will check with them. The quilt is not damaged but it could use a cleaning.
A trustee is still needed for KHS. Glenn will ask Jenn Geckler if she is interested in filling the position.
Dave Shafer removed the carpet in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead, sanded the floor, and nailed loose boards at no cost to the KHS. A thank you note should be sent to Dave. Ray, Dan, Dennis, Amy Pokorny, and Mike Hammond looked at the floor and decided that 8”-10” pine boards will be the best option for the front room. At the December Town Board meeting, the Board will vote to allocate up to $500 to cover the cost of the wood flooring. The cost of installation, sanding, and poly-urethaning will have to be covered by KHS and the labor will be done by KHS members. Anna is checking with vendors for the price of premium pine boards and the cost of renting sanders. Square cut nails were used on the boards in the Reading Room. The boards in the front room will be installed in a similar fashion.
Peter Lindemann gave a very well-received presentation on November 17, re-enacting President Lincoln and speaking about the role of Schoharie residents during the Civil War. About 40 people attended. Glenn remarked that re-enactors usually draw a good crowd. Inviting the BKW history teachers increased the attendance for Lindemann’s presentation. Mr. Lindemann does other personas, something to keep in mind for future programs. Dan reported that he gave a copy of the booklet “Historic Markers in the Town of Knox” to Mr. Lindemann.
Dennis found the gavel and base made from wood from the old Plank Road. These items were donated to KHS by the Plankroaders in 2001. Howard Ohlhous of the Duanesburg Historical Society took photos of the gavel and base for the KHS website.
Dennis reported that the Town Highway Department planted 2 basswood trees near the Saddlemire Homestead.
Dennis has been in contact with the historical societies in Berne, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville.
Dennis will contact Jim Spencer, owner of the 1700’s stone house on Bozenkill Road, and will get the original paperwork on the property scanned.
The possibility of a Quilt Show in the summer of 2016 was discussed. Past quilt shows focused on quilts made at the Knox Reformed Church and modern day quilts made by Knox residents. Glenn asked about including knitted and crocheted afghans in the show. Possibly the Berne Historical Society would like to have a quilt show as they did in 2014. Charlene Stevens emailed Dennis saying she would be happy to help with a quilt show if we decide to have one this summer. Marie Viscio has offered her help. Discussion will continue at future meetings.
The Homestead was open every Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. this past June, July, and August. We didn’t have many visitors but it provided a time slot for working in the Homestead. John Elberfeld and Jane McLean painted the kitchen, installed new shelving, added display items, and made the kitchen area much more appealing. For summer 2016 we can have a sign-up sheet for KHS members to open the Homestead to the public.
Dennis mentioned that work should be done this winter to obtain a permanent charter for KHS.
Dennis reported that BKW HS history teacher, Mr. Bentley, suggested having a Living history program centered on the Revolutionary War or Colonial Living or a program centered on Theodore or Franklin Roosevelt.
Glenn suggested having a “Nature’s Classroom: Back to Basics” program. People with skills such as using an atlatl spear throwing, cooking in a colonial or reflector oven, making ink, making toys, storytelling, etc. would be recruited to demonstrate their skill at stations. Participants rotate through the stations, observing and then trying their hand at the skill. It would be necessary to find people with skills willing to participate. Maureen suggested Nancy Payne, storyteller, and Mike Tarbell who makes atlatls. Glenn suggested using the Town Park pavilion and involving the Scouts. Glenn will begin working on recruiting people with skills.
Dennis said that programs that highlight families in the Town are always popular. Families such as the Gaiges or Ostranders could be considered for future presentations. We should try to get more family genealogies.
Dan mentioned that Paula Shafer’s interview with her father, Ray Shafer, appeared in the Altamont Enterprise. A program centered on the Shafer Family would be interesting.
Dan also mentioned that Brett Pulliam’s sons are doing a Boy Scout project about Knox School District #12. The boys are interviewing Pulliam relatives who attended the school, which is presently located on the Altamont Fairgrounds. Possibly a program could be centered on School #12 and be held in the building on the Fairgrounds. Dennis will talk to Amy Anderson, Fair Manager.
Glenn suggested having a potluck dinner on the same day of a program in the summer to attract new members.
Bill Donato spoke about his work restoring the Dunnsville Cemetery, a small cemetery on Rt. 20 near Dunnsville Road in Guilderland. Bill repaired the wrought-iron fence, cleaned up the stones and sent the information he gathered from the stones to the online services of New York Gravestones and Find a Grave. Dan mentioned that cemeteries on Quay Road, Knox-Gallupville Road, and the Elsass Cemetery have recently been cleaned-up and repaired. The Ostrander Cemetery, on Bozey Hollow Road, is another small family cemetery now in need of clean-up and repair. Dan photographed the site and Bill estimates there are about 15-20 stones. Dan will check the tax maps to see who owns the property on which the cemetery is located. Dan said it would be a good project for either a Boy Scout or the KHS to undertake.
Dennis displayed many items given to him for the Homestead by Mrs. Truax of Guilderland. An ancestor, William J. Smith, lived in Knox. Items included: discharge papers from service in the Civil War, a Civil War Medal, Mexican Border service medal, letters written to his wife during the war, a tintype of Smith in his Civil War uniform, a receipt from Mr. Church for rent payment, his blacksmith ledger, school records from Knox School House #2, and a photo of Smith and his wife in front of their Knox home. Dan made a motion to accession all of the items, Glenn seconded the motion and the motion passed. Dennis will have Mrs. Truax sign the accession agreements. Dennis said perhaps the items could be submitted for an article in the Altamont Enterprise. A newspaper clipping from the Duanesburg Review and a school book from Duanesburg were given to Howard Ohlhous.
Anna reported on correspondence she received from Ms Vrooman-Prugh asking for genealogy information. It was suggested that Anna tell Ms Vrooman-Prugh to contact Helen Quay, registrar for the Town of Knox and the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Thom Breitenbach has slave graves and tunnels on his property and is seeking more information. Dan suggested that Mr. Breitenbach speak to Mary Liz Stewart about the Underground Railroad in this area and to check the census records. Perhaps the Stewarts could do a program about the Underground Railroad for KHS.
Anna reported that KHS has received an invitation from the Bethlehem Historical Society for a Christmas party Dec. 6 and 7, from 1-4 p.m.
Donna reported that no one presently is doing the KHS Facebook page. If anyone is interested in maintaining the page let Donna know.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
The minutes of the Oct. 6 meeting were read and approved.
Anna gave the Treasurer’s report. Three new members joined in October. KHS has $823.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $3,541.57 in the SEFCU savings account. Anna was reimbursed $25 for the purchase of Peter Lindemann’s book A Crooked Gun: The Civil War Dead of Schoharie County. Donna gave Anna $7 received from visitors to the Saddlemire Homestead during the HHA Farms and Artisans Tour in September. Donna submitted a bill for $34.29 for the purchase of 3 copies of the book Henry and the Cannons, the story displayed on the StoryWalk in the Knox Town Park from August through November.
Donna displayed items donated by Margaret Torok: 7 chapter books, the genealogy of the Meigs/Ogden Families, Sanitary Laws and Regulations of the Town of Knox 1885, and news items about town officials. A photograph of V.B. Wolfordand wife and a framed marriage certificate, received by John Elberfeld, were also displayed. Glenn made motions to accession all of the items, and Jay seconded the motions. The motions passed. The binders in the Homestead can be used for the genealogies that we are collecting. The photograph will be placed in a file cabinet in the Homestead. The framed certificate will be placed in the storage area in the Town Hall basement.
Dennis mentioned that additional shelving is needed in the School Room.
Glenn checked with Train Station quilters to see if anyone had a suggestion about cleaning the Bicentennial Quilt. Glenn was referred to other people and he will check with them. The quilt is not damaged but it could use a cleaning.
A trustee is still needed for KHS. Glenn will ask Jenn Geckler if she is interested in filling the position.
Dave Shafer removed the carpet in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead, sanded the floor, and nailed loose boards at no cost to the KHS. A thank you note should be sent to Dave. Ray, Dan, Dennis, Amy Pokorny, and Mike Hammond looked at the floor and decided that 8”-10” pine boards will be the best option for the front room. At the December Town Board meeting, the Board will vote to allocate up to $500 to cover the cost of the wood flooring. The cost of installation, sanding, and poly-urethaning will have to be covered by KHS and the labor will be done by KHS members. Anna is checking with vendors for the price of premium pine boards and the cost of renting sanders. Square cut nails were used on the boards in the Reading Room. The boards in the front room will be installed in a similar fashion.
Peter Lindemann gave a very well-received presentation on November 17, re-enacting President Lincoln and speaking about the role of Schoharie residents during the Civil War. About 40 people attended. Glenn remarked that re-enactors usually draw a good crowd. Inviting the BKW history teachers increased the attendance for Lindemann’s presentation. Mr. Lindemann does other personas, something to keep in mind for future programs. Dan reported that he gave a copy of the booklet “Historic Markers in the Town of Knox” to Mr. Lindemann.
Dennis found the gavel and base made from wood from the old Plank Road. These items were donated to KHS by the Plankroaders in 2001. Howard Ohlhous of the Duanesburg Historical Society took photos of the gavel and base for the KHS website.
Dennis reported that the Town Highway Department planted 2 basswood trees near the Saddlemire Homestead.
Dennis has been in contact with the historical societies in Berne, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville.
Dennis will contact Jim Spencer, owner of the 1700’s stone house on Bozenkill Road, and will get the original paperwork on the property scanned.
The possibility of a Quilt Show in the summer of 2016 was discussed. Past quilt shows focused on quilts made at the Knox Reformed Church and modern day quilts made by Knox residents. Glenn asked about including knitted and crocheted afghans in the show. Possibly the Berne Historical Society would like to have a quilt show as they did in 2014. Charlene Stevens emailed Dennis saying she would be happy to help with a quilt show if we decide to have one this summer. Marie Viscio has offered her help. Discussion will continue at future meetings.
The Homestead was open every Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. this past June, July, and August. We didn’t have many visitors but it provided a time slot for working in the Homestead. John Elberfeld and Jane McLean painted the kitchen, installed new shelving, added display items, and made the kitchen area much more appealing. For summer 2016 we can have a sign-up sheet for KHS members to open the Homestead to the public.
Dennis mentioned that work should be done this winter to obtain a permanent charter for KHS.
Dennis reported that BKW HS history teacher, Mr. Bentley, suggested having a Living history program centered on the Revolutionary War or Colonial Living or a program centered on Theodore or Franklin Roosevelt.
Glenn suggested having a “Nature’s Classroom: Back to Basics” program. People with skills such as using an atlatl spear throwing, cooking in a colonial or reflector oven, making ink, making toys, storytelling, etc. would be recruited to demonstrate their skill at stations. Participants rotate through the stations, observing and then trying their hand at the skill. It would be necessary to find people with skills willing to participate. Maureen suggested Nancy Payne, storyteller, and Mike Tarbell who makes atlatls. Glenn suggested using the Town Park pavilion and involving the Scouts. Glenn will begin working on recruiting people with skills.
Dennis said that programs that highlight families in the Town are always popular. Families such as the Gaiges or Ostranders could be considered for future presentations. We should try to get more family genealogies.
Dan mentioned that Paula Shafer’s interview with her father, Ray Shafer, appeared in the Altamont Enterprise. A program centered on the Shafer Family would be interesting.
Dan also mentioned that Brett Pulliam’s sons are doing a Boy Scout project about Knox School District #12. The boys are interviewing Pulliam relatives who attended the school, which is presently located on the Altamont Fairgrounds. Possibly a program could be centered on School #12 and be held in the building on the Fairgrounds. Dennis will talk to Amy Anderson, Fair Manager.
Glenn suggested having a potluck dinner on the same day of a program in the summer to attract new members.
Bill Donato spoke about his work restoring the Dunnsville Cemetery, a small cemetery on Rt. 20 near Dunnsville Road in Guilderland. Bill repaired the wrought-iron fence, cleaned up the stones and sent the information he gathered from the stones to the online services of New York Gravestones and Find a Grave. Dan mentioned that cemeteries on Quay Road, Knox-Gallupville Road, and the Elsass Cemetery have recently been cleaned-up and repaired. The Ostrander Cemetery, on Bozey Hollow Road, is another small family cemetery now in need of clean-up and repair. Dan photographed the site and Bill estimates there are about 15-20 stones. Dan will check the tax maps to see who owns the property on which the cemetery is located. Dan said it would be a good project for either a Boy Scout or the KHS to undertake.
Dennis displayed many items given to him for the Homestead by Mrs. Truax of Guilderland. An ancestor, William J. Smith, lived in Knox. Items included: discharge papers from service in the Civil War, a Civil War Medal, Mexican Border service medal, letters written to his wife during the war, a tintype of Smith in his Civil War uniform, a receipt from Mr. Church for rent payment, his blacksmith ledger, school records from Knox School House #2, and a photo of Smith and his wife in front of their Knox home. Dan made a motion to accession all of the items, Glenn seconded the motion and the motion passed. Dennis will have Mrs. Truax sign the accession agreements. Dennis said perhaps the items could be submitted for an article in the Altamont Enterprise. A newspaper clipping from the Duanesburg Review and a school book from Duanesburg were given to Howard Ohlhous.
Anna reported on correspondence she received from Ms Vrooman-Prugh asking for genealogy information. It was suggested that Anna tell Ms Vrooman-Prugh to contact Helen Quay, registrar for the Town of Knox and the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Thom Breitenbach has slave graves and tunnels on his property and is seeking more information. Dan suggested that Mr. Breitenbach speak to Mary Liz Stewart about the Underground Railroad in this area and to check the census records. Perhaps the Stewarts could do a program about the Underground Railroad for KHS.
Anna reported that KHS has received an invitation from the Bethlehem Historical Society for a Christmas party Dec. 6 and 7, from 1-4 p.m.
Donna reported that no one presently is doing the KHS Facebook page. If anyone is interested in maintaining the page let Donna know.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin
Oct. 6, 2015 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on October 6, 2015 by President Dennis Barber at 7:10 pm. Members present were Nancy Frueh, John Elberfeld, Jane McLean, Dan Driscoll, Anna Wolf, Freddie Dunn, Jayson Romanczuk, and Jenn Geckler. Visitors present were Bill Donato, Glenn Humphrey, and Mary DeFazio, all of whom became members.
The minutes of the September meeting were read and corrected: It was School #5, not 6, that was refurbished by Kiwanis. Dan moved and Dennis seconded to accept the minutes as corrected. Carried.
John gave the treasurer’s report, showing $1017.38 in the SEFCU checking account and $3541.27 in the SEFCU savings account.
Old Business:
Dennis reported that the bi-fold doors have been purchased, and are upstairs in the room, waiting to be installed. He will talk to Dave Shafer to get an estimate on the cost of installing them.
Dennis reported that the town was planning on removing the stump, and will be transplanting some basswood trees from Street Road to the museum grounds.
Dan spoke to Brett Pulliam about school #12. Brett’s sons are developing questions to pose to Val Pulliam and the other people who went to school there. Dan will urge them to think about an historic marker for that site. Dennis also spoke with Chuck Vinehout, whose family also attended school there. Chuck’s grandmother used to go down every day to start the fire at the school. Charlene is still working on getting information from Betty Spadaro about her experiences at this school. (Note: the August 6, 2015 article in the Altamont Enterprise refers to this school as #10, but both the Beers Map and the Sesquicentennial Book state that it is #12.)
John bought the 13x19 binder and put some of the maps into it, re-hanging the photos on the wall that had been taken down when the maps were displayed. John will submit the bill to the new treasurer.
Jane will send us the name of a contact to advise us on how to clean the bicentennial quilt.
Due to her impending move out of the area, Jane had to rescind her offer to write the mini-grant application. Dan has agreed to do so, if Nancy and Dennis will meet with him to go over the purpose of the project. Nancy has still not heard anything from Christopher Templin, who we were hoping to hire as a consultant on the project.
The current plan is to get the carpet out of the front room, and then the town board wants to come look at it to better evaluate the situation. A work-bee was scheduled for October 24 at 2:00 PM to empty out the room and take down the bicentennial quilt. Glenn offered the use of a large tote to store the quilt.
Everette Rau did not know what our mystery object was.
New Business:
Dan donated a map showing the dirt remains of the Old Plank Road. He moved we accession it, John seconded the motion, and it carried. Dan suggests we install it in the same frame as the map showing the Palatine Road.
Travis Stevens donated a corn-husk doll made by his mom for the sesquicentennial. Jenn moved we accession it, Jane seconded the motion, and it carried. Jenn will get an accession form from Travis.
John donated a box of historical stuff for Donna to go through. He does not want any of it back.
Jane will give Donna the box of quilt show equipment.
Kathy Ouimet and Donna Gwin have volunteered to take over the website and Facebook responsibilities from Jane. Jane will meet with Donna and Dan to teach them how to use Weebly, and they will train Kathy when she is in the area.
President Lincoln (Peter Lindemann) will be visiting Town Hall on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 pm. He will recount his trip to Gettysburg of 1863 and the famous address he made there. Then Peter Lindemann will discuss the books he wrote about Civil War Veterans from Schoharie County. Many of the names are familiar names in this area. Nancy will submit an article to The Enterprise, and Dennis will talk to Mr. Galvin to be sure the Social Studies teachers at Berne-Knox-Westerlo know about our program. Glenn will bring beverages, Dennis will bring cookies, and Jenn will bring something for refreshments.
Donna asked if she should continue to maintain duplicate copies of the hand-written accession book, in addition to the electronic version. The group felt it was a good idea. It was also suggested that if there are major changes and we feel a new copy needs to be printed for the 11x17 binder, that we do so just once a year, perhaps at the beginning of the season. Dennis will talk to Donna.
The Indian Ladder painting we are considering giving to the Thacher Park Visitors’ Center was donated by Lesley Brower and was painted by Leila Moore Waldron from Cherry Valley. Nancy will contact the Cherry Valley Historical Society to see if they know anything about her, and if her paintings have any monetary value.
We received the following message from Harold Miller: “My latest book, "Berne and Knox, Some Early Families to 1787" is finally finished. It is a follow-up to my earlier book "Berne and Knox, Our German Heritage" which covers the early history of Berne and Knox through 1787. Both are available from my brother, Ralph Miller, Town of Berne Historian, 1136 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY, 12023. The books cost $20 each if picked up at his house or $25 if they are mailed. Checks should be made to Ralph Miller with a notation as to which book you would like.”
John and Jane are moving out of the area, and so have resigned their positions in the historical society. Dennis has agreed to become the representative to the ACHC (Albany County History Collaborative).
The ACHC has experienced delays getting their website live, but if they manage to get it up in time to celebrate October as Archives Month, as planned, Nancy will submit a link to the Albany Hilltowns.com website leading to the information on Merryman’s Teahouse, as they requested.
Dennis will extend an invitation to the Berne, Westerlo, and Renssalearville historical societies to attend our December 1st meeting, just to get to know them and have a general discussion on any topics of mutual interest.
There was no interest in having a formal Christmas Party this year.
John moved that membership be half price from 7:00 pm on October 6, 2015 through April 30, 2016 when our new membership year starts. Jenn seconded the motion, and it carried. All members are urged to reach out to friends and neighbors and extend a personal invitation to join us. Membership information is on our website.
Dan spoke with Thom Breitenbach, who lives on Route 146, and has some slave graves and a tunnel on his property. He is seeking information on slaves and the Underground Railroad in the area. Nancy suggested he be put in contact with The Underground Railroad History Project.
Dan brought Chinese Chestnuts to share, since he had a bumper crop this year.
Allan Dietz wrote a book about the big 1700’s stone house on the Bozenkill. Dennis has learned that the owners have some of the original paperwork on that property, and will try to scan some of it.
Jane moved that the secretary cast one ballot to elect Anna Wolfe as treasurer. John seconded the motion, and it carried. Dennis will go with Anna to SEFCU to update the information on the bank accounts. All checks must be signed by both the president and the treasurer.
Jane moved and John seconded that the secretary cast one ballot to elect Glenn Humphrey as vice president. Carried.
Freddie Dunn will update the contact information on the 7 Town Hound calendar, showing Dennis’ contact information. Dennis thanked Freddie for all of the advertising he does for us.
The membership extends a HUGE “Thank You!” to John and Jane for all they have done for the Hilltowns and Knox Historical Society!
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
The minutes of the September meeting were read and corrected: It was School #5, not 6, that was refurbished by Kiwanis. Dan moved and Dennis seconded to accept the minutes as corrected. Carried.
John gave the treasurer’s report, showing $1017.38 in the SEFCU checking account and $3541.27 in the SEFCU savings account.
Old Business:
Dennis reported that the bi-fold doors have been purchased, and are upstairs in the room, waiting to be installed. He will talk to Dave Shafer to get an estimate on the cost of installing them.
Dennis reported that the town was planning on removing the stump, and will be transplanting some basswood trees from Street Road to the museum grounds.
Dan spoke to Brett Pulliam about school #12. Brett’s sons are developing questions to pose to Val Pulliam and the other people who went to school there. Dan will urge them to think about an historic marker for that site. Dennis also spoke with Chuck Vinehout, whose family also attended school there. Chuck’s grandmother used to go down every day to start the fire at the school. Charlene is still working on getting information from Betty Spadaro about her experiences at this school. (Note: the August 6, 2015 article in the Altamont Enterprise refers to this school as #10, but both the Beers Map and the Sesquicentennial Book state that it is #12.)
John bought the 13x19 binder and put some of the maps into it, re-hanging the photos on the wall that had been taken down when the maps were displayed. John will submit the bill to the new treasurer.
Jane will send us the name of a contact to advise us on how to clean the bicentennial quilt.
Due to her impending move out of the area, Jane had to rescind her offer to write the mini-grant application. Dan has agreed to do so, if Nancy and Dennis will meet with him to go over the purpose of the project. Nancy has still not heard anything from Christopher Templin, who we were hoping to hire as a consultant on the project.
The current plan is to get the carpet out of the front room, and then the town board wants to come look at it to better evaluate the situation. A work-bee was scheduled for October 24 at 2:00 PM to empty out the room and take down the bicentennial quilt. Glenn offered the use of a large tote to store the quilt.
Everette Rau did not know what our mystery object was.
New Business:
Dan donated a map showing the dirt remains of the Old Plank Road. He moved we accession it, John seconded the motion, and it carried. Dan suggests we install it in the same frame as the map showing the Palatine Road.
Travis Stevens donated a corn-husk doll made by his mom for the sesquicentennial. Jenn moved we accession it, Jane seconded the motion, and it carried. Jenn will get an accession form from Travis.
John donated a box of historical stuff for Donna to go through. He does not want any of it back.
Jane will give Donna the box of quilt show equipment.
Kathy Ouimet and Donna Gwin have volunteered to take over the website and Facebook responsibilities from Jane. Jane will meet with Donna and Dan to teach them how to use Weebly, and they will train Kathy when she is in the area.
President Lincoln (Peter Lindemann) will be visiting Town Hall on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 pm. He will recount his trip to Gettysburg of 1863 and the famous address he made there. Then Peter Lindemann will discuss the books he wrote about Civil War Veterans from Schoharie County. Many of the names are familiar names in this area. Nancy will submit an article to The Enterprise, and Dennis will talk to Mr. Galvin to be sure the Social Studies teachers at Berne-Knox-Westerlo know about our program. Glenn will bring beverages, Dennis will bring cookies, and Jenn will bring something for refreshments.
Donna asked if she should continue to maintain duplicate copies of the hand-written accession book, in addition to the electronic version. The group felt it was a good idea. It was also suggested that if there are major changes and we feel a new copy needs to be printed for the 11x17 binder, that we do so just once a year, perhaps at the beginning of the season. Dennis will talk to Donna.
The Indian Ladder painting we are considering giving to the Thacher Park Visitors’ Center was donated by Lesley Brower and was painted by Leila Moore Waldron from Cherry Valley. Nancy will contact the Cherry Valley Historical Society to see if they know anything about her, and if her paintings have any monetary value.
We received the following message from Harold Miller: “My latest book, "Berne and Knox, Some Early Families to 1787" is finally finished. It is a follow-up to my earlier book "Berne and Knox, Our German Heritage" which covers the early history of Berne and Knox through 1787. Both are available from my brother, Ralph Miller, Town of Berne Historian, 1136 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY, 12023. The books cost $20 each if picked up at his house or $25 if they are mailed. Checks should be made to Ralph Miller with a notation as to which book you would like.”
John and Jane are moving out of the area, and so have resigned their positions in the historical society. Dennis has agreed to become the representative to the ACHC (Albany County History Collaborative).
The ACHC has experienced delays getting their website live, but if they manage to get it up in time to celebrate October as Archives Month, as planned, Nancy will submit a link to the Albany Hilltowns.com website leading to the information on Merryman’s Teahouse, as they requested.
Dennis will extend an invitation to the Berne, Westerlo, and Renssalearville historical societies to attend our December 1st meeting, just to get to know them and have a general discussion on any topics of mutual interest.
There was no interest in having a formal Christmas Party this year.
John moved that membership be half price from 7:00 pm on October 6, 2015 through April 30, 2016 when our new membership year starts. Jenn seconded the motion, and it carried. All members are urged to reach out to friends and neighbors and extend a personal invitation to join us. Membership information is on our website.
Dan spoke with Thom Breitenbach, who lives on Route 146, and has some slave graves and a tunnel on his property. He is seeking information on slaves and the Underground Railroad in the area. Nancy suggested he be put in contact with The Underground Railroad History Project.
Dan brought Chinese Chestnuts to share, since he had a bumper crop this year.
Allan Dietz wrote a book about the big 1700’s stone house on the Bozenkill. Dennis has learned that the owners have some of the original paperwork on that property, and will try to scan some of it.
Jane moved that the secretary cast one ballot to elect Anna Wolfe as treasurer. John seconded the motion, and it carried. Dennis will go with Anna to SEFCU to update the information on the bank accounts. All checks must be signed by both the president and the treasurer.
Jane moved and John seconded that the secretary cast one ballot to elect Glenn Humphrey as vice president. Carried.
Freddie Dunn will update the contact information on the 7 Town Hound calendar, showing Dennis’ contact information. Dennis thanked Freddie for all of the advertising he does for us.
The membership extends a HUGE “Thank You!” to John and Jane for all they have done for the Hilltowns and Knox Historical Society!
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary