November 1, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:05 pm by President, Dennis Barber. Members present were Zenie Gladieux, Anna Wolfe, Bill Donato, Jayson Romanczuk, Nancy Frueh, and Donna Gwin.
Due to the illness of the secretary, the vice-president recorded the minutes of the meeting. The minutes of the October meeting will be approved at the next meeting.
Anna presented the treasurer’s report showing $946.90 in the checking account, and $3545.11 in the savings account. There was no activity this month. We received a bill from Jane McLean for the hoops used in the Grandma Brown quilt display. Nancy also has a bill for the printing of the Quilt Barn Trail driving tour and for some hanging tags used to label items in the tool room. She will e-mail copies of the bills to Anna, since she forgot to bring them, again. Zenie moved and Bill seconded that we pay the bills. Carried.
Anna reported that we received the Guilderland Historical Society newsletter. We also received correspondence about a document preservation workshop, which was given to our Accessionist, Donna Gwin.
Old Business:
We rescheduled the cemetery clean-up for Sunday, November 6. Helpers should meet at Town Hall at 10 am to car-pool to the Ostrander Cemetery.
Dennis reported that he has not yet contacted the Department of Transportation concerning retrieving historic markers. Berne is missing many of theirs, and we hope to be able to facilitate returning missing markers to their original homes.
Ray Hand is examining the computer that has been in the Reading Room at the Saddlemire Homestead to determine if it works, and if we can make use of it.
Donna will compare our Collections Management Policy, as adopted on 4/6/2010, to those of Schenectady and Altamont and report back if there are any areas that need our attention.
Donna asked if there are any smoke detectors in the Homestead, and asked about possible ways to monitor them remotely. Jayson and Bill will look into some possible technology to do so. Dennis will bring it up to the Town Board that we are looking into such things, perhaps tying into the wi-fi at Town Hall. Anna will call our insurance carrier to see if they have any suggestions, and to see if installing such a system will affect our rates.
The desk that was removed from the Reading Room of the Homestead bears no accession number, so it was assumed it was never accessioned. It is clearly homemade, and not of very good quality, and is of no value to us. Donna moved and Zenie seconded that Dennis be authorized to take it to the transfer station. Carried.
After further consideration, it was decided that it would be better for the Bicentennial Quilt to be stored in an acid-free box each year, rather than leaving it hanging and risking mouse damage or fire. Anna will order the box and contact Donna when it arrives to arrange removing the quilt from the Homestead, and getting it into the safe storage area in Town Hall. Dennis will buy and install pet-safe mouse proofing in the Homestead.
Kathleen is working on making a list of things that need to be done annually to prepare the Homestead for winter. Nancy laid all the framed photos face-down in the Patriot’s Room to reduce fading, and laid the binders flat. She also oiled the fife with mineral oil. Any excess oil can be wiped off with a soft lint-free cloth next spring. Anna covered the mannequins and baby carriage with sheets.
Carl Parker from the Department of Environmental Conservation met with Bill and toured the Barclay cemetery after Anna reported the felling of tree limbs onto the cemetery. En Con has been looking for the cemetery for many years, having a 1960’s document which mentioned its existence. They will be cleaning up the area in the spring and installing a sign and upgrading the entrance.
Bill will work with the Val Pulliam family to get their undocumented family cemetery properly documented.
New Business:
The Albany County History Collaborative will meet on Saturday, November 5 from 10 am to noon at the Cohoes Visitor Center, 58 Remsen St, Cohoes. No one from our group was available to attend the meeting.
Nancy will submit an article on Ice Harvesting for the winter edition of Knox Rural Roots. She will try to include some Knox photos, but the article was written by Mary Ellen Johnson of the Guilderland Historical Society, and is used with permission. If no Knox photos can be obtained, it will be published with the Guilderland photos.
Zenie announced that the Helderberg Hilltown Association is inviting representatives from area historical societies, town historians, and library officials to a Historical Summit meeting on November 12 from 10 to 12. They are hoping to facilitate the sharing of information and publicity among organizations, and perhaps work toward a series of local programs concerning the Anti-Rent Wars in 2018, perhaps in conjunction with the NYS Path Through History weekends. She invited us to share our publicity with Dawn Jordan for inclusion in the HHA newsletter, and asked us to bring our Suitcase of History to the meeting to show other attendees. Anna will retrieve the suitcase from Kathleen, and make sure it gets to the Summit.
Hearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, vice-president
Due to the illness of the secretary, the vice-president recorded the minutes of the meeting. The minutes of the October meeting will be approved at the next meeting.
Anna presented the treasurer’s report showing $946.90 in the checking account, and $3545.11 in the savings account. There was no activity this month. We received a bill from Jane McLean for the hoops used in the Grandma Brown quilt display. Nancy also has a bill for the printing of the Quilt Barn Trail driving tour and for some hanging tags used to label items in the tool room. She will e-mail copies of the bills to Anna, since she forgot to bring them, again. Zenie moved and Bill seconded that we pay the bills. Carried.
Anna reported that we received the Guilderland Historical Society newsletter. We also received correspondence about a document preservation workshop, which was given to our Accessionist, Donna Gwin.
Old Business:
We rescheduled the cemetery clean-up for Sunday, November 6. Helpers should meet at Town Hall at 10 am to car-pool to the Ostrander Cemetery.
Dennis reported that he has not yet contacted the Department of Transportation concerning retrieving historic markers. Berne is missing many of theirs, and we hope to be able to facilitate returning missing markers to their original homes.
Ray Hand is examining the computer that has been in the Reading Room at the Saddlemire Homestead to determine if it works, and if we can make use of it.
Donna will compare our Collections Management Policy, as adopted on 4/6/2010, to those of Schenectady and Altamont and report back if there are any areas that need our attention.
Donna asked if there are any smoke detectors in the Homestead, and asked about possible ways to monitor them remotely. Jayson and Bill will look into some possible technology to do so. Dennis will bring it up to the Town Board that we are looking into such things, perhaps tying into the wi-fi at Town Hall. Anna will call our insurance carrier to see if they have any suggestions, and to see if installing such a system will affect our rates.
The desk that was removed from the Reading Room of the Homestead bears no accession number, so it was assumed it was never accessioned. It is clearly homemade, and not of very good quality, and is of no value to us. Donna moved and Zenie seconded that Dennis be authorized to take it to the transfer station. Carried.
After further consideration, it was decided that it would be better for the Bicentennial Quilt to be stored in an acid-free box each year, rather than leaving it hanging and risking mouse damage or fire. Anna will order the box and contact Donna when it arrives to arrange removing the quilt from the Homestead, and getting it into the safe storage area in Town Hall. Dennis will buy and install pet-safe mouse proofing in the Homestead.
Kathleen is working on making a list of things that need to be done annually to prepare the Homestead for winter. Nancy laid all the framed photos face-down in the Patriot’s Room to reduce fading, and laid the binders flat. She also oiled the fife with mineral oil. Any excess oil can be wiped off with a soft lint-free cloth next spring. Anna covered the mannequins and baby carriage with sheets.
Carl Parker from the Department of Environmental Conservation met with Bill and toured the Barclay cemetery after Anna reported the felling of tree limbs onto the cemetery. En Con has been looking for the cemetery for many years, having a 1960’s document which mentioned its existence. They will be cleaning up the area in the spring and installing a sign and upgrading the entrance.
Bill will work with the Val Pulliam family to get their undocumented family cemetery properly documented.
New Business:
The Albany County History Collaborative will meet on Saturday, November 5 from 10 am to noon at the Cohoes Visitor Center, 58 Remsen St, Cohoes. No one from our group was available to attend the meeting.
Nancy will submit an article on Ice Harvesting for the winter edition of Knox Rural Roots. She will try to include some Knox photos, but the article was written by Mary Ellen Johnson of the Guilderland Historical Society, and is used with permission. If no Knox photos can be obtained, it will be published with the Guilderland photos.
Zenie announced that the Helderberg Hilltown Association is inviting representatives from area historical societies, town historians, and library officials to a Historical Summit meeting on November 12 from 10 to 12. They are hoping to facilitate the sharing of information and publicity among organizations, and perhaps work toward a series of local programs concerning the Anti-Rent Wars in 2018, perhaps in conjunction with the NYS Path Through History weekends. She invited us to share our publicity with Dawn Jordan for inclusion in the HHA newsletter, and asked us to bring our Suitcase of History to the meeting to show other attendees. Anna will retrieve the suitcase from Kathleen, and make sure it gets to the Summit.
Hearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, vice-president
Oct. 4, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by Vice President Nancy Frueh on October 2, 2016 at 7:05 p.m. Members present were Bill Donato, Anna Wolfe, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand and Kathleen Putzig. Sandra Kisselback from the Berne Historical Society was a guest.
Minutes from the September meeting had corrections requested by Nancy Frueh to change “meeting notes” to “minutes”, and “PTA obtained a grant” to “PTA gave a grant.” A motion was made by Kathleen to dispense with reading of the minutes, which had been emailed to members. This motion was seconded by Bill and passed. With corrections, minutes were accepted as presented.
Anna Wolfe made a Treasurer’s report. The current bank total is $4491.74. We had income from sales, membership, and donations, and expenses for annual insurance. Nancy has the bill for the Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail brochure printing, and will mail it to Anna. They cost about $.60 a page, due to using good quality paper and printing on both front and back. Nancy had the back printed in black and white instead of color this time to keep the cost down. This is our most popular brochure per Nancy, and worth the expense. Corner Gateway Printing gives us a discount and does an excellent job.
Anna reported on correspondence. KHS received a copy of the Guilderland Historical Society Newsletter, New Scotland Historical Association newsletter and Spindle City Historical Society in the mail. Anna read some of the upcoming activities planned by the GHS.
Old Business:
There were difficulties with getting the cave crawl back, with the borrowers left waiting on the porch for a member of KHS to take it and store it back in the Homestead. Dennis took care of it afterward.
Nancy has done upkeep work on the fife donated by Dan Driscoll. It needs to be oiled occasionally. There are other items that should be oiled regularly, perhaps during the summer when the Homestead is open and volunteers are on site. Kathleen will start a list of things that should have regular upkeep such as the fife and leather harnesses. Uniforms need to be covered with sheets for the winter. Binders should be lying down for winter storage, as the pages will sag if left upright. Signs need to be brought inside.
Nancy suggested we keep the official electronic copy of the accessions updated with corrections, and plan at some future time to reprint the whole thing. It’s expensive, so we should wait until it is as correct as possible before reprinting.
Ray offered to pick up the computer and scanner from the Homestead and see if they still work. A motion was made and seconded to take Ray up on his offer, and it passed unanimously.
New Business:
Anna also reported that Helderberg Hilltown Association’s Zenie Gladieux wants to arrange a meeting of local historical groups and historians from the 4 Hilltown towns plus other local groups, at the Octagon Barn, such as New Scotland and Duanesburg, as a social event, with soup and sandwiches following. Group discussion followed, with agreement that KHS in interested with the understanding that this is not a commitment to attend future gatherings. Kathleen will attend as representative for KHS.
There was a discussion about getting archival storage boxes for the quilts.
There was a discussion about rat poison for the Homestead, and concern over D-Con being a danger to pets. Donna agreed to check into these issues (storage boxes and rat control) and report back.
Kathleen brought up an idea for a portable hand scanner to be purchased by the town and used by KHS, and a portable hard drive to digitize our collection. Nancy reported that Sue Miner has offered to do scanning of historical documents from her home. She doesn’t have a computer, but if the computer and scanner from the Homestead, Nancy would like to let her use them to scan the guest books from the Merrymen’s Tea House, one at a time. These scans would be .pdf documents and not searchable.
Kathleen mentioned that she is scanning notebooks from previous Berne Town Historians, and making an Excel spreadsheet with the names mentioned, along with page numbers to help researchers and archivists find them.
Donna visited with Marijo Dougherty and was given a copy of the Altamont collection policy. Nancy has the collection management policy proposed for adoption for KHS from 2010. It was adopted as presented. The word “proposed” should be changed to “adopted.” John Elberfeld sent Nancy the complete files from the committee that was working on the charter, and everything that is required. Hopefully we can work on finalizing that this winter.
After discussion of missing historical markers, we agreed to remind Dennis he had said he would check with local highway departments to see if he can find and reclaim any from the Hilltowns.
Nancy had suggestions for programs in 2017 including a re-enactor, possibly in June, a Grange Dance, and a demonstration of farm implements and their uses.
We agreed to offer half price membership for the remainder of the year.
Sandra Kisselback invited KHS to participate in the Spooky Rooms of History Halloween activity.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Minutes from the September meeting had corrections requested by Nancy Frueh to change “meeting notes” to “minutes”, and “PTA obtained a grant” to “PTA gave a grant.” A motion was made by Kathleen to dispense with reading of the minutes, which had been emailed to members. This motion was seconded by Bill and passed. With corrections, minutes were accepted as presented.
Anna Wolfe made a Treasurer’s report. The current bank total is $4491.74. We had income from sales, membership, and donations, and expenses for annual insurance. Nancy has the bill for the Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail brochure printing, and will mail it to Anna. They cost about $.60 a page, due to using good quality paper and printing on both front and back. Nancy had the back printed in black and white instead of color this time to keep the cost down. This is our most popular brochure per Nancy, and worth the expense. Corner Gateway Printing gives us a discount and does an excellent job.
Anna reported on correspondence. KHS received a copy of the Guilderland Historical Society Newsletter, New Scotland Historical Association newsletter and Spindle City Historical Society in the mail. Anna read some of the upcoming activities planned by the GHS.
Old Business:
There were difficulties with getting the cave crawl back, with the borrowers left waiting on the porch for a member of KHS to take it and store it back in the Homestead. Dennis took care of it afterward.
Nancy has done upkeep work on the fife donated by Dan Driscoll. It needs to be oiled occasionally. There are other items that should be oiled regularly, perhaps during the summer when the Homestead is open and volunteers are on site. Kathleen will start a list of things that should have regular upkeep such as the fife and leather harnesses. Uniforms need to be covered with sheets for the winter. Binders should be lying down for winter storage, as the pages will sag if left upright. Signs need to be brought inside.
Nancy suggested we keep the official electronic copy of the accessions updated with corrections, and plan at some future time to reprint the whole thing. It’s expensive, so we should wait until it is as correct as possible before reprinting.
Ray offered to pick up the computer and scanner from the Homestead and see if they still work. A motion was made and seconded to take Ray up on his offer, and it passed unanimously.
New Business:
Anna also reported that Helderberg Hilltown Association’s Zenie Gladieux wants to arrange a meeting of local historical groups and historians from the 4 Hilltown towns plus other local groups, at the Octagon Barn, such as New Scotland and Duanesburg, as a social event, with soup and sandwiches following. Group discussion followed, with agreement that KHS in interested with the understanding that this is not a commitment to attend future gatherings. Kathleen will attend as representative for KHS.
There was a discussion about getting archival storage boxes for the quilts.
There was a discussion about rat poison for the Homestead, and concern over D-Con being a danger to pets. Donna agreed to check into these issues (storage boxes and rat control) and report back.
Kathleen brought up an idea for a portable hand scanner to be purchased by the town and used by KHS, and a portable hard drive to digitize our collection. Nancy reported that Sue Miner has offered to do scanning of historical documents from her home. She doesn’t have a computer, but if the computer and scanner from the Homestead, Nancy would like to let her use them to scan the guest books from the Merrymen’s Tea House, one at a time. These scans would be .pdf documents and not searchable.
Kathleen mentioned that she is scanning notebooks from previous Berne Town Historians, and making an Excel spreadsheet with the names mentioned, along with page numbers to help researchers and archivists find them.
Donna visited with Marijo Dougherty and was given a copy of the Altamont collection policy. Nancy has the collection management policy proposed for adoption for KHS from 2010. It was adopted as presented. The word “proposed” should be changed to “adopted.” John Elberfeld sent Nancy the complete files from the committee that was working on the charter, and everything that is required. Hopefully we can work on finalizing that this winter.
After discussion of missing historical markers, we agreed to remind Dennis he had said he would check with local highway departments to see if he can find and reclaim any from the Hilltowns.
Nancy had suggestions for programs in 2017 including a re-enactor, possibly in June, a Grange Dance, and a demonstration of farm implements and their uses.
We agreed to offer half price membership for the remainder of the year.
Sandra Kisselback invited KHS to participate in the Spooky Rooms of History Halloween activity.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Sept. 6, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber on September 6, 2016 at 7:12 p.m. Members present were Bill Donato, Nancy Frueh, Anna Wolfe, Donna Gwin, Maureen Driscoll and Kathleen Putzig.
Kathleen read the minutes from the August meeting. Donna Gwin asked that the minutes be corrected to show that she had the idea (rather than the Helderberg Hilltown Association) to move the quilt show to fall during the Farm and Artisan Tour weekend. With that correction, Donna moved that the meeting notes be approved. Anna seconded, and the motion carried.
There was a discussion of the Fall Into Knox Festival and Carnival, with posters and times clarified.
There was discussion of the gravestones on DEC property that had a tree dropped on them, and who should be notified. Anna said she would call the DEC Central Office to tell them what had happened.
Nancy reported on the Albany County History Collaborative meeting she attended. She met with the webmaster to update our information and the picture of the Saddlemire Homestead.
At that meeting, it was agreed that in future, the host site will provide a meeting room, and directions to that site, as well as refreshments but will not put on a program. The next meeting will be Nov. 5th at Spindle City Historical Society in Cohoes. The program will be on Heritage Tourism. (November is State History Month, but no special events are going to be planned.) They are discussing creating a virtual tour on the website of the Women’s Suffrage display
Feb. 11th is the second upcoming meeting scheduled, to be hosted by Colonie Historical with a program on Member Recruitment and Retention.
May 2017 will be hosted by the Bethlehem Historical Association. Those are the next 3 meetings planned.
Anna gave the Treasurer’s report. In the checking account we have $1,035.21. In savings we have $3544.52. In correspondence, we have an insurance bill, which is the same as it was last year. It covers $8000 in property damage. Kathleen made a motion that we pay the bill, and Nancy seconded. Motion carried.
The Merrymen’s Tea was a great success. Borrowed materials were returned.
Nancy is making more copies of a brochure of our most popular tour, the Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail.
New Business
Maureen Driscoll brought a collection of papers, pictures and books from Dan’s records. She brought Dan’s Fife and Drum Corps. uniform to donate to KHS. There were tin horns that Dan had made, and one that he had gotten as a souvenir from Berne during the Sesquicentennial. Bill made a motion that KHS accept everything Maureen donated. Donna seconded the motion. Motion carried. Dan’s daughter Debbie is continuing his work on the Lime Kilns.
KHS will open the Homestead during the Fall Into Knox Festival from 12-4 on Saturday, and 12-2 on Sunday. The following weekend during the Helderberg Hilltown Association Farms and Artisans Tour, we will open the Homestead from 12-2 on Sunday. The way Nancy phrased it in the newspaper, was to watch for the “Open” flag. Members present at the meeting volunteered to cover all shifts.
September 23 at the Berne Knox Westerlo High School at 6:30, Nancy asked that our volunteers arrive to set up for the 7:00 p.m. event. The BKW PTA provided a grant to present a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactment. We got volunteers for attending and handing out brochures (and possibly selling books), and a couple of offers for cookies (Dennis, Nancy and Kathleen). We could use more refreshment volunteers.
We have a vacancy on the Board of Trustees. Nancy made a motion that we elect Bill Donato to the Board. Kathleen seconded the motion. Motion carried. Ray Hand, and Glenn Humphrey are the other Board members.
We discussed how to move the Cave Crawl between two groups that want to borrow it on the same weekend. Dennis will let the first group come pick it up on Friday September 30 after work, and Mike Nardacci will bring it to the Octagon Barn for a fund raiser. Mike also wants to borrow maps of the Knox Cave, and that was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Cemetery Clean Up will be discussed at the October meeting.
In later September we will change the display at the Town Hall. It was decided to do a display of the Fife and Drum Corps. Donna will look for pictures and frames at the Homestead.
Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Kathleen read the minutes from the August meeting. Donna Gwin asked that the minutes be corrected to show that she had the idea (rather than the Helderberg Hilltown Association) to move the quilt show to fall during the Farm and Artisan Tour weekend. With that correction, Donna moved that the meeting notes be approved. Anna seconded, and the motion carried.
There was a discussion of the Fall Into Knox Festival and Carnival, with posters and times clarified.
There was discussion of the gravestones on DEC property that had a tree dropped on them, and who should be notified. Anna said she would call the DEC Central Office to tell them what had happened.
Nancy reported on the Albany County History Collaborative meeting she attended. She met with the webmaster to update our information and the picture of the Saddlemire Homestead.
At that meeting, it was agreed that in future, the host site will provide a meeting room, and directions to that site, as well as refreshments but will not put on a program. The next meeting will be Nov. 5th at Spindle City Historical Society in Cohoes. The program will be on Heritage Tourism. (November is State History Month, but no special events are going to be planned.) They are discussing creating a virtual tour on the website of the Women’s Suffrage display
Feb. 11th is the second upcoming meeting scheduled, to be hosted by Colonie Historical with a program on Member Recruitment and Retention.
May 2017 will be hosted by the Bethlehem Historical Association. Those are the next 3 meetings planned.
Anna gave the Treasurer’s report. In the checking account we have $1,035.21. In savings we have $3544.52. In correspondence, we have an insurance bill, which is the same as it was last year. It covers $8000 in property damage. Kathleen made a motion that we pay the bill, and Nancy seconded. Motion carried.
The Merrymen’s Tea was a great success. Borrowed materials were returned.
Nancy is making more copies of a brochure of our most popular tour, the Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail.
New Business
Maureen Driscoll brought a collection of papers, pictures and books from Dan’s records. She brought Dan’s Fife and Drum Corps. uniform to donate to KHS. There were tin horns that Dan had made, and one that he had gotten as a souvenir from Berne during the Sesquicentennial. Bill made a motion that KHS accept everything Maureen donated. Donna seconded the motion. Motion carried. Dan’s daughter Debbie is continuing his work on the Lime Kilns.
KHS will open the Homestead during the Fall Into Knox Festival from 12-4 on Saturday, and 12-2 on Sunday. The following weekend during the Helderberg Hilltown Association Farms and Artisans Tour, we will open the Homestead from 12-2 on Sunday. The way Nancy phrased it in the newspaper, was to watch for the “Open” flag. Members present at the meeting volunteered to cover all shifts.
September 23 at the Berne Knox Westerlo High School at 6:30, Nancy asked that our volunteers arrive to set up for the 7:00 p.m. event. The BKW PTA provided a grant to present a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactment. We got volunteers for attending and handing out brochures (and possibly selling books), and a couple of offers for cookies (Dennis, Nancy and Kathleen). We could use more refreshment volunteers.
We have a vacancy on the Board of Trustees. Nancy made a motion that we elect Bill Donato to the Board. Kathleen seconded the motion. Motion carried. Ray Hand, and Glenn Humphrey are the other Board members.
We discussed how to move the Cave Crawl between two groups that want to borrow it on the same weekend. Dennis will let the first group come pick it up on Friday September 30 after work, and Mike Nardacci will bring it to the Octagon Barn for a fund raiser. Mike also wants to borrow maps of the Knox Cave, and that was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Cemetery Clean Up will be discussed at the October meeting.
In later September we will change the display at the Town Hall. It was decided to do a display of the Fife and Drum Corps. Donna will look for pictures and frames at the Homestead.
Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Aug. 2, 2016
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
July 5, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber on July 5, 2016 at 8:10 p.m., following a presentation by Ray Hand and Nancy Frueh on Bouck White, his Helderberg “castle” known as Federalsburg, and his Bouckware pottery. Members present were Maureen Driscoll, Dan Driscoll, Donna Gwin, Charlene Stevens, Jayson Romanczuk, Bill Donato, Ray Hand, Nancy Frueh, Dennis Barber and Kathleen Putzig.
Committee Reports: Treasurer was not present. Donna reported that the Audit was completed and is fine.
Old Business:
There is no news on the electric sign the Town of Knox is trying to acquire.
We should send a thank you note to the BKW school board for the excellent work Colleen Skiff, Primary School Art Teacher did during our Art Show. Kathleen will send the note.
Bill and Dennis will be at the Homestead tomorrow for the first 12-2 Wednesday opening this summer.
Let Nancy know when we run low on printed material at the Homestead.
Nancy and Ray found a case of old copy paper in the upstairs closet. They moved it to the floor in the school room, and urged those officers who make copies to use it before it gets any more yellowed. Nancy took a ream and will try to be sure Anna gets one, also.
Quilt Show Saturday, July 17th: 35 Quilts have been registered for display. We need help on the morning of the 16th starting at 8 a.m. to get frames from the basement, and set up. We also need helpers on the 17th. The Berne Historical Society will also ask for helpers from their membership. The show runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be a hand quilting presentation by Pat Lightbody, and penny rug making by Joanne Brady. Jane sent embroidery hoops to display samples she made from material donated by Mary Browne from her husband Steve’s grandmother. We are getting gift certificates from Township Tavern and Maple on the Lake. Maryann Saddlemire is donating certificates for pies which can be picked up at Newcomb’s Farm. The Maple gift certificate will go to the prize winner for needlework, and the Township gift certificate for visitors’ favorite quilt. We will also use items from the Berne and Knox Historical Societies such as commemorative plates, and history books. Sandra Stempel Kisselback from BHS is writing an article for the Altamont Enterprise and will also submit the information to the community calendars.
Dan Driscoll had donated a book on Historic Albany City and County that he purchased from the Albany County Historical Association, and Nancy read over the past month. She moved it be accessioned, Dan seconded the motion, and it carried.
John Elberfeld sent a CD on Bouck White, which Kathleen moved be accessioned and Nancy seconded. Motion carried.
Volunteering at the Homestead: Nancy has a print out of the tasks volunteers should do to open and close the Homestead each Wednesday, and will put it in the slot in the top of the desk in the main room. Ray made envelopes to record and store income received, which are also in the desk.
Thank you to Mike Nardacci for going through the accession list of items that should be in the Cave Room at the Homestead. Some items that had been accessioned were missing. Kathleen went with Mike to the Homestead, worked in the records room while he worked in the cave room, and took his report.
New Business:
Dennis met with Craig Saddlemire and his father, who were in town to visit Mr. Don Paul. They made a $100 donation to KHS and purchased a book on Helderberg History. They mentioned to Dennis that Mr. Paul has items from WWII he might donate to KHS. Dennis will contact Mr. Saddlemire to thank him and ask about WWII items to look out for when the house is eventually cleaned out.
Dan gave a report on lime kilns. On June 11th New Scotland dedicated a historic marker at Lime Kiln Farm. Dan wrote an article for the Altamont Enterprise explaining about lime kilns and asking people to contact him if they knew of any. Dennis got a call from a woman with 2 lime kilns, perhaps on Beaver Dam Road. He will send the information to Dan, who will contact her. Dan plans to study aerial photos and laser imaging to see if he can find evidence of lime kilns in the area. The past president of Clarksville Historical Society has done research, but Dan has not been able to reach him yet.
Paula Shafer invited Dan to visit her father, Ray Shafer, who is almost 102 years old. Dan did an interview, which he recorded. It needs to be transcribed.
The Pulliam twins’ presentation is scheduled for the August 2nd meeting on School # 12 at7 p.m. Nancy will advertise it.
It was noted that some historical markers, especially in the Town of Berne, are in very bad shape. BOCES has a welding program. They may be able to help restoring historical markers. Dan has the paint and a booklet on how to do the restoration. We should ask permission from land owners before fixing the markers.
There is no new information on the Knox Fall Festival.
The Knox Newsletter has not been released yet.
The Teddy Roosevelt re-enactment will be at the BKW HS auditorium September 23rd. Please bring refreshments.
Donna showed us a marble doorstop received from Lou Saddlemire. She got the history of it and we can accession it. It is from approximately 1900 – 1920, and is engraved with “Lahndorff.” It is from the Elmer Becker house now owned by Dave Poole, and was previously a public bar or restaurant with various names such as Carmody’s, Flo & Jo’s, and Wolf’s. Donna moved to accession the doorstop, and Dan seconded the motion, which passed.
Margaret Torok is moving. She gave KHS Sesquicentennial Celebration scrap books. Kathleen moved to accept and accession these, and Nancy seconded the motion, which passed.
Jamie Tubbs visited Dennis and has items to donate to KHS, including some from Knox Cave.
Hearing no other business, this meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
Committee Reports: Treasurer was not present. Donna reported that the Audit was completed and is fine.
Old Business:
There is no news on the electric sign the Town of Knox is trying to acquire.
We should send a thank you note to the BKW school board for the excellent work Colleen Skiff, Primary School Art Teacher did during our Art Show. Kathleen will send the note.
Bill and Dennis will be at the Homestead tomorrow for the first 12-2 Wednesday opening this summer.
Let Nancy know when we run low on printed material at the Homestead.
Nancy and Ray found a case of old copy paper in the upstairs closet. They moved it to the floor in the school room, and urged those officers who make copies to use it before it gets any more yellowed. Nancy took a ream and will try to be sure Anna gets one, also.
Quilt Show Saturday, July 17th: 35 Quilts have been registered for display. We need help on the morning of the 16th starting at 8 a.m. to get frames from the basement, and set up. We also need helpers on the 17th. The Berne Historical Society will also ask for helpers from their membership. The show runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be a hand quilting presentation by Pat Lightbody, and penny rug making by Joanne Brady. Jane sent embroidery hoops to display samples she made from material donated by Mary Browne from her husband Steve’s grandmother. We are getting gift certificates from Township Tavern and Maple on the Lake. Maryann Saddlemire is donating certificates for pies which can be picked up at Newcomb’s Farm. The Maple gift certificate will go to the prize winner for needlework, and the Township gift certificate for visitors’ favorite quilt. We will also use items from the Berne and Knox Historical Societies such as commemorative plates, and history books. Sandra Stempel Kisselback from BHS is writing an article for the Altamont Enterprise and will also submit the information to the community calendars.
Dan Driscoll had donated a book on Historic Albany City and County that he purchased from the Albany County Historical Association, and Nancy read over the past month. She moved it be accessioned, Dan seconded the motion, and it carried.
John Elberfeld sent a CD on Bouck White, which Kathleen moved be accessioned and Nancy seconded. Motion carried.
Volunteering at the Homestead: Nancy has a print out of the tasks volunteers should do to open and close the Homestead each Wednesday, and will put it in the slot in the top of the desk in the main room. Ray made envelopes to record and store income received, which are also in the desk.
Thank you to Mike Nardacci for going through the accession list of items that should be in the Cave Room at the Homestead. Some items that had been accessioned were missing. Kathleen went with Mike to the Homestead, worked in the records room while he worked in the cave room, and took his report.
New Business:
Dennis met with Craig Saddlemire and his father, who were in town to visit Mr. Don Paul. They made a $100 donation to KHS and purchased a book on Helderberg History. They mentioned to Dennis that Mr. Paul has items from WWII he might donate to KHS. Dennis will contact Mr. Saddlemire to thank him and ask about WWII items to look out for when the house is eventually cleaned out.
Dan gave a report on lime kilns. On June 11th New Scotland dedicated a historic marker at Lime Kiln Farm. Dan wrote an article for the Altamont Enterprise explaining about lime kilns and asking people to contact him if they knew of any. Dennis got a call from a woman with 2 lime kilns, perhaps on Beaver Dam Road. He will send the information to Dan, who will contact her. Dan plans to study aerial photos and laser imaging to see if he can find evidence of lime kilns in the area. The past president of Clarksville Historical Society has done research, but Dan has not been able to reach him yet.
Paula Shafer invited Dan to visit her father, Ray Shafer, who is almost 102 years old. Dan did an interview, which he recorded. It needs to be transcribed.
The Pulliam twins’ presentation is scheduled for the August 2nd meeting on School # 12 at7 p.m. Nancy will advertise it.
It was noted that some historical markers, especially in the Town of Berne, are in very bad shape. BOCES has a welding program. They may be able to help restoring historical markers. Dan has the paint and a booklet on how to do the restoration. We should ask permission from land owners before fixing the markers.
There is no new information on the Knox Fall Festival.
The Knox Newsletter has not been released yet.
The Teddy Roosevelt re-enactment will be at the BKW HS auditorium September 23rd. Please bring refreshments.
Donna showed us a marble doorstop received from Lou Saddlemire. She got the history of it and we can accession it. It is from approximately 1900 – 1920, and is engraved with “Lahndorff.” It is from the Elmer Becker house now owned by Dave Poole, and was previously a public bar or restaurant with various names such as Carmody’s, Flo & Jo’s, and Wolf’s. Donna moved to accession the doorstop, and Dan seconded the motion, which passed.
Margaret Torok is moving. She gave KHS Sesquicentennial Celebration scrap books. Kathleen moved to accept and accession these, and Nancy seconded the motion, which passed.
Jamie Tubbs visited Dennis and has items to donate to KHS, including some from Knox Cave.
Hearing no other business, this meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
June 7, 2016 minutes
1. The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber on June 7, 2016 at 8 p.m. Members present were Maureen Driscoll, Dan Driscoll, Anna Wolfe, Donna Gwin, Bill Donato, Ray Hand, Nancy Frueh, Ann Hein, Kathleen Putzig. Visitors were Kris Driessen, Marie Viscio, Sheila J. Galvin and Margaret Torok.
2. Reading of the Minutes of the last meeting: Kathleen Putzig
Corrections to last month’s minutes: – Indian Ladder Farms in Voorheesville, not Altamont as stated previously. No presentation of suitcases of history was done at school yet. The minutes are accepted as corrected.
3. Treasurer’s Report: income 209.30. Checking Account balance 1033.16. Savings account balance $3543.63. Total assets: $4576.79.
4. Lime Kiln Historic Marker will be unveiled July 7. 10 a.m. This information was received in a correspondence from New Scotland Historical Association.
5. Dan Driscoll is interested in learning more about Lime Kilns in Knox. Lime was harvested off of Street Road for lime kilns.
6. We got a Guilderland Historical Society Newsletter. There is an article about old Memorial Day observations. Of special interest in the article was a mention that the Altamont Post of the GAR, a Civil War veterans’ group, was named after Knox’s MH Barckley (Post 198) and it dissolved when the last members died in 1928.
7. The postcard from the William Pomeroy Foundation stated that they will now consider markers for myths and other types of local lore. KHS has shared that information with Jayson Romanczuk, in case he wants to pursue it for the Witches’ Grave. KHS had previously voted to stick to strictly historical applications.
Old Business
1. Thanks to those who worked on the flooring project and cleaned the homestead, provided and served refreshments, and greeted visitors on Memorial Day.
2. Donna completed the audit. She approves the Treasurer’s info.
3. Report from Donna on Quilt Show – all is going fine. 26 promised so far. Berne is working on it. We have needlework pictures. Knitted items will be displayed in a side room. Flyers are being distributed. There is a request for items at the Spinning Room. There is info on our website and our Facebook page. She has sent info to the Altamont Enterprise, and Rural Roots as well as putting up posters.
4. Treasurer’s business: Anna submitted a bill for $130: $30 for woman to advise on care for the quilt; $119.85 for flooring supplies (1 gallon tung oil, 2 microfiber heads). There were considerable other expenses which Anna covered on her own as a gift, for which KHS is very thankful. $149.85 total. Motion made by Nancy Frueh and seconded by Donna Gwin to pay this bill. Carried.
5. Katherine Greenwald gave advice on the quilt. She is a textile expert recommended by Jane McLean. Ms. Greenwald didn’t think the Bicentennial Quilt needed to be cleaned. None of us are willing to risk damaging the quilt by cleaning it if it isn’t essential. We decided to display it in the summer, air it out on a king sized quilt in the sun on a nice day in the fall, and store it at the Town Hall during the winter. Anna secured permission from Supervisor Vas to do this. Due to the floor replacement project, it had been stored in a plastic tote for the winter, and was damp, so we know that is not a good way to store it in the future. She estimated that the quilt was worth $2500. We could get the quilts formally assessed for value for $25 each, which could be used for insurance purposes. The advisor [Katherine Greenwald] gave us a sheet on care and cleaning of quilts. She noted that none of the quilts were identified and recommended putting a muslin label with information about the quilt on each quilt. Donna noted that none of the quilts were ever accessioned. The Wolford Quilt from 1888 was a gift from Zenie Gladieux. Donna will check the minutes to get background information on the quilts, especially the 1920’s Dresden Plate Quilt.
6. Nancy reported that the Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor program is all set for Friday, September 23, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the BKW High School Auditorium. Mr. Bentley filed the building use form, the PTA has agreed to pay the $175.00 fee directly to Mr. Paul Stillman after the presentation that evening, and Nancy has a confirmation email from Mr. Stillman indicating that he will speak in character for an hour presentation, and then entertain questions from the audience, followed by a meet and greet where the students can take their picture with him. KHS will serve refreshments and have KHS membership information available. Dennis will contact Noreen Shunney, the Superintendent’s secretary, and ask that it be included on the school calendar.
7. Student Art Show 6/18/16 discussion: Town Hall can be reserved starting 1 so the kids can set up. We need volunteers for tending the Homestead and bringing refreshments. Dennis can bring a refreshment. Kathleen will advertise through the Path Through History.
8. Cemetery clean up – We decided on July 7th 5-8 and 23rd 9-1. We need an email person to alert the whole membership and send info if there is cancellation. Kathleen will include it with the request for help on Wednesdays.
9. Mark your calendars for the Tea honoring Merrymen’s Tea House August 13th 2-4 pm. Gil and Warrin Brower will be attending.
New Business
1. Anna, Dan and Kathleen reported on the ACHC (Albany County History Collaborative) meeting they attended in May. Dan brought a book on Historic Albany City and County that we may decide to accession. The collaborative want us to send in information on links and a contact person ([email protected]). Dennis has been and will continue to be the contact person. Devon Landers is the NYS Historian. They are working on ideas for NY State History Month in November. They don’t have a theme for 2016, but in 2017 it will be the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. On August 27th KHS is hosting the next meeting
2. Kathleen passed around a sign-up sheet asking for volunteers to staff the Homestead on Wednesdays 12-2 in July and August. Nancy will look for the envelopes the treasurer used to provide that made it easy to account for the monies taken in at the Homestead.
3. Anna will send out reminders for dues.
4. John and Jane sent us a gift of a book they wrote on Life in Knox at the Start of the 21st Century. Anna has filled out the accession papers for it. She moved to accept it. Ray seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
5. Anna had two items she got at a yard sale from Dr. Kolanchik’s. One is an enamel cook pot, white with a red rim and handles. It may be from the 1930s. The other was a nut grinder perhaps from the 1940s with a cut class bottom and a metal top with a red handle. The house was on the corner of Witter Rd and the Berne Altamont Rd. It was called Point View Farm and owned by the Greissel family. Dr. Kolanchick’s parents Eldy and John were the second owners. We have a red enamel dish that doesn’t seem to be accessioned in the Homestead. Anna filled out the paperwork to accession the items, and motioned they be accepted. Nancy seconded the motion, and it was carried.
6. Margaret Torok donated 7 old mason jars from her house. The old ones seem to be from the early 1900s. Donna has been researching them. They were in the basement at the house labeled as the oldest house in West Berne, which is in the town of Knox. Donna moved to accession these, and will fill out the paperwork, research the ages and types of jars and make labels. Nancy seconded, and it was carried.
7. Donna has accessioned over 120 books so far, and is still working on that project. Donna will talk to Marijo Doherty, the Altamont archivist for advice on taking care of the books.
8. Donna researched when our Weebly website bills have been paid in the past, and determined it was in May, so she renewed our service and is submitting a bill for $59.92 for the renewal.
9. Knox is going to be having a newsletter published twice a year. It will be going out in July. Dennis will be submitting a brief article on the history of the Knox Historical Society. Kathleen will be doing a short article on the position of Town Historian.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:34.
A presentation was given before the meeting by Kris Driessen about sacks, their history and uses. She had several examples, and also gave the KHS a copy of her typed information.
Respectfully submitted by
Kathleen Putzig, Secretary
May 3, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on May 3, 2016 at 7:05 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present were Donna Gwin, Charlene Stevens, Ray Hand, Bill Donato, Angel Smith, Anna Wolfe, Dan Driscoll and Nancy Frueh.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and corrected to show that the HHA tour is Sunday, September 18, (not 20th) and the Homestead will be open from 12 to 2 that day.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report showing $ 824.16 in the SEFCU checking account and $3,543.33 in the SEFCU savings account.
Anna reported that we received a flyer from Jeff and Pam O’Connor, who work at the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie, advertising their new business venture, Turning Point 1777, which provides living history and hands-on programs, specializing in the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods in the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys. Anna suggested we consider the “pocket” Pam makes, inscribed with the date of our founding, as a possible fund-raiser for our bicentennial.
We also received the monthly newsletter from the Guilderland Historical Society.
Anna forwarded the thank you we received last month for the wonderful driving tours to John and Jane, who did most of the work in creating those tours.
Under Old Business, Dennis announced that the new flooring is in place, thanks to Bill Donato, Anna Wolfe, Glenn Humphrey, Dennis Barber, and the work party from the prison. Ray and Bill agreed to try to meet on Monday at 11 AM to apply the first coat of tung oil.
Details concerning the Art Show for June 18 are still in flux. Nancy and Kathleen will continue to work with the elementary art teacher and the 4th grade teachers to determine the details. If it ends up being held at BKW school on Monday, June 20, Dennis would be available to emcee and Donna would be available to greet guests and hand out our literature.
The new electronic sign for the town events has hit a snag, since it must be on town property, not on fire department property. We will wait for resolution of this problem before moving our sign. Bill and Dennis think they have a location in mind that would not impede the sight distance of the proposed electronic sign, and would still advertise our existence and display our quilts.
Nancy spoke with Maryellen Gillis about getting a presentation of our Sesquicentennial Books to the Schoharie Schools before she retires in June, but has heard nothing back. Nancy will try again.
Anna has given Donna the financial records for audit, and Donna will report at the next meeting.
Nancy moved, and Bill seconded, that we invite Kris Driessen, of the Quilt Bug Shop, to speak before our June 7 meeting on the History of Feedsack Sewing and Quilting, and offer her a $20.00 honorarium. Carried.
Donna reported that she has added an “In the News” tab to our website, and it currently features an article about Dan Driscoll IPA, a beer brewed at Indian Ladder Farmstead Cidery and Brewery in Altamont. Forms for the quilt show are also available under this tab.
Donna will send information on the quilt show to the Knox Rural Roots newsletter and to the Altamont Enterprise. Charlene reported that the Voorheesville quilting group will distribute our flyers during their show on the same dates.
Anna is working on getting recommendations concerning cleaning the Bicentennial Quilt.
Nancy is still working with Mr. Bentley on getting a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor program.
Mr. Bentley, from the BKW Social Studies department, is looking for a student to help us with Facebook, but has not found anyone yet. Nancy stated that perhaps she could learn to do it, since she does the publicity for most of our events.
There will be a Craft Fair and Harvest Fair outside the Knox Town Hall on September 10. It will have many of the same vendors as the Thatcher Park Fall Festival. The group decided we should be represented, but more details are needed. Nancy will send in the application. If the event is actually being held in the parking lot, it was suggested we simply open the shed door of the Homestead and post our “open” sign. If it is in the park pavilion, we will need to set up a table and have some sort of objects on display to attract attention, along with our membership brochures and driving tours.
Our subscription for Weebly, the provider that we use for our website, expires May 11, 2016. It will cost $49.99 to extend it for another year. Donna will talk with Jane to review the details, and then renew it, and submit the bill at our next meeting.
Nancy helped Dennis give the President’s Annual Report, stating that over 150 people signed our guest book during the year. We presented Suit Cases of History to about 80 students at BKW. Nothing of value was de-accessioned. Two new historic markers were installed. The kitchen exhibit was redone. The upstairs storage room was refurbished, bi-fold doors were installed, and it is now home to our potty chair and health exhibit. A new floor was installed in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead. It was a very successful year, and Dennis found it to be very rewarding. We have lots more projects on the horizon for 2016-17.
One of the projects Dennis would like to see in the next year is a tribute to the original founders of the Knox Historical Society. Dennis will try to interview Fred Oettinger soon.
We also have the cemetery clean-up project, and the wainscoting still needs to be installed in the school room.
Bill and Dennis suggested putting screens in the cellar windows of the Homestead to improve ventilation in the building.
Nancy suggested that Donna contact Marijo Dougherty, the archivist in Altamont, for recommendations about how to preserve the books in the school room.
Bill asked that files sent by email be pdf files, and not Word documents, since he and others cannot open Word files.
The nominating committee of Dan Driscoll and Nancy Frueh reported the following slate of officers: President, Dennis Barber; Vice-President, Nancy Frueh; Secretary, Kathleen Putzig; Treasurer, Anna Wolfe, and Trustees Dan Driscoll, Ray Hand, and Glenn Humphrey. Bill moved, and Dan seconded, that the secretary cast one ballot for the slate of officers presented by the nominating committee. Carried. According to our by-laws, the officers assume their duties at the end of this meeting.
Hearing no more business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
The minutes of the last meeting were read and corrected to show that the HHA tour is Sunday, September 18, (not 20th) and the Homestead will be open from 12 to 2 that day.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report showing $ 824.16 in the SEFCU checking account and $3,543.33 in the SEFCU savings account.
Anna reported that we received a flyer from Jeff and Pam O’Connor, who work at the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie, advertising their new business venture, Turning Point 1777, which provides living history and hands-on programs, specializing in the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods in the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys. Anna suggested we consider the “pocket” Pam makes, inscribed with the date of our founding, as a possible fund-raiser for our bicentennial.
We also received the monthly newsletter from the Guilderland Historical Society.
Anna forwarded the thank you we received last month for the wonderful driving tours to John and Jane, who did most of the work in creating those tours.
Under Old Business, Dennis announced that the new flooring is in place, thanks to Bill Donato, Anna Wolfe, Glenn Humphrey, Dennis Barber, and the work party from the prison. Ray and Bill agreed to try to meet on Monday at 11 AM to apply the first coat of tung oil.
Details concerning the Art Show for June 18 are still in flux. Nancy and Kathleen will continue to work with the elementary art teacher and the 4th grade teachers to determine the details. If it ends up being held at BKW school on Monday, June 20, Dennis would be available to emcee and Donna would be available to greet guests and hand out our literature.
The new electronic sign for the town events has hit a snag, since it must be on town property, not on fire department property. We will wait for resolution of this problem before moving our sign. Bill and Dennis think they have a location in mind that would not impede the sight distance of the proposed electronic sign, and would still advertise our existence and display our quilts.
Nancy spoke with Maryellen Gillis about getting a presentation of our Sesquicentennial Books to the Schoharie Schools before she retires in June, but has heard nothing back. Nancy will try again.
Anna has given Donna the financial records for audit, and Donna will report at the next meeting.
Nancy moved, and Bill seconded, that we invite Kris Driessen, of the Quilt Bug Shop, to speak before our June 7 meeting on the History of Feedsack Sewing and Quilting, and offer her a $20.00 honorarium. Carried.
Donna reported that she has added an “In the News” tab to our website, and it currently features an article about Dan Driscoll IPA, a beer brewed at Indian Ladder Farmstead Cidery and Brewery in Altamont. Forms for the quilt show are also available under this tab.
Donna will send information on the quilt show to the Knox Rural Roots newsletter and to the Altamont Enterprise. Charlene reported that the Voorheesville quilting group will distribute our flyers during their show on the same dates.
Anna is working on getting recommendations concerning cleaning the Bicentennial Quilt.
Nancy is still working with Mr. Bentley on getting a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor program.
Mr. Bentley, from the BKW Social Studies department, is looking for a student to help us with Facebook, but has not found anyone yet. Nancy stated that perhaps she could learn to do it, since she does the publicity for most of our events.
There will be a Craft Fair and Harvest Fair outside the Knox Town Hall on September 10. It will have many of the same vendors as the Thatcher Park Fall Festival. The group decided we should be represented, but more details are needed. Nancy will send in the application. If the event is actually being held in the parking lot, it was suggested we simply open the shed door of the Homestead and post our “open” sign. If it is in the park pavilion, we will need to set up a table and have some sort of objects on display to attract attention, along with our membership brochures and driving tours.
Our subscription for Weebly, the provider that we use for our website, expires May 11, 2016. It will cost $49.99 to extend it for another year. Donna will talk with Jane to review the details, and then renew it, and submit the bill at our next meeting.
Nancy helped Dennis give the President’s Annual Report, stating that over 150 people signed our guest book during the year. We presented Suit Cases of History to about 80 students at BKW. Nothing of value was de-accessioned. Two new historic markers were installed. The kitchen exhibit was redone. The upstairs storage room was refurbished, bi-fold doors were installed, and it is now home to our potty chair and health exhibit. A new floor was installed in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead. It was a very successful year, and Dennis found it to be very rewarding. We have lots more projects on the horizon for 2016-17.
One of the projects Dennis would like to see in the next year is a tribute to the original founders of the Knox Historical Society. Dennis will try to interview Fred Oettinger soon.
We also have the cemetery clean-up project, and the wainscoting still needs to be installed in the school room.
Bill and Dennis suggested putting screens in the cellar windows of the Homestead to improve ventilation in the building.
Nancy suggested that Donna contact Marijo Dougherty, the archivist in Altamont, for recommendations about how to preserve the books in the school room.
Bill asked that files sent by email be pdf files, and not Word documents, since he and others cannot open Word files.
The nominating committee of Dan Driscoll and Nancy Frueh reported the following slate of officers: President, Dennis Barber; Vice-President, Nancy Frueh; Secretary, Kathleen Putzig; Treasurer, Anna Wolfe, and Trustees Dan Driscoll, Ray Hand, and Glenn Humphrey. Bill moved, and Dan seconded, that the secretary cast one ballot for the slate of officers presented by the nominating committee. Carried. According to our by-laws, the officers assume their duties at the end of this meeting.
Hearing no more business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
April 5, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on April 5, 2016 by President Dennis Barber, following a presentation by Jim Spencer on his 1700’s stone house, located on the Bozenkill. This is believed to be the oldest structure in Knox, and the Society is privileged to have a copy of the research binder prepared by Alan Dietz about this property in its collection. It is believed that this property served as a tavern in the 18th century. Guests present to hear the presentation were Deb and Thom Breitenbach, Bob Griffin, and Ralph and Jan Miller.
Members present were Donna Gwin, Bill Donato, Kathleen & Bart Putzig, Anna Wolfe, Ray Hand, Charlene Stevens, and Nancy Frueh.
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting, and hearing no corrections, they were accepted as presented.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report, showing $ 458.46 in the SEFCU Checking account and $ 3,543.04 in the SEFCU Savings account.
We received a copy of The Art Conservator magazine from Williams College, newsletters from the New Scotland Historical Association and the Pruyn House, and we received a nice thank you note from members of the Spindle City Historical Society (Cohoes, NY), thanking us for the excellent driving tour of our new world Dutch Barns. Nancy suggested that Anna scan and email the note to John Elberfeld and Jane McLean, since they are the ones who did most of the work to produce the driving tour.
Anna also noticed that Cohoes had recently presented a program on preserving historic textiles, and will contact their presenter to see if she is available to do a program for us, and determine what the cost would be. She will also seek a recommendation on how to clean the Bicentennial Quilt.
Nancy presented the bill for our newly printed membership brochures. The treasurer will keep a supply and the rest will be stored in the Homestead once the floor project is completed.
Bill reported on the cemetery clean-up project, which will be attempted after the floor project is completed. We simply need to let Mr. Dean know when we’re going to be there. We should car-pool from the Museum, as a limited number of cars can park in his yard, and they would prefer we not park on the road. Brush-clearing tools will be needed like a weed-eater, leaf blower, small chainsaw, pruning shears and rakes. Mr. Dean offered the use of his tractor if it is needed.
The Albany County History Collaborative meeting was held in New Scotland on March 12, with Dennis, Kathleen, and Dan attending. Dennis reported that the ACHC is still a work-in-progress, and we will be hosting the next meeting on August 27. Nancy will email the link to their website to everyone. This is going to be a great resource for sharing links and information amongst historical societies. Kathleen also noted that Bethlehem historian, Susan Leath, is willing to give a program on her new book about Bethlehem history.
The Nominating Committee of Dan Driscoll and Nancy Frueh presented the proposed slate of officers: President, Dennis Barber; Vice president, Nancy Frueh; Secretary, Kathleen Putzig; Treasurer, Anna Wolfe; Trustees: Ray Hand, Dan Driscoll, Glenn Humphrey.
Kathleen has been working with Colleen Skiff, the BKW art teacher for grades K-9, trying to develop a possible program for June 18th. Kathleen will be presenting the Civil War Suitcase of History to 4thgrade art classes, and Colleen is trying to work up an art project around this theme.
Nancy reported that, due to a scheduling conflict, the grange program will be postponed to 2017, and a tea honoring Merryman’s Tea House will be presented on August 13, 2016. Jacki Reed-Perry, a re-enactor from Mechanicville, has agreed to provide the tea and tea service for us at no charge. Kathleen moved and Bart seconded that we offer her a $30.00 honorarium. Carried. We are working with Gil Warren and his older brother to try to serve treats from the original tea house recipes. If that is not possible, Nancy has cookbooks from that era. Gil also suggested that we contact the families of former employees and invite them to participate in the program. We also have the guest book that Leslie Brower kept of all her patrons, and will try to have that scanned and searchable for this event. We’ll try to find period background music to play, too.
Nancy staffed a Knox Historical Society information table at the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, using her laptop to show the ACHC website, which rotates through photos from our website. It attracted a lot of attention and many membership brochures were handed out.
Kathleen, as town historian, will be looking into getting some buildings, and maybe even the hamlet, onto the National Register of Historic Places, especially during the bicentennial year of 2022, or as lead-up activities in preparation thereof. A new historic marker is another possibility. Nancy and Kathleen have also been discussing other possible projects, including limited-edition Christmas ornaments, a calendar, a cookbook, and maybe a new plate.
Under new business, a discussion of installing the floor in the front room of the Museum was held. Supervisor Vas has offered the assistance of the prisoner work party, if needed. Volunteers will be there to help, and to direct the work party.
The town is working on getting an electronic sign to replace the fire department sign and to promote town events. They have asked if we could move our sign since it blocks the sight distance of the proposed electronic sign. The group decided to give President Dennis the executive authority to make the final decision, but recommended that its orientation stay the same and look for a location closer to the upper driveway that does not block the proposed sign sight distance so much.
It was decided that the Museum will be open from 10 am to 1 pm on Memorial Day. Dennis, Bill and Ray volunteered to staff the museum and hand out membership brochures and event schedules. Donna and Dennis will provide cookies, and Nancy will provide something to drink, and make sure the table cloth and supplies box is there. Nancy will also contact Mike Nardacci to see if he can help out that day.
Donna reported that the quilt show is on for Sunday, July 17, and Berne Historical Society will be participating with us. Voorheesville has a show the same weekend, but we are asking if they would allow us to have flyers for our show available at their show, since theirs is both days. There was room for 55 bed-size quilts upstairs at our show two years ago, so the plan is to have space for 25 quilts from each town, and wiggle-room of five quilts. Knitted and crocheted work will be displayed in the side rooms on tables. Downstairs will only be utilized if we have an over-flow situation. Pat Lightbody will be doing some quilting demonstrations and they are talking to Joanne Brady of Berne about doing some rug-making demonstrations. Charlene will broach the subject of a shared flyer or cross-advertising with the Voorheesville group at their next meeting.
We decided the Homestead will be open for the Helderberg Hilltown Association driving tour on Sunday, September 20 from 12 to 2.
Hearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Members present were Donna Gwin, Bill Donato, Kathleen & Bart Putzig, Anna Wolfe, Ray Hand, Charlene Stevens, and Nancy Frueh.
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting, and hearing no corrections, they were accepted as presented.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report, showing $ 458.46 in the SEFCU Checking account and $ 3,543.04 in the SEFCU Savings account.
We received a copy of The Art Conservator magazine from Williams College, newsletters from the New Scotland Historical Association and the Pruyn House, and we received a nice thank you note from members of the Spindle City Historical Society (Cohoes, NY), thanking us for the excellent driving tour of our new world Dutch Barns. Nancy suggested that Anna scan and email the note to John Elberfeld and Jane McLean, since they are the ones who did most of the work to produce the driving tour.
Anna also noticed that Cohoes had recently presented a program on preserving historic textiles, and will contact their presenter to see if she is available to do a program for us, and determine what the cost would be. She will also seek a recommendation on how to clean the Bicentennial Quilt.
Nancy presented the bill for our newly printed membership brochures. The treasurer will keep a supply and the rest will be stored in the Homestead once the floor project is completed.
Bill reported on the cemetery clean-up project, which will be attempted after the floor project is completed. We simply need to let Mr. Dean know when we’re going to be there. We should car-pool from the Museum, as a limited number of cars can park in his yard, and they would prefer we not park on the road. Brush-clearing tools will be needed like a weed-eater, leaf blower, small chainsaw, pruning shears and rakes. Mr. Dean offered the use of his tractor if it is needed.
The Albany County History Collaborative meeting was held in New Scotland on March 12, with Dennis, Kathleen, and Dan attending. Dennis reported that the ACHC is still a work-in-progress, and we will be hosting the next meeting on August 27. Nancy will email the link to their website to everyone. This is going to be a great resource for sharing links and information amongst historical societies. Kathleen also noted that Bethlehem historian, Susan Leath, is willing to give a program on her new book about Bethlehem history.
The Nominating Committee of Dan Driscoll and Nancy Frueh presented the proposed slate of officers: President, Dennis Barber; Vice president, Nancy Frueh; Secretary, Kathleen Putzig; Treasurer, Anna Wolfe; Trustees: Ray Hand, Dan Driscoll, Glenn Humphrey.
Kathleen has been working with Colleen Skiff, the BKW art teacher for grades K-9, trying to develop a possible program for June 18th. Kathleen will be presenting the Civil War Suitcase of History to 4thgrade art classes, and Colleen is trying to work up an art project around this theme.
Nancy reported that, due to a scheduling conflict, the grange program will be postponed to 2017, and a tea honoring Merryman’s Tea House will be presented on August 13, 2016. Jacki Reed-Perry, a re-enactor from Mechanicville, has agreed to provide the tea and tea service for us at no charge. Kathleen moved and Bart seconded that we offer her a $30.00 honorarium. Carried. We are working with Gil Warren and his older brother to try to serve treats from the original tea house recipes. If that is not possible, Nancy has cookbooks from that era. Gil also suggested that we contact the families of former employees and invite them to participate in the program. We also have the guest book that Leslie Brower kept of all her patrons, and will try to have that scanned and searchable for this event. We’ll try to find period background music to play, too.
Nancy staffed a Knox Historical Society information table at the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, using her laptop to show the ACHC website, which rotates through photos from our website. It attracted a lot of attention and many membership brochures were handed out.
Kathleen, as town historian, will be looking into getting some buildings, and maybe even the hamlet, onto the National Register of Historic Places, especially during the bicentennial year of 2022, or as lead-up activities in preparation thereof. A new historic marker is another possibility. Nancy and Kathleen have also been discussing other possible projects, including limited-edition Christmas ornaments, a calendar, a cookbook, and maybe a new plate.
Under new business, a discussion of installing the floor in the front room of the Museum was held. Supervisor Vas has offered the assistance of the prisoner work party, if needed. Volunteers will be there to help, and to direct the work party.
The town is working on getting an electronic sign to replace the fire department sign and to promote town events. They have asked if we could move our sign since it blocks the sight distance of the proposed electronic sign. The group decided to give President Dennis the executive authority to make the final decision, but recommended that its orientation stay the same and look for a location closer to the upper driveway that does not block the proposed sign sight distance so much.
It was decided that the Museum will be open from 10 am to 1 pm on Memorial Day. Dennis, Bill and Ray volunteered to staff the museum and hand out membership brochures and event schedules. Donna and Dennis will provide cookies, and Nancy will provide something to drink, and make sure the table cloth and supplies box is there. Nancy will also contact Mike Nardacci to see if he can help out that day.
Donna reported that the quilt show is on for Sunday, July 17, and Berne Historical Society will be participating with us. Voorheesville has a show the same weekend, but we are asking if they would allow us to have flyers for our show available at their show, since theirs is both days. There was room for 55 bed-size quilts upstairs at our show two years ago, so the plan is to have space for 25 quilts from each town, and wiggle-room of five quilts. Knitted and crocheted work will be displayed in the side rooms on tables. Downstairs will only be utilized if we have an over-flow situation. Pat Lightbody will be doing some quilting demonstrations and they are talking to Joanne Brady of Berne about doing some rug-making demonstrations. Charlene will broach the subject of a shared flyer or cross-advertising with the Voorheesville group at their next meeting.
We decided the Homestead will be open for the Helderberg Hilltown Association driving tour on Sunday, September 20 from 12 to 2.
Hearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
March 1, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on March 1, 2016 by President Dennis Barber at 7:05 pm. Members present were Nancy Frueh, Bill Donato, Donna Gwin, Dan Driscoll, Kathleen Putzig, Ray Hand, and later, Anna Wolfe.
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting, and hearing no corrections, they were accepted as presented.
With the unexpected absence of the treasurer, we moved on to Old and New Business.
Dennis has been trying to contact the owner of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road with no success. Bill will attempt to make the contact.
Bill has contacted the caretaker of the Bob Simonson place, who thinks restoring the cemetery there is a great idea, and will help us make contact with Bob Simonson, the owner, who lives in New York City (Brooklyn) and visits here about twice a month. Mr. Dean, the caretaker, will also see if there are any more records of historical value there, too. Mr. Simonson would be a good candidate for an oral history interview.
Dennis also mentioned that there is a cemetery on Gibbs Road where all the stones are laying down, which is another possible restoration project.
Nancy is still trying to contact student, Michelle Ferraino, to see if she is interested in taking care of our Facebook page. If not, Nancy will attempt to follow up with Mr. Wright or Mr. Bentley of the Social Studies department at BKW.
Nancy will also continue to talk to Mr. Bentley and the Old Stone Fort to see if we can make a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor event happen on September 30, 2016.
Since the Youth Council camping event is scheduled for June 4, which conflicts with other events involving re-enactors, and is very close to our other commitments of being ready to open Memorial Day and our Path Through History event June 18, it was decided not to collaborate with the Youth Council on a Back-to-Basics day at this time.
Nancy suggested our programs for 2016 should be Saturday, June 18 for NYS Path Through History weekend, the quilt show on the weekend of July 16-17, and Saturday, August 13 for the final program, which she hopes will be on the Helderberg Grange.
Kathleen mentioned she is trying to create programs to help get the town ready for the bicentennial in 2022. Some thoughts she had were health and hygiene, the Underground Railroad in Knox, and a house tour. She also suggested we consider having classes on creating historic gardens and historic interior decorating, in case townspeople would like to dress up their historic home for the bicentennial. Dan suggested getting some buildings on the national register of historic places could be part of the bicentennial. Kathleen also suggested a tea in honor of the Merryman’s Tea House. Perhaps someone would like to create costumes to sell for townspeople to wear for the bicentennial. Perhaps we could sell basswood tree seedlings. We also need to work on an update to the sesquicentennial history book, and the cave group has volunteered to update their section. Nancy suggested we continue to consider how to incorporate ice harvest activity, since there seems to be a lot of interest. She also asked to seek permission from Maryellen Johnson of Guilderland Historical Society to reprint her recent ice harvest article in Knox Rural Roots next winter. Donna suggested we build a program around some of the tools in the tool room, finding someone who could explain their use, and maybe demonstrate some of them.
The Pulliam boys will present their family history as it relates to School #12 at 7:00 pm on August 2, preceding our regular meeting.
Donna suggested we hold the quilt and afghan show on Sunday, July 17 from 10 to 4, with set-up on Saturday. It was decided the entries must be quilted, crocheted or knitted in Knox, but can now be owned and exhibited by anyone. We will also accept wall hangings and smaller size handi-work this year, rather than limiting it to bed quilts. Donna will contact Kris Zimmer and Pat Lightbody about doing a quilting demonstration during the show.
Altamont Train Station quilters did not end up borrowing the quilt frame last month because they did not have enough space to display it.
Upon the arrival of the treasurer, we heard that we have $ 861.96 in the SEFCU checking account and $ 3,542.74 in the SEFCU savings account.
The only correspondence received was the Guilderland Historical Society newsletter.
Dennis will talk to Amy Anderson, manager of the Altamont Fair, about the availability of the School Building to present a program there some time in the future, featuring the Pulliam family who attended that school.
Kathleen moved and Dan seconded that we give all of the Knox Town Board members a copy of the sesquicentennial history book to help get them thinking about the upcoming bicentennial. Carried. Kathleen will work on writing an article to publicize our upcoming events and the availability of the history books as graduation gifts.
Nancy and Dan will serve as the nominating committee to recommend a slate of officers for next year.
Donna volunteered to audit the treasurer’s books and report at the May meeting, as called for in our by-laws.
Looking ahead, it was noted that the first Tuesday in November 2016 is the first, which is NOT election day, so we will have a regular meeting.
It was decided that we would continue to have the Homestead open on Wednesdays during July and August from 12 to 2 pm. We will send around a sign-up sheet for hosts and refreshments when the time is closer, and Nancy will contact the town to request the downstairs bathrooms be opened during this time.
Kathleen donated wooden maple sap collection buckets that were used in Knox. Dan moved and Bill seconded that we accession them. Carried.
Nancy volunteered to staff a Knox Historical Society table at the Kiwanis Pancake breakfast on March 20. She will display one of the wooden sap collection buckets and a more modern metal one, with the homemade spiles from our collection, and will have membership brochures available. She will also bring a laptop to show off our website and the virtual tours of the Saddlemire Homestead.
Kathleen will contact Colleen Skiff, the art teacher at BKW, to see if we can figure out a program or art show featuring student artwork connected to historical artifacts for our June 18th program.
Dennis reminded us that we have no known written agreement with the town concerning care of the Saddlemire Homestead. Nancy recommended that we talk to Mike Hammond and get into writing as much as he remembers. Dennis gave Vas a copy of the tentative agreement from 1974-1999 that may never have been implemented. We have never been able to locate a copy of a final agreement.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting, and hearing no corrections, they were accepted as presented.
With the unexpected absence of the treasurer, we moved on to Old and New Business.
Dennis has been trying to contact the owner of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road with no success. Bill will attempt to make the contact.
Bill has contacted the caretaker of the Bob Simonson place, who thinks restoring the cemetery there is a great idea, and will help us make contact with Bob Simonson, the owner, who lives in New York City (Brooklyn) and visits here about twice a month. Mr. Dean, the caretaker, will also see if there are any more records of historical value there, too. Mr. Simonson would be a good candidate for an oral history interview.
Dennis also mentioned that there is a cemetery on Gibbs Road where all the stones are laying down, which is another possible restoration project.
Nancy is still trying to contact student, Michelle Ferraino, to see if she is interested in taking care of our Facebook page. If not, Nancy will attempt to follow up with Mr. Wright or Mr. Bentley of the Social Studies department at BKW.
Nancy will also continue to talk to Mr. Bentley and the Old Stone Fort to see if we can make a Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor event happen on September 30, 2016.
Since the Youth Council camping event is scheduled for June 4, which conflicts with other events involving re-enactors, and is very close to our other commitments of being ready to open Memorial Day and our Path Through History event June 18, it was decided not to collaborate with the Youth Council on a Back-to-Basics day at this time.
Nancy suggested our programs for 2016 should be Saturday, June 18 for NYS Path Through History weekend, the quilt show on the weekend of July 16-17, and Saturday, August 13 for the final program, which she hopes will be on the Helderberg Grange.
Kathleen mentioned she is trying to create programs to help get the town ready for the bicentennial in 2022. Some thoughts she had were health and hygiene, the Underground Railroad in Knox, and a house tour. She also suggested we consider having classes on creating historic gardens and historic interior decorating, in case townspeople would like to dress up their historic home for the bicentennial. Dan suggested getting some buildings on the national register of historic places could be part of the bicentennial. Kathleen also suggested a tea in honor of the Merryman’s Tea House. Perhaps someone would like to create costumes to sell for townspeople to wear for the bicentennial. Perhaps we could sell basswood tree seedlings. We also need to work on an update to the sesquicentennial history book, and the cave group has volunteered to update their section. Nancy suggested we continue to consider how to incorporate ice harvest activity, since there seems to be a lot of interest. She also asked to seek permission from Maryellen Johnson of Guilderland Historical Society to reprint her recent ice harvest article in Knox Rural Roots next winter. Donna suggested we build a program around some of the tools in the tool room, finding someone who could explain their use, and maybe demonstrate some of them.
The Pulliam boys will present their family history as it relates to School #12 at 7:00 pm on August 2, preceding our regular meeting.
Donna suggested we hold the quilt and afghan show on Sunday, July 17 from 10 to 4, with set-up on Saturday. It was decided the entries must be quilted, crocheted or knitted in Knox, but can now be owned and exhibited by anyone. We will also accept wall hangings and smaller size handi-work this year, rather than limiting it to bed quilts. Donna will contact Kris Zimmer and Pat Lightbody about doing a quilting demonstration during the show.
Altamont Train Station quilters did not end up borrowing the quilt frame last month because they did not have enough space to display it.
Upon the arrival of the treasurer, we heard that we have $ 861.96 in the SEFCU checking account and $ 3,542.74 in the SEFCU savings account.
The only correspondence received was the Guilderland Historical Society newsletter.
Dennis will talk to Amy Anderson, manager of the Altamont Fair, about the availability of the School Building to present a program there some time in the future, featuring the Pulliam family who attended that school.
Kathleen moved and Dan seconded that we give all of the Knox Town Board members a copy of the sesquicentennial history book to help get them thinking about the upcoming bicentennial. Carried. Kathleen will work on writing an article to publicize our upcoming events and the availability of the history books as graduation gifts.
Nancy and Dan will serve as the nominating committee to recommend a slate of officers for next year.
Donna volunteered to audit the treasurer’s books and report at the May meeting, as called for in our by-laws.
Looking ahead, it was noted that the first Tuesday in November 2016 is the first, which is NOT election day, so we will have a regular meeting.
It was decided that we would continue to have the Homestead open on Wednesdays during July and August from 12 to 2 pm. We will send around a sign-up sheet for hosts and refreshments when the time is closer, and Nancy will contact the town to request the downstairs bathrooms be opened during this time.
Kathleen donated wooden maple sap collection buckets that were used in Knox. Dan moved and Bill seconded that we accession them. Carried.
Nancy volunteered to staff a Knox Historical Society table at the Kiwanis Pancake breakfast on March 20. She will display one of the wooden sap collection buckets and a more modern metal one, with the homemade spiles from our collection, and will have membership brochures available. She will also bring a laptop to show off our website and the virtual tours of the Saddlemire Homestead.
Kathleen will contact Colleen Skiff, the art teacher at BKW, to see if we can figure out a program or art show featuring student artwork connected to historical artifacts for our June 18th program.
Dennis reminded us that we have no known written agreement with the town concerning care of the Saddlemire Homestead. Nancy recommended that we talk to Mike Hammond and get into writing as much as he remembers. Dennis gave Vas a copy of the tentative agreement from 1974-1999 that may never have been implemented. We have never been able to locate a copy of a final agreement.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Feb. 2, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on February 2, 2016 by Vice-President Glenn Humphrey at 7:06 pm. Members present were Nancy Frueh, Charlene Stevens, Kathleen Putzig, Donna Gwin, Anna Wolfe, Bill Donato, Dan Driscoll, and Jenn Geckler.
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting and they were accepted as presented.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report showing $792.96 in the SEFCU checking account and $3542.46 in the SEFCU savings account.
Anna reported that we had received an invitation to participate in the Berne Memorial Day Parade, and a schedule of events from the Bethlehem Historical Society.
Donna reported that she has been in contact with Sandra Stempel of the Berne Historical Society about their possible involvement in our quilt show. It was agreed that if we offer to include Berne residents in our show, the Berne Historical Society would have to provide man-power and security and hanging frames for their items. Kathleen and Donna will continue to be in touch with them, as they won’t have a meeting until the end of March.
Donna and Charlene asked if the Altamont Library could borrow one of our quilt frames to display the raffle quilt at their 100th anniversary gala. Donna moved and Kathleen seconded that we loan one of our quilt frames to the Train Station Quilters, at no cost, to display their quilt at the Altamont Library gala on Saturday. Carried. Donna will make arrangements to get it to them.
Old Business:
Glenn is still researching how to best clean the Bicentennial Quilt. It was agreed that if any of his consultants need to see the quilt, he would e-mail the Board of Trustees that he was taking the quilt for consultation.
Because Dennis Barber was unexpectedly absent, there was no report on the progress of scanning the original paperwork of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road, or progress in contacting Bob Simonson, the owner of the Ostrander Cemetery property on Bozey Hollow Road.
A volunteer is still needed to take care of the KHS Facebook page. Kathy Ouimet is not able to do it at this time. Anna reported that when she called the BKW high school principal about another matter, she was told that the request for a student to help with such things had been forwarded to the Social Studies Department. No one present knew anything about this contact. Nancy will attempt to contact the student who expressed interest in the Knox Historical Society at the Lincoln/Lindemann presentation in November. We were reminded that it would be courteous to include the Superintendent and perhaps even the School Board in our requests, so they know about our interaction with the students and staff.
Nancy has located several Teddy Roosevelt re-enactors, all of whom are out-of-state. The Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie has expressed a willingness to collaborate with us in trying to get a grant to pay for one of them to appear for KHS on Friday, September 30, 2016 and at their History Fair on Saturday, October 1st. Nancy will continue to research this project and talk to the school about a possible collaboration and use of their facilities, since we were maxed out size-wise with the Peter Linemann/Lincoln program.
Anna reported that Lou Saddlemire is working on many projects, including the cemetery records, blacksmiths in the 1800’s, doctors in the 1800’s, Civil War soldiers, and Captain Hiram Cliff, a whaling captain who sailed all over the world but settled in Knox. KHS is hoping that Lou would share some of his research in written form for the Knox Rural Roots newsletter.
Nancy reported that as of this afternoon, the Miller’s Mills Ice Harvest is still scheduled for Sunday, February 14, starting at 11:00 am until the ice house is full. They use the ice for an ice cream social in the summer. Watch their Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information.
Glenn reported on our Back-to-Basics day. We are still talking to the Knox Youth Council about the possibility of collaborating with them at their Family Camping Day. It would also be a possible program for Path Through History on June 18. Glenn visited the Twin Rivers Boy Scout Council, asking if some of their senior members might do some demonstrations for us. Dan offered to demonstrate origami, the art of folding paper. He also suggested finding someone to demonstrate paper making. Glenn talked to Karen Kuck about a simple weaving demonstration. It was also suggested that Glenn contact Sue Mason about her petting zoo, pony rides, and possible 4-H involvement.
NEW BUSINESS:
Albany County History Collaborative will meet on March 12 at New Scotland Town hall from 10 to noon, hosted by the New Scotland Historical Association. Dennis and Kathleen plan to attend.
Dan has written a history of the Helderberg Kiwanis that is available at HelderberKiwanis.org. If we can’t get anything fresh from Lou, Nancy will see if she can adapt Dan’s article for the Knox Rural Roots newsletter.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting and they were accepted as presented.
Anna gave the treasurer’s report showing $792.96 in the SEFCU checking account and $3542.46 in the SEFCU savings account.
Anna reported that we had received an invitation to participate in the Berne Memorial Day Parade, and a schedule of events from the Bethlehem Historical Society.
Donna reported that she has been in contact with Sandra Stempel of the Berne Historical Society about their possible involvement in our quilt show. It was agreed that if we offer to include Berne residents in our show, the Berne Historical Society would have to provide man-power and security and hanging frames for their items. Kathleen and Donna will continue to be in touch with them, as they won’t have a meeting until the end of March.
Donna and Charlene asked if the Altamont Library could borrow one of our quilt frames to display the raffle quilt at their 100th anniversary gala. Donna moved and Kathleen seconded that we loan one of our quilt frames to the Train Station Quilters, at no cost, to display their quilt at the Altamont Library gala on Saturday. Carried. Donna will make arrangements to get it to them.
Old Business:
Glenn is still researching how to best clean the Bicentennial Quilt. It was agreed that if any of his consultants need to see the quilt, he would e-mail the Board of Trustees that he was taking the quilt for consultation.
Because Dennis Barber was unexpectedly absent, there was no report on the progress of scanning the original paperwork of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road, or progress in contacting Bob Simonson, the owner of the Ostrander Cemetery property on Bozey Hollow Road.
A volunteer is still needed to take care of the KHS Facebook page. Kathy Ouimet is not able to do it at this time. Anna reported that when she called the BKW high school principal about another matter, she was told that the request for a student to help with such things had been forwarded to the Social Studies Department. No one present knew anything about this contact. Nancy will attempt to contact the student who expressed interest in the Knox Historical Society at the Lincoln/Lindemann presentation in November. We were reminded that it would be courteous to include the Superintendent and perhaps even the School Board in our requests, so they know about our interaction with the students and staff.
Nancy has located several Teddy Roosevelt re-enactors, all of whom are out-of-state. The Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie has expressed a willingness to collaborate with us in trying to get a grant to pay for one of them to appear for KHS on Friday, September 30, 2016 and at their History Fair on Saturday, October 1st. Nancy will continue to research this project and talk to the school about a possible collaboration and use of their facilities, since we were maxed out size-wise with the Peter Linemann/Lincoln program.
Anna reported that Lou Saddlemire is working on many projects, including the cemetery records, blacksmiths in the 1800’s, doctors in the 1800’s, Civil War soldiers, and Captain Hiram Cliff, a whaling captain who sailed all over the world but settled in Knox. KHS is hoping that Lou would share some of his research in written form for the Knox Rural Roots newsletter.
Nancy reported that as of this afternoon, the Miller’s Mills Ice Harvest is still scheduled for Sunday, February 14, starting at 11:00 am until the ice house is full. They use the ice for an ice cream social in the summer. Watch their Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information.
Glenn reported on our Back-to-Basics day. We are still talking to the Knox Youth Council about the possibility of collaborating with them at their Family Camping Day. It would also be a possible program for Path Through History on June 18. Glenn visited the Twin Rivers Boy Scout Council, asking if some of their senior members might do some demonstrations for us. Dan offered to demonstrate origami, the art of folding paper. He also suggested finding someone to demonstrate paper making. Glenn talked to Karen Kuck about a simple weaving demonstration. It was also suggested that Glenn contact Sue Mason about her petting zoo, pony rides, and possible 4-H involvement.
NEW BUSINESS:
Albany County History Collaborative will meet on March 12 at New Scotland Town hall from 10 to noon, hosted by the New Scotland Historical Association. Dennis and Kathleen plan to attend.
Dan has written a history of the Helderberg Kiwanis that is available at HelderberKiwanis.org. If we can’t get anything fresh from Lou, Nancy will see if she can adapt Dan’s article for the Knox Rural Roots newsletter.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Jan. 5, 2016 minutes
The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order on January 5, 2016 by President Dennis Barber at 7:02 pm. Members present were Nancy Frueh, Dan & Maureen Driscoll, Anna Wolfe, Glenn Humphrey, Mary DeFazio, Donna Gwin, and Bill Donato. Kathleen Miller Putzig was also present and joined the Society.
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting and two corrections were made: In the paragraph reporting on the Peter Lindemann program, the last sentence was amended to read, “Dan reported that he gave a copy of the booklet “Historic Markers in the Town of Knox” to Mr. Lindemann to show him where the Knoxville Academy that he mentioned was located.” and the paragraph reporting on School #12 was amended to read, “Dan also mentioned that Brett Pulliam’s sons 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.”
Anna gave the Treasurer’s Report showing $807.25 in the Checking Account and $3542.16 in the Savings Account.
Our Accessionist, Donna Gwin, reported that many of the books in the School Room were never accessioned, and many of the ones that were received in the 1970’s in “excellent” condition are no longer in excellent condition. It has been our policy to allow visiting children to handle the books that are in less than pristine condition. A work day will be scheduled in the Spring to decide if any of the books should be disposed of, and to decide if any of the books need more intensive conservation efforts. The original accession records also need to be reviewed to see if we can determine which school the books were from. Many were donated by D.C. Robinson, the owner of the roller rink at Knox Cave.
Dan reminded us that the wainscoting in the school room has never been installed, and perhaps it could be done while we are working on the floor project this spring.
We have the records of the Helderberg Kiwanis Club dating back to its formation in 1959. Dan moved to accession the items, mostly archival scrapbooks put together by John Elberfeld, plus a framed Kiwanis Logo and a BKW Little League Thank You plaque. Glenn seconded it, and the motion carried. It was suggested that Dan try to develop a brief program to present at a future meeting giving an over-view of the history of the Kiwanis Club. We need to be sure to invite the Kiwanis Club when we present this program.
Dan also presented a paper entitled, The History of the Saddlemire’s 1702-2000, written by Lou Saddlemire. Dan moved to accession it, seconded by Glenn, and carried.
It was reported that Kathy Ouimet will be taking the box of Grange records from Nancy to see if she can come up with a program on the grange that was located in Township.
OLD BUSINESS:
Glenn is still working on gathering information on how to best clean the Bicentennial Quilt.
It was announced that we still have an opening on the Board of Trustees and that Jenn Geckler has declined the nomination. Dan moved and Glenn seconded that new member, Kathleen Putzig, fill the position of Trustee. Carried.
Dennis has not yet scanned any of the original paperwork of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road.
Dennis announced that Jayson Romanczuk has volunteered to help him install the bi-fold doors in the upstairs room.
Dennis announced that the Town Board has agreed to spend $500.00 towards the new flooring in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead. Anna has researched prices and will arrange for delivery by early April. Bill Donato will check to see what sort of polyurethane finish is recommended for use on floors.
Nancy reported that she contacted the Cherry Valley Historical Society regarding the painting by Leila Moore Waldron. They do not have any of her paintings, and do not have any reason to believe they are of any exceptional value. Some of their members remembered her, and Nancy knew her brother, Howard Moore.
Dennis will begin contacting families to make presentations at regular meetings so a schedule can be developed and advertised.
If afghans are to be included in our summer quilt show, we would need table space to display them, since they can’t be hung in the same manner as quilts. A possible theme suggested was “Old Things That Are New Again.” Discussions with the Berne Historical Society are ongoing, since they don’t meet in the winter. To control the size of the show, the group agreed that exhibitors should still be limited to Knox residents.
Glenn announced that the Knox Youth Council may be interested in collaborating with us on a back-to-basics program. We have to be careful what activities we offer as “hands-on” opportunities, keeping in mind safety and liability issues. Glenn offered to teach members some simple crafts to demonstrate, but the group felt we need outside demonstrators, since there will be many other roles to fill and our membership is not large enough to do it alone. Glenn will report back at the next meeting with a list of suggested demonstrations and names of people who are willing to do them.
Dennis has learned the owner of the Ostrander Cemetery on Bozey Hollow Road is Bob Simonson, and we are still trying to make contact with him. Russ Pokorney would like to help with the clean-up of this cemetery.
A volunteer is still needed to take care of the KHS Facebook page. Nancy will ask Kathy Ouimet.
Nancy has contacted a re-enactor who she thinks does a Teddy Roosevelt impression, and is waiting to hear back from him.
NEW BUSINESS:
Lou Saddlemire is constantly doing research on various topics of Knox History. Through John and Jane, KHS supported the email newsletter, Knox Rural Roots. Nancy would like to try to convince Lou to share some of this research through articles in this publication. The membership supported this idea.
The membership authorized Nancy to use the KHS email list to alert people of the January 10 open house to honor outgoing supervisor, Mike Hammond, and the two retiring town councilmen.
Nancy reported that several people have suggested an ice harvest event during the Knox Bicentennial. She suggested that some people take a ride out to Miller’s Mills to view their event, scheduled for February 14, 2016, to see exactly what is involved. Bill Donato said he owns ice harvesting equipment. Nancy suggested that during the Bicentennial Year (2022), perhaps KHS could charter a bus and have the trip as a fundraiser for KHS, choosing an alternate destination in case the weather makes harvesting ice impossible.
Nancy asked if KHS would consider holding our summer programs on Saturday instead of Sunday this year, so she can be present without taking any more time off from work. The group agreed.
Glenn showed us some wooden-handled tools he is working on restoring with boiled linseed oil, rather than using modern varnish. The varnish looks pretty, but may lead to blisters when using the tools.
Dennis announced that we’ll have to decide on the hours we want to be open on Wednesdays in the summer. Last year, we were open 12 to 2 pm, and while we didn’t have a lot of visitors, it provided a dedicated time to work in the museum. The hours were chosen to coincide with the Town Clerk’s hours, so there would be access to restrooms. However, the town clerk has changed her Wednesday hours this year, so we need to decide if we want to be open 10am to noon, or if we should keep the 12 to 2 pm time slot and ask that the downstairs bathrooms be opened. Mike Nardacci and Kathy Ouimet have both expressed a willingness to help staff the Homestead on some Wednesdays during the summer. Dennis announced we will have a sign-up sheet when summer is closer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary
Nancy read the minutes of the last meeting and two corrections were made: In the paragraph reporting on the Peter Lindemann program, the last sentence was amended to read, “Dan reported that he gave a copy of the booklet “Historic Markers in the Town of Knox” to Mr. Lindemann to show him where the Knoxville Academy that he mentioned was located.” and the paragraph reporting on School #12 was amended to read, “Dan also mentioned that Brett Pulliam’s sons 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.”
Anna gave the Treasurer’s Report showing $807.25 in the Checking Account and $3542.16 in the Savings Account.
Our Accessionist, Donna Gwin, reported that many of the books in the School Room were never accessioned, and many of the ones that were received in the 1970’s in “excellent” condition are no longer in excellent condition. It has been our policy to allow visiting children to handle the books that are in less than pristine condition. A work day will be scheduled in the Spring to decide if any of the books should be disposed of, and to decide if any of the books need more intensive conservation efforts. The original accession records also need to be reviewed to see if we can determine which school the books were from. Many were donated by D.C. Robinson, the owner of the roller rink at Knox Cave.
Dan reminded us that the wainscoting in the school room has never been installed, and perhaps it could be done while we are working on the floor project this spring.
We have the records of the Helderberg Kiwanis Club dating back to its formation in 1959. Dan moved to accession the items, mostly archival scrapbooks put together by John Elberfeld, plus a framed Kiwanis Logo and a BKW Little League Thank You plaque. Glenn seconded it, and the motion carried. It was suggested that Dan try to develop a brief program to present at a future meeting giving an over-view of the history of the Kiwanis Club. We need to be sure to invite the Kiwanis Club when we present this program.
Dan also presented a paper entitled, The History of the Saddlemire’s 1702-2000, written by Lou Saddlemire. Dan moved to accession it, seconded by Glenn, and carried.
It was reported that Kathy Ouimet will be taking the box of Grange records from Nancy to see if she can come up with a program on the grange that was located in Township.
OLD BUSINESS:
Glenn is still working on gathering information on how to best clean the Bicentennial Quilt.
It was announced that we still have an opening on the Board of Trustees and that Jenn Geckler has declined the nomination. Dan moved and Glenn seconded that new member, Kathleen Putzig, fill the position of Trustee. Carried.
Dennis has not yet scanned any of the original paperwork of the 1700’s house on Bozenkill Road.
Dennis announced that Jayson Romanczuk has volunteered to help him install the bi-fold doors in the upstairs room.
Dennis announced that the Town Board has agreed to spend $500.00 towards the new flooring in the front room of the Saddlemire Homestead. Anna has researched prices and will arrange for delivery by early April. Bill Donato will check to see what sort of polyurethane finish is recommended for use on floors.
Nancy reported that she contacted the Cherry Valley Historical Society regarding the painting by Leila Moore Waldron. They do not have any of her paintings, and do not have any reason to believe they are of any exceptional value. Some of their members remembered her, and Nancy knew her brother, Howard Moore.
Dennis will begin contacting families to make presentations at regular meetings so a schedule can be developed and advertised.
If afghans are to be included in our summer quilt show, we would need table space to display them, since they can’t be hung in the same manner as quilts. A possible theme suggested was “Old Things That Are New Again.” Discussions with the Berne Historical Society are ongoing, since they don’t meet in the winter. To control the size of the show, the group agreed that exhibitors should still be limited to Knox residents.
Glenn announced that the Knox Youth Council may be interested in collaborating with us on a back-to-basics program. We have to be careful what activities we offer as “hands-on” opportunities, keeping in mind safety and liability issues. Glenn offered to teach members some simple crafts to demonstrate, but the group felt we need outside demonstrators, since there will be many other roles to fill and our membership is not large enough to do it alone. Glenn will report back at the next meeting with a list of suggested demonstrations and names of people who are willing to do them.
Dennis has learned the owner of the Ostrander Cemetery on Bozey Hollow Road is Bob Simonson, and we are still trying to make contact with him. Russ Pokorney would like to help with the clean-up of this cemetery.
A volunteer is still needed to take care of the KHS Facebook page. Nancy will ask Kathy Ouimet.
Nancy has contacted a re-enactor who she thinks does a Teddy Roosevelt impression, and is waiting to hear back from him.
NEW BUSINESS:
Lou Saddlemire is constantly doing research on various topics of Knox History. Through John and Jane, KHS supported the email newsletter, Knox Rural Roots. Nancy would like to try to convince Lou to share some of this research through articles in this publication. The membership supported this idea.
The membership authorized Nancy to use the KHS email list to alert people of the January 10 open house to honor outgoing supervisor, Mike Hammond, and the two retiring town councilmen.
Nancy reported that several people have suggested an ice harvest event during the Knox Bicentennial. She suggested that some people take a ride out to Miller’s Mills to view their event, scheduled for February 14, 2016, to see exactly what is involved. Bill Donato said he owns ice harvesting equipment. Nancy suggested that during the Bicentennial Year (2022), perhaps KHS could charter a bus and have the trip as a fundraiser for KHS, choosing an alternate destination in case the weather makes harvesting ice impossible.
Nancy asked if KHS would consider holding our summer programs on Saturday instead of Sunday this year, so she can be present without taking any more time off from work. The group agreed.
Glenn showed us some wooden-handled tools he is working on restoring with boiled linseed oil, rather than using modern varnish. The varnish looks pretty, but may lead to blisters when using the tools.
Dennis announced that we’ll have to decide on the hours we want to be open on Wednesdays in the summer. Last year, we were open 12 to 2 pm, and while we didn’t have a lot of visitors, it provided a dedicated time to work in the museum. The hours were chosen to coincide with the Town Clerk’s hours, so there would be access to restrooms. However, the town clerk has changed her Wednesday hours this year, so we need to decide if we want to be open 10am to noon, or if we should keep the 12 to 2 pm time slot and ask that the downstairs bathrooms be opened. Mike Nardacci and Kathy Ouimet have both expressed a willingness to help staff the Homestead on some Wednesdays during the summer. Dennis announced we will have a sign-up sheet when summer is closer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy Frueh, Secretary