October 1, 2019 minutes
The Oct. 1, 2019 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Terry Baldwin, Elly Czebiniak, Linda Devenpeck, Bill Donato, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The September meeting minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna presented the Treasurer’s Report. KHS has $588.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,088.92 in the SEFCU preferred savings account. Anna made a motion that she move $3,000 from the savings account into a six-month CD. Elly seconded the motion and the motion passed. Correspondence included a newsletter from the New Scotland Historical Society.
Old business: Clean-up date for closing the Saddlemire Homestead was set for Monday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
On Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. Dennis and Bill will attend the ceremony at the Knox Fire House for the Hometown Heroes. Banners which have lined Rt. 156 in Knox will be taken down. Dennis, on behalf of the KHS, will accept the banner for Daniel Nye. The banner will be housed in the Saddlemire Homestead.
The light switch in the Reading Room in the Homestead needs to be replaced. Bill agreed to replace the switch.
Paul Axel-Lute sent an email stating that he has completed a rough transcription of all of the Merrymen’s Tea House guest books into an Excel spreadsheet. He has compiled statistics on the guests and where they came from. Paul will do more corrective work and reformatting on the spreadsheet and then the entire spreadsheet can be posted on the KHS website. Ray also has a copy of the work. Paul will do some sort of write-up describing the guest books, perhaps quoting some amusing and interesting notes found in the books. We thank Paul for his expert work on this project.
New Business: Dennis received an inquiry from Donna Blake who is looking for information about her family, the Erdenbrechts, who lived in Knox in the past. Dennis will email Donna Blake and will then send the inquiry to town historian, Kathleen Putzig.
KHS would like to honor the legacy of Pauline Williman who died on July 31 at the age of 93. Anna will contact Gary Salisbury, Pauline’s nephew, to see if he has any photos we could scan. KHS will then try to collect family stories from Gary and also from Terry Schinnerer, Pauline’s niece.
Nickie Gladieux would like to donate items that belonged to the late Mildred Wolford Bogardus who lived in Knox many years ago. Items include three sewing baskets, two mirrors, a ukulele type instrument, and a box decorated with wood-burned designs and signed by Mildred. Linda made a motion to accept the items, Elly seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Jackie Athearn would like to donate photos and other items that belonged to the Saddlemire family. Jackie has identified as many photos as she could, placing names on the photos. The collection of items needs to be sorted and photos and memorabilia will then be arranged in a scrapbook.
Terry used a metal detector on land across the road from Dennis’ house and found a hoe and a shovel or spade. Terry estimates that the tools date from c1760-1780. Dennis said the property probably belonged to the Quay family years ago. Terry will fill out an accession form.
Elly recommended that when Dennis speaks at the Memorial Day parade to introduce the winners of the Memorial Day essay contest, he welcomes all veterans and asks that they step forward to be recognized.
Elly also suggested that KHS have a designated member document any program we have with photos, audio, and/or video. Anna has photos of the student winners of the Memorial Day essay contest. Anna will email the photos to Donna and the information will be added to the KHS website. Dennis will email photos from the Jay Francis program to Donna. Donna will ask Jay Francis if he has any notes from his presentation that can be added to the KHS website.
Cliff Oliver is available to present a program on Solomon Northrup to the BKW students during the school day. We have a grant from the Stewarts Holiday Match program to fund this performance. Annette Landry, principal of BKW Elementary School said she will work on scheduling the program.
Linda asked how we can encourage more BKW students to participate in the Memorial Day essay contest. In 2019 no essays were received from BKW students. Linda will draft a letter and Dennis will forward the letter to BKWCSD administration.
There will not be a November KHS meeting because Election Day falls on our regular meeting date. The next meeting will be February 4, 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The September meeting minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna presented the Treasurer’s Report. KHS has $588.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,088.92 in the SEFCU preferred savings account. Anna made a motion that she move $3,000 from the savings account into a six-month CD. Elly seconded the motion and the motion passed. Correspondence included a newsletter from the New Scotland Historical Society.
Old business: Clean-up date for closing the Saddlemire Homestead was set for Monday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
On Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. Dennis and Bill will attend the ceremony at the Knox Fire House for the Hometown Heroes. Banners which have lined Rt. 156 in Knox will be taken down. Dennis, on behalf of the KHS, will accept the banner for Daniel Nye. The banner will be housed in the Saddlemire Homestead.
The light switch in the Reading Room in the Homestead needs to be replaced. Bill agreed to replace the switch.
Paul Axel-Lute sent an email stating that he has completed a rough transcription of all of the Merrymen’s Tea House guest books into an Excel spreadsheet. He has compiled statistics on the guests and where they came from. Paul will do more corrective work and reformatting on the spreadsheet and then the entire spreadsheet can be posted on the KHS website. Ray also has a copy of the work. Paul will do some sort of write-up describing the guest books, perhaps quoting some amusing and interesting notes found in the books. We thank Paul for his expert work on this project.
New Business: Dennis received an inquiry from Donna Blake who is looking for information about her family, the Erdenbrechts, who lived in Knox in the past. Dennis will email Donna Blake and will then send the inquiry to town historian, Kathleen Putzig.
KHS would like to honor the legacy of Pauline Williman who died on July 31 at the age of 93. Anna will contact Gary Salisbury, Pauline’s nephew, to see if he has any photos we could scan. KHS will then try to collect family stories from Gary and also from Terry Schinnerer, Pauline’s niece.
Nickie Gladieux would like to donate items that belonged to the late Mildred Wolford Bogardus who lived in Knox many years ago. Items include three sewing baskets, two mirrors, a ukulele type instrument, and a box decorated with wood-burned designs and signed by Mildred. Linda made a motion to accept the items, Elly seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Jackie Athearn would like to donate photos and other items that belonged to the Saddlemire family. Jackie has identified as many photos as she could, placing names on the photos. The collection of items needs to be sorted and photos and memorabilia will then be arranged in a scrapbook.
Terry used a metal detector on land across the road from Dennis’ house and found a hoe and a shovel or spade. Terry estimates that the tools date from c1760-1780. Dennis said the property probably belonged to the Quay family years ago. Terry will fill out an accession form.
Elly recommended that when Dennis speaks at the Memorial Day parade to introduce the winners of the Memorial Day essay contest, he welcomes all veterans and asks that they step forward to be recognized.
Elly also suggested that KHS have a designated member document any program we have with photos, audio, and/or video. Anna has photos of the student winners of the Memorial Day essay contest. Anna will email the photos to Donna and the information will be added to the KHS website. Dennis will email photos from the Jay Francis program to Donna. Donna will ask Jay Francis if he has any notes from his presentation that can be added to the KHS website.
Cliff Oliver is available to present a program on Solomon Northrup to the BKW students during the school day. We have a grant from the Stewarts Holiday Match program to fund this performance. Annette Landry, principal of BKW Elementary School said she will work on scheduling the program.
Linda asked how we can encourage more BKW students to participate in the Memorial Day essay contest. In 2019 no essays were received from BKW students. Linda will draft a letter and Dennis will forward the letter to BKWCSD administration.
There will not be a November KHS meeting because Election Day falls on our regular meeting date. The next meeting will be February 4, 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
September 3, 2019 minutes
The Sept. 3, 2019 meeting of the KHS was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Terry Baldwin, Linda Devenpeck, Bill Donato, Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The July 2019 minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna gave the Treasurer's Report. $157.81 was paid for the insurance policy which covers the contents of the Saddlemire Homestead. Dennis will check with town officials to see what their insurance policy covers. Dennis will check to see if the fire detector system in the Homestead can be hooked up with the fire department. Additional bills paid include the Go Daddy domain bill in the amount of $21.17 and the USPS mail box rental fee of $92. KHS now has $483.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,087.24 in the SEFCU preferred savings account. Linda made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Bill seconded it, and the motion passed.
Correspondence included a note from the Helderberg Family and Community Organization. This organization is contacting local community groups and asking that each group decorate a Christmas tree with the theme of their organization. Another option is to place an ad in a booklet that the HFCO will produce. Dennis will contact Mary Ellen Gillis, the HFCO coordinator to get more information from her or to ask her to come to our October meeting to give us more information.
Additional correspondence included the Knox Newsletter in which Dennis wrote up a history of Henry Knox for whom our town is named. Included in the article is a photo of Dennis holding an engraving and autograph of Henry Knox. These items were donated by Steven Glazer. Donna will photocopy the article and photo and will send them to Steven.
Old Business: The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat., Sept. 7 from noon until 2 p.m. as part of the Discover the Hilltowns weekend. Donna, Anna, and Ray will staff the Homestead.
Discussion was held regarding the best day for the Homestead to be open in the summer months. It was decided that in 2020 the Homestead will be open on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. in the months of June and July. KHS will advertise the hours in the Knox Newsletter and the Altamont Enterprise community calendar. Perhaps an article could be written in the Enterprise about the Homestead.
Bill is waiting for an estimate on the cost of replacing the porch floor on the Homestead.
The July 14 program presented by Jay Francis was well attended and well received. Dennis took some photos and he will email them to Donna so that they can be added to the KHS web page.
Donna spoke to re-enactor Clifford Oliver about presenting a program at BKW. The program would be funded by the Stewart’s grant we had received. Clifford suggested that he research an African American soldier who was with Henry Knox during the Revolutionary War. Donna will contact Mr. Oliver to see how his research is going and when he could possibly present a program at BKW.
Jay suggested a local re-enactor, Jim Wolford. Jay gave Donna Jim’s contact information.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair in the Farm House Museum. The display was titled “How We Traveled to and Settled in Knox”. Research by the late Dan Driscoll on the Palatine Trail and Plank Road was displayed in the exhibit. The theme for the 2020 Fair may be Industry and if so KHS could display artifacts from the pillbox industry.
New Business: There will be a town program in November when the Hometown Heroes banners are removed from the roadway in Knox. Banners will be given to family members. Dennis suggested that the banner for Daniel Nye be given to KHS and be displayed in the Patriots Room. Dennis would accept the banner on behalf of KHS. Bill made a motion to accept the banner and display it in the Homestead, Linda seconded it, and the motion passed.
Dennis received items from the Knox Reformed Church. Items included a sketch of the Merrymen’s Tea House, a doll in a cradle with a quilt, and a register from the Knox Cave. Linda made a motion to accept the items, Terry seconded it, and the motion passed. Donna will accession the items. Dennis will send a thank you note to Sandra Quay at the Knox Reformed Church.
Ray suggested that the Sesquicentennial booklet which had been reissued in 2014, be revised to reflect current information. Louis Saddlemire has information about the cemeteries that could possibly be added. Information about the Jay Francis farm and other farms could be added. Ray thinks that John Elberfeld’s files from his work on the 2014 reissue are in the Homestead. Ray will try to locate the files.
Roger Chapman’s program on tools has been postponed until 2020.
A date for the Homestead clean-up will be set at the October meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The July 2019 minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna gave the Treasurer's Report. $157.81 was paid for the insurance policy which covers the contents of the Saddlemire Homestead. Dennis will check with town officials to see what their insurance policy covers. Dennis will check to see if the fire detector system in the Homestead can be hooked up with the fire department. Additional bills paid include the Go Daddy domain bill in the amount of $21.17 and the USPS mail box rental fee of $92. KHS now has $483.25 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,087.24 in the SEFCU preferred savings account. Linda made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Bill seconded it, and the motion passed.
Correspondence included a note from the Helderberg Family and Community Organization. This organization is contacting local community groups and asking that each group decorate a Christmas tree with the theme of their organization. Another option is to place an ad in a booklet that the HFCO will produce. Dennis will contact Mary Ellen Gillis, the HFCO coordinator to get more information from her or to ask her to come to our October meeting to give us more information.
Additional correspondence included the Knox Newsletter in which Dennis wrote up a history of Henry Knox for whom our town is named. Included in the article is a photo of Dennis holding an engraving and autograph of Henry Knox. These items were donated by Steven Glazer. Donna will photocopy the article and photo and will send them to Steven.
Old Business: The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat., Sept. 7 from noon until 2 p.m. as part of the Discover the Hilltowns weekend. Donna, Anna, and Ray will staff the Homestead.
Discussion was held regarding the best day for the Homestead to be open in the summer months. It was decided that in 2020 the Homestead will be open on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. in the months of June and July. KHS will advertise the hours in the Knox Newsletter and the Altamont Enterprise community calendar. Perhaps an article could be written in the Enterprise about the Homestead.
Bill is waiting for an estimate on the cost of replacing the porch floor on the Homestead.
The July 14 program presented by Jay Francis was well attended and well received. Dennis took some photos and he will email them to Donna so that they can be added to the KHS web page.
Donna spoke to re-enactor Clifford Oliver about presenting a program at BKW. The program would be funded by the Stewart’s grant we had received. Clifford suggested that he research an African American soldier who was with Henry Knox during the Revolutionary War. Donna will contact Mr. Oliver to see how his research is going and when he could possibly present a program at BKW.
Jay suggested a local re-enactor, Jim Wolford. Jay gave Donna Jim’s contact information.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair in the Farm House Museum. The display was titled “How We Traveled to and Settled in Knox”. Research by the late Dan Driscoll on the Palatine Trail and Plank Road was displayed in the exhibit. The theme for the 2020 Fair may be Industry and if so KHS could display artifacts from the pillbox industry.
New Business: There will be a town program in November when the Hometown Heroes banners are removed from the roadway in Knox. Banners will be given to family members. Dennis suggested that the banner for Daniel Nye be given to KHS and be displayed in the Patriots Room. Dennis would accept the banner on behalf of KHS. Bill made a motion to accept the banner and display it in the Homestead, Linda seconded it, and the motion passed.
Dennis received items from the Knox Reformed Church. Items included a sketch of the Merrymen’s Tea House, a doll in a cradle with a quilt, and a register from the Knox Cave. Linda made a motion to accept the items, Terry seconded it, and the motion passed. Donna will accession the items. Dennis will send a thank you note to Sandra Quay at the Knox Reformed Church.
Ray suggested that the Sesquicentennial booklet which had been reissued in 2014, be revised to reflect current information. Louis Saddlemire has information about the cemeteries that could possibly be added. Information about the Jay Francis farm and other farms could be added. Ray thinks that John Elberfeld’s files from his work on the 2014 reissue are in the Homestead. Ray will try to locate the files.
Roger Chapman’s program on tools has been postponed until 2020.
A date for the Homestead clean-up will be set at the October meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
July 2, 2019 minutes
The July 2, 2019 meeting of the KHS was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Vice President Linda Devenpeck. Members present included Terry Baldwin, Bill Donato, Elly Czebiniak, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The June 2019 minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna gave the Treasurer's Report. KHS has a total of $1.17 in the SEFCU Mint, $854.23 in the SEFCU Checking, and $4,063.77 in the SEFCU Preferred saving. Anna opened a second SEFCU PRIME account because it earns a higher interest rate. Anna presented a letter from Paul Tonko about a grant for non-profit groups. This national grant, due on August 8, was discussed. Members decided not to pursue this grant.
Terry said that he received a request that the Hometown Heroes banner for Daniel Nye be displayed and kept in the Saddlemire Homestead. Other Hometown Heroes banners will be given to family members. All banners on Rt. 156 will be taken down in the fall.
Ray reported that he has restored a boom-box which can now be used for playing CDs owned by KHS during our programs. Donna will check the inventory and will put some CDs near the boombox.
Ray has framed a steel engraving of Henry Knox which is identical to the item received from Steven Glazer. The engraving received from Mr. Glazer will hang in the Town Hall. The framed engraving from Ray will hang in the Patriot's room.
Paul Axel-Lute has scanned the pages from the Merrymen's guest book. These pdf files are on the KHS website under Activities of the KHS 2019. We thank Paul for his work.
Donna reported that a scanned copy of Margaret Torok's book and her book about her grandparents have been scanned and can be accessed on the website under the tab Memories of Knox. Donna hopes to eventually interview Jan Van Etten.
Jay Francis will speak about the five generations of his family who have lived in Knox on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 pm. Elly and Donna will supply baked goods. Ray will supply iced tea and lemonade. Linda will bring paper goods. Donna will ask Jayson Romanczuk to advertise this program on Facebook. Donna will ask Dennis to advertise the program on the Firehouse electronic sign.
Dennis has the sign-up sheet for members to staff the Homestead on Saturdays in July and August from noon until 2 p.m. Donna will ask Dennis to email the sign-up sheet so that we know which dates are already scheduled.
Linda adjourned the meeting at 7:50 pm.
The next meeting is Tuesday, August 6 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The June 2019 minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna gave the Treasurer's Report. KHS has a total of $1.17 in the SEFCU Mint, $854.23 in the SEFCU Checking, and $4,063.77 in the SEFCU Preferred saving. Anna opened a second SEFCU PRIME account because it earns a higher interest rate. Anna presented a letter from Paul Tonko about a grant for non-profit groups. This national grant, due on August 8, was discussed. Members decided not to pursue this grant.
Terry said that he received a request that the Hometown Heroes banner for Daniel Nye be displayed and kept in the Saddlemire Homestead. Other Hometown Heroes banners will be given to family members. All banners on Rt. 156 will be taken down in the fall.
Ray reported that he has restored a boom-box which can now be used for playing CDs owned by KHS during our programs. Donna will check the inventory and will put some CDs near the boombox.
Ray has framed a steel engraving of Henry Knox which is identical to the item received from Steven Glazer. The engraving received from Mr. Glazer will hang in the Town Hall. The framed engraving from Ray will hang in the Patriot's room.
Paul Axel-Lute has scanned the pages from the Merrymen's guest book. These pdf files are on the KHS website under Activities of the KHS 2019. We thank Paul for his work.
Donna reported that a scanned copy of Margaret Torok's book and her book about her grandparents have been scanned and can be accessed on the website under the tab Memories of Knox. Donna hopes to eventually interview Jan Van Etten.
Jay Francis will speak about the five generations of his family who have lived in Knox on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 pm. Elly and Donna will supply baked goods. Ray will supply iced tea and lemonade. Linda will bring paper goods. Donna will ask Jayson Romanczuk to advertise this program on Facebook. Donna will ask Dennis to advertise the program on the Firehouse electronic sign.
Dennis has the sign-up sheet for members to staff the Homestead on Saturdays in July and August from noon until 2 p.m. Donna will ask Dennis to email the sign-up sheet so that we know which dates are already scheduled.
Linda adjourned the meeting at 7:50 pm.
The next meeting is Tuesday, August 6 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
June 4, 2019 Minutes
The June 4, 2019 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber at 7:10 p.m. Members present included Terry Baldwin, Elly Czebiniak, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna presented the Treasurer's Report. Dues for 2019-2020 have been received from some members. Three copies of the Knox Sesquicentennial booklet have been returned from the Schoharie Historical Society. They sold 2 copies of the 5 copies we had given them.
KHS has $897.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4063.24 in the SEFCU savings account.
Correspondence included a notice from the Irish American Heritage Museum about an exhibit they are presenting on County Mayo. The exhibit runs from June 9-July 15.
The Duanesburg Historical Society has a Family History Day on June 9 from 1-3 p.m.
Dennis gave 2 bills to Anna: for the Open sign and for the hanging baskets. Donna had a bill for the Shutterfly books made about Alvy and Ethel White and about Margaret Nicholson Torok. Ray made a motion to pay the 3 bills and Ely seconded it. The motion passed.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open Saturday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. for the Pucker Street Fair. On Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. Jay Francis will present a program about the 5 generations of his family who have lived in Knox. The Homestead will be open on Saturdays in July and August from noon to 2 p.m. Members can sign up to be the host at the Homestead.
The Saddlemire Homestead was open for the Memorial Day parade. Sixteen people signed the guest register but many more people visited the Homestead. The 1st and 3rd place winners of the Memorial Day essay contest read their essays during the ceremony. All 3 winners were from the Helderberg Christian School. Next year KHS will have to make sure the information sent to BKW CSD about the contest is actually distributed to the students. A visitor on Memorial Day asked if there were copies of the 1867 Beers map of Knox available for sale. No copies of the map are left. Ray has the image file for the map and will have copies made at Corner Gateway.
New Venetian blinds will be purchased for the Homestead: 4 for the School Room, 1 for the Knox Cave room, 3 for the Pill box room. Dennis will measure the windows and get prices from area dealers.
The town is willing to pay for a new front porch for the Homestead. Bill Donato will get estimates for the job.
Bill will get a frame for the Henry Knox picture and autograph that was donated by Steven Glazer. This will hang in the Knox Town Hall.
Donna will write a letter to the editor at the Altamont Enterprise about upcoming events scheduled: Homestead open on Saturday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. for the Pucker Street Fair; open on Saturdays from 12-2 p.m. on Saturdays in July and August; Jay Francis program on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m.
We will check out re-enactors that Nancy Frueh has suggested. We want to schedule a program for BKW students using the $500 received from the Stewarts grant.
The next meeting is Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, KHS Secretary
The minutes were accepted as emailed.
Anna presented the Treasurer's Report. Dues for 2019-2020 have been received from some members. Three copies of the Knox Sesquicentennial booklet have been returned from the Schoharie Historical Society. They sold 2 copies of the 5 copies we had given them.
KHS has $897.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4063.24 in the SEFCU savings account.
Correspondence included a notice from the Irish American Heritage Museum about an exhibit they are presenting on County Mayo. The exhibit runs from June 9-July 15.
The Duanesburg Historical Society has a Family History Day on June 9 from 1-3 p.m.
Dennis gave 2 bills to Anna: for the Open sign and for the hanging baskets. Donna had a bill for the Shutterfly books made about Alvy and Ethel White and about Margaret Nicholson Torok. Ray made a motion to pay the 3 bills and Ely seconded it. The motion passed.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open Saturday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. for the Pucker Street Fair. On Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. Jay Francis will present a program about the 5 generations of his family who have lived in Knox. The Homestead will be open on Saturdays in July and August from noon to 2 p.m. Members can sign up to be the host at the Homestead.
The Saddlemire Homestead was open for the Memorial Day parade. Sixteen people signed the guest register but many more people visited the Homestead. The 1st and 3rd place winners of the Memorial Day essay contest read their essays during the ceremony. All 3 winners were from the Helderberg Christian School. Next year KHS will have to make sure the information sent to BKW CSD about the contest is actually distributed to the students. A visitor on Memorial Day asked if there were copies of the 1867 Beers map of Knox available for sale. No copies of the map are left. Ray has the image file for the map and will have copies made at Corner Gateway.
New Venetian blinds will be purchased for the Homestead: 4 for the School Room, 1 for the Knox Cave room, 3 for the Pill box room. Dennis will measure the windows and get prices from area dealers.
The town is willing to pay for a new front porch for the Homestead. Bill Donato will get estimates for the job.
Bill will get a frame for the Henry Knox picture and autograph that was donated by Steven Glazer. This will hang in the Knox Town Hall.
Donna will write a letter to the editor at the Altamont Enterprise about upcoming events scheduled: Homestead open on Saturday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. for the Pucker Street Fair; open on Saturdays from 12-2 p.m. on Saturdays in July and August; Jay Francis program on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m.
We will check out re-enactors that Nancy Frueh has suggested. We want to schedule a program for BKW students using the $500 received from the Stewarts grant.
The next meeting is Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, KHS Secretary
May 7, 2019 minutes
The KHS meeting was called to order by President Dennis Barber at 7:05 p.m. Members present included Paul Axel-Lute, Terry Baldwin, Elly Czebiniak, Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The April meeting minutes had been recorded by Linda Devenpeck. Dennis read the minutes. The minutes were accepted as corrected.
Anna presented the Treasurer’s report. Dues for 2019-20 are being collected now: $10 for individuals, $20 for family membership. We have received $25 from Pat Pinchbeck who gave the monetary donation in memory of Elizabeth Stevens, who died in 2012. KHS will decide how to honor Elizabeth with this donation. Perhaps KHS can interview friends of Elizabeth. KHS has $347.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,060.17 in the SEFCU savings account.
Ray coordinated the work of the Nominating Committee. Elly made a motion to accept the slate of officers as follows: Dennis Barber – President; Linda Devenpeck – Vice-President; Donna Gwin –Secretary; Anna Wolfe –Treasurer; and Bill Donato, Elly Czebiniak, and Nancy Frueh, Trustees. Paul seconded the motion. The motion passed. Officers and trustees are in office May 2019-May 2020.
Paul has been uploading pages from the Merrymen’s Tea House Guest Book, 1927-1941, to the KHS website. Discussion was held regarding the best format for the scanned pages, either Pdf, tiff, or Scribd document. It was decided that pdf documents work best. This method does take up more storage space on our website. Paul asked how much storage space KHS is allotted on the Weebly website. Donna will find out from Weebly.
Rev. Jay Francis will present a talk on the Five Generations of the Francis Family on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Saddlemire Homestead. His family has been on their farm, Ever Flowing Springs Farm, since 1876.
Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. will be clean-up day at the Saddlemire Homestead. An additional clean-up day will be held Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m.
Members are needed to open the Homestead on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Elly will bake and Dennis will bring lemonade.
Donna has been working on Shutterfly books about Margaret Nicholson Torok and about her grandparents, Ethel and Alvy White. The cost of each book is approximately $31. Jay made a motion that Donna spend $31 on each book. Elly seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Roger Chapman will present a program this summer at the Homestead about old machinery. Dennis will confirm a date with Roger.
Bill has been working on framing the items donated by Steven Glazer: a picture and signature of Henry Knox and a framed document honoring Daniel Crary for having the best organized farm in Knox in 1823.
The 2nd annual Memorial Day essay contest was open to students in BKW and the Helderberg Christian School. No essays were received from BKW. Five essays were received from Helderberg Christian School. Essays were read and names of the essayists were not revealed. Members then ranked the essays and awarded 1st place to Owen Czebiniak, 2nd place to Jackson Collins, and 3rd place to Kimberly Stark. Donna will notify the school that the students have won and will ask if the students will be available to read their essay at the Knox Memorial Day parade at noon. Cash prizes will be awarded at that time: $50 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd place, $10 for 3rd place.
Elly will update the thank you notes with the new names of the KHS officers and trustees.
Dennis will contact Bob Giebitz to see if Bob is available to speak on the geology of the area. We would like to have him speak during the NYS Path through History weekend June 15-16. If Bob is available, Donna will check with Zenie Gladieux to find someone who can videotape Bob’s talk.
KHS has received a $500 grant from Stewarts. We would like to use the money to fund a program at BKW. Dennis will speak to Nancy to see if she has suggestions for a re-enactor. KHS will have to decide how to attract the largest school audience, either a daytime program during the school day or an evening program.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The April meeting minutes had been recorded by Linda Devenpeck. Dennis read the minutes. The minutes were accepted as corrected.
Anna presented the Treasurer’s report. Dues for 2019-20 are being collected now: $10 for individuals, $20 for family membership. We have received $25 from Pat Pinchbeck who gave the monetary donation in memory of Elizabeth Stevens, who died in 2012. KHS will decide how to honor Elizabeth with this donation. Perhaps KHS can interview friends of Elizabeth. KHS has $347.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4,060.17 in the SEFCU savings account.
Ray coordinated the work of the Nominating Committee. Elly made a motion to accept the slate of officers as follows: Dennis Barber – President; Linda Devenpeck – Vice-President; Donna Gwin –Secretary; Anna Wolfe –Treasurer; and Bill Donato, Elly Czebiniak, and Nancy Frueh, Trustees. Paul seconded the motion. The motion passed. Officers and trustees are in office May 2019-May 2020.
Paul has been uploading pages from the Merrymen’s Tea House Guest Book, 1927-1941, to the KHS website. Discussion was held regarding the best format for the scanned pages, either Pdf, tiff, or Scribd document. It was decided that pdf documents work best. This method does take up more storage space on our website. Paul asked how much storage space KHS is allotted on the Weebly website. Donna will find out from Weebly.
Rev. Jay Francis will present a talk on the Five Generations of the Francis Family on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Saddlemire Homestead. His family has been on their farm, Ever Flowing Springs Farm, since 1876.
Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. will be clean-up day at the Saddlemire Homestead. An additional clean-up day will be held Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m.
Members are needed to open the Homestead on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Elly will bake and Dennis will bring lemonade.
Donna has been working on Shutterfly books about Margaret Nicholson Torok and about her grandparents, Ethel and Alvy White. The cost of each book is approximately $31. Jay made a motion that Donna spend $31 on each book. Elly seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Roger Chapman will present a program this summer at the Homestead about old machinery. Dennis will confirm a date with Roger.
Bill has been working on framing the items donated by Steven Glazer: a picture and signature of Henry Knox and a framed document honoring Daniel Crary for having the best organized farm in Knox in 1823.
The 2nd annual Memorial Day essay contest was open to students in BKW and the Helderberg Christian School. No essays were received from BKW. Five essays were received from Helderberg Christian School. Essays were read and names of the essayists were not revealed. Members then ranked the essays and awarded 1st place to Owen Czebiniak, 2nd place to Jackson Collins, and 3rd place to Kimberly Stark. Donna will notify the school that the students have won and will ask if the students will be available to read their essay at the Knox Memorial Day parade at noon. Cash prizes will be awarded at that time: $50 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd place, $10 for 3rd place.
Elly will update the thank you notes with the new names of the KHS officers and trustees.
Dennis will contact Bob Giebitz to see if Bob is available to speak on the geology of the area. We would like to have him speak during the NYS Path through History weekend June 15-16. If Bob is available, Donna will check with Zenie Gladieux to find someone who can videotape Bob’s talk.
KHS has received a $500 grant from Stewarts. We would like to use the money to fund a program at BKW. Dennis will speak to Nancy to see if she has suggestions for a re-enactor. KHS will have to decide how to attract the largest school audience, either a daytime program during the school day or an evening program.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
April 2, 2019 minutes
Meeting minutes of April 2, 2019
The meeting was brought to order by President Dennis Barber.
New KHS members are Terry Baldwin and Margaret Naughton. They filled out new member forms.
Paul Axel-Lute who also attended is another new member.
The Minutes from the March 6, 2019 meeting were accepted.
Anna Wolfe presented the treasurer’s report. A $500 grant from Stewart’s was received. We will use the money for a re-enactor.
Correspondence received included an announcement stating there will be a program at Ten Broeck Mansion on May 5th. The New Scotland Historical Society will present a program on Dutch Houses on May 7.
Our account with SEFCU was changed because of the new computer system.
Old Business: there will be a cleanup at the Saddlemire Homestead on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. and on Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m.
A slate of officers for 2019-20 has been nominated:
Dennis Barber, President
Linda Devenpeck, Vice President
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Anna Wolfe, Treasurer
Bill Donato, Trustee
Elly Czebiniak, Trustee
Nancy Frueh, Trustee
Members will vote on the slate at the May meeting.
Students at BKW middle and high school and at the Helderberg Christian School will be invited to participate in the 2nd annual essay contest for Memorial Day.
Paul Axel-Lute will be scanning the pages of the Merrymen’s TeaHouse Guest Book, 1927-1941.
There is a grant opportunity for research assistance for historical societies.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Saturdays in July and August from 12-2 p.m.
The Homestead will be open for the Puckerstreet Fair on Sat., June 22 from 12-2 p.m. There will be a sign up sheet.
Hometown Heroes Banners will be installed on the telephone poles in the hamlet of Knox.
New Business: Dennis will confirm the dates with Bob Giebitz, Jay Francis, Roger Chapman, and Lou Saddlemire for programs in the summer.
Maggie will check into getting display cases for the Homestead.
Items received from Steven Glazer include a picture and autograph of Henry Knox and a certificate awarded to Daniel Crary. These items will be framed and placed in the Town Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Devenpeck
The meeting was brought to order by President Dennis Barber.
New KHS members are Terry Baldwin and Margaret Naughton. They filled out new member forms.
Paul Axel-Lute who also attended is another new member.
The Minutes from the March 6, 2019 meeting were accepted.
Anna Wolfe presented the treasurer’s report. A $500 grant from Stewart’s was received. We will use the money for a re-enactor.
Correspondence received included an announcement stating there will be a program at Ten Broeck Mansion on May 5th. The New Scotland Historical Society will present a program on Dutch Houses on May 7.
Our account with SEFCU was changed because of the new computer system.
Old Business: there will be a cleanup at the Saddlemire Homestead on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. and on Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m.
A slate of officers for 2019-20 has been nominated:
Dennis Barber, President
Linda Devenpeck, Vice President
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Anna Wolfe, Treasurer
Bill Donato, Trustee
Elly Czebiniak, Trustee
Nancy Frueh, Trustee
Members will vote on the slate at the May meeting.
Students at BKW middle and high school and at the Helderberg Christian School will be invited to participate in the 2nd annual essay contest for Memorial Day.
Paul Axel-Lute will be scanning the pages of the Merrymen’s TeaHouse Guest Book, 1927-1941.
There is a grant opportunity for research assistance for historical societies.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Saturdays in July and August from 12-2 p.m.
The Homestead will be open for the Puckerstreet Fair on Sat., June 22 from 12-2 p.m. There will be a sign up sheet.
Hometown Heroes Banners will be installed on the telephone poles in the hamlet of Knox.
New Business: Dennis will confirm the dates with Bob Giebitz, Jay Francis, Roger Chapman, and Lou Saddlemire for programs in the summer.
Maggie will check into getting display cases for the Homestead.
Items received from Steven Glazer include a picture and autograph of Henry Knox and a certificate awarded to Daniel Crary. These items will be framed and placed in the Town Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Devenpeck
March 5, 2019 minutes
The March. 5, 2019 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber at 7:10 p.m. Members present included Linda Devinpeck, Bill Donato, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
The minutes of the February meeting were accepted as emailed.
Anna Wolfe presented the Treasurer’s Report, dated March 4, 2019. KHS has $347.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4060.17 in the SEFCU savings account. Anna received the KHS Absolute Charter in the mail from NYSED. We will frame the Charter and place it in the Saddlemire Homestead. Anna received a thank you note from MANY (Museum Association of New York) for our 2019 membership. Dennis plans to attend one day of the multi-day MANY Conference at Cooperstown (April 7-9). Anna also received a newsletter from the Pruyn House.
Old business: KHS is sponsoring the 2nd annual Memorial Day Essay Contest. The paperwork from the 2018 contest was updated for 2019 and was discussed. Dennis will find out class sizes and will bring the contest guidelines and entry forms to the BKW Social Studies middle and high school teachers on Monday, April 1. Dennis will pick up the essays on Friday, May 3. KHS members will judge the entries at the May 7 meeting. Donna suggested including students at the Helderberg Christian School and home-schoolers in the contest. Members agreed. Donna will make the contacts with these groups.
New Business: Ray will head the Nominating Committee to see if current officers and trustees wish to remain in their positions.
Donna suggested presenting a Powerpoint Presentation about Henry Knox and the Knox Trail at a future meeting.
Dennis would like to pursue obtaining grants for the KHS.
The Puckerstreet Fair will be on June 22 and 23. The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat., June 22 when the Fair begins. At the moment opening time of the Fair is uncertain.
Donna suggested compiling bound-book biographies of long-time Knox residents. A similar project was done by the Berne Library about 7 years ago. After interviewing and collecting photographs from the resident, the text and photos can be put on Shutterfly or a similar website to produce a bound-book. The cost is approximately $22 for an 8x8 book. Donna said she would like to begin the project by interviewing Margaret Nicholson Torok.
Zenie Gladieux had suggested asking Bob Giebitz to speak to KHS about geology. Members agreed it would be a great idea and will invite him to speak on Sat., June 15 in the afternoon on the porch of the Saddlemire Homestead. We will videotape his presentation. Donna will contact Zenie and we will invite Bob.
Upcoming KHS programs were advertised by Dennis in the Knox newsletter. Topics include: Knox Cemeteries with Lou Saddlemire, Farm Machinery with Roger Chapman, and the Francis Family History with Jay Francis. Dates and times will be announced.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The minutes of the February meeting were accepted as emailed.
Anna Wolfe presented the Treasurer’s Report, dated March 4, 2019. KHS has $347.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4060.17 in the SEFCU savings account. Anna received the KHS Absolute Charter in the mail from NYSED. We will frame the Charter and place it in the Saddlemire Homestead. Anna received a thank you note from MANY (Museum Association of New York) for our 2019 membership. Dennis plans to attend one day of the multi-day MANY Conference at Cooperstown (April 7-9). Anna also received a newsletter from the Pruyn House.
Old business: KHS is sponsoring the 2nd annual Memorial Day Essay Contest. The paperwork from the 2018 contest was updated for 2019 and was discussed. Dennis will find out class sizes and will bring the contest guidelines and entry forms to the BKW Social Studies middle and high school teachers on Monday, April 1. Dennis will pick up the essays on Friday, May 3. KHS members will judge the entries at the May 7 meeting. Donna suggested including students at the Helderberg Christian School and home-schoolers in the contest. Members agreed. Donna will make the contacts with these groups.
New Business: Ray will head the Nominating Committee to see if current officers and trustees wish to remain in their positions.
Donna suggested presenting a Powerpoint Presentation about Henry Knox and the Knox Trail at a future meeting.
Dennis would like to pursue obtaining grants for the KHS.
The Puckerstreet Fair will be on June 22 and 23. The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat., June 22 when the Fair begins. At the moment opening time of the Fair is uncertain.
Donna suggested compiling bound-book biographies of long-time Knox residents. A similar project was done by the Berne Library about 7 years ago. After interviewing and collecting photographs from the resident, the text and photos can be put on Shutterfly or a similar website to produce a bound-book. The cost is approximately $22 for an 8x8 book. Donna said she would like to begin the project by interviewing Margaret Nicholson Torok.
Zenie Gladieux had suggested asking Bob Giebitz to speak to KHS about geology. Members agreed it would be a great idea and will invite him to speak on Sat., June 15 in the afternoon on the porch of the Saddlemire Homestead. We will videotape his presentation. Donna will contact Zenie and we will invite Bob.
Upcoming KHS programs were advertised by Dennis in the Knox newsletter. Topics include: Knox Cemeteries with Lou Saddlemire, Farm Machinery with Roger Chapman, and the Francis Family History with Jay Francis. Dates and times will be announced.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
February 5, 2019 minutes
The Feb. 5, 2019 meeting of the Knox Historical Society was called to order by President Dennis Barber at 7:05 p.m. Members present included Elly Czebiniak, Linda Devinpeck, Bill Donato, Donna Gwin, and Ray Hand. Margaret Naughton who has recently moved to Knox also attended.
The minutes of the October meeting were accepted as emailed.
Anna Wolfe emailed the Treasurer’s Report, dated Jan. 21, 2019. KHS has $352.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4059.24 in the SEFCU savings account. Dennis received the KHS Correspondence from Anna which included newsletters from the historical societies of New Scotland, Spindle City, Guilderland, and from the Pruyn House. Dennis co-signed a $60 check for NYSED for our Absolute Charter. Dennis also co-signed a $25 checked for KHS membership in the NYS Museum Association.
Donna reported that a grant application was sent to the Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant Program.
The first essay contest for BKW middle and high school students was held in 2018. Prizes were awarded to the top 3 essay writers and 2 of the students read their essays at the Memorial Day parade in Knox. Members decided that the contest will be held again in 2019. Elly prepared the paperwork for the contest in 2018 and for 2019 Linda and Donna will update the paperwork. Entry forms will be delivered by Dennis to BKW teachers on April 1. Essays must be handed in to teachers by May 3. KHS members will judge the essays at the May 7 meeting. Essay winners will read their essays at the May 27 parade.
Dennis reported that he submitted an article about the Knox Historical Society for the Knox Newsletter which will be published soon. Dennis is arranging the following programs:
Members discussed obtaining additional NYS Historical Markers for additional sites in Knox. In 2018 we had considered a marker for the Knox Caves. For safety reasons the Cave Conservancy does not want to place a marker near the site of the Knox Caves. We can consider a marker for Knox School District #12 on Quay Road. That schoolhouse is now at the Altamont Fair.
Bill will be contacting a graphic artist to make a new sign for the Saddlemire Homestead.
Kevin Cooke donated 2 items to KHS: a menu from “That Place”, a restaurant on Thompson’s Lake that operated during Prohibition times, and a glass, possibly from one of the restaurants on Thompson’s Lake, found by Kevin while scuba diving in Thompson’s lake. The menu belonged to the Bill Salisbury family. Members voted to accession the items and we will search the Altamont Enterprise for more information about “That Place”.
Maggie Naughton introduced herself. She recently moved to Knox and is interested in finding out more about Knox’s history, especially tourism in the past.
In the spring Dennis and Bill will work on the front door of the Saddlemire Homestead.
The KHS application to the Greater Hudson Heritage Network was denied because we asked for help with our archival collection. If we apply again, we should ask for help with the physical collection only.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The minutes of the October meeting were accepted as emailed.
Anna Wolfe emailed the Treasurer’s Report, dated Jan. 21, 2019. KHS has $352.43 in the SEFCU checking account and $4059.24 in the SEFCU savings account. Dennis received the KHS Correspondence from Anna which included newsletters from the historical societies of New Scotland, Spindle City, Guilderland, and from the Pruyn House. Dennis co-signed a $60 check for NYSED for our Absolute Charter. Dennis also co-signed a $25 checked for KHS membership in the NYS Museum Association.
Donna reported that a grant application was sent to the Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant Program.
The first essay contest for BKW middle and high school students was held in 2018. Prizes were awarded to the top 3 essay writers and 2 of the students read their essays at the Memorial Day parade in Knox. Members decided that the contest will be held again in 2019. Elly prepared the paperwork for the contest in 2018 and for 2019 Linda and Donna will update the paperwork. Entry forms will be delivered by Dennis to BKW teachers on April 1. Essays must be handed in to teachers by May 3. KHS members will judge the essays at the May 7 meeting. Essay winners will read their essays at the May 27 parade.
Dennis reported that he submitted an article about the Knox Historical Society for the Knox Newsletter which will be published soon. Dennis is arranging the following programs:
- Jay Francis will talk about the 5 generations of the Francis Family in Knox
- Roger Chapman will present a Farm Machinery Day
- Lou Saddlemire will talk about the Cemeteries in Knox
Members discussed obtaining additional NYS Historical Markers for additional sites in Knox. In 2018 we had considered a marker for the Knox Caves. For safety reasons the Cave Conservancy does not want to place a marker near the site of the Knox Caves. We can consider a marker for Knox School District #12 on Quay Road. That schoolhouse is now at the Altamont Fair.
Bill will be contacting a graphic artist to make a new sign for the Saddlemire Homestead.
Kevin Cooke donated 2 items to KHS: a menu from “That Place”, a restaurant on Thompson’s Lake that operated during Prohibition times, and a glass, possibly from one of the restaurants on Thompson’s Lake, found by Kevin while scuba diving in Thompson’s lake. The menu belonged to the Bill Salisbury family. Members voted to accession the items and we will search the Altamont Enterprise for more information about “That Place”.
Maggie Naughton introduced herself. She recently moved to Knox and is interested in finding out more about Knox’s history, especially tourism in the past.
In the spring Dennis and Bill will work on the front door of the Saddlemire Homestead.
The KHS application to the Greater Hudson Heritage Network was denied because we asked for help with our archival collection. If we apply again, we should ask for help with the physical collection only.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary