Minutes 2023
In the absence of Pres. Dennis Barber the Sept. 5, 2023 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Donna Gwin, Secretary. Henry Whipple and Anna Wolfe were in attendance.
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,791.06. We have $285.67 in the checking account. We have $1410.18 in the preferred savings account. Because of the higher interest rate an additional $1,000 was put into the CD. We now have $4,095.21 in the CD. Anna contacted a new agent in Voorheesville for the Eastern Mutual Insurance company. KHS paid $157.81 for insurance. Anna will check with the new agent about increasing our coverage.
Old Business: The Saddlemire Homestead needs to be repainted. Russ Pokorny, Town supervisor, has an estimate for $8,000 for the job. It has been suggested that the shutters be replaced with vinyl shutters. Members are encouraged to attend the town board meeting on Sept. 12 at 7 pm to talk to the board about painting the Homestead.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair. The theme was the Anti-Rent wars.
Henry Whipple repainted two of the NYS historical markers that had faded. He repainted the Toll Gate #3 marker and the Pillbox Factory marker. Thank you, Henry!
New Business:
Donna made a motion that KHS offer $275 for the Town of ledgers Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887. The ledger is in the possession of antiques dealer Dennis Holzman in Cohoes. Henry seconded the motion and the motion passed. Anna will contact dealer Holzman.
Interested members will meet in October to clean up the Frinks family cemetery on Gibbs Road. Discussion was held about the small family cemeteries in the Town.
Paula Shafer said that the video of her Anti-Rent war play is in the possession of Nick Viscio who videotaped the play. Donna will contact Marie Viscio.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat. Oct. 7 from 11 am – 4 pm as part of the Path Through History Program.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,791.06. We have $285.67 in the checking account. We have $1410.18 in the preferred savings account. Because of the higher interest rate an additional $1,000 was put into the CD. We now have $4,095.21 in the CD. Anna contacted a new agent in Voorheesville for the Eastern Mutual Insurance company. KHS paid $157.81 for insurance. Anna will check with the new agent about increasing our coverage.
Old Business: The Saddlemire Homestead needs to be repainted. Russ Pokorny, Town supervisor, has an estimate for $8,000 for the job. It has been suggested that the shutters be replaced with vinyl shutters. Members are encouraged to attend the town board meeting on Sept. 12 at 7 pm to talk to the board about painting the Homestead.
KHS had a display at the Altamont Fair. The theme was the Anti-Rent wars.
Henry Whipple repainted two of the NYS historical markers that had faded. He repainted the Toll Gate #3 marker and the Pillbox Factory marker. Thank you, Henry!
New Business:
Donna made a motion that KHS offer $275 for the Town of ledgers Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887. The ledger is in the possession of antiques dealer Dennis Holzman in Cohoes. Henry seconded the motion and the motion passed. Anna will contact dealer Holzman.
Interested members will meet in October to clean up the Frinks family cemetery on Gibbs Road. Discussion was held about the small family cemeteries in the Town.
Paula Shafer said that the video of her Anti-Rent war play is in the possession of Nick Viscio who videotaped the play. Donna will contact Marie Viscio.
The Saddlemire Homestead will be open on Sat. Oct. 7 from 11 am – 4 pm as part of the Path Through History Program.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The June 6, 2023 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, Henry Whipple, and Anna Wolfe.
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,868.87. We have $1376.48 in the checking account. We have $1409.65 in the savings account. We have $3,082.57 in the CD. We have received $110 in dues so far for 2023. Anna will send an email reminder to members who have not paid thus far this year.
We discussed increasing insurance for the contents of the Saddlemire Homestead. The policy should include fire, theft, and vandalism. Anna will get quotes from the company for increasing the coverage from $8,000 to $15,000 or more.
Old Business: On Memorial Day 25 people visited the Homestead and signed our guest book. One of the essay winners, Trevor Stempel, read his essay after the Town memorial ceremony. Next year the theme of the essay contest will be “Remembering Those Who Served Our Country in the Military.” KHS would like to have the essay winner read their essay as part of the Town ceremony rather than afterwards on the Homestead porch.
We have two speakers lined up to speak as part of the “Stories on the Porch: series: Jay Francis will speak about the History of Hilltown Churches on Sunday, July 30 at 2-4pm at the Saddlemire Homestead. Dave Whipple will speak about the Whipple Solar Farm, date to be decided. We would like to find additional speakers for this series that will take place in July and August. Dennis will check with some locals to see if they would like to make a presentation.
KHS has not purchased the Ledger Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887 at this point from the antiques dealer in Cohoes. KHS was willing to offer $200 for the ledger but the seller will not consider less than $275. Dennis will check again with the dealer in a few months to see if the dealer will consider $200.
New Business: Discussion was held regarding the need for repainting some of the NYS Historical Markers in the Town. Henry Whipple has painted 2 of the markers already: the marker in front of the Saddlemire Homestead and the marker for the Whipple Farm. Henry will check out the other markers to determine which ones should be repainted.
Chandra Reis from the Altamont Fair asked if KHS would consider making a display for the Altamont Fair. We will display the Calico Indian costume and a tin horn. We will decide which other items should be included in the display with the theme of the Anti-Rent Wars.
Dennis will get 3 quotes for repainting the Saddlemire Homestead. The Town is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building.
Discussion was held about the small family cemeteries in the Town.
Dennis spoke to the Guilderland Historical Society on May 18 about the history of Knox.
We hope to get a copy of the video of the Anti-Rent Play from Paula Shafer Sisson.
Meeting adjourned at 8pm.
Respectfully submitted, Donna Gwin, Secretary
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,868.87. We have $1376.48 in the checking account. We have $1409.65 in the savings account. We have $3,082.57 in the CD. We have received $110 in dues so far for 2023. Anna will send an email reminder to members who have not paid thus far this year.
We discussed increasing insurance for the contents of the Saddlemire Homestead. The policy should include fire, theft, and vandalism. Anna will get quotes from the company for increasing the coverage from $8,000 to $15,000 or more.
Old Business: On Memorial Day 25 people visited the Homestead and signed our guest book. One of the essay winners, Trevor Stempel, read his essay after the Town memorial ceremony. Next year the theme of the essay contest will be “Remembering Those Who Served Our Country in the Military.” KHS would like to have the essay winner read their essay as part of the Town ceremony rather than afterwards on the Homestead porch.
We have two speakers lined up to speak as part of the “Stories on the Porch: series: Jay Francis will speak about the History of Hilltown Churches on Sunday, July 30 at 2-4pm at the Saddlemire Homestead. Dave Whipple will speak about the Whipple Solar Farm, date to be decided. We would like to find additional speakers for this series that will take place in July and August. Dennis will check with some locals to see if they would like to make a presentation.
KHS has not purchased the Ledger Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887 at this point from the antiques dealer in Cohoes. KHS was willing to offer $200 for the ledger but the seller will not consider less than $275. Dennis will check again with the dealer in a few months to see if the dealer will consider $200.
New Business: Discussion was held regarding the need for repainting some of the NYS Historical Markers in the Town. Henry Whipple has painted 2 of the markers already: the marker in front of the Saddlemire Homestead and the marker for the Whipple Farm. Henry will check out the other markers to determine which ones should be repainted.
Chandra Reis from the Altamont Fair asked if KHS would consider making a display for the Altamont Fair. We will display the Calico Indian costume and a tin horn. We will decide which other items should be included in the display with the theme of the Anti-Rent Wars.
Dennis will get 3 quotes for repainting the Saddlemire Homestead. The Town is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building.
Discussion was held about the small family cemeteries in the Town.
Dennis spoke to the Guilderland Historical Society on May 18 about the history of Knox.
We hope to get a copy of the video of the Anti-Rent Play from Paula Shafer Sisson.
Meeting adjourned at 8pm.
Respectfully submitted, Donna Gwin, Secretary
The May 2, 2023 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, Henry Whipple, and Anna Wolfe.
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,905.35. We have $1415.74 in the checking account. We have $1409.47 in the savings account. We have $3,079.97 in the CD. Anna issued a check for $99.26 to Donna for the photocopying of the Driving Tour, Dutch Barn Tour, 1866 Beers Town of Knox map, and cardstock.
Anna received correspondence from the Cohoes Spindle City Historical Society. Dues are due this month.
Old Business: Ray made a motion to nominate the slate of officers: Dennis Barber, President; Terry Baldwin, Vice-President; Anna Wolfe, Treasurer; Donna Gwin, Secretary; Nancy Frueh, Trustee; Ray Hand, Trustee; and Henry Whipple, Trustee. Henry seconded the motion. The motion passed.
BKW High School Principal Bonnie Kane said the school would welcome a visit from Knox Cave expert Mike Nardacci next October. We will coordinate a date that works for Mike. We are waiting to hear from the Helderberg Christian School to see if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on Knox Caves to their students.
Eleven essays were received from BKW for the Memorial Day essay contest, “Local and Family Heroes”. Essays will be judged at the conclusion of this meeting. Winners will be invited to read their essays at the conclusion of the Knox Memorial Day parade on May 29.
Loose photos that had been on a table in the Saddlemire Homestead Reading Room are being put into a binder. Very few photos have any identification on them.
Dennis will speak to the Guilderland Historical Society on Thursday, May 18 about life in Knox over the past 200 years.
Ray Weiler, town groundskeeper, will set aside mulch for the flower beds around the Saddlemire Homestead. KHS will spread the mulch.
Money has been set aside in the Town’s budget to paint the Homestead and repair the shutters.
We have two speakers lined up to speak as part of the “Stories on the Porch: series: Jay Francis will speak about churches, past and present, in Knox and Dave Whipple will speak about the family’s solar farm. We would like to find additional speakers for this series that will take place in July and August.
KHS has not purchased the Ledger Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887 from the antiques dealer in Cohoes. KHS was willing to offer $200 for the ledger but the seller would not consider less than $275.
New Business:
Henry Whipple told us that Deb Degan, who spoke about the Whipple Family History in August 2022, has been sick. Henry will provide us with Deb’s address and KHS will send her a card.
Eleven essays from BKW were judged (names of writers were not seen during the judging). Winners are:
1st Place winner. Trevor Stempel. $75
2nd Place winner. Jonathan Brach. $50
3rd Place winner. Manny Hooks. $25
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be June 6, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,905.35. We have $1415.74 in the checking account. We have $1409.47 in the savings account. We have $3,079.97 in the CD. Anna issued a check for $99.26 to Donna for the photocopying of the Driving Tour, Dutch Barn Tour, 1866 Beers Town of Knox map, and cardstock.
Anna received correspondence from the Cohoes Spindle City Historical Society. Dues are due this month.
Old Business: Ray made a motion to nominate the slate of officers: Dennis Barber, President; Terry Baldwin, Vice-President; Anna Wolfe, Treasurer; Donna Gwin, Secretary; Nancy Frueh, Trustee; Ray Hand, Trustee; and Henry Whipple, Trustee. Henry seconded the motion. The motion passed.
BKW High School Principal Bonnie Kane said the school would welcome a visit from Knox Cave expert Mike Nardacci next October. We will coordinate a date that works for Mike. We are waiting to hear from the Helderberg Christian School to see if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on Knox Caves to their students.
Eleven essays were received from BKW for the Memorial Day essay contest, “Local and Family Heroes”. Essays will be judged at the conclusion of this meeting. Winners will be invited to read their essays at the conclusion of the Knox Memorial Day parade on May 29.
Loose photos that had been on a table in the Saddlemire Homestead Reading Room are being put into a binder. Very few photos have any identification on them.
Dennis will speak to the Guilderland Historical Society on Thursday, May 18 about life in Knox over the past 200 years.
Ray Weiler, town groundskeeper, will set aside mulch for the flower beds around the Saddlemire Homestead. KHS will spread the mulch.
Money has been set aside in the Town’s budget to paint the Homestead and repair the shutters.
We have two speakers lined up to speak as part of the “Stories on the Porch: series: Jay Francis will speak about churches, past and present, in Knox and Dave Whipple will speak about the family’s solar farm. We would like to find additional speakers for this series that will take place in July and August.
KHS has not purchased the Ledger Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887 from the antiques dealer in Cohoes. KHS was willing to offer $200 for the ledger but the seller would not consider less than $275.
New Business:
Henry Whipple told us that Deb Degan, who spoke about the Whipple Family History in August 2022, has been sick. Henry will provide us with Deb’s address and KHS will send her a card.
Eleven essays from BKW were judged (names of writers were not seen during the judging). Winners are:
1st Place winner. Trevor Stempel. $75
2nd Place winner. Jonathan Brach. $50
3rd Place winner. Manny Hooks. $25
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be June 6, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The April 4, 2023 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Jay Francis, Donna Gwin, Ray Hand, and Anna Wolfe.
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,969.79. We have $1482.87in the checking account. We have $1409.30 in the savings account. We have $3,077.45 in the CD. Anna issued a check for $39.13 to Donna for the Blurb book about the Knox Bicentennial. Anna purchased 2 binders and inserts totaling about $40. She will be reimbursed for these purchases.
Anna received correspondence from the Duanesburg Historical Society and the New Scotland Historical Society.
Anna will send an email reminding members of Dues, due in May.
Old Business: Donna has asked current VP Terry Baldwin if he would be interested in remaining in the position of vice president of KHS. Terry said he can remain as VP if no one else is available for the position. Henry Whipple, Ray Hand, and Nancy Frueh also said they would be available for the trustee positions. Dennis, Anna, and Dennis are also willing to remain in their offices.
Donna asked administrators at BKW and the Helderberg Christian
School if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on local caves to the students in grades 7 and up. The Helderberg Christian School responded and said they would like to have Mike present a program and it will correlate well with the school’s visit to Howe Caverns. No response has been received from BKW yet.
Donna sent information regarding the Memorial Day essay contest, “Local and Family Heroes” to the Helderberg Christian School and BKW. Entries will be picked up on Friday, April 28. Essays will be judged at the May KHS meeting.
New Business:
There will be a clean-up at the Saddlemire Homestead on Wed., April 12 at 1 pm.
Ray brought an article from the Altamont Enterprise dated Feb. 13, 2023 titled Knox Cave: Mysteries geological and historical await intrepid explorers by Mike Nardacci. We will add the article to items in the Cave Room in the Saddlemire Homestead on our Clean-Up day.
Dennis received an email notifying him about a ledger available for sale ($375) on eBay. The ledger is titled Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887.Dennis then found out that the ledger is in the possession of antiques dealer Dennis Holzman in Cohoes. Holzan offered the ledger to Dennis for $275. After much discussion it was decided that Dennis should offer $100-$200 for the item.
Donna found 4 Albany County Board of Supervisors annual books at the Berne Library book sale. We will check to see if we have any of these annual books in the Homestead. If not, we will add them to the collection.
Ashlyn Hanley wrote a book titled Then and Now … Growing Up a Hilltowner. The book was written for Ashlyn’s Girl Scout award. Copies are available on Amazon. We will order 2 copies of the book for our collection.
We will update our tour guide sheets: Barn Tour, Driving Tour, Trails and Recreation and make additional copies.
Stories on the Porch will return on Sundays in the summer. Jay Francis offered to talk about churches in the town, past and present. Other possible topics include Solar Farms, Farming, and Pillboxes.
The display in the Town Hall should be changed. Possible displays are portraits or photos of homes that are hanging in the Homestead. We will decide on Clean-up day.
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be May 2, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,969.79. We have $1482.87in the checking account. We have $1409.30 in the savings account. We have $3,077.45 in the CD. Anna issued a check for $39.13 to Donna for the Blurb book about the Knox Bicentennial. Anna purchased 2 binders and inserts totaling about $40. She will be reimbursed for these purchases.
Anna received correspondence from the Duanesburg Historical Society and the New Scotland Historical Society.
Anna will send an email reminding members of Dues, due in May.
Old Business: Donna has asked current VP Terry Baldwin if he would be interested in remaining in the position of vice president of KHS. Terry said he can remain as VP if no one else is available for the position. Henry Whipple, Ray Hand, and Nancy Frueh also said they would be available for the trustee positions. Dennis, Anna, and Dennis are also willing to remain in their offices.
Donna asked administrators at BKW and the Helderberg Christian
School if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on local caves to the students in grades 7 and up. The Helderberg Christian School responded and said they would like to have Mike present a program and it will correlate well with the school’s visit to Howe Caverns. No response has been received from BKW yet.
Donna sent information regarding the Memorial Day essay contest, “Local and Family Heroes” to the Helderberg Christian School and BKW. Entries will be picked up on Friday, April 28. Essays will be judged at the May KHS meeting.
New Business:
There will be a clean-up at the Saddlemire Homestead on Wed., April 12 at 1 pm.
Ray brought an article from the Altamont Enterprise dated Feb. 13, 2023 titled Knox Cave: Mysteries geological and historical await intrepid explorers by Mike Nardacci. We will add the article to items in the Cave Room in the Saddlemire Homestead on our Clean-Up day.
Dennis received an email notifying him about a ledger available for sale ($375) on eBay. The ledger is titled Knox, New York Manuscript Town Records Ledger, 1851-1887.Dennis then found out that the ledger is in the possession of antiques dealer Dennis Holzman in Cohoes. Holzan offered the ledger to Dennis for $275. After much discussion it was decided that Dennis should offer $100-$200 for the item.
Donna found 4 Albany County Board of Supervisors annual books at the Berne Library book sale. We will check to see if we have any of these annual books in the Homestead. If not, we will add them to the collection.
Ashlyn Hanley wrote a book titled Then and Now … Growing Up a Hilltowner. The book was written for Ashlyn’s Girl Scout award. Copies are available on Amazon. We will order 2 copies of the book for our collection.
We will update our tour guide sheets: Barn Tour, Driving Tour, Trails and Recreation and make additional copies.
Stories on the Porch will return on Sundays in the summer. Jay Francis offered to talk about churches in the town, past and present. Other possible topics include Solar Farms, Farming, and Pillboxes.
The display in the Town Hall should be changed. Possible displays are portraits or photos of homes that are hanging in the Homestead. We will decide on Clean-up day.
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be May 2, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
The March 7, 2023 Knox Historical Society meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by President Dennis Barber. Members present included Donna Gwin and Anna Wolfe.
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,967.01. We have $1482.87in the checking account. We have $1409.12 in the savings account. We have $3,074.85 in the CD. Russ and Amy Pokorny purchased Bicentennial glasses and ornaments and gave them to town employees and board members. There are still a few glasses and ornaments remaining for sale.
Old Business: Donna will again ask administrators at BKW and the Helderberg Christian
School if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on local caves to the students.
Anna and Donna cleaned up the Frink Family Cemetery in October.
Donna is working on making a Blurb book about events that took place during Knox’s
Bicentennial year. Dennis will email photos to Donna from various events.
Money has been set aside in the Town budget to either paint the Saddlemire Homestead or put vinyl siding on it.
Dennis and Russ Pokorny will select items to place in a time capsule which will be placed in front of the Saddlemire Homestead.
Dennis will speak about the history of Knox at the Guilderland Historical Society meeting on May 18 at the Mynderse Frederick house at 7:30 pm.
New Business:
Nominations are being sought for positions in the Knox Historical Society. If you would like to be nominated for a position as an officer or trustee, please email Donna at [email protected]
Dennis will ask Paula Shafer for a DVD of the Anti-Rent play. We would like to show it sometime in 2023.
We will again have an essay contest open to students in middle and high school. The topic is “Local and Family Heroes”. Donna will contact administrators at Helderberg Christian School and at BKW. The deadline for submission of essays will be Friday, April 28. Papers will be judged by KHS members at the May 2 meeting.
Current history should be recorded. Dennis Cyr said he will take photos of the town's solar project on Street Road. We will ask Henry Whipple for photos and information about the solar farm on his property. Anna will check for information about other proposed solar projects.
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be April 4, 2023
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary
Minutes were accepted as emailed.
Treasurer’s report: KHS total assets are $5,967.01. We have $1482.87in the checking account. We have $1409.12 in the savings account. We have $3,074.85 in the CD. Russ and Amy Pokorny purchased Bicentennial glasses and ornaments and gave them to town employees and board members. There are still a few glasses and ornaments remaining for sale.
Old Business: Donna will again ask administrators at BKW and the Helderberg Christian
School if they would like to have Mike Nardacci present a program on local caves to the students.
Anna and Donna cleaned up the Frink Family Cemetery in October.
Donna is working on making a Blurb book about events that took place during Knox’s
Bicentennial year. Dennis will email photos to Donna from various events.
Money has been set aside in the Town budget to either paint the Saddlemire Homestead or put vinyl siding on it.
Dennis and Russ Pokorny will select items to place in a time capsule which will be placed in front of the Saddlemire Homestead.
Dennis will speak about the history of Knox at the Guilderland Historical Society meeting on May 18 at the Mynderse Frederick house at 7:30 pm.
New Business:
Nominations are being sought for positions in the Knox Historical Society. If you would like to be nominated for a position as an officer or trustee, please email Donna at [email protected]
Dennis will ask Paula Shafer for a DVD of the Anti-Rent play. We would like to show it sometime in 2023.
We will again have an essay contest open to students in middle and high school. The topic is “Local and Family Heroes”. Donna will contact administrators at Helderberg Christian School and at BKW. The deadline for submission of essays will be Friday, April 28. Papers will be judged by KHS members at the May 2 meeting.
Current history should be recorded. Dennis Cyr said he will take photos of the town's solar project on Street Road. We will ask Henry Whipple for photos and information about the solar farm on his property. Anna will check for information about other proposed solar projects.
The next Knox Historical Society meeting will be April 4, 2023
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gwin, Secretary