Greater Dover Historical Society

October 16, 2008

 

 

The regular meeting of the Greater Dover Historical Society was called to order by President Madelyn Shermeyer at 7:00 p.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church.  Members and guests present were:  Lori Koch, June Kinsey, Grace Trimmer, Carol Leathery, Jeff Koch, Madelyn Shermeyer, Nancy Amspacher, Lois Slothower, Melanie Green, Bill Coleman, Chris Coleman, Rebecca Roberts, Cindy Snyder, Kay Stitley, Michele Wiley, Jo Ott, Michael Hrinyak, Joyce Law, Larry Law, Ted Ziegler, Doris Burger, Zita Smith, Norma Botterbusch, Eugene Shue and Jim Avery.

 

President Shermeyer presented our guest speaker, Ms. June Lloyd, to speak on Frakturs, and gave members a brief overview of Ms. Lloyd’s professional history (see Addendum B).  At the conclusion of the presentation by Ms. Lloyd, there was a brief social break for questions and refreshments. A brief synopsis of Ms. Lloyd’s presentation is attached to the minutes as Addendum A.

 

The meeting was called back to order at 8:08 p.m. by President Shermeyer.  The September minutes were presented and President Shermeyer asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes.  A motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Larry Law and seconded by Jeff Koch.   All voted in favor and motion passed.

 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

The treasurer’s report for September 2008 was presented by Joyce Law:

 

Balance as of September 1, 2008                    $9,268.90

Deposits for September                                        464.44

Expenses for September                                       985.35

Balance as of September 30, 2008                  $8,747.99

 

There was a motion by Cindy Snyder to approve the treasurer’s report as presented and seconded by Vice President Kay Stitley.  All voted in favor and motion passed.

 

Archivist Report -- Dr. Drawbaugh was absent.  Assistant Archivist Gayle Heagy reported on the 4 boxes of items donated by Donna Senft.   Vice President Stitley reported that she had picked up the boxes which contained many items belonging to Donna’s mother – a baptismal certificate, confirmation certificate, diploma and a 1930’s poster from the York Fair.  Gayle reported there was a scrapbook of memorabilia collected by Mrs. Senft.  Gayle reported she received the following items donated by Janet Schwalm:   a photograph showing Chauncy Gross, a local Dover contractor, in his WW1 uniform; a photograph of Hazel Reynolds in her WW1 uniform; various materials relating to the first orphan’s court in York County (Janet Schwalm’s uncle, Harvey Gross, was the first president judge); and a 1936 commencement program from Dover High School. 

 

Gayle proceeded to show an item donated by Harlan Harlacker, Jr.  It was a tree stump carved out with a strap inserted inside and it was filled with grease to use on the axles of wagons.  Mr. Harlacker also donated a boxed Webster’s Dictionary dated November 30, 1884 from March’s School, Mr. W. H. Miller, teacher. 

 

 

 

Webpage Report – Brett Pfleiger was not present at the meeting.  President Shermeyer reported that Brett continues to work on the Blacksmith Shop link for the website; it is listed on the website as “coming soon”.   President Shermeyer stated she understands that Maureen App still does not have access to post items to the website.

 

Historian Report – Cindy Snyder did not have a report.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Blood Root – no report

 

Board of Directors – no report

 

Fall Fest – President Shermeyer reported it was a great day!  Please refer to Addendum C for additional details reported by President Shermeyer.   We had expenses of $251.97, projected revenue of approximately $1,172 which netted a profit around $900.

 

Blacksmith Shop open hours – Jo Ott reported on the September 20 open house at the Blacksmith Shop.  Jo reported there were 30 visitors, including 1 from New York City and 1 from Alaska.  A total of $79 was collected through items that were sold and $7 in donations was received.   

 

Adopt-a-Highway – Melanie Green reminded members the next pickup date will be October 18 at 8:00 a.m. at the same meeting location.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

BJ’s Club issue – President Shermeyer reported she did not plan to change her BJ’s membership to the GDHS.  It is not worthwhile since we do not spend enough at BJ’s.  President Shermeyer said another member can do it with their BJ’s membership if they so desire.

 

Elections in November – President Shermeyer reminded members the job descriptions for each officer and Board of Director are on the table.  President Shermeyer stated the treasurer/bookkeeper position is open, as well as 1 position for the Board of Directors.  Members should call Lori, Gayle or Lucia if they are interested in running for any position.

 

Webpage (Blacksmith Shop link) – A report was presented by President Shermeyer under the Webpage report given earlier in the meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

President Shermeyer reported she has 3 booklets on the table for members to take if they are interested.  She will have updated copies of the booklets after the election for the new state representative for the 196th district and new state senator for the 33rd district.

 

President Shermeyer reported that Don Hoffman (and his sister Ruth) has a farm located off Carlisle Road and he has a line shaft he is willing to donate to the GDHS.  Photographs of the line shaft were passed around for members to review.   A line shaft is used to shell or grind corn and it is approximately 20 feet long, with an 11 foot extension and attachments to hook onto the corn sheller.  We can store it in the archive shed once the timbers are moved out.  A voice vote was taken and a majority of members agreed to accept the donation of the line shaft from Don Hoffman.  It can be determined at a later date how to transport the equipment to the storage shed.

 

Joyce Law reminded any member who heads a committee to submit their budget expenses to her by the November 6 budget meeting. 

 

President Shermeyer stated the timbers and slate will be on the agenda for the next Board of Directors’ meeting in November.  Jo Ott questioned about putting an ad for the slate for sale on Craig’s List.  Larry Law asked about the man outside of Abbottstown who is back in business to purchase the timbers/lumber.  This suggestion will be discussed by the Board of Directors.

 

Larry Law asked to have a third directional sign made for the Blacksmith Shop open hours.  Vice President Stitley said she will have another sign cover made to put over the no parking signs we currently use.  

 

Gayle Heagy stated she had a poem about clotheslines she would like to submit for the next newsletter.  Gayle will give a copy to the secretary. 

 

There being no further questions or any suggestions from the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Lori Koch

GDHS secretary