The president called the meeting to order at 6:25 PM with 15 members present.

The news report was read.

The minutes of the November 18, 2003 meeting were read.

The president reserved the Community Center for May 1, 2004 for the Historical Society Banquet. The treasurer will send a refundable deposit of $100 to the Extension Office.

A motion was made to pay the $75 liability insurance premium for April 15, 2004 use of the Courthouse auditorium and $75 for the May 1, 2004 Banquet. Motion passed.

The treasurer's report was given. Several people have paid their dues and one person made a donation.

One member talked about the Key Club helping at the Old Rockport Pioneer Cemetery on January 24, 2004. A thank you note will be sent.

A member suggested the DAR needs to get a marker on Daniel Grass's grave so it will be on the National Register.

Another member said a thank you note should be sent to Willis Fence Co. for the vinyl materials used as markers at the cemetery. Vinyl caps are ordered and more markers will be needed.

The descendants of Daniel Grass may want to furnish a marker for the cemetery.

Changing the membership year to January - December was discussed. It was tabled until we see copies of the by-laws.

A motion passed to pay expenses for creating the Historic Tour of Rockport CD and mailing the membership letters.

A motion passed to pay for Interim Reports to the Indiana Historic Landmarks Preservation. This had been paid previously, but the check was returned to the Society for some unknown reason.

A motion was made to advertise the books we have for sale in the newspapers.

Several members offered to help with the refreshments for the April 15, 2004 Lincoln Returns to Spencer County program. A member made a report on Charles Brame, The Living Lincoln, who will present the program. Rockport Printers will be printing the tickets and programs. A contract was signed for Mr. Brame for $200 with a $100 deposit. The program will start at 7:00 PM and all tickets will cost $7.00. The auditorium has 239 seats with room for removable chairs in the front. Discussion took place about banners, bunting, sound system, refreshments, and greetings at the door.

Discussion about the Historical Banquet was tabled until the next meeting.

The County Historian has resigned. Discussion about a new Historian was tabled until the next meeting.

A report was given about the blacksmith test of the metal on Boner Bridge. We should learn what is going to happen with the bridge this month.

A motion passed to split the cost of testing and testifying concerning the Boner Bridge. Possible maximum cost would be $200.

A report was given about the Huffman Mill bridge. Money is short so a "band-aid" repair is going to be done.

The next meeting will be February 17, 2004 at 6:30 PM in the Genealogy Room of the Rockport Public Library.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.