March 6, 2012

The Spencer County Historical Society met on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 in the Rockport Library Genealogy Room.

The meeting was called to order by the president at 6:30 PM with seven members present.

The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was given.

The secretary read letters from two members.  One was concerning the location of a plaque made by George Honig for Ernie Pyle.  It was at the Ernie Pyle Memorial in Dana, Indiana.  She sent copies to Friends of Ernie Pyle, Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites, and to the Scripps Howard Foundation as there was an article in The New York Times about Ernie Pyle artifacts being taken by the state.

The secretary also mentioned the microfilm that was discussed at the last meeting.  The Society is waiting for the reels to be shipped.

The president informed the Society that a wreath was purchased for the Society to use at the annual Lincoln Day Celebration which honors Nancy Hanks Lincoln who is buried at Lincoln City, Indiana.

The discussion turned to the selection of the speaker for the Historian of the Year Banquet.  The president had talked to several people and finally decided on Robert Reid.  The next item was the selection of the topic for the evening.  After much discussion, a motion was made and seconded to choose the topic “The 1937 Flood” as this is the 75^th anniversary of the 1937 Flood.  The motion carried.  Several members suggested that the Society could possibly have a display of flood pictures that were used in a library display several years ago.  Those attending the banquet will also be invited to bring pictures they may have of the flood.

Things are on track for the banquet since the speaker and topic have been chosen.

The president had received a call from Grandview Aluminum Products concerning a new process they have for manufacturing historical markers.  They would like to make two signs to be used in their new literature and asked the Society to help design them.  The president suggested doing something to be displayed at the Huffman Mill Bridge.  GAP also wanted to do something about Grandview.  The president has been gathering information about the bridge and is going to contact another member for information about Grandview.

A member reported that the County Commissioners want to replace the wood flooring on Boner Bridge with open metal grating.  This does not meet with the historical integrity of the bridge.  When the flooring was replaced before, instead of using treated lumber, untreated, green lumber was used, thus causing the floor to deteriorate much sooner than necessary.  Several members were going to write letters to the Commissioners.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

The next meeting will be April 3, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the Genealogy Room.