February 2, 2016

 

The Spencer County Historical Society met on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, in the Rockport Library Genealogy Room.

 

The meeting was called to order by the president at 6:38 PM with six members present.

 

The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.

 

The treasurer’s report was given. 

 

The secretary read several items she had received.

 

A member mentioned the Society had received an invitation to the Open House the Spencer County Public Library was having for its 100th Anniversary Celebration on February 24, 2016 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM.  The Society was asked if it would like to be a part of the celebration and have a display of the books available for sale and also give some information on the use of the Genealogy Room.  Several members stated they would be willing to be there that day.

 

A member told about the recent edition of “Maturity Journal” had an article about George H. Honig’s mural “Lincoln’s Forest College” which hangs in the entrance of Rockport Elementary.  Since there are newer and younger members on the School Board and in administration, he put together a folder to tell of the historic importance of the mural and also of pictures that hang in the School Board room and the superintendent’s office.

 

A member gave an update of the mallet that is believed to have belonged to the Lincoln family.  It had the initials A. L. made with nails on the side and was given to an area family before the Lincoln’s left for Illinois.  The State Museum is authenticating the mallet and it is to be part of the State’s Bicentennial Celebration.  The mallet is going to be on loan to the State Museum for at least a year.

 

The Historian of the Year Banquet was discussed.  The president had checked on several locations and after some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to have the banquet at the Cornerstone Methodist Church in Chrisney, Indiana.  The motion carried.  It was decided to have the banquet at 6:00 PM.  The suggested dates are Saturday, April 23, 2016, or Saturday, April 30, 2016. The definite date will be set soon.  The historian to be honored is Steve Haaff.  The commemorative historian will be Col. James S. Wright.

 

The Lincoln Day Program was mentioned.  It will be Sunday, February 7, 2016, at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.  Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann will be the featured speaker.  Her husband, Jim Mehling, will give the eulogy at the grave site of Nancy Hanks Lincoln.

 

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

 

The next meeting will be March 1, 2016 at 6:30 PM in the Genealogy Room.