The Roane County Historical Society, Inc. met at the Roane County Library on Thursday, June 27th for its regular monthly meeting. Mr. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present. Mr. Jack Nida led an opening prayer. The pledge to the flag was recited by all.
The minutes from the May meeting was read by Mrs. Susan Tucker, Recording Secretary. They were approved as read.
Mrs. Carol Board-Westfall gave the Financial Report reflecting a balance of $18,017.89. A copy of the report was filed for the annual audit.
Mrs. Linda Liss, Corresponding Secretary reported that she sent cards and responded to other correspondence as needed. She also reported that the Society’s membership is holding steady at 206 members. Several members have not paid their dues for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Those persons will be contacted.

Other Business:
No further report from the Executive Committee on the B & O Railroad/City of Spencer Museum project.
No further report from the trustees of Flat Fork Community Church regarding the plaque.

Carol reported that the society has received a collection of approx.20 U.S. Civil War history books from the estate of the late R.C.H.S. member, Mr. Terrence R. “Terry” Cummings. Mr. Cummings, a well-known Roane County resident died April 5, 2013 in Morgantown, WV.

Two committees were formed with reports required by July meeting.
Financial Annual Audit Committee – Mrs Melissa Swisher, Mr. Jack Nida & Mr. Rick Greathouse.
Committee on Nominations for 2013-14 officers – Mrs. Linda Liss and Mrs. Susan Tucker.

The 19th Annual Genealogy Fair, sponsored by RCHS will be held on Saturday, September 28th at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mrs. Johanna Nutter, Fair Committee Chairperson. reported that contacts are being made, table reservations are being received and items suitable for door prizes are needed. Help with set up will be needed on Friday the 27th. For further information, she may be contacted at joeandjo30@wirefire.com. Table space rental is, $10. per table for persons or organizations having items to sell. Those persons requiring table space but not selling items are required to make a reservation as well. Melissa Swisher will compose a flier to advertising the fair.

Mrs. Susan Tucker reported that she completed an inventory of society publications. Books will be ordered where needed and made available at the genealogy fair.
Susan also reported that an invoice has been received for the first shipment of digitized newspaper microfilms owned by the society. The second 36-roll shipment has been sent to Digital Solutions for preserving on DVD’s. The Governor’s Community Participation Grant in the amount of $1,000 will be used toward converting the microfilms to DVD’s.

Additionally, Susan reported that she is still working on the “photo framing project.” She is considering the best way to frame and display the historic photo collection owned by the society. Melissa volunteered to help by preparing a sample artistic matting lay-out for the photos.

2013 is the Roane County Historical Society’s 20th Anniversary year. The society was organized in 1993. The meeting adjourned with “Birthday” cake & ice cream being served.
Those present were: Susan Tucker, Melissa Swisher, Rick Greathouse, Linda Liss, Carol Board-Westfall, Jack and Jean Nida, Marvin and Peggy Stemple, Johanna Nutter, Reva Paxton, Pat Combs and guest Bobby Skinner.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 25th at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. A program will be presented by society member, Mrs. Peggy L. Stemple on “Old Time Disease and Illness Names.” What were causes of our ancestor’s deaths? In genealogy research we sometimes come across unusual names for a malady or illness that are not used today. Have you seen causes of death like, ague, apoplexy, brain fever, lung fever, child bed fever, scrofula, erysipelas, or grippe? Come to the meeting on the 25th and learn more about these and other illness's names.

For further information about membership or society activities, you may contact Mrs. Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com.