The Roane County Historical Society met Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library with eleven members and two guests present. The meeting was called to order by Rick Greathouse, President. Jack Nida, 2nd V.P., led the opening prayer and the pledge to the flag was recited by all.
The minutes from the August meeting were read by Recording Secretary, Susan Tucker. They were approved as read. Carol Board-Westfall gave the Treasurer’s report reflecting a balance of $16,731.15
Linda Liss, Corresponding/Membership Secretary who could not be present, sent her report which included mailing of greeting cards, dues reminder cards & new member packets as needed. Current society membership was reported as 204. She also sent thank you letters & information packets to Spencer Mayor Terry Williams and Jacob Fetty, Spencer’s Marketing Director for meeting with Executive Committee to discuss the Railroad Depot Museum.
Discussion continued with regard to the Museum. The Executive Committee will meet in the near future to decide whether to propose taking over the upkeep & management of the building. Special guest, Dr. Aaron Cottle, a supportive museum volunteer, is dedicated to keeping the building open for the present and the future as part of Spencer’s history. Upon request he conducts tours of the museum.
Johanna Nutter, Co-Genealogy Fair Chairperson, reported that she has received several responses from vendors & that a total of 25 tables will be needed. The fair is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary will have breakfast and lunch & beverages for sale.
Other old business included continued discussion regarding purchasing a commemorative plaque for the Flat Fork Church in Roane County. The purchase is postponed until the society gets a definite answer from the church trustees.
Also discussion continued regarding the purchase of a new computer for the society’s History Library. Prices need to be checked on and reported at a future meeting.
Susan Tucker reported that all of the Spencer newspaper microfilms have been converted to CD’s by the Florida-based firm, Digital Solutions. The microfilms and CD’s are stored in the society’s History Library.
Upon recommendation by Linda Liss and presented by Carol Board-Westfall, motion was made and properly seconded & carried unanimously to bestow the title of Honorary Life Member to Mr. Denver R. Gandee. Mr. Gandee has been an active and faithful member of the society, a long-time Roane County historian and an honored WW II veteran. He is currently a resident of Parkersburg, WV.
Board-Westfall reported that a collection of Keith Wolfe family pictures has been donated to the society’s picture library. The collection contains pictures of the Wolfe Cemetery and of Wolfe family members. Also, guest, Jane Hildreth Crutchfield, presented a collection of Hildreth family photos to the society. She is the daughter of the late Bliss and Grace McKown Hildreth.
The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to: Tucker, Susie Wyatt, Board-Westfall, Greathouse, Jack and Jean Nida, Reva Paxton, Theresa Parker, Paul Hughes, Johanna Nutter, Melissa Swisher and guests, Spencer resident, Dr. Aaron Cottle and Jane M. Hildreth Crutchfield of Belchertown, Mass.
The next meeting to the R.C.H.S. is scheduled for Thursday, October 24th at the Roane County Library at 7 p.m. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcome. To learn more about society activities or membership you may contact Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com