The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library in Spencer for its last meeting for 2013. Rick Greathouse, President called the meeting to order, led an opening prayer and Melissa Swisher led the pledge to the American flag.

The minutes from the November 2013 meeting were read and approved as read.

Carol Board-Westfall, Treasurer, reported a balance of $16,064.09

Linda Liss, Membership Secretary, reported a loss of nine members due to non-payment of annual dues, leaving a current membership at 197. All had been contacted about their delinquent dues.
As Corresponding Secretary, Linda reported follow-up on inquiries:
1. Jana M. Hyatt: Request for an obituary of Mrs. Nancy A. Patrick Davenport [1858-1890] The Davenport’s were found to be from the Russell and Washington Co., VA area, not West Virginia. Linda replied to Ms. Hyatt of her findings. Carol Board-Westfall also did research on this family and found nothing pertinent to the inquiry. Carol returned the $10 donation to Ms. Hyatt.
2. Jim Ranson, Member: Looking for information on his Lynch ancestors of the Walton area of Roane Co., history of Walton High School and information on the place named Grotto Dell in Harper District of Roane Co. Linda has email corresponded with Mr. Ranson and sent photos & articles addressing his inquiry.
3. Market Street Chapel, former Spencer Presbyterian Church: Update letter from “Friends of the Market Street Chapel”, Julie Evans-Boggs, President. Looking for sponsors and/or donations toward the repair cost & installation for the stained glass windows. Discussion tabled until March 2014 meeting.

Rick reported on an inquiry he received from a Mrs. Charlene Sypien of Kanawha County about an old paved street found under their property’s driveway in the present Clendenin area of Kanawha Co. The farm is located on Littlepage Drive off State Rte 119. The Hively family were former owners. Linda will follow-up on this inquiry.

The Winter Issue-Volume 21: 2 of The Journal newsletter will be published in January. Linda reported that the 2013-14 Membership Directory & Surname List is ready to go to the printer and will be mailed with The Journal.

Old Business:
A new Dell Computer has been purchased for the RCHS ‘s genealogy library. A LCD monitor has been donated to the society’s library. Rick will install computer and needed components.

The R.C.H.S. has nominated society member, Mrs. Susan Wyatt Tucker for 2014 “History Hero” Approved nominees will be honored at History Day at the Legislature on Thursday, February 13, 2014.

Susan Tucker reported by email communication on her findings regarding the possibility our society joining the West Virginia Non-profit Association. Member fee: $90. The association meeting was attended by member Theresa Parker and felt that the society may benefit from the association’s expertise in grant writing, etc. Motion was made and properly seconded to table discussion until the March 2014 meeting.

Essay Scholarship: Linda reported that necessary application and guidelines have been delivered to the Guidance Counselor at Roane County High School. Essays must be returned to Counselor by Friday, April 11, 2014 and scholarship selection will be made by Friday, May 9, 2014. The $1,000 scholarship will be announced and later presented at the school’s 2014 Awards Ceremony.

The Executive Committee will meet in January or February to draw up final decision and recommendation regarding the society’s taking over care & maintenance of the Spencer Rr. Depot Museum located at Heritage Park.

The next meeting of the R.C.H.S. will be on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Roane County Library.

The meeting adjourned with a time of fellowship and refreshment. Those present were: Rick Greathouse, Carol Board-Westfall, Melissa Swisher, Reva Paxton, Paul Hughes, Carl Paxton, Peggy Starcher and Linda Liss.