The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, December 17, 2015 for their regular monthly meeting. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and extended a welcome to those present. Linda Cottrell Liss led an opening prayer and the Pledge to the Flag was recited by all. Those present were: Carol Board-Westfall, Linda Cottrell Liss, Rick Greathouse, Melissa Swisher, Wanda Carpenter, Vicki J. Knight & husband Smith C. Knight, Jr., and Bonita Schreckengost.

The minutes of the November 19, 2015 meeting were and approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Carol Board-Westfall read report on receipts & disbursements since last meeting, showing balance of $13,500.18.

Reports: Correspondence:
[1] Linda Cottrell Liss reported on email from Philip Smith, Director of Planning & Development, City of Spencer, regarding the Ben’s Run Dam Trails historic kiosk project. He is seeking more information & photos of the reservoir, information of Ben Wright & details on when the impoundment was drained, etc. He goes on to state that, “My next project will be much bigger as I will be putting together some kiosks like this on a new trail around by the former Spencer State Hospital grounds, in the Civil War Park area. I would very much welcome the help of the Roane County Historical Society if you choose to help.” Discussed but no specific action taken.
[2] Email from Ms. Edelene C. Wood of Parkersburg, WV who is a distant grand-daughter of frontier scout, Jesse Hughes. She is interested in any of those in area who are also among descendants. Wants to form a Jesse Hughes descendants group. Her inquiry will be posted in the Winter 2015-16 “Journal” newsletter.

Membership Secretary: Linda reported that current membership is: 203. Eleven names have been removed from roll for failure to pay dues. All had been contacted at least twice.

Newsletter: Linda reported as co-newsletter editor, that her portion of the Winter 2015-16 newsletter is nearly complete. The 2015-16 Membership & Surname Directory is ready to go to printer.

Genealogy Fair: Melissa reported that the 22nd Annual Genealogy Fair is to be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Old Business:
[1] After a short discussion, Carol made motion to accept the two boxes of Roane Co. obituaries [1987 & 1992] from the Malcolm County Michigan Genealogy Group. We will pay shipping costs. Motion carried unanimously.
[2] Bonita Schreckengost reported that she had talked with Roane County Schools officials regarding the RCHS opening the 6th Annual Essay Scholarship to home-schooled students. Linda will contact the County Board of Education regarding mailing the needed Applications & Guidelines to those prospective students.
[3] The new vinyl (white lettering on dk. Green) signs printed by Legacy Designs for the R.C.H.S. Genealogy Library have been installed. Cost: $127.20
[4] No further report on moving the large painting on the lower library level to accommodate the Nester photo grouping.
[5] Rick Greathouse reported that he is in the process of completing the application as the historical society’s nominee for 2016 History Hero. Submission deadline: December 31, 2015.


New Business:
[1] Rick initiated discussion on a new project for the Society to perhaps arrange and conduct interviews with aged Roane County citizens telling their stories, sharing their knowledge and history about their life experiences. These interviews could be recorded on CD’s much like the one done with county historian, the late Denver Gandee. To be discussed further at March 2016 meeting.
[2] In light of the several different donations in recent years of books, genealogies, memorabilia, etc. It is suggested that perhaps the R.C.H.S. needs some sort of Donor Disclaimer for items donated to the Society. Carol will investigate other genealogy society’s policy on donations.
[3] Linda reported on a 2015 Times Record article titled “Grant Available for Community Groups.” Premier Bank sponsored and offered a $1,000 grant to be awarded to a local community service organization. Linda will check with bank to see if the grant will be made available in 2016. Suggested project: Repair or replace Spencer State Hospital cemetery sign located beside Spencer Elementary School. The sign was purchased and installed in 1997 by the R.C.H.S. Carol will investigate to see from whom the sign was purchased and report back at March meeting.
[4] Display case located on lower level of Roane County Library. Could the historical society use the case to display some of its memorabilia donations? The display case was donated to the library by the Cottle family many years ago. Linda will check with Mary Fury, Head Librarian, to see if it is possible for the Society to use it & report back at the March meeting.
[5] Discussion was held regarding the historic McWhorter house located at 412 Church Street in Spencer. The 1856 era house was scheduled to be torn down but was purchased by Frank & Sherri Unger of Past Respects, LLC, a private, family-owned Historic Preservation Contracting business. Discuss further at March meeting.
[6] Carol reported that the Society has paid $10 per month [10 months] to the Roane County Library for use of the downstairs meeting room for a total of $100 annually. Due to the exemplary support of the Library of Society programs, motion was made by Carol and properly seconded to increase the annual payment from $10 to $20 per month for a total $200. Motion carried unanimously.
[7] Linda reported that there are many Roane County cemeteries that are not included in the five cemetery books published by the Society. Do we want to publish a #6 Cemetery Book? Something to think about for 2016.
[8] Rick suggested that a Genealogy Library work day be scheduled for January or February 2016.
[9] Program suggestions: Show & tell for March 2016 meeting. (Each member bring an item of personal historic value and tell about it). Rick will work on scheduling future programs.

Meeting adjourned with refreshments being served