The Aug. 5 meeting of the Greenwood County Historical Society board was called to order by President Mike Pitko.
Those present were: John Bills, Dusty Booth, Taylor Hunt, Jamie Lindamood, Kent Olson, Mike Pitko, Gib Rhodes, Rise Russin, Stan Skaer, Jan Stephens, and Museum Director Robin Himes.
The minutes of the June 3 board meeting were read. Olson made corrections to the dates that Captain (Cap) Mahlon Souders served as a Eureka fireman (1917 -1955) and the year the department’s first motorized engine was put into commission. (1918) The changes were made. Lindamood moved to approve the minutes. Stephens seconded the motion.
Board treasurer Olson said that there wasn’t much to share this time. The financial statements looked good – they were emailed from the museum to all board members. The Claycomb account looked good.
The investments didn’t fluctuate much.
Hunt made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Bills seconded the motion.
In June, the museum had 126 visitors from Kansas, Washington, Missouri, Indiana, California, Illinois and Colorado.
In July, the museum had 64 visitors from Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Florida.
The Community Benefit group had their meeting at the museum to enjoy the wedding dress display.
No bills were presented for payment.
A note of congratulations from Heather Fuesz was shared with the board for the success of the Brides of Greenwood County wedding dress display and opening party.
Pitko shared updates on the Claycomb School project: Siding has been ordered and paid for. This will be a composite lap siding that will match the original style of siding that was on the building. It should be installed in the next two months.
Troy Fisher was called to take care of a wood bee problem when Mark Hayes was working on the building. The problem was taken care of quickly and work continued.
The new door and the windows have been installed.
Pitko is working with Boren’s out of Iola and with Kevin Bechtle to get bids for the roof. Bechtle has recommended that it be re-sheeted. This will cost approximately an additional $400.
Pitko asked for opinions on having a walkway and steps added before the display is shut down for the winter.
There was discussion about furnishings for the interior – school desks and chalk board that have been donated and others that we might need.
NEW BUSINESS Pitko asked for suggestions for a Volunteer of the Quarter. Discussion was held and a few names were suggested. The group will make a Volunteer of the Quarter presentation at the October board meeting.
Stephens shared an update on the 5th Monday program for September. Thomas Prasch will be at the museum to share information about the “World’s Fair Remnants in Kansas.” The program will take place on Sept. 29. Hunt, Stephens and Himes will work on publicity for this.
Stephens also asked for suggestions for future programs. Robert Phillips, who is finishing a book on Virgil, was suggested, as well as Jeff Davidson. Stephens will contact these two individuals to see if they have any interest in doing a program and she is still considering having a program on the Atom Pop Popcorn Company from Quincy.
Stephens asked if the board might consider making a donation to the Kansas Humanities Commission. Bills moved to donated $100. Olson seconded the motion.
Stephens also shared that there are DAR Historical Preservation grants available with submission dates starting on Aug. 1 and going through December.
Himes shared that the museum has had several people come through using the Sunflower Summer program. The dates for this have been extended through Aug. 12.
Pitko shared that the bench given in memory of Mike French has been donated by Taylor Dehlinger and the Dehlinger family.
Hunt shared he is continuing to work on the setup for Stripe so that the museum can take online payments for fees, etc. He will continue to do this from home.
Hunt also asked about sharing accessions information with the Madison Historical Society.
Pitko said he would visit with Kevin Hough to see if he was serious about leaving the museum board and would ask him for a formal letter of resignation. He asked for board members to have names for possible replacements at the October board meeting.
Michelle Seeley has been in the museum with Lindamood, and will be back, to get ideas, information, and possible items to use for the 100th Anniversary of Cattlemen’s Day in November.
Rhodes moved to adjourn the meeting. Hunt seconded the motion.
