Cairo Historical Society Minutes January 19, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf from notes by Hillary Higgins
Members Present: Robert Uzzilia,
Michael Sharkey, Hillary Higgins, John Gallagher, John Kargoe, Gail Kargoe,
Helen Chadderdon, John Rieker, Robert E. Dodge Jr.
Robert Uzzilia called the meeting
to order at 7:10pm.
John Gallagher moved that
the minutes from the December meeting be accepted as written. John Kargoe
seconded the motion.
Robert U. thanked everyone
for coming. He asked that the Cairo Historical Society take a moment of
silence in honor of George O’Neill, who died January 13, 2012 at the age of
67. George was a key member of the first Case’s Speakeasy Committee. He will
be sorely missed.
John G. presented the
Treasurer’s Report for the Cairo Historical Society, the Building Fund
and the Case’s Speakeasy accounts. As of December 21, 2011 there was
$857.49 in the CHS Main account. As of January 19th there was
$1,596.36. There is $1,831.33 in the Case’s speakeasy account and there
was $78.55 in the Building Fund as of December 31st, 2011 and
$323.55 as of January 19, 2012. The $1000 from the Case’s Speakeasy
account has not yet been transferred to the Building Fund account.
The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.
Membership update:
Sylvia left a membership update with Robert U. We ended the year with 85
memberships. As of January 19th, 2012, 32 members had renewed
their memberships and 4 new memberships were received. A warm welcome to
Cary Worthington, Stewart’s Shops, Helmedach & Young and Donna Tuzio Mundt.
Item Sales are continuing to
move along well
Deed of Gift Register
Sylvia left a report indicating that there were 347 items donated to the
Cairo Historical Society last year.
Old Business:
Repair of old marker –
Michael Lamanec has advised that Scott Taylor has agreed to repair the
marker at no cost to the Cairo Historical Society.
501c3 – Sylvia left word
that the 501c3 paperwork is complete and has been mailed to the IRS. In
order to complete the paperwork, a Conflict of Interest Policy was
developed and approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Board member must
read and disclose and conflict of interest before signing the Conflict
of Interest Form each year.
Cairo Historical Society
Logo – Robert U. took a proposed logo style over to Linda and Bob Curry
that emphasizes simplicity. Everyone supported the new look.
Hillary provided an
update on the State of the Union Dinner. Tickets are printed, the menu
has been developed and the advertising planned. Just need to sell
tickets! $18 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
New Business:
John Kargoe reported on
the meeting between Sylvia and Ewald Schwarzenegger and the Kaaterskill
Associates team. It appears that the bones of the building at 29
Railroad Ave are in good condition. There is a recommendation that the
floor be poured concrete. A fuller assessment was suggested by the
Kaaterskill Associates Team and will be reviewed by the Building Fund
team.
Rooster (Robert Dodge jr.)
volunteered to make a sign to place on the building, advising that it is
the future home of the Cairo Historical Society.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm
Show and Tell
1)Michael Sharkey donated a Business Card from his grandfather Bill Snyder
and a Roller Skating Admission Card from the Purling Roller Rink.
2)Robert U. showed various artifacts from the future HQ’s of the Cairo
Historical Society. We tried to preserve various features from the old building.
3)John Rieker advised that his grandfather’s deed shows where his home is
in East Durham, however the house stands in Cairo. A discussion ensued regarding
the boundaries of the two towns.
Notes from Cairo Historical
Society February 16, 2012
Prepared by Linda Larsen
Present: Pres. Robert
Uzzilia, John Kargoe, Gail Kargoe, Michael Sharkey, Bob Dodge and Linda Larsen.
In late (after meeting) Michael Lamanec.
Meeting opened 7:05 PM.
Minutes of the previous meeting accepted as amended. No Treasurer’s Report.
Pres. Uzzilia received dues ($20) from Bob Dodge.
Old business:
Robert U. reported that Scott Taylor should have repairs to Historic marker done
by now. Don’t know whether he will charge for his services.
Logo being worked on anew – many suggestions. Robert U. will call a meeting of
the committee to come up with final submittals.
John Kargoe reported on The State of the Union Dinner – 80 tickets sold thus far
and others have been ordered. Friday cleaning in afternoon and decorating in
the evening. Saturday AM food prep work. Raffles, give-aways, gift basket
readied. All proceeds benefit CHS Building Fund. John reported that after the
dinner the committee would commence working on T&T, Speakeasy, Apple Harvest and
other CHS proposed activities.
New Business:
Robert U. reported that Robert Hempstead found piece of rail which could be used
in the Railroad project.
No further business.
Business meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Show and Tell:
Poster of August 5, 1916 showing a page from an engineering journal picturing
Cairo’s Hydroelectric System at Woodstock Dam.
Cairo Historical Society Minutes March 15, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf
Members Present: Robert Uzzilia,
Hillary Higgins, John Gallagher, John Kargoe, Gail Kargoe, John Rieker, Helen
Chadderdon, Sandy Muller, Sylvia Hasenkopf, Lois Vendon, Carol Spohler, Gene
Houghtaling, Linda Larsen, Ron Hasenkopf.
Robert Uzzilia called the meeting
to order at 7:02pm.
Treasurer’s Report:
John G.
presented the Treasurer’s Report for the Cairo Historical Society, the Building
Fund and the Case’s Speakeasy accounts. As of February 21, 2012 there was
$2,246.38 in the CHS Main account. There was $1,531.33 in the Case’s speakeasy
account (a $300 deposit to secure Teri Roiger and the Gentlemen of Swing was
sent out) and there was $1,546.24 in the Building Fund.
Hillary motioned that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted and John Kargoe
seconded the motion. All agreed.
Membership update:
The membership drive was quite successful. Our current membership is 56
members of which 10 are new members. The CHS welcome the following new
members: Cary Worthington, Stewart’s Shops, Helmedach & Young, Donna Tuzio
Mundt, Rank Klinke, Jim Calderone, North Point Creek Ltd., Claudia Zucker,
Cairo Democratic Club.
Last year we had a total of 85 members and collected $1610 in membership
dues. This year we have already collected $1755. A second dues notice was
mailed March 5, 2012 to members who have yet renewed.
Membership is important as our first elections will be held this year and
only those individuals who have an up to date membership as of March 31st
may vote.
We currently have 182 Facebook members and the site has been very active
over the last two months. Discussions have centered on the Cairo Methodist
and Presbyterian churches, the Purling Roller Rink, the Baptist and
Methodist churches in Acra, many items from the Cole collection, George H.
Turner Funeral Home and many other pics.
Collections:
Phyllis Silva-Keith donated a number of Temperance items.
Item Sales have continued to
be steady. There are two new items that have been added to the items for
sale.
Sweet Violets – a new DVD filmed and produced by Tobe Carey $20. Sweet
Violets is the story of the violet industry in Rhinebeck during America’s
Golden Age. At one time nearly 400 violet houses dotted Rhinebeck, supplying
25% of the US violet crop.
Legs Diamond, Gangster – by Patrick Downey, $20 – a new look at this iconic
gangster.
Old Business:
Repair of old marker –
Michael Lamanec has advised that Scott Taylor has repaired the marker at
no cost to the Cairo Historical Society. It still needs to be painted.
Mike has agreed to do this for us. Hillary recommended that the CHS
provide Scott with a free business membership in the Cairo Historical
Society as a thank you for helping us out. Ann Clapper seconded the
motion and it was accepted by all.
501c3 – Sylvia advised
that we are still waiting word from the IRS.
Cairo Historical Society
Logo – Robert U. presented some options for the logo. The members
present felt that it was very important to keep the logo as simple as
possible, so it can be used on various promotional items and help brand
us. Mike Lamenec will meet with Linda Curry to flesh out some ideas and
report back.
Hillary provided an
update on the State of the Union Dinner which was held in February. Our
net profit for the event was $1386 for the Building Fund. The event was
a great success and very positive feedback was heard.
Ron suggested that members of the Building Committee offer to paint the
Kitchen of the Masonic Hall as a thank you letting us use their
premises. This idea was agreed to by all.
Rooster (Robert E. Dodge
Jr.) has completed the sign for the Cairo Historical Society and it is
hanging on the porch of the building. Nice job Rooster.
New Business:
On April 19th,
the Cairo Historical Society will hold its first elections. Robert U.
appointed Linda Larsen to be the chair of the nominating committee.
Sylvia presented the
Proposed Program schedule for 2012. After some discussion and some fine
tuning it was accepted and is attached to these minutes.
Sylvia also presented
some proposed projects for this year:
1.Rebuild the Susquehannah Turnpike Enclosure in
front of the Elementary school
2.Install the railroad ties on Railroad Ave.
3.Purchase a new Historical marker
4.Digitize the Round Top Cemetery
5.Remediate one abandoned cemetery
6.Publish the Eseck G. Wilber letters
7.Begin work on the new HQ’s
After some discussion the projects were accepted
Robert U. mentioned that
Gail Walker is organizing a clean up day in Round Top. Local children
will be bagging trash along the roads. This is part of Earth Day
activities.
Robert U. advised that
he had spoken with Tobe Carey who has confirmed that he is working on a
Railroad DVD that will include the CMRR.
Sylvia mentioned that
Michael Sharkey had suggested that the Cairo Historical Society
establish a youth group. Everyone thought this was a great idea. We need
someone to be the lead for that project and work with Michael.
John Rieker suggested
that we create an historical scavenger hunt around Cairo – all thought
this was a great idea.
Robert U. mentioned that
there was a highly significant discovery on Highway Property that has
attracted the attention of scholars worldwide. They have discovered the
bed of an ancient lake with fossils dating back 350 million years.
Predates the Gilboa site.
There is no link to the
Cairo Historical Society webpage on the Cairo Town website. Robert U. to
ask them to create the link.
Sylvia asked whether
anyone had every heard that the old Olmstead house in Acra was haunted?
No one was aware.
The meeting was adjourned at
8:45pm.
Cairo Historical Society Minutes May 17, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf
Members Present: Hillary Higgins,
John Kargoe, Gail Kargoe, Ray Houghtaling, Linda Larsen, Sylvia Hasenkopf, Ron
Hasenkopf, Ann Clapper, John Gallagher.
Sylvia Hasenkopf called the
meeting to order at 7:08pm.
Treasurer’s Report:
John G.
presented the Treasurer’s Report for the Cairo Historical Society General Fund,
the Building Fund and the Case’s Speakeasy Accounts. As of May 17, 2012 there
was $2,170.80 in the CHS General Account. There was $3,161.91 in the Case’s
speakeasy account and there was $1,645.24 in the Building Fund.
John K. motioned that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted and Hillary seconded
the motion. All agreed.
Membership update:
We currently have 73 members, an increase of 13 since March’s meeting. We
have now collected $2350 in membership dues.
A warm welcome to new members Lois C. Vendon, Gene Houghtaling, William P.
Freese, ST Welding, Carmela Altamura and Edmond Albright.
We currently have 227 Facebook members. Discussions have centered on the
Baldwin Hotel, Leona Bingel, Main St. (Earl’s Drug Store, Arnolds, Coursen’s
etc.), Cairo Airport, Cairo Yearbooks, items from the George Wilk and Arnold
Chadderdon collections.
Collections:
George Wilk collection was recently received.
We sold 1 Portrait of the
Past and 6 Legs Diamond books.
Old Business:
Cairo Historical Society
Logo – Suzanne Oldakowski has suggested we keep the logo for the CHS
very simple. Some suggestions were: a wheel, a key, a forge, a mill
stone.
Sylvia advised that the
elections in April went very well. We will install our new VP and
Trustees when the President is present.
New Business:
Sylvia advised that we
have two upcoming events and are looking for volunteers. The
Coxsackie-Athens Community Band will be playing at 2pm on May 20th
and the Temperance and TommyGuns 1920’s Street Festival is on June 16th.
Sylvia has received a
query from someone about the Grand View Resort on Rte 23. Looking for
information to share with her.
Sylvia suggested that
the CHS acquire Cairo, NY baseball caps to sell at our events. After
some discussion all agreed this was a good idea. Ann Clapper was wearing
a baseball cap with the logo we were interested in. It was decided that
we would purchase 50 hats and the colors would be black with white
stitching, blue with white stitching, white with black stitching, Khaki
with green stitching, hunter green with white stitching. Ann C. motioned
to move forward to purchase the caps and Ron seconded the motion. All
agreed.
A discussion began on
the new historical marker. Sylvia presented a list of the existing
markers. It was decided to table further discussion on the choice of
which sign to have manufactured to a future meeting when more Directors
were present. The signs we already have are:
1.Mowers House – Stage Coach Stop & Inn Built
1689
2.Massacre 1780 – Johannes Strope and wife killed
by Indians. Frederick Schermerhorn carried captive to Canada
3.Bell Factory – of William Barton, earliest
American Maker of Sleigh Bells stood on this stream 1828
There were two additional markers, now lost:
4.Iron Forge – of Enoch Hyde and Benjamin Hall
stood at first fall 1788. First in Greene County
5.Woodstock – First settlement in Town of Cairo
by James Barker and Tenantry in 1791
The meeting was adjourned at
8:10pm.
Cairo Historical
Society Minutes June 21, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf
Members Present: Robert Uzzilia, John Kargoe, Sylvia
Hasenkopf. Helen Chadderdon, Ray Houghtaling, Ed Englehart, Bob Rose, Floyd
Hempstead, Robert Dodge, John Gallagher.
Sylvia Hasenkopf called the meeting to order at 7:08pm.
Treasurer’s Report:
As of June 21, 2012, there was $1,575.24 in the Building Fund and $2195.04
in the General Fund. Numbers for the Case’s Speakeasy and T&T account was
not available.
Membership update:
We currently have 78 members, an increase of 5 since May’s meeting. A warm
welcome to new members Craig and Donna Wexler, Jeana Ruggero, Bavarian Manor
and Dorothy Rumph as well as returning member Steve Mann.
We currently have 238 Facebook members. Discussions have centered on
Freeman’s General Store, S. Cairo, Graduation classes 1939 and 1967,
Temperance and TommyGuns event, Cedar Lawn, The Erin House (Cairo).
There are two outstanding questions from our Facebook page: People are
looking for pictures of the Old Limelight and the Grand View. The Old
Limelight was the former Gayhead General Store and Post Office in Gayhead at
the corner of County Rt 67, Schoharie Turnpike & Gayhead Earlton Rd.. The
Cairo / Greeneville town line runs thru the middle of Gayhead, the Limelight
is on the Greeeville side of that line. The Grand View is on Rte 23 next
door to the Cairo Family Care building.
Collections:
Carol Spohler donated a number of items to the CHS (election pens, the
Masonic Bibles of Walter F. Teubler and Fred R. Spohler, a leather/suede
Catskill Mtns. Photograph album, and Indian arrow head key chain and a
Benefit Concert Program 1971 for new band uniforms.)
Linda Larsen provided a number of items for scanning into our collection –
the Finch Farm deed of 1959, the school essay “A Gem in the Catskills” by
Mary Donnelly, and a Scrapbook from the 1950’s.
Jean Ruggero from Minnesota mailed a packet of materials on the Decesare
family to us for scanning. Her grandparents owned the Commodore Inn. Many of
these scanned items have been posted on the CHS Facebook page.
We have had a very
successful item sales month. We have sold 30 Cairo hats, 3 Portrait of the
Past books, 1 Legs Diamond: Gangster book and 1 Catskill Mountain House DVD.
We received the remaining $150 in donations for the Curtis Clock project.
Work on the Curtis Clock is underway by Russ Oechsle, who is bringing it
back to original condition and placing it in working order before we pick it
up.
Old Business:
We cannot reinstall the
Bell Factory historical marker until the repair to the culvert on old 23
is completed.
Robert U. recused
himself from the committee on the development of the CHS logo.
Robert U., as president
of the Cairo Historical Society, formally welcomes Hillary Higgins as a
Vice President and Ann Clapper and Ron Hasenkopf as Trustees. He
congratulates John Gallagher on his reelection as Treasurer.
Sylvia advised that the
new baseball caps have arrived. There are six colors to choose from,
black, navy blue, forest green, chocolate, wheat and khaki. Each cap is
$15 plus shipping where necessary.
It was decided that the
CHS will move forward with a new historical marker. We will install a
marker dedicated to James Barker, the Patroon. Robert U. and Sylvia will
work on the wording on the marker. A review of the costs to make the
marker were undertaken.
Catskill Castings, in Bloomville, Delaware Co, NY manufactures the
standard NYS Historical Markers and has the molds. The base price is
$1025 per marker plus $30 for shipping by UPS. There are two types of
mounting poles, aluminum ($114 per length plus $25 shipping by UPS) and
galvanized steel ($114 plus $25 shipping by UPS). Delivery is 6-8 weeks
but could be longer depending on manufacturing backlogs.
We can place our own logo on the sign – there is likely a charge to
create the mold for our unique logo.
Included in the cost is the message on the plaque. There is one title
line of up to 15 characters, 5 lines in the body of the message of up to
27 characters each line and 1 credit line of up to 30 characters. All
character totals include punctuation and spaces.
Ed Englehart volunteered to talk with other foundaries to see if we can
get a more competitive price.
Sylvia is pleased to
report that the CHS received its 501c3 designation at the beginning of
March 2012. The paperwork was lost in the mail and she has ordered a
copy.
Sylvia suggested we move
forward with the painting of the Masonic Hall’s kitchen. Bob Dodge and
Robert U. have indicated an interest in participating. The fall will
likely be a better time to schedule this.
The link to the Cairo
Historical Society website from the Town of Cairo website is now
complete.
New Business:
Sylvia provided John G.
with a packet on the software application Square Up which would allow
the CHS to accept credit card sales. John has agreed to provide a
recommendation on whether this application will work for our business
application.
Project Update
Temperance & TommyGuns –
Sylvia reported that our T&T event was very successful. It is estimated
that we had 2000 people in the Town of Cairo. As we are still learning,
the T&T team will meet to discuss the events and identify areas for
improvement. There has not yet been enough time to identify whether the
event was financially successful.
Movie Night – Sweet
Violets is scheduled for next meeting date – July 19, 2012.
Archival Day 2012 is
scheduled for July 28th at 11am at Gallagher’s.
Cairo RR lecture by Dale
Flansburg will be held during August’s meeting. Robert U. says that
planning for the event is well underway.
The meeting was adjourned at
8:36pm.
Show and Tell:
1) Robert U. donated a Program
from 1969/70. Discussions started on the Vietnam lottery. Fond memories of Scott
Garrity protesting Vietnam War. He wore a coat with the peace sign on his coat.
Cairo Historical Society Minutes November 15, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf
Members Present: Robert Uzzilia,
John Kargoe, Gail Kargoe, Sylvia Hasenkopf, Ron Hasenkopf, Jon Morgese, April
Saccocio, Linda Larsen, Ann Clapper, Ray Houghtaling, John Gallagher, Hillary
Higgins, Michael Sharkey
Robert Uzzilia called the meeting
to order at 7:10pm.
Treasurer’s Report:
As of November 15, 2012, there was $3,029.01 in the Building Fund, $4,120.16
in the General Fund and $2,069.01 in the T&T Fund.
Membership update:
We currently have 87 members, an increase of 9 since June’s meeting. A warm
welcome to new members John Chadderdon, Joan Chadderdon, Nancy C. Gontarek,
Jacksie Anne Chadderdon Hurley, Barbara and George Morrison, Roxann and
Miklos Salgo, Nicholas Mammano, Jon Morgese and the Inn at Hillcrest Manor
(Russ Ekstrom and Will de Bonis).
We currently have 264 Facebook members, an increase in 24 members since
June. Discussions have centered on the Chick Weeks family, the George Wilk
collection, the Living History WW2 event, the Freese family, Pickwick
Resort, the Apple Harvest Festival, Case’s Speakeasy, the closing of
Slater’s, the Chadderdon and Darby families, and much more.
Collections:
Cataloguing new donations continues. New material has been received from
Michael Sharkey (Purling Roller Rink and Bob Schneider), Bob Harring (family
pics and genealogy), Sandy Muller (2 Cairo baseball jerseys, Baldwin family
pics, Cairo ephemera), Doug Persons (3 Montgomery Ward catalogs, Cairo billy
stick), Sylvia Hasenkopf (Eliab Alden genealogy), Dot Rosenthal (Cairo
souvenir), Ray Houghtaling (Fiero deeds), Betty Chichester (Cairo calendars
and Lennon pics), Carol Spohler (Cairo ephemera).
Since June we have had brisk
item sales:
T&T Tshirts – 3
Bicentennial Tshirts – 6
Cairo caps – 33
Portrait of the Past – 5
Legs Diamond book – 5
Cairo Herald 2012 – 72
Greene County Historic
Homes – 1
Greene County DVD – 3
Catskill Mountain DVD –
2
Capitol Hill Fire DVD –
1
William Kennedy’s Legs
Diamond DVD – 2
Our
events over the last months were well attended: Gunsmiths of Greene County – 29,
Catskill Mountain RR – 57, Sweet Violets Documentary - 15, Capitol Hill Fire
Documentary – 12, Archival Day 4, Case’s Speakeasy 70.
Old Business:
Bob Uzzilia will contact
Mike Lamenec and Robert Hempstead to install the Bell Factory historical
marker.
Sylvia has offered to
head up CHS logo initiative.
Sylvia advised that
Robert Uzzilia and herself moved forward with an application to the
William G. Pomeroy Foundation for an historical marker. This would be at
no cost to the CHS if we are approved. Daniel Sayre was chosen as the
topic and the Ed and Maureen Forrester agreed to have the marker on
their property. We will know in December is we have been approved.
Sylvia presented the
information collected by Ed Englehart on an alternative company for
producing the historical markers. A. M. Tech, Inc quoted a price of
$2195.00 including shipping and mounting pipe.
Catskill Castings, in Bloomville, Delaware Co, NY manufactures the
standard NYS Historical Markers and has the molds. The base price is
$1025 per marker plus $30 for shipping by UPS. There are two types of
mounting poles, aluminum ($114 per length plus $25 shipping by UPS) and
galvanized steel ($114 plus $25 shipping by UPS). Delivery is 6-8 weeks
but could be longer depending on manufacturing backlogs.
It seems clear that Catskill Castings has a more competitive price.
Painting of the Masonic
Hall’s kitchen was discussed. As the Masonic Hall closes for the winter
at the end of December Hillary suggested that the painting take place in
January. All agreed. The painting team is Ron, John Kargoe, Mike Sharkey
at this point.
John Gallagher has
indicated that he has not had the time to investigate the pros and cons
of the Square Up program for using credit cards with an IPod or IPhone.
Hillary has agreed to take on this initiative.
New Business:
A meeting was held
between the Cairo Task Force Board and the Cairo Historical Society
Board regarding the monies that were collected by the Cairo Task Force
for the restoration of the Cairo Diner. A proposal was tabled that the
new Cairo Historical Society recreate a section of the old diner in the
HQ’s building. Bob Uzzilia, President of the Cairo Task Force advised
that the Cairo Task Force Board met and agreed to transfer the monies
raised for the Cairo Diner Restoration, about $3000, to the Cairo
Historical Society Building Fund. All CHS members present at the meeting
were very appreciative of this gesture and thanked the Cairo Task Force.
Jon Morgese of the Cairo
Taxpayers Association also mentioned that the Cairo Taxpayers
Association is now defunct and that the remaining members voted to
transfer the remaining balance in their bank account, about $700, to the
CHS Building Fund. All CHS members present at the meeting thanked Jon
and the members of the Cairo Taxpayers Association for their generosity.
Sylvia presented two new
potential programs to the membership present at the CHS meeting. Both
programs were presented to the CHS Board of Trustees and received their
support.
1.The
first is the Town of Cairo Hometown Heroes Banner Program. Sylvia proposed that
the CHS sponsor this program. The vision would be to have banners hung on each
of the 62 lamp posts that we have along Main St. and Mountain Ave. The banners
would have the picture of the veteran as well as information about the veteran.
A committee would need to be struck to develop the program criteria and the
details regarding pricing and communications. Sylvia raised a motion for the
program to be approved. Ann Clapper seconded the motion, all agreed. Ray
Houghtaling, Steve and Hillary Higgins and Sylvia Hasenkopf have volunteered to
be on the committee.
2.The
second program is the Cairo Family Tree. This initiative would support our
Building Fund. Sylvia presented some pictures of potential trees, with leaves
and animals that would be placed in the HQ’s along one wall. She raised a motion
for the program to be approved. Ann Clapper seconded the motion and all agreed.
Team members will be identified in the future. The first priority is the
Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
There was a discussion
regarding the closing of Slater’s Great American. The Cairo Historical
Society wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank Unk Slater for the
tremendous support he has given us over the years and to wish him well
in his ventures.
A discussion began o the
creation of a USPS stamp to commemorate one of our events. John K. has
volunteered to pick up the paperwork.
Project Update
Sylvia reported that
Case’s Speakeasy was a great success. We had 70 guests and everyone had
a good time. The food was outstanding and many thanks go out to Teri and
the Mountain View Brasserie for their support and professionalism
throughout the evening. Many thanks go out to Moki Pambianchi for the
design services. The “look” of the banquet hall was breathtaking. And
many thanks go out to all the committee members and volunteers that made
the event such a success. The numbers were not yet in but the event made
a small profit. We also raised just over $1100 for the building fund
with our silent auction. Many thanks to Gail and John Kargoe who worked
hard and long to make the silent auction such a success.
Hillary reported that
she will be sending out the pictures from the Case’s speakeasy event as
a Holiday Card.
Hillary reported that
the State of the Union Dinner will be held on February 23rd
at the Masonic Hall. The event will be run from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. The
dinner menu will remain the same and prices will be $18 for adults and
$10 for children 10 and under.
A discussion was held
regarding the need to buy equipment for our presentations – speakers,
projector, wireless microphone. Jon Morgese volunteered to look for
speakers and a projector and Mike Sharkey for a wireless microphone.
A discussion was held
that that it has been too long since our last CHS meeting. We need to
ensure that our programming does not interfere with our regularly held
meetings. The CHS Board of Trustees will be working on the new
programming for 2013 and will take a more balanced approach to the
year’s events.
Sylvia stated that she
would like to begin work on the clean up of an abandoned cemetery – the
Solomon Earl Cemetery on Joseph Kollar Rd. She suggested December 1st
as a possible date. Ray Houghtaling, Mike Sharkey, Robert Uzzilia and
Sylvia Hasenkopf have volunteered to be on the team.
A discussion began on
the replacement of the enclosures of the Susquehannah Turnpike markers.
Should we replace just the one that is in very poor condition in front
Cairo Elementary or all four? Ron suggested it would be much simpler to
replace them all at the same time. Robert U. stated that the enclosures
were built by a kids youth program and he would like to preserve those
that are in good condition as long as possible. Perhaps the students in
Votek would be willing to make the enclosures as part of their program.
Mike Sharkey volunteered to get the contact name and number of the Shop
teacher at Votek.
Robert U. stated that
the placement of the rails for the CMRR display would need to wait for
spring.
Sylvia advised that the
digitization of the Round Top cemetery is complete.
Sylvia advised that the
publication date of the Eseck G. Wilber Civil War letters has been
pushed back to the Spring of 2013, as is the lecture on the book. All
letters and his diary have been typed and proofed. She is working on the
Notes to the letters now.
Sylvia advised that work
on the new CHS website is pushed into 2013
Sylvia advised that work
continues on the Schoolhouse project. Yearbooks are being collected as
are photos of the one room schoolhouses and pupils.
The meeting was adjourned at
9:05pm.
Show and Tell:
1) Robert Uzzilia brought in a
postcard of the Clarice boarding house. He wondered where it was located. It was
owned by D. Vaccari.
Cairo Historical
Society Minutes December 20, 2012
By Sylvia Hasenkopf
Members Present: Robert Uzzilia, John Kargoe, Sylvia
Hasenkopf, Ron Hasenkopf, Linda Larsen, Ann Clapper, Ray Houghtaling, John
Gallagher, Hillary Higgins, Steve Higgins, Bob Dodge Jr., Gail Kargoe, John
Rieker
Robert Uzzilia called the meeting to order at 7:09pm.
As the
minutes to the November 15, 2012 meeting were received rather late, the
approval of the minutes was put off until the January 17, 2013 meeting in
order to give the members sufficient time to read them.
Treasurer’s Report:
As of November 15, 2012, there was $3,029.94 in the Building Fund, $2,852.85
in the General Fund and $2,069.01 in the T&T Fund.
Sylvia motioned that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted. John Kargoe
seconded the motion and it was accepted by all.
Membership update:
We currently have 90 members, an increase of 3 since November’s meeting. A
warm welcome to new members Steve and April Saccoccio, Muriel Weeks Test and
Gretchen Test.
The 2013 Membership Drive was launched in early December. 137 membership
packets were mailed and a general membership plea was placed on the CHS
Facebook page.
We currently have 267 Facebook members, an increase in 3 members since
November. Discussions have centered on the F.W. Evory sign, Joe’s Inn in
Acra, the Ray Houghtaling family photos, The Inn at Hillcrest Manor, the
Montgomery Ward catalogs in the CHS collection, the George Wilk collection
and the Weeks Family photos and much more.
Collections:
Cataloguing new donations continues. New material has been received from
April Saccoccio (Cairo Central School material) and we received the 1945,
1947, 1949, 1950 and 1951 Forge yearbooks from Ray Houghtaling.
Item
Sales for November/December are:
Greene County USA DVD: 2
Deep Water DVD: 1
Capitol Hill DVD: 1
Portrait of the Past: 5
Sweet Violets: 1
Old
Business:
Bob Uzzilia advised that he had spoken with Robert Hempstead, Town of
Cairo Highway Supervisor, who stated that he is too overwhelmed with
Town projects at present and cannot reinstall the historical marker. He
suggested we contact the County. The marker is repaired and painted and
is ready to be installed.
Sylvia indicated that the Logo Project will be a priority next year.
Sylvia advised that she had spoken with the William G. Pomeroy
Foundation regarding the grant for an historical marker. It was
indicated that the Cairo Historical Society will receive a grant,
however more information is needed using primary resources to support
the application.
Sylvia indicated that she has received the 501c3 paperwork, finally and
has provided a copy to John. John needs to now apply to the State for a
tax exemption.
Sylvia advised that we are in the fund raising mode presently for the
CHS building.
Hillary indicated that she explored the use of Square Up, a mobile
credit card system and has discovered that there has been some negative
feedback on the system. Some individuals have indicated that they have
not received the daily deposits to their accounts as guaranteed in the
literature. It was suggested that Hillary explore the Intuit program
from Quickbooks, which she has agreed to do.
Sylvia advised that the Hometown Heroes Banner Program Committee has met
and prepared the Application Kit, which was distributed to all members
present at the meeting. Discussion ensued with some suggestions on
additional information we could collect. Anne Clapper motioned that the
Application Kit, with suggested changes, be accepted and the Program
launched. Hillary seconded the motion and the vote was carried
unanimously. The Application Kits will be placed at Cairo Town Hall and
be available at the Cairo Historical Society website.
The program will also be launched on the CHS Facebook Page and a front
page spread in the Greenville Mountain View Pioneer. Sylvia will also
reach out to the Daily Mail.
Sylvia suggested that the Cairo Historical Society sponsor a Hometown
Hero Banner themselves. She suggested a Civil War soldier. There are two
such soldiers for which we have a picture – Milton Howard and William
Henry Spencer. Ray Houghtaling motioned that we move forward with a
banner for Milton Howard. Ann Clapper seconded the motion and the motion
was unanimously approved. The Town of Cairo has agreed that we can hang
this banner in the Town Clerk’s Office until May.
Sylvia advised that cheques from the Cairo Task Force and Cairo
Taxpayers Association have not yet been received.
As
neither Jon Morgese nor Michael Sharkey are at the meeting the new
equipment discussion is tabled until a future date.
John Kargoe indicated that he visited the Post Office and obtained the
information for the process on creating a commemorative stamp for Cairo.
There is a 10 week application process and there are strict guidelines
that must be followed. The application fee is $25 and we can purchase
any number of envelopes with the stamp as we wish and resell at any cost
we wish. The logo can be no more than 2 inches by 4 inches. The
cancellation process occurs at the time of purchase. John K. has agreed
to chair this committee.
New
Business:
No
new business was discussed.
Project Update
Sylvia advised that a small team of members, Ray Houghtaling, Bob Dodge,
Sylvia Hasenkopf and Bob Uzzilia cleared the brush from the Solomon Earl
Cemetery on December 2, 2012. Further work on the cemetery will occur in
the spring. George True stopped by and brought coffee and cookies to
warm up the team. George also volunteered to fix the stone wall of the
cemetery in the spring.
There were two attendees at the What’s in your Trunk – Using Military
Records lecture. A small, but enthusiastic group.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Show and Tell:
1)Bob Uzzilia brought in pictures of Cairo in the winter. – Yonker’s Hotel,
the Cairo Fountain and others
2)Pics of Sam and Edna Cozine and Bob Harring were also shared.
3)Sylvia shared the picture of the F. W. Evary sign that was posted on
Facebook. After some discussion, it was felt that this appeared to be the
stencil for produce that was packed in crates or barrels – very possibly apples.
Linda Larsen had seen the discussion on Facebook on this sign and brought in a
genealogy on the family. An Evory file will be created.