CALL TO ORDER – President John Corbett called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. at the home of Jerry, Theresa and Joe Weisbrod at 6525 Wise Ave, St. Louis, MO. Nine members plus our gracious hosts; Jerry and Theresa Weisbrod, were in attendance. Members attending were: Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Lucy Corbett, Tom Corbett, Carol Nemeth, Sally Sharamitaro, Joe Weisbrod, Committeewoman; Marie Waterhouse and Alderman; Bill Waterhouse.
Meeting Minutes - A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2010 meeting. A vote was taken, the motion passed and the minutes were approved.
Soldier’s Memorial Project – John introduced Alderman Bill Waterhouse who updated the members on the funding and plans for the Soldier’s Memorial. It’s his belief that plans should work out for the ceremony to be held on Memorial Day 2011, and he feels confident that a donor will be found for the $5000.00 needed for the stone.
A question was asked about space in the new park area for the statue of the boy and his dog? John responded that yes, he believes that behind the gazebo where the two trees are there could be space for the statue.
There was another question about whether the city would then maintain the area on the hill where the statue is currently. Alderman Waterhouse stated that it too has been designated as a park, and therefore the city will maintain it as a park. Discussion followed about whether that area would be a good place for a neighborhood garden.
John then moved on to explain what needs to happen in order for the memorial stone to be placed on the site. First, the paperwork needs to be prepared and submitted to the city for the cost estimates. Next, the bidding will open and one bidder will be chosen. After that the chosen bidder and the city will work together on digging and then cementing the pad/ base. The placement of the memorial stone will be next after the base is set and thereafter the city will take over maintenance of the park area.
Further discussions followed about the Memorial Day ceremony, which names would be put on the stone, how to communicate which veterans would qualify for their names to be placed on the stone, how to purchase the bricks that are planned for the walkway, and finally what events might be scheduled at the site in the future.
John announced a special thank you to Dan McGuire, a former Dogtown Alderman, who has been interested in and working behind the scenes searching for information which would prove which Dogtown veterans died in the Foreign Wars. John reported that Dan has made amazing progress and has 26 Dogtown veterans that research proves qualify for their names being place on the memorial stone.
Historian/Archivist –
Bob wanted to remind the members that in the past two years the DHS lost three of its board members, two of which were Founding Board Members.
On October 16, 2009, we lost Henry Herbst, historian, lecturer and co-author of the book “St. Louis Brews – 200 Years of Brewing in St. Louis -1809-2009”.
On August 26, 2010, we lost Dr. Leonard Naeger, who died suddenly while conducting a continuing education program abroad. Dr. Naeger, was for nearly 40 years a Professor of Pharmacology at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
On December 4, 2010, we lost Virginia Lopez, our founding Secretary and later a Vice President for the DHS, who was also a long time member of St. James Parish and the St. James Quilters Association.
We valued their contributions and may they rest in peace.
Upcoming Lectures - Bob then discussed his upcoming lectures. The next lecture is based on St. Patrick, and other Irish saints and the fact that there is a significant difference in priests educated in Ireland as St. Patrick and so many of St. James the Greater pastors were. Bob plans to give the St. Patrick lecture at the March 12, 2011 Meeting. It would be best too, he said, to have it at his home where he could set up the DHS projector as he plans it as a Power Point Presentation.
NEW BUSINESS
Big Tree Contest - Tom and Lucy Corbett suggested that due to the weather, the “Big Tree” contest not begin in the winter but instead sometime in the spring. Tom and Lucy will follow up.Dogtown Bulletin Board – John gave a follow up report on the Bulletin Board idea. The plan now is to look into purchasing one. The location chosen will likely be on Tamm Avenue near the Gold Room. John feels that it would be worth the $400.00 cost as it would help improve communication around and about Dogtown. And announce DHS activities to the Dogtown neighborhood. John will prepare some guidelines on what information will be displayed there.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. Next meeting will be February 12, 2011 at 10:00am at 6525 Wise Ave., St. Louis MO 63139.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Sharamitaro
Secretary
Dogtown Historical Society
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