MINUTES OF THE DOGTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

October 11, 2003

CALL TO ORDER

Dogtown Historical Society meeting was held on October 11, 2003 at St. James The Greater Rectory.
President Nina Bryans called the meeting of the Dogtown Historical Society at 10:02 a.m. The meeting was held at St. James The Greater Rectory with fifteen people in attendance: Nina Bryans, Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Tom Haller, Henry Herbst, Rose Kennedy, Tom Lenartson, Virginia Lopez, Bill and Gerry Miller, Kay Richard, and Kelly Vincent.

Minutes were read by Virginia Lopez and corrections were made to General Business:

1. Century Homes. Should read: Carolyn Toft, Executive Secretary of The Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc.

Treasurer’s Report – Nina Bryans reported for Jim Glaser, the treasurer, that there was a balance of $2,674.80 in the bank. There was no income or expenditures for the month of September.

General Business

1. Century Homes
   
   Bob Corbett said that the committee is waiting on a graphic design of the logo and the stationary.
   
   
2. Speakers Series
   
   Sally Sharamitaro reported on “An Evening with Julie Duane” held on Sunday, September 21 in the St. James Cafeteria. Ms. Duane invited her musical partner of 30 years, Andy Menzel, to join her for the evening, and Bob Corbett served as master of ceremonies.
   
   Some of the feedback from the comment sheets were: “So glad to spotlight a ‘legend’ living right in our own back yard!”; “Especially focusing on the beautiful gifts our elders have had hidden and unrecognized!!”; “The whole concept was a nice quaint surprise. I love the idea!!”; “It was wonderful, ‘very professional’”; and “Enjoyed the performance immensely.” Thirty- three people signed the attendance sheet.
   
   Two Webster University students were contracted to videotape the program in order to have a product that can be preserved in DHS archives. The Board of Directors originally approved an expense of $200, but additional expenses where explained by Nina Bryans. Bob Corbett moved, and the motion was seconded by Tom Haller, that the additional expense of $111.38 be paid. The motion carried.
   
   Special thanks have been extended to Father Johnson for the use of the School; Bill Kennebeck for the drinks; Bills and Gerry Miller for the Snacks; and Virginia Lopez and Julie Colombo acting as official greeters.
   
   Chairperson, Sally Shamamitaro, reported that Doug Garner has agreed to present a lecture on the Forest Park Highland in April, and Peter Puleo will lecture on the Founding of Forest Park in October.
   
   
3. Thomas Mine Area
   
   A Dogtown visit was reported in the October newsletter of the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. Bob Corbett reported that on Saturday, October 25, Father Johnson will conduct a tour of St. James Church for the Landmarks Association. Bob will follow with a short walking tour of Dogtown, and then the group will lunch at Saemus McDaniels. If you are interested in attending, call Carol Toft, Landmarks Office, at 314-421-6474,.
   
   
4. Membership Drive
   
   Henry Hebst stated that the FY 2004 Membership Drive would begin on November 15 when renewal letter will be sent out to current members and non-members who have attended the Speakers Series. An appeal will also be made to those on the Dogtown Email List.
   
   Henry suggested a new addition of Lifetime Memberships to the Membership Drive. The topic was discussed, and Bob Corbett moved, seconded by John Corbett, to offer DHS Lifetime Memberships for a minimum donation of $500.00. Motion carried.
   
   
5. Patterson Missionary Baptist Church
   
   Through connections made by Dan McQuire, Bob Corbett and Sally Sharamitaro attend services at the Patterson Missionary Baptist Church at 537 Debaliviere. The original African American congregation settled in 1850 in Dogtown and attended church here until 1960 when Hwy 44 displaced many of its parishioners.
   
   Bob and Sally were graciously welcomed by the parishioners and met with two of the five people from this original church. Bob will put a picture of the last pastor of the Dogtown Church on the Dogtown Web Site.
   
   
6. Fund Raisers
   
   Board members discussed various methods of raising funds. Kelly Vincent suggested tote bags, stationary, pins, and tee shirts. It was also suggested that a Dogtown quilt be raffled. Nina Bryans mentioned funds were needed for a video camera for the Living History Project as well as the Speakers Series. Kay Richards suggested by the Speakers Series continue to contract for video services. Bob Corbett recommended soliciting underwriting for video services for the Speakers Series. Henry Herbst will investigate items to sell.
   
   
7. Reenactment of the 1864 Raid on August Mungee’s Store and Post Office
   
   Tom Haller introduced Emmett Taylor, President of the Wentzville Historical Society and member of the Sons of Ancestors of the Civil War. Mr. Taylor is involved in organizing the reenactment of Civil War battles. Enthusiastic discussion carried on, and a committee will investigate plans for reenactment.
   
   

New Business

Donations

Dorothy Malone Nollan has donated her father’s diploma from the St. James Class of 1916 to the DHS achieves. She also loaned DHS a very rare graduation photo.

Joan Romero has donated a signed copy of an important addition to our achieve library, The Deaconess Heritage: One Hundred Years of Caring, Healing, and Teaching, by Ruth W. Rasche. This book is a detailed history with many photos of the work of the St. Louis Evangelical Church on the development of an order of women who attended the sick. It also contains the history of the founding, building, and operation of Deaconess Hospital.

Henry Herbst, son of DHS member, Marion Herbst, displayed numerous Dogtown historical memorabilia at our meeting. Mrs. Herbst formerly lived at 1021 Childress, but is now residing in a residential home. DHS members enjoyed looking at dozens of advertising items from Dogtown businesses, prayer cards signed by P.J. O’Connor, bills for medications from the Tamm Avenue Pharmacy, newspaper clippings on the neighborhood, and many more items of interest.

Meeting adjourned 11:45 am

Next meeting will be November 8, 2003 at 10:00 a.m., St. James The Greater Rectory, 6401 Wade Avenue entrance.

Virginia Lopez
Secretary
Dogtown Historical Society