CALL TO ORDER: – President John Corbett called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. in the St. James Rectory. Thirteen people were in attendance: Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Jo Ann Emmerich, Didi Gardner, Greg Gardner, Henry Herbst, Rose Kennedy, Bill Miller, Gerry Miller, Carol Nemeth, Kurt Odendahl, Kay Richard and Sally Sharamitaro.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2006 meeting with two corrections 1) KETC not KETZ and 2) the date of the November meeting is the 11th not the 14th. A vote was taken, motion passed and the minutes were approved.
TREASURERS REPORT –Bob Corbett, interim Treasurer, made a motion that the treasurer’s report for October be waived until the next meeting. A motion was made and seconded to waive the October treasurer’s report. A vote was taken, motion passed.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Archives/Donations – No Report
Century Home Committee - Bill Miller reported that to date the DHS has sold a total of 59 plaques, and received in payment $2,837.50, for a profit to the DHS of $662.50. Three plaques still have not been picked up. The dates on those plaques are:1880, 1892 and 1905. Two of them were paid by individuals but despite Bill’s attempts to contact them he has not heard from the purchasers. The third plaque is one that Bill took the initiative to order believing that the owner of the home would be interested. That was not the case. Bill said he is open to suggestions on what can be done with these three plaques.
Discussion followed on the Century Home plaques and their added value to the properties, though no suggestions were offered.
Living History – John opened the floor for names of individuals to be added to the interview list. John needs the individuals name, and would appreciate a possible date and time they would be available. Bob Corbett said he would send an email note out to the Dogtown list for recommendations and/or suggestions.
Membership Update – Henry Herbst stated that he is preparing the 2007 membership letter for mailing next month and will need an updated membership list. He mentioned that the current membership listing is not as workable as he would like it to be. Sally Sharamitaro commented that she has had problems with it too, as it’s not workable as it is, for printing address labels. Henry and Sally will work together on the membership list to create a more workable format for both of them.
Speakers Series – –Sally Sharamitaro presented a summary report on our October 15, 2006 lecture “The History of the Alpen Brau Ghost Sign”.
Henry Herbst, Dogtown Historical Society board member and St. Louis Brewery historian, presented an extremely well researched and very interesting program.
Henry traced the early history of brewing in St. Louis leading to the founding of the Columbia Brewing Company in 1892. Then told about the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and how the Alpen Brau brand was introduced.
Henry talked about Dogtown and the Dennis T. Coyne saloon at 1206 Tamm Ave. (today The Dogtown Gallery and Frame Shop). He included before and after photos of the Alpen Brau ghost sign. The sign's restorer, wall-dog Lonnie Tettaton was present and Henry introduced and thanked him.
According to the attendance sheets there were 47 members and guests present, and of those, 35 guests completed comments sheets, 89 to 97% giving the presentation the highest ratings in all categories.
Bob reported that no more volunteers have come forward for the “Key” activities on the Speaker Series listing. And until he fills those positions, he will be unable to form a committee. He is hoping that by the end of the year, they will be filled and the committee formed.
Bob said he was still agreeable to give the first program for 2007 if the positions are filled and the committee is formed. Discussion followed on a possible date for the first 2007 program and who would do the videotaping.
OLD BUSINESS
Bench Project Report –– John reported that the DHS now has 13 benches in place.
Discussion followed on the use of the current benches by the Dogtown community and the bench orders still in progress and their locations. Some requests have the owner’s permission, but still need the city’s permit. Others still need the owner’s permission and the city permit as well.
Ghost Sign Restoration Project - Bob reported that the new president of the Hi Point Association, Jo Ann Berger, heard about the Ghost Sign at Central and Wise and sent a letter to the owner of the building urging him to grant permission to the DHS for the restoration of the sign. An earlier plea by Bob to the tenants of the building was not well received by them. And Bob is doubtful that they passed along his name and the information about the DHS’ interest. He plans to follow up with a letter from the DHS asking for the owner’s permission.
Route 66 Signs and Dogtown (Wall) (Walk) of Fame Discussion – John Corbett reported to the members that it will be spring before we know any more about the Route 66 signs.
He then opened a discussion about the “Famous” people of Dogtown. The Dogtown email list has been very busy lately with folks submitting names, lists of names and even categories within lists of names of Famous Dogtowners. John recalled that early in DHS history we have at various times discussed the possibility of having a Dogtown Walk or Wall of Fame and members were urged to submit names.
There was quite a lively discussion that followed regarding the definition (and degree) of “Fame” required to be “Famous”. Then a question was asked whether we would need a set of criteria to determine whether a person would qualify? Another question was “would a limit (“a “Top 25”) be appropriate”? John eventually suggested that we “table” the discussion for now, to be opened again at a later date. All agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
None at this time
The meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m. The next meeting will be Saturday, January 17, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., St James Rectory 6401 Wade Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139
Respectfully submitted
Sally Ryan Sharamitaro
Secretary, Dogtown Historical Society
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