CALL TO ORDER: – President John Corbett called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. in the St. James Rectory. Eleven members were in attendance: Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Tom Haller, Henry Herbst, Geraldine Kaegel, Virginia Lopez, Bill Miller, Gerry Miller, Carol Nemeth, Kurt Odendahl, and Sally Sharamitaro.
Minutes of Last Meeting - A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2006 meeting. No meetings were held in December (holidays) or January (weather). A vote was taken, the motion passed and the November minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report - Bob Corbett, Treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report. In addition to the current balance, Bob listed the totals in the various designated and undesignated categories of funds. Of the total balance of $4,718.40, the largest amount, $3,056.00, is designated for the Ghost sign project, the second largest amount, $1,578.30, is designated for the Bench project. Membership dues received as of February 10, 2007, totaled $670.00.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the February treasurer’s report. A vote was taken, motion passed.
GENERAL BUSINESSArchives/Donations– Bob presented the up to date information on the Soccer Hall of Fame plaque. He told the members that he arranged with the tile company to have the plaque “hung” on the brick wall at St. James School. There is no date for that installation at this time, it will depend on the weather as they will be using a special type of glue. Bob will follow up.
Bob also mentioned that he and Henry Herbst are still working on the wording for the Alpen Brau plaque and stated that the plaque installation might be an opportunity to involve the Dogtown Businesses Association and to attract some press coverage. Bob and Henry will follow up.
Civil War Re-Enactment – - John initiated discussion on whether the DHS members want to have another Civil War re-enactment. Some of the issues discussed were: 1) does the DHS want to sponsor another re-enactment, and 2) where would we get the funds, and 3) what location would be used now that the lot used for the first re-enactment is no longer available? John will follow up
Century Home Committee -Bill Miller reported that he received four more orders for Century Home plaques, but will need a few more to submit the full order to the tile company. Bill said to date there are 300 documented Century Homes in Dogtown. The four new orders for plaques are in response to the committee’s most current mailing (1907 homes). Bill will follow up. Living History – John again mentioned that there is only one name on the list of individuals to be interviewed. John asked for ideas and/or suggestions for the Living History Committee and stated that, in addition to the individual’s name, he needs a possible date and time that the person would be available for a videotaped interview. John will follow up. Membership Update - No Report Lecture Series -Bob said that the Speaker or Lecture Series’ situation remains the same, we still need additional volunteers for the “key” activities on the Speaker Series list.Bob said he has three possibilities for 2007 lectures in the event that volunteers come forward. He listed himself, Doug Garner and Henry Herbst as the three speakers.
Henry stated that he is still agreeable to give his lecture on the Taylor City Belt Line that ran through Dogtown to Forest Park for the World Fair, though that lecture would not be ready until at least Fall of 2007 or Spring 2008. He spoke of the events that are coming up for him; plans to run for President of the Eureka Historical Society (EHS), and his involvement in the preparation and printing of their EHS 150th Anniversary book.
OLD BUSINESS
Bench Project - John reported that the DHS has 13 benches in place.
Discussion followed on the bench orders still in progress and their locations. Some requests have the property owner’s permission, but still need the city’s permit. Others still need the owner’s permission and the city permit as well. John will follow up.
Ghost Sign Restoration Project – Bob reported that though a letter was sent to the owner of the building urging him to grant permission to the DHS for what would be the second of our Ghost Signs, the owner has not replied. In fact, Bob said he heard a rumor that that very property might be in process of being sold. Bob will follow up. Route 66 Signs and Dogtown (Wall/Walk) of Fame – John Corbett reported to the members that it will be June 2007 before we know any more about the Dogtown Route 66 signs. He explained that the Super Highway Fund is currently before the Missouri House of Representatives and the funding will be decided within the time frame of their voting process.A discussion followed on the path that Highway 66 took as it wound its way through Dogtown.
Dogtown Street Banners – Bob reminded the members that Alderman Bill Waterhouse mentioned that he was going to look into replacing or adding more street banners in the 24th Ward. It was suggested that the DHS might want to get involved with the business association folks in the redesigning of the Dogtown street banner.
Several members voiced their suggestions for the Dogtown street banner, ie, color, graphics, even the word Dogtown as one word. Bob asked if anyone had design background or would be interested in submitting a design for the new Dogtown banner. One member seemed interested, Bob will follow up.
NEW BUSINESSFundraising Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day - Fundraising ideas for St. Patrick’s Parade day were discussed. If we are to sell shirts, we need to order them soon. More discussion about both parades occurring on the same day in 2007. Bob and John will follow up.
DHS Income Tax Report - Bob informed the members that according to a letter he received from Ed Cody, the DHS now needs to submit a 2006 Income Tax Return. This generated discussion about donations and the grant process. As treasurer, Bob will follow up on the DHS Income Tax Return. John will follow up and gather more information on the process of submission for grant funds.
Genealogy/Family History - Tom Haller and Henry Herbst offered suggestions for those interested in family history research. Tom mentioned the census records on the DHS website. Henry mentioned that there are Military records on the Missouri Secretary of State website as well as the Death Index with its selected Death Certificates.
Forest Park - Bob mentioned that given the current issues in the news about Forest Park and Barnes Jewish Corp (BJC) it might be interesting to take another historical look back at a different “battle” for Forest Park. This particular battle happened when the owner of the Forest Park Highlands sued the park for the property where the Mounted Police are currently located. Bob will follow up.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m. The next meeting will be Saturday, March 10, 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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