MINUTES OF THE DOGTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

April 10, 2004

CALL TO ORDER -- The newly elected President John Corbett called the meeting of The Dogtown Historical Society (DHS) to order at 10:05 a.m. at the St. James Rectory. Eleven people were in attendance: Nina Bryans, Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Tom Haller, Henry Herbst, Rose Kennedy, Virginia Lopez, Kurt Odendahl, Kay Richard, Rachel Storch, and Kelli Vincent.

MINUTES were read by John Corbett with one correction. Should read, “Bob Corbett has taken the 1916 baseball shirt to the Dogtown Frame Shop to get an estimate on the cost of framing it.” Minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: No treasurer’s report. Rachel Storch the new treasurer has not received the books from Jim Glaser.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Speakers Series Committee: No report.

2. Membership Dues: No report

3. Century Home Committee -- Bob Corbett reported that there are 37 homes in the two-block area of Famous Avenue that are over 100 years old. He said that it would be very interesting to have as many residents as possible have their homes certified by DHS and have the plaques on display on the homes. He suggested having a day commemorating this special event. It would be a good way to publicize Dogtown’s Century Homes and DHS.

4. Civil War Days in Cheltenham -- John Corbett has contacted Father Johnson regarding participation of the reenactment actors at the Mass on October 10. Father Johnson was enthusiastic about the idea and will prepare his sermon relating to the participation of the St. Louis Catholic Church and its stance during the Civil War.

   John said that he had attended a garage sale and purchased six, Civil War- period dresses along with shawls, etc. He will bring them to the next meeting for anyone interested in purchasing them.

5. Living History -- John Corbett stated that he would donate a video camera to the Living History Project. He would like to see the committee begin having one interview a week as soon as the video camera is purchased. Nina Bryans stated that so far DHS has interviewed 15 people and the St. James Quilters. There are eleven people on the Living History roster who have yet to be interviewed. Bob Corbett said that he had some names to be added to the roster and will supply them to Nina.

6. Letters from Dogtown: Bob Corbett announced that thanks to Anne Patrice O’Shaunessey, the authors have been persuaded to publish one last set of books. Henry Herbst moved, and Kelli Vincent seconded, that DHS purchase five copies of the Letters of Dogtown to be placed in the Dogtown archives. The motion carried.

7. Donations: Bob Corbett reported that the Dogtown Frame Shop would frame the 1916 baseball shirt with a 40 x 30 inch special Plexiglas cover and metal frame for $125.00. The members agreed to have the baseball shirt framed. The cost of framing Mrs. Herbst memorabilia in a 24 x 36 inch frame will cost $60.00, and Henry Herbst said that he would donate the cost of the framing to DHS. We hope to have them on display at the May 16th lecture on Forest Park Highlands.

   The third item of business to be discussed concerned the St. James School pictures that have been damaged. Bob would like to have these preserved and kept in the DHS archives. The cost of framing one class picture, 11 x 14, will be $35.00. Henry Herbst stated that his class, that of 1954, will be having its 50th reunion this year. He has agreed to donate the cost of framing his class picture so that it can be used as a model for future classes.

8. Fund Raising: Bob Corbett stated that there were 40 tee shirts left unsold from the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. For the record, the sizes sold were: 20 XXL, 35 XL, 10 L, and 10 M.

Meeting adjourned 11:35am. Next meeting will be May 8,2004 at 10:00am St. James Rectory, 6401 Wade Avenue. Entrance on Wade Avenue side.

Respectfully submitted,
Virginia Lopez
For Sally Sharamitaro
Secretary
Dogtown Historical Society