Gatesburg Historical Committee
Minutes
1. Attendees
Ken Vasko, Jerilynn Schumacher, Jim Harpster, Joan Deibler, Jenny Barto, Jeanne Siphron, Bruce Berky, Charles Poust, Laura Rider, Randy Barger, Dave Heubner, Bill Homan, Carl Gates, Denny Moore, Lindsay Harpster, Dan Rhodes, Maria Rhodes and Ernie Harpster were in attendance.
2. Minutes from Previous Meeting/s
Denny Moore read the minutes from the previous meeting. There were no changes, additions or deletions.
3. New Business
4. Budget Review/Financial Report
To date, we have $3,950.00 in contributions.
Diane received an invoice from KB Printing for the mailers. A motion was made by Jerilynn to pay the bill, it was seconded by Ken. It was passed unanimously.
5. Time Line Review
Ken reviewed with the attendees a recommended time line for the two days of events. Denny suggested the Grange Halls could jointly hold a bake sale. Ernie suggested asking to do the breakfast for both and Friday and Saturday.
Ernie is going to check with the re-enactors as to if they expect the committee to provide them with food during their encampment.
Once the food committee reports back on food, picnic, etc. Ken can update the timeline on that.
Ken reported that the committee needs to schedule what and who will accomplish different tasks the weeks and days up to the event and of course during the 2 days scheduled.
6. Committee Reports:
a. Military Memorial
Ernie reported that the count on the bricks will be available by next meeting. The design has not yet been set and Ernie is waiting to hear back from Steve Miska. Ken asked what Steve’s deadline is and Ernie reported May 1, 2009.
A discussion was held on where the memorial should be placed. Three options were discussed which are a) under church flag pole, b) on David Siphron’s land or c) on the northeast corner of the picnic area owned by the Gatesburg Lutheran Church. Denny Moore said he will have to go back to the church council and ask them discuss the two options relative to the church property. Ken asked if lighting will be available. A general discussion ensued and several committee members thought it would be no problem to upgrade to code electrical options at the pavilion area.
Maria suggested “selling” bricks to place around the memorial. Since time is of the essence, the committee suggested waiting until after the memorial is built.
The memorial dedication will be done on Saturday. Ernie sent an invitation to the Centre County Commissioners to attend the dedication. Danny reported he will have the color guards from the VFW. Ernie suggested asking Kerry Benninghoff to be a speaker at the dedication. Ken also suggested asking Scott Conklin to speak. Ernie will contact both of them.
b. Guest Book
Jenny Barto offered a sample of a “wood” book that perhaps Mr. Huebner could reproduce with our logo on it and use it as the guest book. Carl Gates has the wood available and Diane will discuss with Tim Gray about doing the edging and burning affect on the front panel.
Diane reported she continues to look for a guest book and thought perhaps a “scrape book” could work. She will continue to search for something appropriate.
c. Township
a. Danny received a called from Robert Heinsohn, Township Supervisor. He expressed his willingness to work with the committee to proceed with our efforts. He would like to meet with our committee.
b. Danny asked Mr. Kunkle if he would represent the Township during the dedication of the memorial.
c. Danny reported the we have to meet the Township’s requirement to have personnel who are trained and licensed to serve food. Mr. Berkey and Mr. Huebner indicated they are both trained and qualified to serve food in a public setting..
d. Parade
Ernie reported he received a positive response when he approached a representative from the Alpha’s Fire Company to provide us with fire police during the parade. Danny and Denny are working on an “invitation” to send out to prospective participants in the parade.
Ernie reported he has a calliope available. Phyllis is willing to play it. Tom Baker wants to set up a booth for charactures and would sell them at $15.00 a piece.
e. Picnic
Randy Barger reported he had contacted Brother’s Restaurant for rolls. Their price was $139.00. He also contacted Giant at $132.00 and for a heavier roll was $236.00. Randy is also waiting on a price from Pacifico. Mr. Heubner asked if their committee is also responsible for the hot dogs and rolls. Mr. Poust suggested getting those from Sam’s Club. Mr. Huebner suggested if there are any picnic products left, perhaps the Lion’s Club could purchase them to use them at Ag-Progress Days.
Ernie asked Mr. Berkey if the bean soup was going to be done just on Saturday and he confirmed that. Mr. Berkey offered kettles for the corn. Mr. Berkey offered his services for Friday night, i.e. cooking hot dogs and corn. Mr. Berkey will have the bean soup available by 10:00 am on Saturday morning. He asked about the availability of water; Denny Moore said there is water available under the pavilion.
Ernie expressed his concern about having food available at noon on Friday because of yard salers, re-enacters, etc.
Mr. Berkey asked that someone be available during the event to handle the heavy kettles.
Mr. Berkey is offering his services at no cost. The committee expressed their appreciation.
Mr. Huebner asked if there was enough power available. Bill Homan strongly suggested the power at the pavilion be checked and anything needed be repaired.
Mr. Huebner strongly suggested having coffee available.
Maria suggested that the “picnic committee” meet aside from the regular to discuss
Denny is contacting several stores in the area to donate soda and water.
The picnic committee will meet and report back to the general committee at the next meeting.
Randy reported the hogs will be handled by Meyer’s and stamped by the USDA and approved for consumption.
f. Military Reenactment Camp
Mr. Koontz has not reported yet back to Ernie on whom or how many people will be available. Maria asked exactly where the military re-enactors were going to be placed on the property owned by the Houseknects. She expressed her concern with their pond and suggested perhaps police tape be placed around the pond so children would not wonder near it. Ernie was going to discuss this with Mike Houseknect.
g. Black Smith
Ernie will ask Bob Rider about attending the next meeting.
h. Cook Book
Ernie reported that his sister has received “dozens” of recipe. The cutoff is for submitted recipes is April 14, 2009.
i. Pottery
Denny, Danny, Jim Harpster and Ernie cleaned some of the clay available. The potterier took home the clay and it is not exactly the same as before. The potterier suggested going to another site located in Stormstown. Danny will get a trackhoe on April 4, 2009. The potterier will be on site that day while the digging is done to make sure the correct clay is obtained. The potterier also has another kiln available in Huntingdon County.
j. Charcoal Making
The charcoal making, “start building” will begin on Friday morning and will be “lit off” at noon. It will be “smothered up” on Saturday and uncovered by 4:00 pm.
k. Fire Works
Nothing new to report.
l. Mailer/Advertising
Ernie has received from Koch’s Funeral Home a full page ad. Maria reported H & R will also do a full page ad.
m. Photo Committee
Jerilynn has been scanning all photos. Jeannie reported that the photos will be grouped according to families, etc.
Carl Gates passed around the “cover” of the book as prepared Jim Weaver,
n. Horse Shoeing Demonstration
Laura Rider was present and discussed the possibility of her husband doing a demo on the horse shoeing. Laura is going to discuss the liability of having a horse on site. She was positive he would be interested in working with the blacksmith demonstration.
q. Yard Sale
Jerilynn reported she has received 7 crafts booths.
Ernie is going to donate approx. 100’ stake and ryder fence available to sell as a silent auction.
r. Tee-Shirts
Maria will continue investigating the possibility of purchasing the t-shirts for the staff.
s. Wooden Nickels
Ken reported the possibility of purchasing “wooden nickels”. Our logo could be printed on them. Ken suggested giving them away as a souvenir to the boy scouts, etc. The committee asked Ken to pursue this and come back with more information.
7. Next Meeting Schedule/Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
The next workshop will be Monday, March 30, 2009. The next committee meeting will be held on The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2009.