Historic Hoosier Hills RC&D

JPG Heritage Partnership

August 21, 2007

Minutes to be reviewed at the September Meeting

The Jefferson Proving Ground Heritage Partnership met at the Jefferson Proving Grounds in Madison, IN, at 7:00 p.m.  Norma Lou Irwin, President, called the meeting to order with Bob Irwin, Ken Knouf, David Lee, Louis Munier, Mike Moore, Terry Stephenson, Mary Harsin, Ron and Ilene Harsin, Charles Dilk, Marilyn Browning, and Carl and Millie Busch in attendance. 

Minutes of the July 17^th meeting at the South Ripley Elementary School were reviewed.  Bob made a motion that the minutes be approved; Mike seconded the motion and the minutes were approved.

Our long-term member and dear friend, Jean McClellan, died August 10, 2007.  Terry Stephenson will send $25.00 from JPGHP to a memorial for this amazing lady.

Member discounts on book purchases set in the February meeting were reviewed. 

Old Timbers  $21 to $15

St Magdalene  $6 to $5

Newspaper Clippings $15 to $10

A draft report on the oral history book has been sent to the Community Foundation.

Terry said in future financial reports will separate restricted and unrestricted funds.

Mike made a motion that the financial report be filed for audit; Bob seconded the motion; motion carried. 

Ken distributed a copy of a letter he sent to about 60-70 former JPG employees and others interested in the future of Old Timbers.  Big Oaks Conservation Society would like to form a subcommittee to help with Old Timbers.  In a few years Old Timbers will need a new roof with an estimated cost of $50,000.  Terry has ideas to share with Ken.  For this opportunity, timing is everything.  Congressman Hill is interested in Old Timbers.  Maybe the Preservation Council can help too.  Anyone interested in helping with Old Timbers in anyway is encouraged to contact Ken.

The family of Norma Lou and Bob Irwin are planning a celebration of their 50^th Wedding Anniversary at Old Timbers on Saturday, October 6 from 2-5 p.m.  Persons are needed at Gate 8 to control access and give directions.

About 80 oral histories have been collected for the Oral History Book.  The best of these will be included as snippets in the book and information will be given for the source of the full oral history.

Ron reported that Fidlar Doubleday who reprinted the Old Timbers Book no longer does hard cover books so they will not reprint any more of the Old Timbers Books.  Bob made a motion to have Ron pursue other publishers to reprint the book.  Mike seconded the motion; motion carried. 

Mike reported on his negotiations with Sue Baker to reprint her book, “Echoes of Jefferson Proving Ground”.  The reprint will be a hardbound book with a dust jacket, the same as the original.  The cost of 250 copies is $2,412; 60% is required up front.  A copy of the contract will be given to Terry and he will make the payment. 

Visits to our website are about 60/day which is the highest ever.

Plans for the fall seminar are progressing.  Ken will invite Gloria June Grieff , a historian focused on 1930’s culture, to make a presentation.  Darrell Richardson does not want to prepare a talk but may be a resource with memories on J Road and Bethel Road.  Chris Asher will make a presentation on quilts and patterns that were incorporated as signals on the Underground Railroad.  Another topic is Native American Indians in the Jennings County area.  Brian Winters will tell about controlled burns on the Proving Grounds.  Terry will apply for a small grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation for the seminar.  We are grateful for their generous support in the past.

Mike distributed an update of the display at the Jefferson County Historical Center.  Mike and Ken have worked on a grant application for $2500 to build the display.  Terry will see that the application is reviewed through the HHH council.  Some videos are being prepared to use with the display.  Also, some fence that was washed out in the recent heavy rains can be used in the display. 

Norma Lou reminded everyone that at our next meeting we have the election of officers.  Lilian Carmer will present the slate of officers. 

Louis announced that Sunday, August 26, is the Marble Corner Reunion at the American Legion Park near Osgood. 

 Meeting adjourned about 8:00 p.m.  Next meeting is Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at the Jennings County Library in North Vernon.

Respectfully submitted by