MINUTES OF THE DOGTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
September 9, 2006


CALL TO ORDER: – President, John Corbett, called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. at the St. James Rectory. Nine people were in attendance: Bob Corbett, John Corbett, Rose Kennedy, Virginia Lopez, Bill Miller, Gerry Miller, Kay Richard, Sally Sharamitaro and guest Lucy Owen.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2006 meeting. A vote was taken and the minutes were approved

TREASURERS REPORT –Bob Corbett, interim Treasurer, gave the treasurers report. He said that when he received the books from Didi Gardner, the former Treasurer, the current balance was $3,696.79. There were deposits for the month of $3,335.00 and expenses of $2,381.55.

Bob stated that until now the DHS had no “dedicated accounts”, but that he is in the process of developing such accounts and he will be allocating certain monies into specific projects for which they were intended, and then charging those accounts for any expenses.

Currently, he said, we have a total balance of $7,650.24 of which $3,407.86 is dedicated to specific projects, most notably the bench project where we have $2,613.10. At least 6 new benches have been ordered at the present time, donor funds having been received prior to submitting the orders.

We also have $795.00 in an account donated to the ghost sign project that will be matched by a donor for up to $1700.00. This matching offer is open until December 31, 2006.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. A vote was taken and the report was approved.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Archives/Donations – Bob reported that he is in the process of organizing the DHS archives. Each item is to be placed into a plastic holder and labeled. He will then enter each item into his library program. When that is accomplished he will be able to print and publish a bibliography of the entire collection.

Bob said he hopes that members will continue to be watchful for any items, newspaper articles, etc., that might be of interest as a Dogtown collectable.

Bob introduced Lucy Owen, who has a degree in photography, and who has offered to do volunteer work on the DHS photo and archives projects.

Century Home Committee - Bill Miller reported that 100 letters have been sent out informing homeowners about the Century Home plaques.

Discussion followed on the number of plaques that have been ordered, delivered and displayed. Lloyd Avenue seems to have the most plaques displayed. The members also discussed the idea of offering a 50 year plaque.

Living History – No Report

Membership Update – No report

Speakers Series – –Sally Sharamitaro reported that she has been in contact with the two Videographers that were recommended by our DHS members, to replace Autumn Eakin. Both were interested and willing to work with our budgeted amount of $200.00. Both would provide us with a VHS tape of the program and each said that they could also provide a DVD at a slight increase in the price, approximately $225.00. Their names are below.

OLD BUSINESS

Bench Project Report – John reported that the bench project is going great!. There are seven benches up and six more ordered. Those six could be installed by next weekend for Homecoming, if they are delivered by this Wednesday.

Discussion followed regarding the possibility of placing benches in other areas of Dogtown, some options mentioned are, Cheltenham, Franz Park, Louisville and Dale and the St. James School yard.

Bob reported that he spoke with Father Johnson about placing the Dogtown Soccer Hall of Fame bench outside the Wade Avenue entrance to the School. Bob said that Father Johnson was happy to approve the location for both the bench and the plaque. Bob said that he has been working on identifying all the men listed who had grown up or lived in Dogtown. At present he has 27 names. Bob plans to include the grade school and date of graduation if possible for each man.

Ghost Sign Restoration Project - John reported that as of this date the painter, Lonnie Tettaton, is under contract to the DHS for the restoration of the Ghost Sign on the south side of the building at 1206 Tamm Avenue.

The only delay is the situation with the powerlines. Southwestern Bell and Ameren UE have been contacted but have not yet complied with our requests. Ameren UE now states that they need 2-3 weeks prior notification. Therefore, the start date for the Ghost Sign project will be late September or early October.

If all goes well the project will be completed by October 15th, the date of the DHS Speakers Series event celebrating the Alpen Brau Brewery, its introduction at the 1904 Worlds Fair and the completion of the ghost sign restoration project.

Discussion of cost and funding followed. John reported that the cost for painting the sign is $1962.00. The $600.00 deposit has been paid and $550.00 more is needed for the lift. Currently the DHS has received $795.00 in donations, and additional donations are needed.

Bill Miller wanted to bring to the members attention another ghost sign on a building at Central and Wise avenues. Not as large as the Alpen Brau sign, but more readable then the ghost sign at West Park and Tamm.

NEW BUSINESS

Good of the Order – John and Bob introduced a discussion of older buildings and properties in the neighborhood. Some are being taken down with newer larger buildings planned for those properties. One building at West Park and Pierce is said to have been used as a post-Civil War hospital. And at the site of the Hi Point Movie Theater there is talk of a 22 story building of luxury condominiums.

The meeting adjourned at 10:60 a.m. The next meeting will be Saturday, October 14, 2006, 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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Bob Corbett

corbetre@webster.edu