Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of meetings
2013

Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

December 9, 2013

Milam County Museum

•Meeting was called to order at 10:10 am on Monday, December 9, 2013 by Secretary, Joan

Ratliff

•Joan called role and requested members to report volunteer hours when they responded to

roll call.

•Joan thanked our host, Milam County Museum and hostesses for the beautiful decorations

and delicious food. No Guests.

•Minutes were emailed to members and Joan asked for comments or corrections. Jack Brooks

made the motion to accept the minutes as read and Beth Brooks made the second to the

motion. Motion carried.

•The Treasurer’s report was postponed until the next meeting due to the absence of the

treasurer. The report was emailed but the attendees asked that she present the report at

the next MCHC meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: None at this time

NEW BUSINESS:

•2014 Meeting locations. Joan asked for suggestions. The attendees would like to have

the December meeting at the Museum.

•Dan Utley did a presentation, in honor of Archeology Week, in Caldwell. Lucile, Dolores

and Joan attended. Joan discussed that two entities in Rockdale will receive interns to

assist with applications including Texas Treasures, Rainbow Courts Motel and City

Cemetery. The interns should be available the first of the year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

•CLG: Joy not present but working hard on ECR.

•Geri Burnett not present. Applications are out for Preservation Grant.

•Publicity: Lucile is attending the County Commissioners’ meeting because of the Bryant

Station Bridge being on the agenda. She will be here after the Commissioner’s meeting.

•Oral History: Jack has the completed Graham Dickerson interview. Asked about a

repository. Any suggestions for WWII vets that would be interested in being interviewed

please let Jack know. Jack discussed the necessity of building an element of trust with

the people that are being interviewed.

Dolores mentioned that Jack should contact Betty French about a list of WWII veterans.

Jack also mentioned that there are 50 bricks at Rockdale Memorial.

•Meeting adjourned at 10:40 am with a motion made by Mary Nealy and seconded by Beth

Brooks.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joan Ratliff, Secretary

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Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

October 14, 2013

Minerva Community Center

•Meeting was called to order at 10:05 am on Monday, October 14, 2013 by Chair, Johnnielyn

Brown

•Chair Brown called role and requested members to report volunteer hours when they

responded to roll call.

•Chair Brown introduced our Minerva School Caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Denman. They were

warmly thanked for allowing us to use their building.

•Chair Brown introduced guests, Rev. and Patsy Brymer and asked them to come to the front

of the room. Jack Brooks presented them with a plaque from MCHC thanking and recognizing

them for all of their hard work in historical preservation of the Conoley Church and

cemetery in addition to work done on the Salty Church. Rev. Brymer gave a prayer.

•Minutes were emailed to members and Chair Brown asked for comments or corrections.

Darlene Tucker made the motion to accept the minutes as read and Geri Burnett made the

second to the motion. Motion carried.

•Darlene Tucker gave the Treasurers report for August and September 2013. Geri Burnett

made the motion to approve the report as given and Pam Troutman seconded the motion.

Motion carried.

•OLD BUSINESS:

•The next MCHC meeting will be in December at the Milam County Museum.

•El Camino Real Trail Update by Lucile Estell: Annual meeting is being held in College

station. You can register online. The ECR organization is trying to purchase swales

close to San Augustine. The ECR organization is starting a new online fundraiser.

Fundraiser information is available online.

•Jack Brooks has volunteered to help with the sale and placement of the Courthouse

Bricks. Rockdale Memorial is ordering 50 bricks for our fundraiser project. Jack

suggested that we reduce the price of the bricks to $75.00. Our cost is $35.00. A

motion was made by Joan Ratliff and seconded by Beth Brooks to reduce the price of the

bricks. Motion carried. Jack also requested more latitude in allowing the purchaser to

decide what goes on the bricks. A motion in favor of this suggestion was made by

Annabelle Hodge-Heine and seconded by Carole Simank.

NEW BUSINESS:

•Darlene presented the calendar of events and asked that members contact her with any

additional information that should be placed on the calendar.

•Dan Utley will be doing a presentation, in honor of Archeology Week, in Caldwell.

Please let Johnnie know if anyone is interesting in attending.

•Geri Burnett gave an overview of the Apache Pass and Sugarloaf Mountain Dedication

ceremonies, Saturday October 26th, at 1 am and 2 pm.

• Cameo Building: All work has stopped. Lawsuits may be in the future.

•Rosenwald School: The Association for the school has finally decided that they have the

money and will move forward with the project. However, the contractor has not been paid

so work has slowed down.

•The Milam County Museum Cookbook is ready or sale and will make great Christmas gifts.

Christmas Ornaments are also in stock and for sale at the Museum.

•The Kay Theater and the Wilson Ledbetter Park Markers are at the foundry but it will

still take time to receive them.

•Texas Treasure Business award. Joan has started working on her application.

•Jack reported that they have backed off during the August heat a little on the San

Andres, Old Lebanon cemetery work.

•THC Update: go to website. Chair Brown announced several projects mentioned on THC

website. Joy wrote a letter of intent for a grant for CLG to help with the need of

another publication of survey results and/or a video. We still have maps for sale.

•Jack Brooks gave a report on the District Judges research project.

•The Center for French Colonial Studies Annual Meeting will be held this year at the Bob

Bullock museum.

•Joan discussed the Tejas Art and Book Festival to be held in 2014.

•Leanna Applegate has been asked for Clifford Simms tapes.

•Johnnie asked for a volunteer to Chair the Archeology Committee. We have wonderful

ideas for next year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

•CLG: Joy is looking at a grant to assist in the publishing of Volume 3.

•Geri Burnett reported that the Preservation Grant applications will be ready and

available November 1 – January 3, 2014.

•Publicity: Lucile needs information and two weeks’ notice.

•Oral History: Jack mentioned the December 12th conference on oral history.

•Meeting adjourned 11:45 am with a motion made by Geri Burnett and seconded by Dolores

Mode.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joan Ratliff, Secretary

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Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

August 12, 2013

Sharp General Store

•Meeting was called to order at 10:00 am on Monday, August 12, 2013 by Chair, Johnnielyn

Brown

•Chair Brown called role and requested members to report volunteer hours when they

responded to roll call.

•Chair Brown introduced our new commission members Beth and Jack Brooks, Denice Doss and

Stan Graves. They were warmly welcomed to the commission.

•Chair Brown introduced guests and thanked Stan Graves, owner of the Sharp General Store,

for hosting our meeting.

•Minutes were emailed to members and Chair Brown asked for comments or corrections.

Lucile made the motion to accept the minutes as read and Carole Simank made the second to

the motion. Motion carried.

•Darlene Tucker gave the Treasurers report for June and July 2013. Geri Burnett thanked

Darlene for the new report format and made a motion to approve the report as given and

James Bradford seconded the motion. Motion carried.

•OLD BUSINESS:

•The next MCHC meeting will be in October at the Minerva Community Center.

•The Milam County Museum Cookbook Recipe Collection has gone to the printer and hopefully

will be available for sale before Christmas.

•El Camino Real Trail Update by Lucile Estell and Joy Graham: New signage is up. The

ECR organization will be starting a new online fundraiser. The ECR Organization has a

new position, a part time assistant. The University of Texas is picking up salary for

interns and reimbursing 70% of secretary salary. NPS is working on establishing tours

for ECR. They hope to have new map in the fall. Tourists have picked up since the sign

project is in place and a trip for DAR is in the planning phase. Archeologists have

discovered a Spanish Fort in the Carolinas that will really push interest in Spanish

Colonial history. We should see an increase in tourists on our trail. Lucile asked Joan

to report on “secret” project. She discussed that we are working on getting an ECR

Tourist Center in Rockdale, Lucile and Joan met with the family that owns property that

would be perfect for a visitors’ center. We should know soon from the family about

whether or not they are interested in donating or selling their property. Lucile

mentioned that there may be a grant available from the Parks and Wildlife Department for

tourist or visitor centers. Lucile and Joan met with Alcoa representatives, NPS

representative, MDD representative and Stephen Gonzales, ECR Director to discuss our

project.

•Jack Brooks has volunteered to help with the sale and placement of the Courthouse

Bricks.

•Geri introduced Jackie Thornton as a guest and discussed their meeting with Kit Worley

at Apache Pass regarding the THC marker dedication. Jackie mentioned that October will

probably be the month of the dedication. She has asked for a list of invitees.

Discussed landscaping. The location selected for the placement of the marker is inside

their fence and easy to drive by and read. Geri reported Adeline Kohotek received her

membership emeritus. She is currently in a Cameron nursing home. Our dignitaries, Lucile

and Geri did the presentation. Geri passed around photos taken of presentation.

•NEW BUSINESS:

•Darlene presented the calendar of events and asked that members contact her with any

additional information that should be placed on the calendar. Joan added Sept 7th

Antique Fair, September 14th John Corbett and Sept. 28th Reckless Kelly leading up to

Rockdale Fair the week of October 18th. Joan mentioned that the commission may be

interested in having a vendor booth. On Constitution Day there will be a presentation at

the museum about the Civil War by Ed Magre. The commission decided that they would have

a booth to sell books, bricks, etc. at the Antique Fair. Jack and Beth volunteered to

set up a booth for the sale.

•Joy announced that it is time to update our CLG survey. THC will help with this effort.

•Sugarloaf dedication; Darlene mentioned that they have received the plaque. Geri and

Jackie will work on a date for that dedication. May be late fall.

•Cameo Building has been gutted and building reinforcement has begun. They are trying to

keep the façade. This is the work that had to be done to prevent fines. Plans have been

approved for the roof.

•Rosenwald School: The Association for the school has finally decided that they have the

money and will move forward with the project. Joy reported that John Redington cleared up

the deed of the Rosenwald School. He deserves our thanks.

•Texas Treasure Business award. Joan has started working on her application. The

application is intimidating for most businesses. Butts Dry Goods and Rodenbeck Farm and

Ranch in Thorndale qualify. Rockdale Reporter and Rainbow Courts in Rockdale qualify.

•Worley Bridge project may start end of August or first of September. First step is to

lift and move the bridge so that they can make new supports.

•Jack reported that they have backed off during the August heat a little on the San

Andres, Old Lebanon, cemetery work. A crane will be there to raise some of the

headstones soon. Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Society will meet in September to

discuss MCHC helping with their cemetery. Several headstones are in sad shape. Jack

made a motion that we give Rev Bymer a plaque recognizing all of his work at the Conoley

Church and Cemetery. Lucile seconded the motion. Motion carried.

•THC Update: go to website. Joan and Lucile attended the marker webinar. Sarah with

THC did a wonderful job. THC will set up the Webinar as a power point program that

County Commissions can use.

•Preservation of historic documents from mystery friend workshop still needs to be

scheduled.

•Chair Brown announced a research project on Milam County District Judges. There is a

gap in the history of the judges. If interested in this project, let Charles King or

Johnnie know. Jack volunteered. It was suggested that Charles contact Mary Anne Eanes.

•Distinguished Service Award received by MCHC was passed around.

•Joy wrote a letter of intent for a grant for CLG to help with the need of another

publication of survey results and/or a video. We still have maps for sale.

•Geri Burnett reported that Rockdale donated $5000.00 towards Preservation Grant. Gause

is giving check today. Buckholts contacted Chair Brown and told her of their intent to

donate. No word from Milano, Cameron or Thorndale. The County has budgeted $5,000 in

their budget. The Milam County Museum is now starting on roof project, $2,235.00, that

was approved in 2012.

•Oral History: Texans in WWII. Grant Dickerson was interviewed. Jack’s impression was

that he did not really want to discuss WWII, that he felt it was his duty. Joan asked if

anyone had attempted to obtain recorded history talk by Cliff Simms.

•Publicity: Lucile needs information and two weeks’ notice.

•Stan gave a brief history of the Sharp General Store which served as a bank post office,

social place, and the heart of the community. Store survived as it did because of the RR

missing Sharp. he General Store, school and church were the mainstays of the Sharp

community. Built in 1895. The dry goods side of store was never renovated. Items on

shelves were in the store when Stan bought the building in mid 1980’s. Scales were for

weighing the cotton. Scales are still very accurate. Very busy time for the store was

during the use of the cotton gin. Stan has an office in the store where he does private

architectural work. Concrete vault that still remains was used to keep or store records.

It was common for people in serious debt would torch stores to destroy records. Door of

the vault is from Buckholt’s bank that went under during the depression. Mr. Otto Kem

was the last store owner operator. Stan invited members for lunch at his house. The

school building is owned by Gene Luckey and was built in 1935 by WPA.

•When NPS, Aaron Mayer went to Joy’s place, he agreed that there is an ECR swale on her

property. Restoration will begin on “Bit of History” this week.

•Thank your county commissioners for help with getting ECR signs up.

•Meeting adjourned 12 noon.

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Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

June 10, 2013

Conley Community Church

Meeting was called to order at 10:00am on Monday, June 10, 2013 by Chair, Johnnielyn

Brown.

Chair Brown called role and requested members to report April and May volunteer hours

when they responded to roll call. We had 13 out of 20 members present.

Chair Brown introduced guests and thanked the Reverend Dave Brymer of the Conoley Church

for hosting our meeting.

Reverend Brymer gave a brief history of the Church and the restoration. It is notable

that during the restoration, the members never missed having Sunday Service. The pews

were back in place by Sunday morning through- out the restoration process which took

approximately 2.5 years.

Minutes were read by Joan Ratliff, Secretary. Lucile made the motion to accept the

minutes as read with noted corrections and Geri Burnett made the second to the motion.

Motion carried.

Darlene Tucker gave the Treasurers report for April and May 2013. Joan Ratliff made a

motion to approve the report as given and Annabelle Hodge-Heine seconded the motion.

Motion carried.

Chair Brown introduced two new members, Jack and Beth Brooks. They were welcomed to the

Commission.

OLD BUSINESS:

The next MCHC meeting will be in August at the Sharp General Store which is owned by Stan

Graves.

The placement of the Carter Collins’ Memorial Benches has been delayed due to repairs

being done to the building where they will be placed.

El Camino Real Trail Update by Lucile Estell: New signage is up. Only one error on one

sign that has the directional arrow pointing in the wrong direction. ECR Board meeting

will be held July 18, 2013 in Rockdale. Lucile recommends that if any members have not

signed up for The Medallion, they should go online and sign up as soon as possible. The

THC Magazine is a great resource. The next signs that will be installed are the

Significant Site Signs. The National Park Service has paid for these signs. We would

like to have interpretive signs but they are extremely expensive. Lucile Estell made a

motion that the MCHC pay membership to the ECR Association. It was seconded by Geri

Burnett. Our membership is the Supporting Group level at $250.00. The $250.00 covers

the rest of 2013 and 2014. Motion carried.

There are almost enough recipes for the recipe book but more are still needed. The goal

is to have the book ready by December.

MCHC is on Melvin’s “to do” list to get the new stone placed at the Courthouse.

Lucile and Joy will give new MCHC member orientation as soon as their schedule allows.

NEW BUSINESS:

Darlene presented the calendar of events and asked that members contact her with any

additional information that should be placed on the calendar.

Cameo Building Update: The City of Rockdale’s Building Commission has refused to change

their recommendation to tear down the building and so far, the city council has supported

the commission’s decision to have the building demolished. The engineering report states

that it will be a relatively easy fix but costly. This building was built in 1887

according to Joy.

The Perry Building Historic plaque has been dedicated. Our Chair attended the meeting.

This recognition is awarded by the Rockdale Downtown Association.

CLG Report: Joy discussed the status of the Rosenwald School. The original school

records were burned by the county. She is researching the school and Davilla. At one

time, Davilla was the capitol of Texas. County Judge Summers left money in an account

dedicated for repair of the Rosenwald School’s roof. At one time there were four

Rosenwald schools in Milam County. Two are still standing and they are the Davilla

school and Aycock School is Rockdale.

Joy announced that Volume #3 of the CLG survey should be completed by the end of this

year.

The Texas Treasure Business Award program is ongoing. Several businesses in Milam County

qualify.

Jack Brooks gave an update on the Lebanon Cemetery project. They are still finding

headstones. They have five more large headstones left to raise. Each weighs 300-800

pounds.

Chair Brown told the members about the Texas our Texas online book club. THC will soon

be announcing the second book.

James Bradford gave an update on the Garden of Hope. Next workday has not been

scheduled.

Milam County Museum needs volunteers to cover shifts 6 days per week. The museum needs

more historical items from Rockdale.

A work day will be scheduled to go through our mystery friend’s documents that were sent

to Joan. Our chair will email members about the work day.

There is a need for an additional file cabinet at the Rockdale Library. Our Chair will

check with the Library to see if there is room for an additional cabinet.

Geri Burnett reported on MCHC’s Preservation Grant recipients and entities that have

given money to the grant. At this time Cameron still does not participate.

Bill Stiles stated that the Conoley Church would like to apply for a THC marker for the

church and cemetery. Geri Burnett also explained the MCHC Preservation Grant to the

church group present.

Lucile Estell made a motion to donate $100.00 to the Conoley Church which was seconded by

Darlene Tucker. Motion carried.

Darlene Tucker made the motion to adjourn and Carole Simank made the second. Meeting was

adjourned at 12 Noon.

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Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

April 8, 2013

Gause Methodist Church

The MCHC April meeting was called to order at 10:10 am. Johnnielyn Brown, Chair thanked

the hostesses, Darlene Anglen and Mary Neely. Chair Brown called roll.

The minutes from the February 13th meeting were read by Secretary, Joan Ratliff. Motion

was made by Geri Burnet to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried.

Chair Brown recognized our guests, Beth and Jack Brooks and thanked them for attending.

The February treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer, Darlene Tucker. Ms. Tucker also

explained the new format for the report. Treasurer report was accepted as read.

Old Business:

Chair Brown announced that the June meeting will be held at the Conoley Community Church

just outside of Thorndale.

Tejas Festival recap; we had a great location for our MCHC booth and actually sold one

book and had the opportunity to speak to many people.

Carter Collins memorial benches update; the plaques should be arriving soon.

Milam County Museum Cookbook update; More recipes are needed, a total of 500. No corn or

pecan pie recipes are needed. Joan suggested that the form be posted on our MCHC

website.

Milam County Court House Brick Sales and Sidewalk; According to Judge Barkemeyer, MCHC is

responsible for sales, maintenance and placement of bricks. We can utilize the services

of county employee, Melvin, to assist us with our duties. Geri showed the group a new

stone that is ready to be placed. MCHC makes $30 per stone. Darlene Tucker suggested

that we have forms available at the Rockdale Homecoming and that forms be placed at the

judge’s office as well as the museum. Lucile was asked to write another article for the

newspapers in the county about the sidewalk stones.

Chair Brown asked that we consider a membership drive because of the need for new

members. The two newest members are on the County Commissioner’s Agenda for approval.

Joy and Lucile have been asked to help with New Member orientation. In addition,

Committee chairs should mentor new committee members.

Jack and Beth Brooks gave an update on the clearing and restoration of the Lebanon

Cemetery. Work days are still the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 12 noon.

90% of the cemetery has been cleared of brush. A group of Thorndale students will be

working the weekend of April 13th. 135 headstones have been found so far.

Mr. Brooks also mentioned that the Thorndale students were not familiar with George

Sessions Perry and the historical information that the books contained. He donated books

to the Thorndale School. Mr. Brooks also mentioned that John and Merle Culp moved the

old San Andres Post Office Building built in 1852 onto their property which is across

from Mission marker on CR 442.

Chair Brown announced that not all of the 2013-2015 MCHC committees have been filled. We

not only need new members we need committee chairs.

New Business:

Darlene Tucker has emailed the new calendar of Events. Please let her know if there are

events to be added.

Milam County Courthouse Upkeep and Repairs; Geri and Johnnie have made note of some of

the obviously needed repairs or maintenance. They have been told that the County has no

money in the budget for this.

Rockdale Historical Building Markers; Johnnie presented the plaque for the Dyess

building. The second plaque will be presented to the Perry building at a later date.

Rosenwald School Update: Joy will give thorough report at next meeting. Lucile explained

that the deed error was discovered and is being legally cleared. The foundation is

sending documentation to IRS to enable the foundation to maintain their 501-C-3 status.

MCHC is holding $10,000 for the school to use for restoration when the deed, title and

tax exempt status is settled.

Texas Treasure Business Award: There are two businesses in Rockdale that qualify, Rainbow

Courts Motel and The Rockdale Reporter. THC is looking forward to them completing the

application for this award. Lucile also reported that TXDOT should be putting the ECR

signs up at any time. Andy Rhodes from THC Medallion will be a speaker at the ECR Board

Meeting this month. DAR is now supportive of ECR efforts and has joined the

organization. Geri made motion that MCHC continue membership and Joan seconded the

motion. Motion carried.

Lucile was the recipient of the Three Missions Chapter of the DAR Historic Preservation

Medal. At the beginning of the state meeting, they announce that “we are here to honor

Rockdale and ECR”. A huge thank you goes out to Lucile for her preservation efforts.

THC has posted their schedule of seminars for 2013. The registration cost for each

seminar is $225. However there may still be scholarship money available for attendees

that apply. Sunday, May 12th, THC is offering free admission to all 20 sites in Texas.

James Bradford announced that the Garden of Hope program is going very well. There is

still space for individual gardens. They are researching the cost of 8’ deer proof

fencing for the garden.

The Nature Festival will be at Fair Park on 4/13. Chair Brown announced that we need

volunteers. It was suggested that she contact iTigers, the retired teacher organization,

Rockdale and Gause 4H programs for volunteers to assist with the MCHC archeological “dig”

for children.

The Battle of San Jacinto Symposium will also be held on April 13th in Houston.

Chair Brown will schedule a workday for MCHC members to organize historical documents

sent to Joan by a MCHC mystery friend.

Additional New Business: Joan Ratliff asked what the MCHC position is on the Rockdale

Cameo building which the Building Standards committee is recommending be torn down. The

building dates from the 1880’s. Geri recited MCHC’s mission and made a motion that we

recommend restoration and preservation of the Cameo building as much as can be salvaged

and Lucile seconded the motion.

Committee Reports:

CLG: It was announced that Joy needs resumes from committee members.

Preservation Grant: Geri gave an update on the status of 2012 extensions and also

announced that the Preservation Grant Committee has awarded grants for 2013 to the

following entities:

Kay Theater $4,100

Rockdale Historical Society, Depot $3,500

Gause Methodist Church $4,100

Mary Neely gave a brief report on the progress of the church restoration and repair

project.

Strategic Planning: Nothing new to report

Publicity: Nothing new to report

Oral History: Nothing new to report

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Ratliff, Secretary

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Minutes of Milam County Historical Commission

February 13, 2013

Rising Star Baptist Church

The MCHC meeting was called to order at 10:20 am. Role was called by Johnnielyn Brown,

Chair.

Chair Brown recognized our guests; Mr. & Mrs. Jack Brooks and Joann Bradford and thanked

the Bradford’s for hosting our meeting at Rising Star Baptist Church.

The attendees were asked to read the December minutes. One correction was noted by Ms.

Hodge-Heine regarding the mis-spelling of her name. Dr. Lucile Estell made the motion to

accept the minutes with noted correction. The motion was seconded by James Bradford.

Motioned carried.

The January treasurer report was given by Darleen Tucker. Motion to accept the report

was made by Geri Burnett and seconded by Lucile Estell. Motion carried.

The Chair introduced the new MCHC members, Pam Troutman, Annabelle Hodge-Heine. Margi

Barkemeyer was also introduced as the Museum liaison for MCHC.

The new MCHC Officers were introduced by Chair Brown as following:

Geri Burnett as Vice Chair, Darleen Tucker as Treasurer and Joan Ratliff as Secretary.

On a sad note, the attendees were told of the death of Mary Anne Eanes’ husband and the

death of Tense Tumlinson’s husband. Geri Burnett has sent a card to Mrs. Tumlinson and

the new secretary will send a card to Mrs. Eanes from the MCHC.

Chair Brown recognized Geri Burnett’s hard work and effort during her term as MCHC Chair.

Ms. Burnett was honored with a clock and engraved plaque and the heartfelt appreciation

of all in attendance.

Old Business:

Chair Brown presented the completed list of meeting dates and venues. The April meeting

will be at the Gause Methodist Church.

THC Legislative Session Updates:

Primary focus is on Budget. We are optimistically hopeful that THC’s budget will not be

cut again. The commission is encouraged to write letters or emails to the State

Legislature’s Budget Committee in support of THC. Budget Committee Members can be found

on the State web site.

The Carter Collin’s Memorial Benches should be installed or placed soon. The plaques for

the benches have not arrived but once they are attached to the benches, they will be

ready for installation.

ECR Trail Signage:

Dr. Estell reported that the first sign will be installed tomorrow, 2/12, at CR440 and

HWY 79. TXDOT has received money for their signs but we have not had received a

timeline. The next ECR Board meeting will be held in Rockdale on April 18th and 19th.

Milam County Museum Cookbook Recipe Collection:

More recipes are needed. Please use correct form and follow instructions carefully.

Milam County Courthouse Brick Sales:

One brick has been sold to a Cameron High Alum. There was a question about who is

responsible for maintaining the brick sidewalks and it was suggested that Chair Brown ask

Judge Barkemeyer this question.

New Business:

There will be an oral history workshop focusing on WWII and the Cold War on March 2nd in

La Grange. If anyone is interested please contact our Chair for more information.

Tejas Art and Book Festival will take place March 2. The commission will have a table

and sell books. Volunteers are needed to man the table during the hours of 10am - 2pm.

MCHC Committees for 2013 - 2015 will be established and emailed in the near future.

The membership resignation of Dolores Sonntag was accepted by the commission, with

regret. The motion was made by Joan Ratliff and seconded by Geri Burnet.

New members, Denice Doss and Stan Graves will be welcomed at our next meeting.

New Member orientation was discussed. It was decided that someone from THC should be

asked to give the orientation. It was also suggested that the Committee Chairs provide

an orientation for members on their committee.

A report was given by Mr. Jack Brooks about the efforts to clean up and restore the

Lebanon Cemetery. He needs volunteers to help with this project. The oldest grave

marker is from the 1850’s. Three Confederate soldiers are buried in this cemetery. It

was suggested that Mr. Brooks research and apply for a THC Cemetery Marker. It was also

suggested that Mr. Brooks apply for a Preservation Grant from MCHC to help with the cost

of restoring the grave markers. The clean up days will be on the first Saturday of every

month from 9am to 12 noon.

Committee Reports:

The CLG report was given by Dr. Estell for CLG Chair Joy Graham. The CLG committee will

be working on Volume 3 of the CLG survey. Dr. Estell also mentioned that NPS is

simplifying the application form for the National Register. She also mentioned that

there are people working on clearing title on the Rosenwald School in Davilla so that the

building can qualify for assistance from the National Trust. The National Trust has

identified these schools as a priority.

Joan Ratliff reported that there were three applications for the MCHC Preservation Grant

2013. Geri Burnett, the new chair of that committee, has scheduled a meeting on 2/18/13

for the committee to review the applications and make recommendations to the Executive

Committee.

Announcements by Chair

Texas Almanacs are being offered at this time at a 40% discount to county historical

commissioners.

This Wednesday, 2/13, at 3pm, the THC along with the National Trust will be at the County

Courthouse to take photos as part of their “Tour of County Courthouses”. It is an honor

to be selected to be on the tour and we need as many people as possible to be present.

The Nature Fest will be in Rockdale Saturday, April 13th. We need a volunteer to be in

charge of our MCHC area/archeological dig for the kids. Please let Johnnielyn know if

you are able.

James Bradford was asked to give a brief history of the Rising Star Baptist Church. The

church originated in Tracy Community in 1907. In 1963 the church moved to Rockdale. In

July 2009, they broke ground to build the new church and moved in to the new building in

September of 2012. The future plans include a 4 acre community garden where they can

teach people how to grow their own food.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm with a motion by J. Ratliff seconded by G. Burnett.

James and his wife Joann gave tours of the new church after the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Ratliff, Secretary MCHC