Minutes of 2016 Milam County Historical Commission meetings

Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas

Minutes of meetings
2016

Milam County Historical Commission

Conoley Church, Milam County

Minutes 02/08/16

The Milam County Historical Commission was called to order by Geri Burnett at 10:00

a.m. Geri reported on member volunteer hours sent to THC as 4,000 hours for 2015.

This number was well over the 50 hours per member recommended by THC.

Geri recognized our three guests Joy Graham, Carolyn Temple and Kristen Brown, the

Texas Historical Commission Certified Local Government coordinator. Motion was made

by Lucile Estell and seconded by Jack Brooks to approve the December minutes as

presented. Motion carried.

Darlene Tucker gave the Treasurer’s report which were approved by members with a

motion by Joan Ratliff and seconded by Carole Simank.

OLD BUSINESS:

Rosenwald School Update: Geri spoke with Sheriff’s Department and there will be no

criminal charges filed against Mr. Beane because they did not feel there was enough

evidence for theft charges. She also spoke with John Redington, Assistant County

Attorney. He suggested there might be grounds for a civil suit.

Bridges of Milam County Book: As reported in our Treasurer’s report, we owe Arcadia

$4,752.00. We hope the book will be out sometime in November . We have paid

$475.00 to this point. Plans will be made for publicizing the book and decisions on

pricing the book will be discussed at the next meeting. Discussion was tabled until

next meeting with motion by Darlene Tucker and seconded by Carole Simank. Motion

carried.

Bratten Thomason will be the special guest at the April MCHC meeting. Bratten

recently retired from THC as Director of the History Division.

Mary Nell Neely presented an appreciation award from the Milam County chapter of the

Texas Master Naturalists for our donation of bricks to one of their projects.

Lucile reported that the damaged centennial plaque has been replaced in the DAR Park

with assistance from Paul Luckey of Rockdale Monument Company and Jack Brooks.

Other plans are being made for the park in 2016.

NEW BUSINESS:

THC News: Geri has submitted the yearly report to THC and is hoping for another

Distinguished Service Award. The CLG report is being completed by Geri and will be

submitted next week. James Brymer will be in charge of this report for the year

2016.

Committees for 2016: Committees were included in the December 15, 2015, minutes

with no changes.

2016 Meeting Places: Meeting times and dates were included in the December 15,

2015, minutes.

MCHC will be observing Archaeology month. Geri Burnett will be leading this

committee with assistance from DeeDee Green, Mary Neeley, Annabelle Hodge/Heine and

Darlene Anglen.

Committee Reports:

Bridge Committee: Jack Brooks reported that he has contacted Carlos Neveau, Milam

County’s engineer with TXDOT in Bryan, regarding their records on the Galbreath and

Sheckles bridges. He also contacted Linda Henderson at THC concerning the

possibility that THC could receive TXDOT historical records of the bridges in lieu

of TXDOT disposing of them. Joan stated that the contractor is currently placing

the piers for the Sheckles and Galbreath bridges in “Bridge Park”.

CLG Report: Joy Graham discussed her work with CLG and the preservation

opportunities available in Central Texas. She stated that it is imperative for all

to volunteer and work diligently toward these projects. She will have historical

displays available in her building for all to view and enjoy as a rotating artifact,

family museum. James Brymer apologized to committee members for not successfully

contacting all members for the January 8 meeting. He discussed the duties of the

CHC to care for our many historical sites and markers. Milam County history is to

be taken care of and preserved. Other topics that were discussed: Grants from CLG:

a “calaboose” or concrete jail in need of being removed in Thorndale; an iron bridge

(Brushy Creek Bridge) south of Thorndale on FM 486 needs to be relocated. Geri

discussed the problem of housekeeping for the courthouse. She and James revisited

the courthouse and could not see a lot of improvement. This situation is still in

the investigation process. THC information suggests that the fundamentals of caring

for a restored building include cleanliness and good repair.

Preservation Grant: Carole Simank reported that grants were awarded to: Milam

County Museum-$550.00; Kay Theater-$1,000.00; and Buckholts SPJST-$1,500.00. Geri

noted that roof repair on the Kay Theater was done at no charge which has freed up

some funds for possible update to stage and/or curtains. Grant donations were

limited this year necessitating fewer and smaller grants. Lucille reported that

$200,000.00 of preservation has occurred in Milam County over the last 8 years due

to the in kind grants. It was suggested that requests for grant money be made in

person next year. Joan brought up the fact that the City of Rockdale has donated

monies for restoration purposes within the city through their Hotel Occupancy Tax

fund and Tourism Committee.

Publicity: Lucile Estell and Beth Brooks were recognized and thanked for

publicizing the picture in the newspapers of our December 2015 meeting.

Cemetery Committee: Jack reported that the Brutons are still making improvements to

the Norman Valley Cemetery. Joan Ratliff made mention that the Rockdale Tourism

Committee is considering approving the expenses of the retaining wall on Mulberry

Street and the landing and sidewalk by the existing steps at the Old City Cemetery.

Jack spoke of the proposed interpretive sign that Chris Whittaker is planning for

Old City Cemetery. A tentative narrative was submitted.

Marker Committee: Joan reported on the “Old Nashville” cabin which is being donated

to Milam County DAR. After some investigating it was found to be in pretty good

condition. Chris Whittaker and Joan are working on finding a location for the

cabin. Joan also reported that the Old Rockdale City Hall is in very poor condition.

It will either need to be rebuilt or restored. Rockdale HOT funds money cannot be

used for this project. To rebuild and make it into police department building would

require approximately $2,000,000.00. Lucile mentioned signage for bridges in Milam

County, noting that all of them would not be able to have a marker. Joan reported

that we will be planning marker dedications for Rainbow Courts and Ledbetter Park

this year. Joan advised August 1 deadline for marker application. Geri mentioned

that the Central Texas Historical Journal has been published with an article about

Rainbow Courts in the first issue.

Geri thanked the Brymers for being hosts at the Conoley Church.

Guest speaker Kristen Brown gave an overview and update of the CLG.

With no further business the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Annabelle Hodge-Heine

****************************************************************************

Milam County Historical Commission

Friendship Church

Minutes 04/11/16

The Milam County Historical Commission was called to order by Geri Burnett at 10:00

a.m. Geri led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and to the Texas

flags. Geri recognized and thanked our hosts at Friendship Methodist Church, Jack

and Beth Brooks. Geri introduced guests Brenda Pruett, Joyce Dalley and special

guests Bratten Thomason and husband, Randy Dawson. A Certificate of Appreciation

and a pen, made from Milam County wood, was presented to Bratten Thomason, who

recently retired from the THC. Bratten was recognized for her dedication to

historic preservation and support of MCHC. Motion was made by Lucile Estell and

seconded by Joan Ratliff to approve the February minutes as printed. Motion

carried. Darlene Tucker gave the Treasurer’s report which was approved my members

with a motion by Joan Ratliff and seconded by Carole Simank.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Rosenwald School Update: John Brooks reported driving to the Rosenwald School site

and it is still in a state of ill repair. Weather continues to deteriorate the

building and roof. Lucile pointed out that Rosenwald Schools are at a premium and

suggested that the National Trust might be of some assistance. Geri will proceed

with contacting National Trust.

• Bridges of Milam County: Lucille reported that the original contract with Arcadia

Publishing has been changed. MCHC will have to pay Arcadia the balance owed thirty

days after the books are received, possibly by Christmas. There will be ten to

fourteen bridges in the book with pictures and background information on each book.

Geri reported that the executive board recommended the presale price of the books be

$15.00 each with tax included and a $5.00 fee if the books are mailed. Preselling

287 books would pay our debt to Arcadia. Preselling all 600 hundred books would be

a profit of $4,300.00 to MCHC. A separate MCHS account will be set up with the

County treasurer by Geri and Darlene for proceeds from book sales. There will be

events to publicize the book, such as book signings, after the books are received.

Motion made by James Brymer to accept proposed presales price of book and seconded

by Darlene Tucker. Motion carried.

• NEW BUSINESS:

Geri Burnett reported that annual reports for 2015 were sent to THC (the CHC report

and the CLG report) and that a 2015 MCHC Report was presented to Judge Barkemeyer

and the Commissioners at the Commissioner’s Court on April 22. The Court was very

complimentary to the MCHC and Geri thanked the Judge and Commissioners for their

support and assistance to the MCHC.

• Marker Dedications:

Geri reported two dedications upcoming. Wilson Ledbetter Park will have a

dedication on September 17 at 10:00 a.m. MCHC will be one of the sponsors for the

dedication with the City of Cameron and the Cameron History Club. MCHC will

participate to the fullest extent. More information will follow.

John Brooks suggested that we try to be more interactive with all local

organizations. Geri agreed that that has always been our goal. Rainbow Courts is

the second marker dedication and will be held at a later date.

• Heritage Days Celebration:

Lucile discussed the upcoming Heritage Days Celebration to be held April 21, 22 and

23. The three day event will host well known speakers, authors, and will feature a

bus tour and on site histories to be given by Leo’s from Milano, throughout downtown

Rockdale. The Executive Board recommended that the MCHC, as a sponsor, donation

$300.00 to Heritage Days. Darlene made the motion and it was seconded by Joan.

Motion carried.

• MCHC Web Site:

Geri discussed the value of the MCHC website and of Jerry Caywood as the webmaster.

The number of visits and historical inquiries to the website is an indication of the

interest in Milam County history. The website is a good resource for a variety of

information on Milam County.

• COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Bridge Committee:

Jack Brooks reported that Bridge Park is progressing.

• CLG:

James Brymer reported difficulty in getting word to all members regarding scheduled

meeting dates and times, but is going to pursue different methods of communication.

James mentioned visiting the courthouse with positive results. The roof on the

courthouse needs minor repairs but should not be a major undertaking. The Salem

School Cemetery project is going well with a lot of enthusiasm being shown. The

Thorndale calaboose project is proceeding well with conversation planned between

James and the owner of the property.

• Preservation Grant:

Carole Simank reported that all recipients of 2016 grants have been notified. Geri

mentioned that it will soon be time to ask for contributions for the Preservation

grant. She brought out the importance of personally requesting these contributions

face to face.

• Cemetery Committee:

Work continues successfully on the Old City Cemetery in Rockdale. Jack has had

contact with the Gilleland Cemetery group. Rhett Parker, Cameron City Manager asked

the MCHC for help with a city cemetery and will be contacting Jack to consult on the

cemetery restoration.

• Publicity:

Lucille and Beth were thanked for pictures of MCHC and meeting announcements that

have been in the newspapers. They also plan publicity for upcoming Historical

Bridges of Milam County book.

• Marker Committee:

Joan encouraged members to become more involved in training and education on

markers. There is a training video offered by THC that is educational and

informative. Lucile reported that she is interested in writing a marker

application for bridges in Milam County. A story board for Bridge Park is in the

process of being designed by the city of Rockdale. Bridge Park is looking good with

much interest shown by various groups. The Rainbow Court marker has been delivered

and will be dedicated at a date to be announced. Joan noted that she is in contact

with Lisa Benford concerning the Aycock School, in Rockdale, and is hopeful they

will be agreeable to applying for a subject marker.

BRIEF HISTORY OF FRIENDSHIP:

Jack Brooks gave a very interesting background history of Friendship Methodist

Church originating in 1860 with circuit riding ministers. In the year 1872 a one

room schoolhouse was built. Five acres of land was donated to the church in 1884

with the present church built in 1922. The first interment in the cemetery was in

1885.

Joan made the motion to adjourn and Lucille seconded. Motion carried and meeting

was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabelle Hodge-Heine

****************************************************************************

Milam County Historical Commission

Gause Baptist Church

Minutes 06/13/16

The Milam County Historical Commission was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Darleen

Tucker in the absence of Geri Burnett. Darleen reported that Geri, Lucile and Joan

are attending a three day workshop in Austin hosted by the Texas Historical

Commission. Darleen passed attendance and volunteer hours sheet. Darleen led the

Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. Guests Holly Jenctz and

Jennifer Hoffman were welcomed. Darleen thanked Mary Neeley, Elaine Bauman and

Darlene Anglen for hosting our meeting. Motion was made by Jack Brooks and seconded

by Patsy Brymer to accept April minutes as presented to members. Motion carried.

Darleen Tucker gave the Treasurer’s report which was approved by members with a

motion by James Brymer and seconded by James Bradford. Motion carried. Darleen

read thank you notes from Bratten Thomason for the special pen presented at the last

meeting and Thorndale Independent School District for archeology book given to their

library.

*OLD BUSINESS:

One day workshop: John Pruett reported on the one day orientation workshop he

attended as being very informative with a wealth of information regarding

responsibilities of new members. John also mentioned their website that is most

educational.

Rosenwald School Update:

In the absence of Geri, Darleen reported that Geri has been unsuccessful in reaching

the National Trust and Rosenwald Trust Foundation by telephone. No report at this

time.

Bridges of Milam County:

The presale of book was discussed. Discussion on record keeping for presales and

the importance of keeping list of money and name of purchaser. Annabelle suggested

that we draft an introductory flyer sheet to assist in the presentation of the book.

Heritage Days in April:

John Pruett discussed the origination of the Milano Leo Club and suggested we work

more closely with the schools to stimulate interest in our local history. John also

complimented the Leo Club members for their costumes and participation in the

Heritage Days activities. Darleen suggested that improvements in future Heritage

Days festivities would be additional time between speakers and activities in order

to partake of all activities. She also discussed possible improvement on location

of some of the events.

• NEW BUSINESS:

Support of Gause Archeology Survey:

John Pruett reported on a research program underway attempting to find remains of an

18th century village with multiple Native American tribes in Milam County. El

Camino Real de los Tejas Rancheria Grande is an effort between the ECR National

Historic Trail Association, area landowners, the Milam County Historical Society

and GTI Environmental. Historical documents from the early 1700s confirmed the

existence of a Rancheria Grande in this area. This project includes archival

research, archaeological investigations and archaeological sites. An application

for a $30,000.00 Texas Preservation Trust Fund grant has been made and an additional

$30,000.00 in matching funds is needed. A decision should be made as to how we want

to participate with TPF and landowners.

Request by Jerry Caywood to answer persons to new requesting historical information

and send Jerry copy of information was discussed and noted.

• COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Bridge Committee:

Jack Brooks reported that efforts are underway for moving Sheckles Bridge and

Galbreath Bridge to new foundation in Bridge Park.

• CLG:

James Brymer reported that Old City Hall is still in limbo. Several priorities for

the building have been discussed. MCHC is in favor of preserving the building if

possible. We want to approach the city in an appropriate way. Possibly drafting a

letter of support for preservation would be a positive step. James also noted that

the Pleasant Retreat, Conoley and Sharp Presbyterian Churches are struggling and

need some attention. Bridges, cemeteries and churches are all part of our heritage

and need our care.

• PRESERVATION GRANT:

Donation request letters have been sent to Milam County and to each town and

community in Milam County , with no response to date.

• CEMETERY COMMITTEE:

Jack Brooks reported that the Locklin Cemetery had a very successful workday with a

good number in attendance. Jack has been in touch with an individual requesting

assistance in locating family member possibly interred in Sand Grove Cemetery.

• PUBLICITY:

Lucile and Beth were thanked for publicizing our meeting information in the

newspapers. It was suggested that we include the Thorndale Champion and Cameron

Herald.

• MARKER COMMITTEE:

It was announced that the marker dedication for Wilson-Ledbetter Park will be on

September 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. and Rainbow Courts dedication will be held on

September 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

• GUEST SPEAKER:

Holly Jenctz gave a very interesting summary of her profession and hobby of cemetery

preservation, researching and identifying old markers that have lost their

identification. She is concentrating on the Gause area.

Mary Neeley made the motion to adjourn and Annabelle seconded. Motion carried and

meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabelle Hodge-Heine

************************************************************************************

Milam County Historical Commission

Salty, Texas

August 8, 2016

1.The Milam County Historical Commission met at the Salty Community Church Annex on

Monday, August 8, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m.

by Chairperson Geri Burnett. The signup sheet was circulated for attendance,

volunteer hours and mileage related to MCHC. Members attending were: Geri Burnett,

Beth Brooks, Jack Brooks, Patsy Brymer, James Brymer, Mary Neely, Darlene Anglen,

Lucile Estell, Dolores Mode, Elaine Baumann, Denice Doss, John Pruett, Joan Ratliff,

and Darleen Tucker.

2.Chair Burnett led the group in the pledge to the U.S. Flag and the Texas Flag.

3.Geri Burnett thanked the host, Darleen Tucker, and recognized the guests in

attendance: Chris Whittaker, Rockdale City Manager; Joyce Dalley, Rockdale City

Councilwoman; Loy Edmiston; Brenda Pruett; Lynn Young, past national president of

the DAR; Joy Graham; and Carolyn Temple.

4.The minutes of the June meeting at the Gause Baptist Church were emailed to the

members. The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Lucile Estell,

seconded by John Pruett. Motion carried.

5.The treasurer’s report was presented by Darleen Tucker for June 2016 with an

ending balance of $10,565.00 in the MCHC Fund, which includes $4000.00 for the

Rosenwald School, for an actual balance of $6,565.00. The June 2016 balance in the

Preservation Fund showed an ending balance of $7,980.44. Darleen noted that a line

item has been added to the account for the Historic Bridges of Milam County book to

help track the expenses and income from this project. Darleen also explained that

$1830.00 had been deposited in this line item for book sales and included a donation

from Luminant for $1500.00.

6.Special guest Chris Whittaker gave a presentation on:

Progress on Bridge Park in Rockdale which included schematics of the trails,

playground area, signage, walking trail, gathering areas, and parking. He noted

that the city is now soliciting funds to complete the project.

•Progress on Rockdale City Hall which included a structural engineering study and a

tourism assessment. Possible uses could include a Rockdale Museum, El Camino Real

display area, office spaces, and a space for an MCHC office.

•He also noted that $5,000 has been added to the new 2017 budget for a donation to

MCHC.

•He updated the historic preservation on the Old City Cemetery, the Aycock building,

Moultrie Park, and the addition of a calaboose to restore.

•Geri Burnett presented Chris Whittaker with the official Historic Cemetery Record

for the Old City Cemetery

7. OLD BUSINESS:

•Rosenwald School Update: Geri Burnett reported that she had been in touch with

Beth Wiedower, a field representative from the National Trust for Historic

Preservation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is very interested in

preservation of the Rosenwald Schools. An architect is needed to assess the

building but a deed is needed for permission to go on the property and to apply for

funds to upgrade the property. Money is available in a matching grant but the deed

must be found.

•Bridges of Milam County: Geri Burnett reported that flyers are being prepared for

the sale of the book and that all members need to have a receipt book. The book is

$15 pre-sale price and $5 extra if it is to be mailed. The $1500 donation from

Luminant was deposited and Judge Barkemeyer was a great help in securing this

donation. Lucile Estell stated that the book should be out in November and they are

in need of any old photos of the bridges. Lucile, Joy Graham, Carolyn Temple and

David Galbreath are working on copy for the book.

•Mission Site National Registry: Lucile Estell reported that Kathleen Gilmore is

responsible for the attention to the Milam County mission sites. She noted that

there is a need for markers at the sites

•Distinguished Service Award: Geri Burnett stated that Dolores Mode accepted the

award for the Milam County Historical Commission at the Commissioners Court. Milam

is one of a few state-wide to receive this award, which it has received for

approximately fifty years.

8. New Business:

•Gifts to MCHC: Geri Burnett shared several gifts that had been donated to MCHC

including a tie from the Lowenstein store in Rockdale and a photo in front of the

Milano Post Office. She added that she has several other items at her house and so

does Lucile Estell. A permanent place is needed to store these items.

•Nominating Committee: Geri Burnett announced that Joan Ratliff has agreed to chair

the committee. Committee members are Elaine Baumann, Lucile Estell and Darleen

Tucker. The election of officers will be held at the October meeting.

•By-Law Amendment: Geri Burnett announced that the By-Laws need to be amended to

separate the Secretary/Treasurer position into two separate positions. Section 4

will become the Secretary office and Section 5 will become the Treasurer office.

That is the only change. This will be voted on in the October meeting and members

will be emailed a copy for their consideration.

•Archaeology Month: Geri stated that October is Archaeology Month. She has ordered

posters and she will contact Randy Billingsly to see if he will make presentations

to all fourth graders in Milam County,

•Meetings: Geri Burnett advised of several meetings coming up in the next few weeks

and months that might be of interest to members.

•THC Conference: Joan Ratliff and Geri Burnett attended the conference and reported

that it was an excellent meeting. Joan attended boot camp conference in Colorado on

Heritage Tourism and reported that it was very informative.

•El Camino Real Membership: Darleen Tucker stated that the ECR membership for the

new year is due. The membership is $100 for one year. Joan Ratliff moved to pay

the $100 membership, seconded by Darleen Tucker. Motion carried.

9.Committee Reports:

•Bridge Committee: Jack Brooks and Joan Ratliff reported that the historic bridges

at Bridge Park in Rockdale are on schedule to be placed on the new concrete

supports. Perry and Perry have been instrumental in helping with this project.

Darleen Tucker moved to present the firm with a plaque of appreciation, seconded by

Jack Brooks. Motion carried.

•CLG: Geri Burnett stated that James Brymer has resigned as chair of the CLG but

will stay on as a MCHC member. His resignation was accepted with regrets. Since it

is late in the year, Geri Burnett will assume this chairmanship. This committee is

working with the Gause Survey Group and El Camino Real. They have submitted a grant

proposal to the National Park Service with help from Sergio Iruegas.

•Preservation Grant: Geri Burnett reported that Rockdale has committed $5,000 for

2017 and Thorndale should be able to do a $1,000 donation for 2017. Gause reported

that they should be able to make a donation for 2017.

•Cemetery Committee: Jack Brooks reported on several email inquiries he was able to

respond to with information. One was to the Jewish Cemetery in the Old City

Cemetery. He responded that the Girl Scouts have been very helpful in working on

the cemetery and that they could probably use some monetary help.

•Publicity: Beth Brooks reported that several articles have been published as well

as the meeting notices.

•Marker Committee: Joan Ratliff announced the following marker dedications:

-Wilson-Ledbetter Park: The date for the dedication is September 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Jackie Thornton wrote the application for the marker. MCHC has been asked to

provide 150 cookies.

-Rainbow Courts: The date for the dedication is September 24 at 1:00 p.m. Joan

requested volunteers for the dedication committee. Denise Doss and Dolores Mode

volunteered. MCHC members will need to provide cookies for this event. MCHC

members are asked to be present for the ceremony.

-Rockdale Post Office: Joan Ratliff stated that Donna Nichter is interested in a

marker for the post office.

10.Darleen Tucker gave a brief overview of the history of the Salty Church and

Cemetery. She thanked the Brymer family for restoring the annex to the church and

the windows in the sanctuary. She also noted that she is undertaking a database for

the cemetery marker information and a plotting of the cemetery.

11.The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. on a motion by Mary Neely, seconded by

Elaine Bauman. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Darleen Tucker, Acting Secretary

***********************************************************************************

Milam County Historical Commission

Maysfield, Texas

October 10, 2016

1. The Milam County Historical Commission met at the Maysfield Presbyterian

Historical Association on October 10, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was called to

order by Dolores Mode in the absence of Chairperson Geri Burnett. The signup sheet

was circulated for attendance and hours related to MCHC. Members present were James

Bradford, Beth Brooks, Jack Brooks, Lucile Estell. Annabelle Hodge-Heine, Dolores

Mode, Mary Neely, John Pruett, Joan Ratliff, Darlene Tucker and new member Lynn

Young.

2. Chair Dolores Mode led the group in the pledge to the U. S. Flag and the Texas

Flag.

3. Dolores Mode thanked our gracious host, Randy Billingsley, especially for

preparing his “old time” chicken soup and all others who furnished refreshments.

She also recognized the guests in attendance: Randy Billingsley, Melissa Williams,

Marilyn Anderson and David Blacklock.

4. The minutes of the August meeting held at the Salty Community Church Annex were

emailed to all members and approved as presented on a motion by Lucile Estell,

seconded by Annabelle Hodge-Heine. Motion carried.

5. The treasurer’s report was presented by Darlene Tucker for August 2016 with an

ending balance of $12,433.38 in the MCHC Fund, which includes $4,000.00 for the

Rosenwald School, for an actual balance of $8,433.38. The August 2016 balance in

the Preservation Fund showed an ending balance of $7,990.44. The treasure’s report

was approved as presented by a motion by Joan Ratliff, seconded by John Pruett.

Motion carried.

6. Darleen Tucker presented several recommended changes to the Milam County

Historical Commission By-Laws including the separation of the offices of

Secretary/Treasurer Article IV, Section 4 and to Article IV Section 4, Secretary and

Section 5, Treasurer. Various corrections in punctuation were made. The proper

name of the association was moved to front page of the By-Laws. The change of By-

Laws was approved on a motion by Darleen Tucker, seconded by Joan Ratliff. Motion

carried unanimously.

7. Old Business:

•Bridges of Milam County: Lucile reported that our book is still in the process of

being published and we are awaiting approval of the pictures that have been

submitted. We are hopeful that the book will be available by Christmas. Darleen

handed out copies of introductory flyers which should be helpful in sales.

•Archaeological Month Events: Lucill Estell reported that noted archaeologists,

Sergio Iruegas, President of GTI Environment and wife, will be speakers at a

celebration of Archeology Month at Gause Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Thursday,

October 20, 2016. The meeting is sponsored by the Historical Commission, El Camino

Real de los Tejas National Trail and the Rancheria Grande Project presently being

organized in Gause. Two grants have helped in funding this organization, T.P.T.F.

and CLG, along with personal funding.

•Historical Marker Dedications: Joan Ratliff thanked all involved in the Wilson

Ledbetter Park and Rainbow Park successful marker dedications. They were very well

attended and none of this would have been possible without the cooperation and

assistance of all members and friends.

8.New Business:

Dolores introduced Lynn Young and welcomed her as a new member of the MCHA. Lynn

moved to Milam County from Houston, Texas. She is past National president of the DAR

and has been interested and instrumental in preservation in Milam County.

9.Election of Officers:

Joan Ratliff presented the slate of officers recommended by the MCHC nominating

committee. They are Lynn Young, Chairperson; Darleen Tucker, Treasurer; Annabelle

Hodge-Heine, Secretary; Denice Doss, Vice-Chairperson. The slate of officers for

the year of 2017 were approved on a motion by Joan Ratliff, seconded by Lucile

Estell. Motion carried, unanimously.

10. Committee Reports:

•Bridge Committee: John Brooks reported no new activity to date.

•CLG: John Pruett reported in the absence of Geri Burnett. Grants have been sought

from Texas Historical Commission, CLG to produce a video of the 18th Century

Waterways of Milam County.

•Preservation Grant: No new activity to date due to the illness of Carole Simank.

The application for grants will be updated on line for the 2017 grant.

•Cemetery Committee: Jack Brooks reported several inquiries from various family

members for assistance in locating grave sites. This is encouraging to know of the

ongoing interest in this endeavor.

Marker Committee: Joan Ratliff mentioned a marker for sites in Gause and also markers for bridges. She also brought us up to date on the possible preservation of the old city hall building. HOT Funds have been used to hire an architect for an evaluation of the present condition of the building. She also brought us up to date on the City of Rockdale marker locations.

11. Lucile Estell reported that we have coloring books on historic sites of Milam County to provide students in Milam County. Dolores Mode announced that the executive committee has recommended that we donate $100.00 to the Maysfield Presbyterian Historical Association. Darleen presented this motion, seconded by Lucile. Motion carried. Jack Brooks brought to our attention a number of interesting locations that we might consider for future meetings.

12.Randy Billingsley gave a brief history of the church. Among other things, he brought to our attention the date of construction, date of first church service and date of availability of electricity. The stained glass window inside the church was of interest and has drawn much attention through the years.

13. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. on a motion by Annabelle Hodge-Heine and seconded by Darleen Tucker. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabelle Hodge-Heine,
Secretary

**************************************************************************************

                         Milam County Historical Commission
                          Rainbow Courts,   Rockdale, Texas
                                December 12, 2016

1. The Milam County Historical Commission met in Rockdale, Texas, at Rainbow Courts on December 12, 2016. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Geri Burnett at 10:00 a.m.   Geri circulated the attendance and hours register. The members were highly complimented by Geri for their effort and response to work related projects of the MCHC and the number of hours required to accomplish these goals.

2. Chair Geri Burnett led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Texas Flag.

3. Geri thanked our host Joan Ratliff who was absent due to illness. She also welcomed guests Randy Billingsley, Derek Eades and member/consultant Stanley Graves.

4. The minutes of the October 10, 2016, were emailed to members and a correction was requested by John Pruett. Correction was noted and corrected minutes will be prepared and emailed to members. Motion was made by Lucile Estell to accept corrected minutes, seconded by Mary Neeley. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Treasurer’s Report was presented by Darleen Tucker reflecting an ending balance for MCHC for October 2016 of $12,644.00 including $4,000.00 for Rosenwald School, actual balance $8,644.00. MCHC Preservation Fund reflected an ending balance of $9,175.47 which includes donations by Gause Community/Baumann, Gause Community/Neeley & Anglen and the City of Thorndale. Interest income of $15.00 for November 2016 will be included on the December 2016 statement.

6. Old Business:
a. Historic Bridges of Milam County Book: Lucile Estell reported that the Historic Bridges of Milam County book will be delivered in March 2017. She said there is a lot of interest shown in the purchase of the book.   She also highly complimented and thanked Carolyn Temple for her assistance in the organization of the book.
b. Archaeology Month Events: Geri Burnett reported that she and Randy Billingsley have visited each 4th grade class in Milam County introducing Texas Archaeology Month in Milam County with posters. They left maps and posters for future use and hope to make this an annual event. Geri felt they were well received by all students and teachers with very positive feedback. An Archaeology Month Program was held on October 20, 2016, at Gause Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with speaker Sergio Iruegas. It was well attended and successful.
c. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Trail: Board members Lucile Estell, John Pruett and Lynn Young were recognized.
d. MCHC Revised By-Laws: The by-laws have been officially approved and signed by Judge Barkemeyer on November 20, 2016, as reported by Geri. A copy of revised by-laws will be emailed to all members.
e. Other Old Business: None

7. New Business:
a. Appreciation of 2016 MCHC Board and Members: Geri thanked all members for their support and assistance during her tenure. She further noted that this final meeting for the year 2016 is for the purpose of celebration and reflecting on the many achievements of our organization.
b. Other New Business: None

8. Committee Reports:
a. Bridge Committee: Jack Brooks reported that Bridge Park is looking good. The bridges will soon be placed on foundations.
b. CLG: Geri Burnett reported that the CLG is waiting to hear news about the CLG Grant for a video, that was submitted to THC entitled, SIGNIFICANT 18TH CENTURY HISTORICAL SITES ASSOCIATED WITH WATERWAYS OF MILAM COUNTY TEXAS
c. Preservation Grant: In the absence of Carole Simank, Geri Burnett reported an addition of $6,200.00 to the Preservation Fund for a balance of $9,175.47 ending November 30, 2016. The committee will meet in January 2017, to award grants to approved applicants.
d. Cemetery Committee: Jack Brooks reported several inquiries regarding access cemeteries located in the Alcoa area. Due to these being on Alcoa property, permission must be granted in order to gain access to those properties. It is necessary to investigate proper avenues to gain access for preservation and visitation purposes.
e. Marker Committee: Geri reported in the absence of Joan Ratliff that Geri and Lucille will be discussing different options for Bridges of Milam County markers. One suggestion is to make one central marker and place replicas on all other bridges, possibly working with Texas Department of Transportation on this project.

9.   A brief summary of the history of Rainbow Courts was given by Geri in the absence of Joan. It was a very interesting reflection of the success of a family business due to much rigorous effort and determination.

10. The meeting was adjourned by Geri Burnett at 12:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Annabelle Hodge-Heine
Secretary

.