Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Minutes of meetings - 2018
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MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
First Presbyterian Church, Rockdale
June 11, 2018 - 10:00 AM
The Milam County Historical Commission met at First Presbyterian Church in Rockdale on June 11, 2018. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson Lynn Young.
The pledges to the United States and Texas Flags was led by Chairperson Young and recited by all members and guests. The list of volunteer hours was circulated.
Lynn welcomed guests Chris Whittaker, Rockdale City Manager, Sara Proctor and Patricia McKee, members of First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Lucile Estell made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. The motion was seconded by Geri Burnett and adopted.
The Treasurer’s report was presented by John Pruett. The beginning balance March 1, 2018 was $20,026.63 and revenue was $123.00. As there were no disbursements, the ending balance March 31, 2018 was $20,149.63. After deducting dedicated funds including the Rosenwald School ($4,000.00) and Wallis Home Stained Glass Repair ($6,525.00), cash on hand is $9,624.63.
The MCHC Preservation Fund had a beginning balance on March 1, 2018, of $8,940.95, no revenue and no disbursements. The ending balance on March 31, 2018 is 8,940.95.
The beginning balance April 1, 2018 was $20,149.63, revenue was $33.13, no disbursements with an ending balance March 31, 2018, of $20,182.76. After deducting dedicated funds including the Rosenwald School ($4,000.00) and Wallis Home Stained Glass Repair ($6,525.00), cash on hand is $9,657.76.
The MCHC Preservation Fund had a beginning balance on April 1, 2018, of $8,940.95, interest income of $22.07 and no disbursements. The ending balance on April 30, 2018 is 8,963.02.
Randy Billingsley moved to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Joan Ratliff seconded the motion and it was adopted.
Chris Whittaker provided an update on activities in the city, including Bridge Park, the Bill Pickett sign dedication, the Henderson Bridge story board, relocation of the calaboose and repurposing sections of the Rockdale High School football stadium ramp for skate park.
Committee Reports:
1.Bridge Committee – Jack Brooks reported that the pathway has been cleared at Bridge Park and that the story board will be installed at Henderson Bridge.
2.Cemetery Committee – Jack Brooks provided an update on the work he, Holly Jentsch, Beth Brooks and others had done at the cemetery to assist the Sheriff’s Department in assessing the damage done to the cemetery by someone logging illegally. Lynn expressed appreciation for their extraordinary efforts.
Jack provided an update on Lebanon Cemetery.
In response to a query received on the MCHC website, James and Patsy Brymer were able to provide information and photos to someone researching Rev. Malcolm C. Conoley.
3.CLG - Geri Burnett reported that the proposals for consultants to prepare nominations for the NPS grant are due June 15th. Lucile Estell, Elyssa Benford and Geri Burnett were appointed to review the applications.
4.Geri advised that she, Annette Stone and Lynn took the stained glass windows from the Wallis home and adjoining home to Foster’s Stained Glass in Bryan. She is pleased that enough funds were raised from the Wallis home sale to restore the windows which will be hung in city buildings.
5.Heritage Tourism – Dr. Estell reported that she, Joan Ratliff, Geri Burnett and Lynn met with Nicole Hirsch, Rockdale Marketing Director regarding Heritage Tourism. Chris Whittaker advised that Nicole had recently left the position.
6.Marker Committee - Joan reminded the Commission of the August 15, 2018 deadline to submit a marker application. The Old School Creamery in Cameron, built about 1846, plans to submit an application for a historical marker. Dr. Estell is preparing an application for a RTHL marker for one of the historic bridges.
7.Joan recommended the Texas Historical Commission’s webinars on the marker process. Geri Burnett advised they are archived on the THC website.
8.Preservation Grant Fund – In the absence of Denice Doss, Lynn reported that the MCHC received a thank you note from Bob Burnett of the Kay Theater Foundation.
9.Lynn also provided more information to Rockdale’s attorney regarding the impact the proposed grants for the Rockdale Historical Society, Kay Theater and the Rockdale Model Train restoration would have on tourism in Rockdale.
10.Public Relations - Beth Brooks reported that notices of the MCHC meetings and the El Camino Real Model Trail Community were sent to the area newspapers.
11.Other Committees: Nothing to report.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail - John Pruett reported on the recent informational meeting of the Model Trail Community. Steven Gonzales, Executive Director of ELCAT, provided an overview of the trail and its historical importance. John Pruett explained his personal involvement and the purpose of a Model Trail Community.
Lynn attended the dedication of the El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT’s Lobanillo Swales on April 16th in San Augustine.
The annual conference for ELCAT will be in San Antonio October 12-13.
2.Saving the Old City Hall (STOCH) - Geri Burnett reported Stan Graves’ comprehensive report is to be presented to the Rockdale City Council that evening and encouraged members to attend.
3.Bridge Postcards – Geri reminded the group that packages are available for $8 each.
4.Lynn and Geri toured Alcoa on April 21st with Chris Whittaker and Gary Griesbach to determine if some of the items from the facility could be used in Rockdale.
Other Old Business:
1.Jack shared maps listing historic cemeteries. He will prepare a Word or Excel document for the County Commissioners listing the cemeteries by precinct.
2.Joan will research the cost of a bench at Bridge Park in memory of Joy Graham.
New Business:
1.Lynn advised that Dr. Estell was appointed to the THC’s Courthouse Advisory Committee.
2. We are still waiting for a date for Bob Brinkman, Coordinator, Historical Markers Program, to present an area-wide workshop on the application process and restoration. In the meantime, new webinars will soon be available on historical markers.
3.Lynn reported that Judge Barkemeyer has agreed to move the MCHC website to the county’s servers.
4.Lynn advised that the THC had approved our request for a matching emergency grant for installation of a French drain at the Courthouse in the amount of $60,012.
5.Lynn congratulated the Commission for earning a Distinguished Service Award for 2017. It will be presented by Judge Barkemeyer during the Commission’s Court meeting on June 25th at 10:00.
Other New Business:
Lynn encouraged the MCHC members to consider joining Preservation Texas, a non-profit member-supported organization dedicating to protecting the historic resources of Texas.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1.The Texas Historical Commission Conference will be January 16-18, 2019 in Austin.
•MCHC’s bid for a workshop on Roaming the Rancheria Grande was not approved.
2.MCHC will host the First Friday Coffee-November 2, 2018.
3.The Bill Pickett sign dedication will be June 16th in Rockdale.
4.Future meeting locations:
•August 13 - Gause United Methodist Church
•October 8 - St. Cyril & Methodius Church, Marak Community, 6623 FM 2269, in Cameron
•December 10 - Milam County Historical Museum (tentative)
5.Mary Neely said the ladies from Gause would like to provide all of the refreshments for the August meeting.
6.Lynn mentioned that a new book on the Milam County jails is available at the Museum for $25.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00. Following adjournment of the meeting, Jack Books introduced Sara Proctor and Patricia McKee, church members. Sara gave an interesting history of the church. She gave old deeds of the Rockdale Presbyterian Church from the 1930’s to Lynn for safekeeping at the Museum. Patricia gave an interesting tour of the grounds. Refreshments were enjoyed by all.
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MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
First Christian Church, Rockdale
April 9, 2018
The Milam County Historical Commission met at First Christian Church in Rockdale on April 9, 2018. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson Lynn Young. The pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags were given. The list of volunteer hours was circulated.
Guests Betty Bartlett, Joy Kornegay, and Barbara Nelson were welcomed by Lynn.
Lynn distributed sympathy cards for the family of Joy Graham, who had done so much to preserve Milam County history. Lynn thanked the many members who attended Joy’s funeral.
Randy Billingsley moved to accept the minutes as printed. The motion was seconded by Lucile Estell and adopted.
The Treasurer’s report was presented by John Pruett.
For the Month of February 2018, the beginning balance was $20,026.63, revenue was $123.00 and there were no disbursements. After deducting the $4,000.00 reserved for the Rosenwald School and the Wallis Home stained glass repair, the ending balance was $9,624.63.
The MCHC Preservation Fund had a beginning balance of $8,940.95. As there was no revenue and no disbursement, therefore the ending balance in December 2017 was $8,940.95.
The Audit Committee report was presented by Geri Burnett, who advised that the financial records for 2017 were in excellent condition. A motion to accept both reports as presented was made by Joan Ratliff and seconded by Denise Doss. The motion was adopted.
As several members needed to leave early to attend a funeral, Lynn stated if there were no objection, the order of business would be changed. Randy Billingsley moved to suspend the rules. The motion was seconded by James Brymer and adopted.
Reports:
a. CLG-Geri Burnett reported that the focus of the CLG Committee for 2018 will be the identification of all f the cemeteries in Milam County.
b.Saving the Old City Hall (STOCH)- Geri Burnett reported that STOCH members will continue to make the public aware of the importance of saving the Old City Hall. Members will be submitting historical articles to The Rockdale Reporter and will be asking for old photos and stories. They are waiting for Stan Graves’ comprehensive report to be presented to the Rockdale City Council in June.
c.Bridge Postcards - Geri Burnett reported that a few packets of postcards of the Historic Bridges are available for $8.00 per packet.
d.Bridge committee- Jack Brooks reported that the Pavilion at Bridge Park will be dedicated on August 1, 2018. Joan Ratliff mentioned that the City reached an agreement with Verizon to illuminate Bridge Park.
e. Cemetery Committee- Jack Brooks reported on the status of the Jewish Cemetery. He is working on a base for one headstone. The Girl Scouts will be cleaning and clearing the cemetery on Earth Day.
Holly Jentsch expressed concern over the condition of the Prospect Cemetery, which is severely overgrown. Further, someone had been logging the large cedar trees and several had fallen on the headstones and fence. Additionally it has been used as a dumping ground, and trash and hog carcasses are next to the fence. The land is still in the cemetery’s name. Holly will contact the County Commissioner and the Sheriff’s Department.
Jack will compile a list of historic cemeteries by precinct for the Commissioners.
f.Marker Committee - Joan reminded the Commission of the August 15, 2018 deadline to submit a marker application. Lynn stopped by the Creamery in Cameron, built about 1846, and encouraged the owner to consider applying for a historical marker.
g.Preservation Grant Fund - Denice Doss reported that the MCHC Preservation Grants were awarded to the Milam County Historical Museum and the Rockdale Historical Society.
Grants from the City of Rockdale were awarded to the Rockdale Historical Society, Kay Theater and the Rockdale Model Train restoration. Lynn advised that the City attorney had requested more information on the impact the Model Train restoration would have on tourism in Rockdale.
h.Public Relations - Beth Brooks reported that notices of the meetings were sent to the area newspapers.
i.Strategic Plan – Joan advised that we would continue to review and update the Strategic Plan which was approved at the February 2018 meeting.
Old Business:
a.El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail report - As John left the meeting early, Lynn reported that the dedication of the El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT’s Lobanillo Swales would be April 16th in San Augustine.
b.The Model Trail Community informational meeting will be held in May or June.Sergio and Melinda Iruegas and Steven Gonzales presented a workshop at TXDAR Conference in San Antonio in March.
c.Lynn presented a program on Rancheria Grande to the Women of the VA Hospital in Temple.
d.The Texas Historical Commission featured Rancheria Grande in the recent issue. It is available on their website: http://www.thc.texas.gov/medallion
The Texas Parks and Wildlife episode on the El Camino Real, it is available: https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/tv/season.phtml?season=26
e.Lynn and Geri have been invited to tour Alcoa regarding the possibility of acquiring some of the items from Alcoa to exhibit in Rockdale.
f.Lucile, Joan, Geri and Lynn will serve on the Heritage Tourism Committee.
g.Lucile and Lynn will serve on the Hospitality Committee. A sign-up sheet for future meetings was distributed.
h.Lynn expressed appreciation to all who attended the presentation of the MCHC annual report at Commissioners Court on February 26th.
New Business:
1.Jack Brooks made a motion that we show our appreciation to the late Joy Graham for her man years of service to the County Historical Commission and State Historical Commission. It was suggested that we purchase a bench for $400 to $500 to place in Bridge Park in her memory. The motion was seconded by James Brymer and adopted.
2. Randy Billingsley has been giving presentations on early Texas history to schools in Splendora and Hutto.
3.Lynn advised that that Bob Brinkman, Coordinator, Historical Markers Program, will be here in the fall for an area-wide workshop on the application process and restoration. In the meantime, new webinars will soon be available on historical markers.
4.Lynn said the MCHC had been invited to participate in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day on November 10, 2018.
5.The Texas Historical Commission Conference will be January 16-18, 2019 in Austin.
Other New Business:
1. Joan suggested that Darlene Tucker receive a special commendation for her many years of service as Treasurer of the Historical Commission. It was unanimously approved and the Commission members enthusiastically expressed their appreciation.
Announcements:
1 .Lynn congratulated Geri and Bob Burnett as recipients of the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Citizens of the Year award.
2. The Central Texas Historical Association will host a conference in Round Rock April 27-28. http://www.centexhistassn.org/
3. MCHC will host the First Friday Coffee – November 2, 2018
4.Future meeting locations:
• June 11 - First Presbyterian Church, 1600 Alcoa, Rockdale
• August 13 – Gause United Methodist Church
• October 8 – St. Cyril & Methodius Church, Marak Community, 6623 FM 2269, Cameron
• December 10 – Milam County Historical Museum (tentative)
As there was no further business, Joan Ratliff moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:47. The motion was seconded by Denise Doss and adopted.
Following adjournment of the meeting Jack Books and Betty Bartlett presented an interesting history of the First Christian Church and invited everyone to tour the building. Jack expressed appreciation to David Yount, Jim Maines and Betty Bartlett for their assistance. Refreshments and a tour were enjoyed by all.
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MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rockdale
February 12, 2018
The Milam County Historical Commission met at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Rockdale on February 12, 2018. The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Chairperson Lynn Young. Guests Rev. Pam Graham, Barbara Nelson, George Baumann, Chris Whittaker, George Fuentes and Les Davenport were welcomed by Chairman Young.
Dr. Lucile Estell made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. The motion was seconded by Randy Billingsley and adopted.
Treasurer Darleen Tucker was not present due to the bad weather and Lynn Young presented the Treasurer’s Report.
For the Month of December 2017, the beginning balance was $20,117.67, revenue was $23.39 and there were no disbursements. After deducting the $4,000.00 reserved for the Rosenwald School, the ending balance was $20,141.06.
MCHC Preservation Fund had a beginning balance of $9,405.53. Revenue was $1,011.17, disbursements were $1,498.42. The ending December 2017 balance was $8,918.28.
For the month of January 2018, the beginning balance was $20,141.06, revenue was $55.83 and disbursements were $199.50. After deducting the $4,000.00 reserved for the Rosenwald School, the ending balance was $15,997.39.
MCHC Preservation Fund beginning balance was $8,918.28, revenue was $1,510.95, disbursements were $3,798.42 (for the Kay Theater Foundation 2017 Grant and Buckholts SPJST #15, 2014 grant). The ending balance for January was $6,630.81.
Randy Billingsley moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. The motion was seconded by Brenda Pruett and adopted.
Chris Whittaker reported on several Rockdale projects. He reported that Stan Graves will complete the Old City Hall Report and present the report to the Rockdale City Council at the June meeting. Rockdale has hired a Marketing Director with HOT funds and he thinks that she could be an asset to the MCHC as well as the city by promoting projects that support restoration. Chris Whittaker reported on the progress at Bridge Park, a new sidewalk to be donated by the Masons at Skate Park, as well as a Story Board that is in the ‘works’. He reported that construction will begin on the new Police Department March 2nd. He was excited that the Old City Cemetery was receiving a Historical Marker and praised the MCHC for their efforts in the marker process. Chris also reported on new TXDOT work to be completed on Highway 79 in Rockdale and the Walking Trail in Veteran’s Park, as well as working with the MCHC in requesting some tools/implements from the closed Alcoa plant.
Committee Reports:
a. Bridge committee- Jack Brooks reported that he is working on a history of Black Bridge on FM 979. He also reported that the Pavilion at Bridge Park will be dedicated on August 1, 2018.
b. Cemetery Committee- Jack Brooks reported on the status of the Jewish Cemetery. They are continuing to clear the area and repair fencing from wind damage last year, with help from community groups such as the Girl Scouts and RISD students. Jack mentioned working on the Holtsclaw Cemetery, helping a gentleman with the history and repair of stones. Jack commented that Holly Jensen has done great research on Milam County cemeteries. Lynn Young reported that she has spoken to the Riddle family about access to the Oakville cemetery on their land and the dog trot cabin on the property. There was a discussion about access to eight cemeteries on Alcoa property.
c.CLG-Geri Burnett reported that the MCHC CLG received a $50,000 NPS Grant for Rancheria Grande. It was the largest grant that the NPS awarded in the category. The state CLG grant applied for, in 2017, to make a video was denied. Geri reported that the CLG will be focusing on cemeteries in 2018.
d.Marker Committee - In Joan Ratliff’s absence, Lynn Young reported that MCHC received approval for three of the four marker applications sent to the state for 2017. Approved were San Andres Masonic Lodge, Rockdale Chamber Rock House, and the Old City Cemetery. Not approved was the Historic Bridges of Milam County. Lynn Young stated that only 155 markers were approved by the THC for 2017. Lucile reported that she has spoken to THC and that the application for the Historic Bridges Marker of Milam County will be resubmitted with some changes and more pictures. Geri advised that applications are due to Joan by August 15, 2018.
e.Preservation Grant Fund - Lynn Young reported for Denice Doss that The Kay Theater and The Rockdale Historical Society have completed their 2017 projects. The ECR and the Milam County Museum requested extensions for their grant projects.
F. Public Relations - Beth Brooks reported that there were articles on the NPS grant in the Rockdale Reporter, the Cameron Herald and Thorndale paper.
G .Strategic Plan - Lynn Young presented the Strategic Plan with a projection of the plan. She presented each goal and asked for suggestions, corrections, and additions. Several additions and corrections were made by commission members. After the presentation, Geri Burnett made a motion to accept the Strategic Plan as presented and corrected, James Brymer seconded. The motion was adopted. Jack Brooks praised Lynn and the committee for all of the hard work.
Old Business:
a.El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail report- John Pruett reported that Milam County will be the first Model Trail Community with an informational meeting to be held in March or April. He reported that Lynn Young, an ECR board member, wrote the Bylaws for the Model Trail that was passed by the ECR National Trail Board. John encouraged everyone to join and learn in depth about the trail and its history. Lynn asked for suggestions for potential members.
John reported that the Texas Parks and Wildlife will be airing an episode on the ECR the week of February 11th on PBS. It will air on KLRU, Channel 8 (Austin) Sunday at 10 am and Thursday at 5:00 a.m. and on the Bryan-College Station, Channel 15 on Thursday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 6:30 am and Sunday at 4:00 pm. Lynn Young reminded the group that MCHC member Elaine Baumann and her husband Gene had been interviewed during the filming.
The ECR Annual Conference will be held in Milam County in October, 2020 and more information will be available at a later date.
b. Saving the Old City Hall (STOCH)- Geri Burnett reported that STOCH members will continue to make the public aware of the importance of saving the Old City Hall. Members will be submitting historical articles to The Rockdale Reporter and will be asking for old photos and stories. They are waiting for Stan Graves’ comprehensive report to be presented to the Rockdale City Council in June. Lynn Young was contacted by George Fuentes about building a to-scale copy of the OCH for the restoration of the Rockdale 1929 model made by Nolan Bland in the 1950s.
Les Davenport spoke about finding and restoring the model that is being worked on in Cameron at this time. It features trains that ran from two railroad stations in Rockdale at the time. When the model is completed, it will need to find a ‘home’ in Rockdale. Les Davenport would like to see it in the restored OCH. George Fuentes spoke about his work on restoring the model of the OCH and the time and work that he has spent on that model.
c. Texas Historical Commission Real Places Conference - Lynn Young, Geri Burnett, Lucile Estell and Carolyn Temple attended the THC Conference January 10-12 in Austin. Lynn, Lucile and Geri spoke of very good sessions with interesting speakers. Geri reported that the Courthouse workshop had information that will be useful.
d. Bridge Postcards - Geri Burnett reported that 20 packets of postcards were ordered from Arcadia and have arrived. They will be sold for $8.00/packet.
e.Other Old Business- Holly Jensen reported that the Gause Cemetery has purchased additional land and is clearing it off. There is an old house on it, too. They are trying to rent a bulldozer to help with the clearing. The land backs up to Peaceful Rest Cemetery.
New Business:
a. After serving as Treasurer for many years Darleen Tucker has offered her resignation.
MCHC Bylaws, Article IV-Officers: Section 7 states that “Should an officer resign from a position, taking nominations from the floor following the resignation will fill the remainder of the position term. A majority of those present, qualified to vote, will constitute the winner.” Lynn Young asked for nominations from the floor. Lucile Estell made the motion to nominate John Pruett. James Brymer seconded the motion. There were no other nominees. The motion passed.
b. Darleen Tucker has requested an audit of the books. John Pruett, Joan Ratliff and Geri Burnett were appointed by Chairman Young to audit the books.
C. Chairman Lynn Young reported that she has submitted an application for an Emergency Grant to THC to install a French drain at the Courthouse. A decision will be made in late April.
D. Chairman Lynn Young reported that she has invited Bob Brinkman, the Coordinator of the THC Historical Marker Program, to come to Milam County to present an areawide workshop on the marker application process and restoration. Lucile suggested inviting Charles Sadnick, the Division Director also. CHCs from the area will be invited. The date will be announced when it is available.
E. Other New Business:
Lynn and Geri met with Chris Whittaker and Gary Griesbach regarding the possibility of acquiring some of the items from Alcoa to exhibit. Chris has offered room at a city park. Lynn has written to Alcoa’s management requesting items to exhibit.
Judge Barkemeyer mentioned that owner of the San Gabriel School may consider donating it. This may be a wonderful possibility for a Visitors Center for the ECR.
Chairman Young asked for a volunteer to chair a hospitality committee to arrange refreshments. Lucile Estell volunteered.
Chairman Young asked for a committee member to volunteer to chair the Heritage-Tourism Committee. As there were no volunteers, a chair for the Heritage Tourism Committee will be appointed at a later time.
Announcements:
a. Chairman Young announced that MCHC will host the First Friday Coffee at the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library on November 2, 2018.
B. Chairman Young will present the MCHC annual report to the Commissioners Court on Monday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. All members are invited to attend.
c.Future meetings of the MCHC were announced by Chairman Young. They are:
*April 9- Forest Grove Christian Church, 8902 S. US Hwy 77, Rockdale
*June 11- First Presbyterian church, 1600 Alcoa, Rockdale
*August- Gause United Methodist Church in Gause
*October 8- S.S. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Marak
*December 10- Milam County Historical Museum in Cameron
The Volunteer Hours/Sign in sheet was passed around.
A motion was made by James Brymer and seconded by Patsy Brymer to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Following adjournment, Rev. Pam Graham gave an interesting history of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Gause United Methodist Church
August 13, 2018
The Milam County Historical Commission met at Gause United Methodist Church on August 13, 2018. The meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. by Chairperson Lynn Young.
The Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags was led by Chairperson Lynn Young and recited by all members and guests. The list of volunteer hours was circulated.
Lynn welcomed everyone and introduced guest Barbara Holley. Lynn expressed appreciation to hostesses Elaine Baumann, Darlene Anglen Reynolds and Mary Neely.
Lucile Estell made a motion to accept the June minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Joan Ratliff and adopted.
The Treasurer’s report was presented by John Pruett. The beginning balance June 30, 2018 was $20,052.21, revenue was $110.23, no disbursements with an ending balance of $20,162.44. After deducting dedicated funds of $10,525, cash on hand remaining is $9,637.44.
The MCHC Preservation Fund’s reflected a beginning balance of $8,313.85 on June 30, 2018, revenue was $12.54, no disbursements, reflecting an ending balance of $8,326.39 on July 31, 2018.
The Treasurer’s report was accepted as presented with motion by Darleen Tucker, second by Randy Billingsley. Motion adopted.
Committee Reports:
Archaeology Committee-Randy Billingsley and Geri Burnett reported on the GTI Environment, LLC’s book on The Archaeology of Rancheria Grande at Los Brazos de Dios. Dr. Estell reported that this will be helpful in preparing the National Register nominations. The book may be purchased for approximately $25.00.
Geri and Randy reported that the school presentations will be scheduled soon. Mary Neely will assist in scheduling each school.
Bridge Committee-Jack Brooks
In the absence of Jack Brooks, Lynn reported that the Pavilion dedication has been postponed.
The Calaboose has been carefully moved to Bridge Park with adequate protection. Lynn advised the City requests acknowledgement of the Prescott family, Milam County, the City of Rockdale, David Galbreath and Helen Perry for their sponsorship of these projects. It was suggested that a storyboard be placed at Bridge Park to share the history of the calaboose.
Bill Moore has offered to have a book signing on his Calaboose book next year.
Cemetery Committee-Jack Brooks
Jack is working on organizing a list and location of all the historic cemeteries in Milam County.
Holly Jentsch expressed concern about identifying the owner of a small tract adjoining the Gause Cemetery. She shared her extensive research with Kyle Nuttall, Assistant County and District Attorney, who will look into this matter.
James Brymer brought to our attention that the Conoley Cemetery is having some problems with title to parts of the cemetery. There is a .412 acre plat between the cemetery and the church and the ownership is in question. There is a possibility the title may be cleared by adverse possession. Judge Barkemeyer assured James that this would be resolved before he leaves office.
CLG-Geri Burnett
Geri, Lucile, and Elyssa Benford reviewed the proposals for the nominations for the NPS Grant. After careful review, they selected GTI Environmental, LLC.
Lucile reported that the Heritage Tourism committee is receiving a lot of interest. She encourages people from all parts of Milam County to become involved and aware of the potential for promoting heritage tourism in Milam County. An informative webinar is available on August 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for those interested.
Joan Ratliff brought to our attention that there is a very informative webinar available on the THC website regarding application forms for Historical Markers. She has not yet received the proposed text for recently approved markers. To date, we have not heard from the creamery in Cameron regarding marker application.
In the absence of Denice Doss Chairperson Young reported that the Preservation Grant funds have been approved and received from the City of Rockdale.
In the absence of Beth Brooks, it was reported that MCHC was mentioned in the Rockdale Reporter’s recent Newcomer’s Guide.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. John Pruett repor