Owosso Historical Commission Minutes

February 15, 2005 - 7:00pm
Held at Gould House

Members present: Chairman Piper Brewer, City Treasurer Ron Tobey, and members Joane Ford, Lance Ellenberg, Phil Heavilin, Jennifer Passow, Bonnie Snyder and Charles Wascher.  

Chairman Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  

Motion by Ford to accept minutes of January 18, 2005, amended by noting that Davenport proposal for a $9,000 repair was for Curwood Castle.  Supported by Heavilin and approved. 

Motion by Heavilin to accept the January 2005 Treasurer’s Report, supported by Wascher and carried.

Discussion concerning the 2008 book project resulted in Ellenberg volunteering to investigate and bring proposals to the meetings for review.

Bids received for the Gould House repair project were reviewed.  Because of the wide discrepancy in the bid amounts, members wanted to make sure a reputable firm would be selected that would do work acceptable to the commission.  Motion by Heavilin to table the proposal pending further review.  Supported by Ford and carried.

Snyder reported that plans to proceed with Home Tour, September 24, 2005, from 10a.m. until 5 p.m. were progressing with sufficient homeowner participation.  A sub-committee meeting will be called prior to our next regularly scheduled meeting.

A revised proposed budget for 2005-2006 was received.  Motion by Snyder to accept budget for submission to City Council.  Supported by Heavilin and approved.  

Ellenberg displayed Curwood related memorabilia purchased over the internet.  Items consisted of two posters and two lobby cards from movies based on Curwood books.  The purchase price of said items was $61.99.  Ellenberg reported that reproductions of the Lobby cards in 8 ½ X 11 inch size might be produced for $52.00 per hundred.  Any eight postcards might be reproduced on an 11 X 17 sheet suitable for framing for $62.00.  Individual postcards may be ordered for $17.50 per hundred.  It was noted that approval for purchase of individual postcards for resale had already been approved at the April 2004 meeting.  Motion by Ford to authorize two postcard sheets, one highlighting Owosso churches and the other Owosso schools, for resale.  Supported by Heavilin and carried.

Brewer reported that George Hoddy had offered a pipe organ for display at the Castle.  The donation would be made with no condition that it had to remain with the commission.  The donation was accepted by consensus with the idea that it might be placed in the “stage” area. 

It was noted that Council had tabled the proposed request for a change to the bylaws made last month.  Motion by Snyder to withdraw revision so that bylaws remain as currently written.  Supported by Ford and approved.

Brewer reported that a former Owosso resident and author had offered to present a lecture on Kodiak bears at the Castle.  One session will be geared toward children and a second toward an adult audience.  He will be in Owosso, April 15-17.  Brewer will make arrangements.

A brief discussion of mail service to castle prompted by the post office resulted in consensus to leave as is.

The bid for the Gould House apartment carpet was not received for presentation, but due to the fact that renters will be occupying the apartment within the month, no action was taken.

Motion by Snyder to allow non-profit organizations, which do not serve as Gould House docents, the rental rate of $50.00 for use of the Gould House.  Supported by Heavilin and approved.

Wascher reported that the Shiawassee Historical Society will not be preparing or opening the Comstock Cabin during Curwood Festival this year, as has been done in the past.  He also noted that cabin brochure supplies were depleted.

Diane Carey and Ken McGhee spoke representing Shiabruck Medieval Re-enactors.  It was noted that phone messages regarding the group’s use of the Curwood Castle Park area August 6-7, 2005, had not been returned and a wedding had been scheduled by the Commission.   Shiabruck has decided that the area surrounding the castle is not large enough and would be interested in holding the Medieval Faire at Collamer Park.  The Commission directed Shiabruck to consult city offices regarding this request.   

Motion by Snyder to pay $107.50, one-half the registration cost, for Phil Heavilin to attend Michigan historic Preservation Network’s “Think Cool:  Preservation Creates Cool” conference April 14-16, 2005.  Supported by Ellenberg and approved.   

Motion by Ford to adjourn, supported by Heavilin and carried.

Adjournment at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Ronald J. Tobey, Secretary/ Treasurer