APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Formerly Known As The
APPLETON HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON TOM SUTTER
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 23
PLANNING COMMITTEE IN ATTENDANCE:
Mark & Karen Moderson, Tom Sutter, James Richter, Jack Voight, Christine Williams, Linda Muldoon, Laura Leimer, John Marx
NEW COMMITTEE FORMED TO FIND THE HISTORY OF AND PRESERVE ARCHIVES ON SPECIFIC STREET ADDRESSES AND BUILDINGS:
Richter reported that during the 9/22/10 Planning Meeting member Dave Buss had volunteered to do an address archive with pictures on various Appleton addresses and buildings:
Richter reported that at a meeting in June of this year Marlene and Bob Roloff of our organizing group showed historical records that they put together on specific buildings and addresses. Group agreed this should be pursued further.
Richter just contacted Karen Probst, Member, and Appleton Public Library Wisconsin Collection custodian. Explained Roloff and Buss comments. Verified she had already done some of this work in Fox Valley Memories and was looking for help in doing much more. She concurred that she has much more information to enter as well. She agreed to work as a committee with Roloff’s and Buss to pursue this.
Richter further advised Probst that he has unidentified photo archives received from Gretchen (Hauert) Churchill that should be included.
General membership endorsed proceeding with this Committee.
APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 9/29/10 PAGE 2
HOLDING HISTORY FAIRS AT APPLETON DOWNTOWN WINTER FARM MARKETS:
As Richter was directed at the 9/22/10 Planning Meeting, he made an initial
Contact to Jennifer Stephany. Executive Director, Appleton Downtown Inc., on
the Appleton Historical Society having one or more History Fairs at their
Saturday Farm Markets during the Winter:
She concurred and we were invited to participate, no application required.
Richter was directed by the general membership to identify dates available, find accessibility of 8’ tables, and verify necessary details.
Williams said we have to identify members with collections who would like to display their items at one or more events.
REMINDER ON WEB PAGE BEING IN OPERATION:
Chairperson Sutter reminded us the Web Page is up and running:
OUR WEB SITE ADDRESS IS: www.focol.org/appletonhistory/
MEMBERS URGE TO ATTEND MEETING ON EAGLE FLATS PROJECT:
Sutter also asked members to attend a Development Meeting on the Eagle Flats Project planned for the former Riverside Paper plant on Lawe Street. This meeting will be held at Pullman’s on September 30th.
FORMAL SOCIETY BUSINESS ADDRESSED:
Sutter acknowledged that our organization has continued to grow and based on comments received it is time to formalize the Society:
Proposed and membership agreed to make application with the state for a 5.01 (c) (3) certification as a tax exempt, charitable organization.
Passed out a survey on if we adopt a formal membership process involving an annual fee what should the fee be. Results will be reported during the next meeting.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS:
10/20/10 Terry Bergen, Executive Director of the Outagamie Historical Society, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M., “Appleton Collections of the Outagamie Museum”
APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 9/29/10 PAGE 3
11/17/10 Open, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
December 2010 - No Meeting Planned
In the future, Nancy Barker has volunteered to do a program on “What’s Haunted in the Valley”.
PROGRAM SPEAKER Tom Baron, Planner, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, on “The Fox -Wisconsin Heritage Parkway”.
Excerpts from his presentation:
His organization serves as the Planning Commission for 10 area counties.
In 1982 the Army Corps of Engineers decided to abandon the Lower Fox River Navigational system.
Almost immediately community members, boaters and history buffs began efforts to regenerate Fox system.
In 1990 the Heritage Corridor becomes one of four pilots projects in Wisconsin selected to participate in a national heritage tourism initiative to showcase the rich heritage of the Midwest.
In 1997 the East Central Planning Commission created the Fox River Heritage State Parkway Concept Plan. The Parkway is known as FWHP.
The Heritage Parkway’s web site provides lots of information, see www.nps
The Friends of the Fox (F. of F.) is an organization of volunteers who want to continue the use of the Fox River as a waterway, and works closely with the Parkway group. Baron is a member of the F. of F. as well.
The FWHP runs from Prairie du Chien to Green Bay, which follows the path of early explorers Marquette and Joliet.
Marquette University handled the legal application for their 5.01 (c) (3) Charitable Exemption.
Their first meeting as a chartered organization was held October 15th, 2009.
The 1990 Heritage Corridor became one of four pilot projects in the country.
They have been working with the Eagle Flats people to become part of a Visitor’s Center that will be built with the housing and retail development on the Fox River.
Baron mentioned they were also interested in the old City Water Plant, which is still being looked at for FWHP purposes.
Cindy Carter mentioned the canoe race done earlier this year. She also endorsed their being a FWHP Canoe Relax Race.
Baron said they did do the Fox River Paddle X 2010 this year, and a lot of community interest was shown.
APPLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 9/29/10 PAGE 4
Baron is especially pleased to be with the AHS group as they would like to work together with us on a regular basis. Christine Williams of AHS is also serving on the FWHP development group.
Project Goals for the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway:
Increase Quality of Life for current and future residents.
Long Term commitment to enhance and promote regional heritage and the rich history of the area
FWHP act as a conduit to connect history/culture, natural resources, recreation and tourism from Green Bay to Prairie Du Chien
Economic Development
Develop Waterway recreational and learning facilities
ORGANIZATION’S ACTING LEADERSHIP:
Tom Sutter, Acting Chairperson
James Richter, Acting Recording Secretary
Mark & Karen Moderson, Organizers
Christine Williams, Communications Director
Respectfully, James L. Richter 10-7-10