RETURN TO MAIN MINUTES PAGE

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
July 13, 2011
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, Pa.

Speakers — Gene Kerrick, Barbara Fox and Mark Evans: The History of Blakeslee
Attendance: 72 members and friends

The meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m. by President Freddie Kaltenthaler.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were read without additions or corrections. Allen Rodriguez moved to accept the minutes as read.

Treasurer’s Report

Barbara Fox read the treasurer’s report, without additions or corrections. John Kaltenthaler moved to accept the report as read.

Announcements

The next meeting will be on August 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Clymer Library. Fred Leherer will present a program about Gen. Armstrong Custer.

In addition, a field trip is planned for August 10 at Blanche Price Park, Pocono Pines. The program is “Civil War Between the Battles.” Bring a lawn chair.

Additional space is still available for the Pennsylvania Dutch Country trip in September. The bus trip, tour and lunch is priced at $85/person.

New Business

Since Emily Carter was not present at the township supervisors’ award ceremony, the president read the proclamation and presented it to Emily for her contribution to the preservation of the history of the community.

Artifacts: A paper replica of a hatchet used as a dance favor was donated to the association as well as an early registration record for Camp Owaissa.

Speakers | Gene Kerrick, Barbara Fox and Mark Evans – History of Blakeslee

The president introduced the first speaker for today’s program, Gene Kerrick, who provided the background and history of Blakeslee and described parameters of the Blakeslee region.

He introduced us to the pioneer families who first settled the area. Families came as early as the 1830s – the Ebock-Stine-Hamill families and the Widricks from New Jersey in the 1850s. Jacob Blakeslee came from Connecticut, married, and one of his sons became the postmaster.

Using maps of the area, Gene indicated the areas that were settled by the early families, who lent their names to the region.

The next speaker, Barbara Fox, asked us to don our imagination caps and board the bus to tour Blakeslee then and now. As our guide, Barbara traveled along routes 940 and 115 pointing our landmarks, homes and businesses and gave the history of inns, pubs, farms and private homes along the way.

The last speaker, architect and town planner Mark Evans, displayed views demonstrating the future of Blakeslee Corners. He said that the plans would be presented at the next Tobyhanna Township meeting on August 8.

Adjournment

President Kalthenthaler closed the meeting and extended an invitation to all to enjoy some refreshments, and view the artifacts and displays.

Respectfully submitted,
Virginia Foy, Secretary

RETURN TO MAIN MINUTES PAGE