September 11, 2014
and ANNUAL MEETING
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
September 11, 2014
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, Pa.
Attendance: 46
Speaker: Amy Leiser, Monroe County Historical Association, "Stroud Family and the Mansion"
The meeting was called to order by President Rick Bodenschatz. Ginny Foy led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the 9/11 anniversary.
Rick welcomed guests and asked that they join HATT. He noted that anyone who joins after October 1 will have a paid membership for 2015 as well.
Rick reminded attendees that changes to the by-laws were passed at the August meeting. The changes can be seen on the HATT website or contact Rick.
Rick talked about the archival program that he and Scarlett Rehrig have begun working on. Cabinets have been ordered and will be used to store the items. White-glove items will be part of the artifacts. The plan is to have a historical center in the library in two years with a museum-like display of the artifacts. Volunteers are needed to begin sorting and cataloging items.
Rick told of a genealogy study that was just completed on the Miller family of Jackson Township. Rick also reminded the attendees of the “Passport to History in Monroe County” booklet that is available at the library desk. The booklet was put together by the Monroe County Historical Coalition and the cost is $2.
Rick introduced Fred Lehrer and thanked him for organizing the HATT programs for the past two years. Fred then reminded the attendees of the coming programs: On September 24, Brian Almutt Ph.D. will talk about the legacy of World War I. On October 8 our annual dinner meeting will be held at Lake Naomi Club. This event is $30 and will include a talk about the “real Christopher Columbus.” Flyers are available to reserve your place at the dinner.
SPEAKER: Amy Leiser, executive director of the Monroe County Historical Association, talked about how fraud helped Stroudsburg become the county seat.
Nicholas De Pui was the first settler in Monroe County, which was formed on April 1, 1836. The county was named Monroe to honor the fifth president, even though he was never in the county.
When it came time to choose the county seat, Stroudsburg was chosen by getting the votes of underage voters as well as voters whose names were taken from tombstones.
Amy reminded the audience that the Monroe County Historical Association owns three properties: Stroud Mansion built in 1795; Driebe Freight Station built in 1882; and the Bell School built in the 1870s. All three properties are open for tours.
Following a question and answer period, Fred Lehrer presented Amy with a certificate of appreciation.
ANNUAL MEETING
Rick called the “annual” HATT meeting to order. He presented a copy of the 2014 audit that was done by Roy Tolley. No abnormalities were found. Thanks to Fred Tim, the outgoing treasurer, HATT now is officially a nonprofit organization. It was noted that we now have $36,000 in the treasury, which is $700 ahead of last year. Some money is now being used to buy cabinets for the artifacts.
In the absence of membership chairperson Pat Baker, Rick reported that as of today HATT has 196 members. In 2013 we had 201 members as of September 11, and in 2012 the membership was at 146.
Rick told the attendees that outgoing vice president Scarlett Rehrig will remain active in the archival program and she will continue to organize the annual picnic. Glenn Ryerson, outgoing director ,was thanked for his help with the Memorial Day Parade.
Rick stated that Fred Lehrer is beginning year three in his term as director and Lew Rarig is beginning year two in his term as director.
The incoming candidates for office were introduced: Jim Forcella, president; Mike Kummer, treasurer; Jeanne Dyer, secretary; Bruce Denlinger, director. Vice president remains an open position. A vote was taken and all candidates were elected by a majority of paid members in attendance.
The meeting was turned over to the new president, Jim Forcella. Jim told us he is originally from New Jersey, but has lived in the Poconos for 12 years. He has been active in HATT for five years. He has a lot of interest in history , and he especially likes studying the time period from 1910-1945. Jim is looking forward to his term as president and he asked that people volunteer to help with the organization.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne Dyer, HATT Secretary
