QUINCY SQUARE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING - APRIL 18, 2009
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT FOR THE YEAR 2008
The Museum officially opened for the season on May 17, 2008. Our first program was presented on May 31 by Emma Hunter, who spoke to a full house about “Cemeteries in the Town of Lebanon.” On June 21, Diane VanSlyke presented a program on “The Chenango Canal.” On July 19, the Museum opened early, so it could be visited by people attending the E.C.S. All-Class Reunion to be held later in the day. Rose Wellman presented a program about Ruth Morey Nash, a well-known teacher in Earlville. On August 9, John Taibi spoke about the history of the “West Shore Railroad.” Our final program for the year, “Out of the Dust,” featured the Madison County Historian, “Backstreet Mary” Messere. She talked about the discovery, cataloging and preservation of many historic items belonging to Madison County, as well as planned activities of interest involving her office. As a result of the popularity of our first program, we decided to acquire more chairs to provide adequate seating for succeeding events. This decision proved wise based on attendance during the year. We were pleased with the caliber and popularity of our 2008 programs, and have already begun planning our schedule for 2009.
Two major projects undertaken during the year were a change in the heating system and renovation of the basement. The old furnace and the wall separating the furnace from the rest of the basement were removed, as was the deteriorating ceiling in the basement. A new propane heater was installed on the main floor. The basement was completely redone, with new exhibits installed. This exhibit area, which took much of the year to complete, is planned to be officially opened to the public in 2009. These projects were accomplished by the use of money from the Memorial Fund, as well as from additional donations by an individual and the Village. We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to those who helped to provide this additional financial support, as well as to those who worked many hours in bringing these projects to fruition.
Although we had a good year in regard to programs presented and work accomplished, we were especially saddened by the loss of some of our most active members. Gil Laing had helped us in solving computer software problems, and after his death, his widow Ann decided to move to Rochester. In the relatively short time Ann had been a member, she had served as Master Gardener, Vice-President and President of the Museum. She worked very hard on organizing our acquisitions and bringing our acquisition records up-to-date by inputting the information into the new computer program PastPerfect. Elizabeth Davey, or “Liz” as we called her, had been a longtime active member of the Museum. Despite health problems, she continued to serve until her death as Corresponding Secretary, and helped wherever she could. Her suggestions regarding possible programs and other advice proved valuable. Finally, the death of Gordon Dresser left a major hole in the ongoing work of the Museum. Gordon had served in several different positions, including, but not limited to President, Vice President, and Trustee. He was our major advisor when it came to local history, work on the building and grounds, and other areas too numerous to mention. The loss of these hardworking active members of the Museum was a severe blow to the ongoing work of the Museum.
Because of a health issue which arose in April 2007, I had not planned to be reelected to the office of President of the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. for 2008. However, as a result of the losses just described, I was persuaded to run. I was also told that the Committees would do much of the work. Based on that assurance, which went along with my philosophy that no individual should have to do all, or even most of the work in an organization, I agreed to accept the position. During the past year, that assurance proved to be pleasingly very accurate. Usually, the Committees, both Standing and Special, proved that our organization owes whatever success we have had to the work of several people, not just one. Moreover, when work needed to be done, people not even members of the Committee involved in a specific project, were willing to pitch in to help. I owe a debt of gratitude to each of those who helped the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. in any way during this past year.
Our Building and Grounds Committee has had its share of work this year. With my abject lack of knowledge in such areas as electrical work, landscaping, painting, waterproofing, etc., I have had to rely on their expertise, and they have performed admirably. When the basement was being renovated, I went down one day to offer my help. However, it was clear that those doing the work had the situation well-in-hand and I decided to go back upstairs and do work on membership and acquisitions. Hats off to those involved, especially Harriette Adamson, Colleen Buchta, Sue DeSantis and Wilma Washburn.
The hours of work put in by the Floor Management Committee and others in rearranging the displays led to a much improved look inside the Museum. Colleen Buchta, Sue DeSantis, Ann Laing, and Wilma Washburn have spent long hours in reviewing and organizing clippings, newspapers, etc., as well as arranging and rearranging our exhibits when necessary.
Over the years, we have acquired various scrapbooks which include information about various events in Earlville, including marriages and obituaries. Rose Wellman copied these scrapbooks and put the information into looseleaf notebooks. She also began work on handwritten indexes to each book. I began to computerize these indexes, but other work delayed this project. Over the past winter, Judy Hayes has synthesized the previous work, and is completing work on a Master Index. This project, when completed, will be a major asset to those researching family and other history in Earlville.
Special thanks go to Wilma Washburn, our Recording Secretary, whose efforts on behalf of the Association have gone far beyond excellent note taking at our meetings which has resulted in comprehensive minutes available for distribution and reference.
Raising funds is perhaps one of the bigger challenges facing any group such as ours. To the Village of Earlville and to each person and organization which has contributed or helped in any way in our fund-raising efforts, goes our sincere appreciation. Certainly, the work of the Membership Committee, chaired by Colleen Buchta, is appreciated. Special thanks go to Crystal Eades, who spent many hours putting all of our past membership records into PastPerfect. Most of all, we thank all those who supported the work of this Association by paying membership dues, and especially those who contributed more than was requested. It is our fervent hope that some of you will see your way clear to becoming more active in the work of this Association. Your help is needed in many areas.
I would like to thank each member of the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. for their support, and especially those who took an active part in doing what needed to be done. We are a TEAM, and our accomplishments are the result of teamwork. Although we sometimes view things differently, we are bound by our common purpose.
Where will we go from here? Certainly, we face many challenges, not the least of which is to find more active members, willing to give of their time to assist in the work of the Museum. If we learn from the mistakes of the past, build on the successes we have achieved, and are unafraid to face new challenges, I believe that our future is secure.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard E. Eades
ANNUAL MEETING - APRIL 18, 2009
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT FOR THE YEAR 2008
The Museum officially opened for the season on May 17, 2008. Our first program was presented on May 31 by Emma Hunter, who spoke to a full house about “Cemeteries in the Town of Lebanon.” On June 21, Diane VanSlyke presented a program on “The Chenango Canal.” On July 19, the Museum opened early, so it could be visited by people attending the E.C.S. All-Class Reunion to be held later in the day. Rose Wellman presented a program about Ruth Morey Nash, a well-known teacher in Earlville. On August 9, John Taibi spoke about the history of the “West Shore Railroad.” Our final program for the year, “Out of the Dust,” featured the Madison County Historian, “Backstreet Mary” Messere. She talked about the discovery, cataloging and preservation of many historic items belonging to Madison County, as well as planned activities of interest involving her office. As a result of the popularity of our first program, we decided to acquire more chairs to provide adequate seating for succeeding events. This decision proved wise based on attendance during the year. We were pleased with the caliber and popularity of our 2008 programs, and have already begun planning our schedule for 2009.
Two major projects undertaken during the year were a change in the heating system and renovation of the basement. The old furnace and the wall separating the furnace from the rest of the basement were removed, as was the deteriorating ceiling in the basement. A new propane heater was installed on the main floor. The basement was completely redone, with new exhibits installed. This exhibit area, which took much of the year to complete, is planned to be officially opened to the public in 2009. These projects were accomplished by the use of money from the Memorial Fund, as well as from additional donations by an individual and the Village. We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to those who helped to provide this additional financial support, as well as to those who worked many hours in bringing these projects to fruition.
Although we had a good year in regard to programs presented and work accomplished, we were especially saddened by the loss of some of our most active members. Gil Laing had helped us in solving computer software problems, and after his death, his widow Ann decided to move to Rochester. In the relatively short time Ann had been a member, she had served as Master Gardener, Vice-President and President of the Museum. She worked very hard on organizing our acquisitions and bringing our acquisition records up-to-date by inputting the information into the new computer program PastPerfect. Elizabeth Davey, or “Liz” as we called her, had been a longtime active member of the Museum. Despite health problems, she continued to serve until her death as Corresponding Secretary, and helped wherever she could. Her suggestions regarding possible programs and other advice proved valuable. Finally, the death of Gordon Dresser left a major hole in the ongoing work of the Museum. Gordon had served in several different positions, including, but not limited to President, Vice President, and Trustee. He was our major advisor when it came to local history, work on the building and grounds, and other areas too numerous to mention. The loss of these hardworking active members of the Museum was a severe blow to the ongoing work of the Museum.
Because of a health issue which arose in April 2007, I had not planned to be reelected to the office of President of the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. for 2008. However, as a result of the losses just described, I was persuaded to run. I was also told that the Committees would do much of the work. Based on that assurance, which went along with my philosophy that no individual should have to do all, or even most of the work in an organization, I agreed to accept the position. During the past year, that assurance proved to be pleasingly very accurate. Usually, the Committees, both Standing and Special, proved that our organization owes whatever success we have had to the work of several people, not just one. Moreover, when work needed to be done, people not even members of the Committee involved in a specific project, were willing to pitch in to help. I owe a debt of gratitude to each of those who helped the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. in any way during this past year.
Our Building and Grounds Committee has had its share of work this year. With my abject lack of knowledge in such areas as electrical work, landscaping, painting, waterproofing, etc., I have had to rely on their expertise, and they have performed admirably. When the basement was being renovated, I went down one day to offer my help. However, it was clear that those doing the work had the situation well-in-hand and I decided to go back upstairs and do work on membership and acquisitions. Hats off to those involved, especially Harriette Adamson, Colleen Buchta, Sue DeSantis and Wilma Washburn.
The hours of work put in by the Floor Management Committee and others in rearranging the displays led to a much improved look inside the Museum. Colleen Buchta, Sue DeSantis, Ann Laing, and Wilma Washburn have spent long hours in reviewing and organizing clippings, newspapers, etc., as well as arranging and rearranging our exhibits when necessary.
Over the years, we have acquired various scrapbooks which include information about various events in Earlville, including marriages and obituaries. Rose Wellman copied these scrapbooks and put the information into looseleaf notebooks. She also began work on handwritten indexes to each book. I began to computerize these indexes, but other work delayed this project. Over the past winter, Judy Hayes has synthesized the previous work, and is completing work on a Master Index. This project, when completed, will be a major asset to those researching family and other history in Earlville.
Special thanks go to Wilma Washburn, our Recording Secretary, whose efforts on behalf of the Association have gone far beyond excellent note taking at our meetings which has resulted in comprehensive minutes available for distribution and reference.
Raising funds is perhaps one of the bigger challenges facing any group such as ours. To the Village of Earlville and to each person and organization which has contributed or helped in any way in our fund-raising efforts, goes our sincere appreciation. Certainly, the work of the Membership Committee, chaired by Colleen Buchta, is appreciated. Special thanks go to Crystal Eades, who spent many hours putting all of our past membership records into PastPerfect. Most of all, we thank all those who supported the work of this Association by paying membership dues, and especially those who contributed more than was requested. It is our fervent hope that some of you will see your way clear to becoming more active in the work of this Association. Your help is needed in many areas.
I would like to thank each member of the Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc. for their support, and especially those who took an active part in doing what needed to be done. We are a TEAM, and our accomplishments are the result of teamwork. Although we sometimes view things differently, we are bound by our common purpose.
Where will we go from here? Certainly, we face many challenges, not the least of which is to find more active members, willing to give of their time to assist in the work of the Museum. If we learn from the mistakes of the past, build on the successes we have achieved, and are unafraid to face new challenges, I believe that our future is secure.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard E. Eades
Copyright 2010 The Quincy Square Museum Association, Inc.