March 12, 2013

The Spencer County Historical Society met on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 in the Rockport Library Genealogy Room.

The meeting was called to order by the president at 6:20 PM with seven members and one guest present.

A member began the meeting with a presentation of the new Spencer County History web page which he has updated.  It includes information about the Spencer County Historical Society and school information for the South Spencer County School district.

The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was given. 

The secretary reported that things were in good shape for the upcoming banquet.  The caterer had been contacted, tickets had been printed, cake had been ordered, building had been reserved, and decorating supplies had been purchased.  News releases were going to be placed in the local papers next week.

The president mentioned that the Veatch plaque dedication will be Friday, March 22, 2013, at 12:00 noon.  He has talked to several people and organizations that will help with the program.  He has sent information to both county newspapers.

Some members presented the Society with a copy of a letter that Abraham Lincoln had written to the Honorable William Jones which was dated June 18, 1860 and written from Springfield, Illinois.  The original letter is currently up for sale.

A member reported that the sheriff is trying to find a list of all the elected sheriffs since the first election that was held in 1818.  Another member said the library had a list of all the names in a sheriff folder in the file cabinet.

A member also read an article from the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana news release.  It stated that the Society is going to honor one of the county’s native daughters, Kate Milner Rabb, at their annual banquet.

Several members told about the E&OV Interurban depot display at the Newburgh Museum.  One section of the railroad ran from Newburgh to Rockport.  The museum is open 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A member announced that there is going to be a “Think Lincoln” meeting March 21.  He said they may be planning something for the State Bicentennial in 1816, if not; maybe they will work on something for the Bicentennial of Spencer County in 1818.

There was some discussion about a project the president would like to undertake.  It would be a cemetery tour of Sunset Hill Cemetery as there are many important citizens buried there.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

The next meeting will be April 2, 2013 at 6:30 PM in the Genealogy Room.