HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-14 Historical Preservation Committee
Minutes
February 14,2004
Call to Order
Chair, Billy Byers called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m.
Members Present
Ralph Williamson, Billy Byers, Willie Mae McCormick, Iva Nail, Helen Payton, Betty Fuller,
Troy Fuller, Robert Nail, Don Tharp,Dan Clark, Michele Burger, Craig Ward
Staff Present
Suzanne Hendrickson, Recreation Manager
Ofa"Mary" Faiva-Siale, Recreation Specialist
Treasures Report
Treasurer, Robert Nail,reported a balance of$10,934.14.
Approval of Minutes
Michele Burger motioned for the minutes to be approved. There was no objection. Motion
approved.
Old Business
1. Troy Fuller reported that two teenage boys, a man with two daughters plus various others
visited the Museum over the weekend. Mr. Fuller and Betty Fuller reported that the two
teenage boys seemed a bit suspicious as they didn't seem at all interested in the tour itself
but rather just loitering about. Mr. Fuller suggested that it would not be recommended
for the women in the committee to give tours by themselves. Thirteen people signed in
on the guest book on this day.
2. Troy Fuller also reported that the locks for the gates around the Museum were very
difficult to open.
New Business
1. Suzanne Hendrickson was asked about the part time staff that is to work for the Historical
Preservation Committee. Suzanne informed the committee that the position has been
posted and she's just waiting on applications to come in. Betty Fuller suggested that the
new employee should be a"people person"who loves and enjoys the subject of history.
2. Troy Fuller visited a museum in New York and he was extremely pleased with their
docent as he had a great personality which in turn made their tour very interesting. Mr.
Fuller agreed with Betty Fuller's suggestion that the new staff member should be
someone who enjoys history.
3. Mr. Byers urged the committee again to continue with their historical narratives for the
Museum. Everyone agreed that this would be beneficial for future committee members
and future docents.
4. Betty Fuller suggested that Billy Byers do the write up on the items in the back room as
he is very knowledgeable about the items stored there.
5. Betty Fuller, Iva Nail and Billy Byers gave a report on the Harrison Lane Elementary tour
on February 10th. Sixtyeight students and teachers were in the group. Michele Burger
reported that Iva Nail, Betty Fuller, Helen Payton, Billy Byers, Ralph Williamson, Jerry
Poteet, Michael Davenport, Ofa "Mary" Faiva-Siale and she herself were on site to help
with the tour.
6. Betty Fuller was complimented by several committee members on the wonderful job she
does as docent of the Himes Log House. Troy Fuller was also very impressed with her
knowledge and her ability to maintain control of the children.
7. Mr. Byers reported that rats had torn up bits and pieces of the floor rug in the Himes Log
House and used it to build a nest in the fire place. Various options were discussed about
how to keep rats from nesting in the building. It was decided that grated Irish Spring
soap and moth balls were the best methods for keeping the house rat free. Suzanne and
"Mary"will have these items placed inside the house.
8. Mr. Byers reported that Betty Fuller has picked up the paint for the stove and will try to
get it painted soon.
9. Craig Ward volunteered to be the docent in March. Robert Nail offered to help him.
10. Dan Clark reported on the following:
a. Passed around an aerial photograph of the McCormick property. Mr. Clark
reported that he picked up the aerial from David Allen, G.I.S. Manager with the
City of Euless. He mentioned that aerials of the city are also available on line.
b. Suggested that "how to" material could be passed out to children when they tour
the Museum. Committee members were agreeable to this idea. Mr. Clark will
work on getting this done.
c. Requested that pictures of artifacts within the Museum be posted on the city web-
site for the public's viewing. Mr. Clark mentioned that he would get with Johnny
Rodriguez regarding this project.
d. It was mentioned that Betsy Boyett would be the person to speak with regarding
this project.
11. Willie Mae McCormick invited the committee to her daughter Elizabeth's 50th wedding
anniversary on March 12, 2005 at the Ruth Millican Center.
12. Iva Nail expressed her gratitude to Ray McDonald for having the rail installed on the
back entrance to the Fuller House. Other committee members were appreciative of the
rail as well.
13. Betty Fuller reported that various Historical Markers around the area have been moved
and shuffled around from their original locations due to construction. The Byrd's Fort
marker is one of those that have been relocated to a site that has absolutely nothing to do
with its original location. Mrs. Fuller expressed her concern regarding these situations.
14. Suzanne Hendrickson reported on the following:
a. The Sock Hop event was on February 11th and it went great. Approximately
four hundred people attended the event.
b. The Arbor Daze Premier Night will be on March 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the
Midway Recreation Center.
c. Opened bids for McCormick this past week. Briefly described the project.
d. Construction has begun on the splash pad at South Euless.
e. Euless has a baseball team called the Euless LoneStars which will be based
out of the Parks at Texas Star. Stacey Hollinger is the team's owner.
f. Reported on the passing of Doug McGrady, president of Bedford Euless
Soccer Association. Mr. McGrady will be greatly missed by the Recreation
Department and the City of Euless.
g. Reported that the program for the Museum's inventory has been installed.
h. The 1960 Hurst map that Chris Jones donated to the Museum has been
laminated and returned to the Fuller House.
i. A laminated newspaper copy of an article on Mrs. McCormick was given to
the Museum.
15. Ralph Williamson reported that he will be having eye surgery on February 17th.
16. Billy Byers informed the committee that this would be his last meeting with them. He
mentioned that the Mayor already has his resignation and that the Mayor and Council will
be discussing a new chair person. Mr. Byers thanked the original members of the
committee and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to have worked with them
in the past; he also thanked the newer members of the committee for their efforts and
support. Mr. Byers thanked Ofa"Mary"and Suzanne Hendrickson for their support over
the years.
17. Troy Fuller expressed his gratitude to Mr. Byers for having done a great job as committee
chair. Mr. Fuller expressed his understanding for Mr. Byers' decision to take time for
himself to relax and get caught up with personal matters. Mr. Fuller thanked Mr. Byers
for his"labor of love"over the years and that he would be greatly missed.
18. Betty Fuller expressed her disappointment in loosing Mr. Byers' talents and input in the
committee. She expressed her gratitude to Mr. Byers for his tireless efforts on behalf of
the Museum. Other committee members were in agreement with Mrs. Fuller.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Ofa"Mary" Faiva-Siale
Recreation Specialist, Projects & Events
Euless Parks & Community Services