By John Bertelson, IHS Secretary
Cliff opened the Iola Historical Society membership meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 6:31 p.m. Seventeen people were present.
Sharon Peterson motioned to accept the October 2020 meeting minutes, Sarah Abramson second, passed.
Tom gave the financial report, covering the same items as in the board meeting.
Sue Halverson motioned to accept, Sharon Peterson second, motion approved.
Cliff asked for thoughts about the list of activities planned for this year.
May 22 Waupaca Fire Dept. 150th Anniversary Parade – Cliff asked if there was any interest in participating. Charlie T. is willing to trailer the 1912 Waterous Pumper for the parade, if his schedule allows. The parade begins at 10 a.m., which should be okay with Charlie’s schedule. Cliff will look into getting an “Iola Historical Society” banner printed for it.
May 31 Memorial Day Pork Roast Salute to Military Veterans – Sharon said that the American Legion is planning to have a speaker at their park this year, along with the high school band. Due to continued concerns with covid-19, the Legion recommends skipping the pork roast this year. The members at our meeting agreed so no pork roast this year.
July 16-17 Taste & Tunes – Cliff signed the agreement to participate. Need something to sell, so will work with Taste of Elegance.
May 26 Historic Iola Marker – Cliff Thompson – Will be installed by the Crystal Café, where Cliff T.’s law office used to be located. Charlie T. will bring Cliff T.’s big chair to the event, if the weather is okay. Sharon will contact the Strand children to see if they can bring Cliff T.’s ring.
June 5 to Aug. 28, Saturdays, Village and Museums Open for Visitations – Only opened to the public eight times last year, with about 30 total visitors. Cliff did see good interest. Donna Hooker suggested we still require mask wearing. Cliff will make sure hand sanitizers are available.
Building and Grounds Springtime Sprucing Up – The high school honor society will be doing their community service workday on May 5. Cliff will ask for a crew to help clean the grounds. Sometime later in May will be a cleanup by IHS volunteers. Will be discussed at meeting in April.
Sharon Peterson donated a 1952 calendar from Schmidt’s Snack Shack. Sharon’s aunt ran the business for 12 years. A cousin found and gave the calendar to Sharon.
At 7:02 p.m. the meeting adjourned. Next meeting planned for Monday, April 26.
For the program following the meeting, Lee Halverson shared some of the stories by Robert Anderson about people around the area. Robert used to write a short feature published in the Iola Herald. A video was made of the presentation and is available for members who would like to view it.