HERITAGE PRESERVATION, INC.

Minutes of Meeting, 2-23-04

 

Those present:  Hester Cope, Judy Tiffin, Susan Hargett, Betty Champion, Vince Brewton, Milly Wright, Bill McDonald, Charlotte Dean, Lee Freeman, Mary Peck, Billy Warren

 

  1. After correcting the deletion of Darrel Russell's name from the list in the 12-15-03 minutes of those involved in the creation of "Follow the River" (item #8), Vince Brewton made the motion that the minutes be approved.  Charlotte Dean seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

     
  2. After correcting the reference to the "slate of officers" – which should have been "slate of Board members" – in the 1-18-04 minutes (item #5), Betty Champion made the motion that the minutes be approved.  Susan Hargett seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

     
  3. This report, dated December 16, 2003, was submitted posthumously from the late treasurer, Lindsey Stricklin:
    1. Checking account balance                     $1,387.59
    2. Savings account balance                         5,107.53  +11.40
    3. Forks of Cypress account balance          3,223.38

 

Charlotte Dean made the motion that the treasurer's report be accepted.  Vince Brewton seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

  1. Billy Warren announced that Mary Peck has agreed to assume the post of treasurer for our organization.  He will get the books in order so that there can be a smooth transition from Lindsey Stricklin's tenure as treasurer.

     
  2. Everyone agreed that the attendance at the annual meeting (a full house at the Shoals Theater) exceeded all expectations.  Compliments were given to all who had a role in producing the video, "Follow the River: A History of Florence and Lauderdale County."  Milly Wright announced, to applause from the group, that she has entered the video in the spring George Lindsey festival at the University of North Alabama.

     
  3. Billy Warren reported that all copies (200 – VHS; 150 – DVD) of the video have been sold.  He noted that we received, last week, 100 additional copies of the VHS which Jerry Dowd ordered for us.  Distribution sites are:  Kennedy-Douglass Art Center, Pope's Tavern and the Florence Main Street Office.  Milly Wright stated that she has learned that Debbie Chafin can produce copies in DVD format in the film laboratory at UNA.  Susan Hargett made the motion that Debbie Chafin be asked to make 100 copies in DVD format if they will work on both old and new models of DVD players.  Betty Champion seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.  Milly Wright will make the arrangements with Debbie.

     
  4. Billy Warren reported that some people have had problems with the DVD version of the video.  Milly Wright explained, per Shane Wilson, that the DVD will not play on some older models of DVD players.  To rectify that would cost some amount of money because a different type of DVD master would be needed.  The group agreed that we will offer a VHS as a replacement (along with a $5 refund) to anyone whose DVD will not play.

     
  5. Milly Wright reported that the 50 copies of the audio CD of "Follow the River" should arrive soon.  They will sell for $10 each.

     
  6. Billy Warren distributed and reviewed copies of :
    1. HPI's accomplishments in 2003; and
    2. HPI's goals for 2004.

       

He complimented Board members for the fine things that HPI has done and for the current projects in which it is involved.

 

  1. Billy Warren distributed and reviewed copies of a packet containing these items:
    1. A thank-you letter to Bobby Denton (similar letters were sent to Nelson Starkey and Lynn Greer) for his assistance in securing the $25,000 grant for producing the video, "Follow the River";
    2. A thank-you letter to Rev. Larry Wright for the use of the chapel at First Baptist Church for the memorial service for Lindsey Stricklin;
    3. A multi-page document printed from TVA's web site regarding 148 native plans in the Tennessee Valley;
    4. A picture of the F.W. Woolworth building (dated June, 1942) on North Court Street;
    5. A multi-page document written by Milly Wright detailing the development of the video, "Follow the River";
    6. A thank-you letter from the following for HPI's gift of a copy of the video:

1.      Brooks Elementary School,

2.      Billy Valentine (Curriculum Director for Lauderdale County Schools), and

3.      Sheffield High School;

    1. The program from the memorial service for Lindsey Stricklin held on Sunday, February 8; and
    2. A multi-page e-mail from Andy Betterton regarding the establishment of an archival center for Florence and Lauderdale County.

       
  1. Mary Peck presented a copy of a CD to Vince Brewton for our web site.  It contains digital photographs of houses (excluding the house at 501 North Wood) in Wood Avenue Historic District from the house directly behind Kennedy-Douglass Art Center to the Baptist Student Center.  Everyone was very pleased with Mary's work.  Billy Warren agreed to e-mail Mary and Vince a complete list of the structures on Wood Avenue that are on the National Register of Historic Places.  The list will contain:
    1. The name of each house as it appears in the original paperwork for the historic district,
    2. The street address of each house, and
    3. The approximate date of construction of each house.

       
  2. Billy Warren distributed and reviewed copies of a document from Bob Torbert regarding the restoration of Florence Cemetery and, ultimately, other cemeteries in the Shoals.  In the document, Bob asked for assistance from HPI in this long-term project.  Lee Freeman suggested, and all agreed, that Camille Bowman, staff member from the Alabama Historical Commission, be asked to conduct a workshop for the public on the proper restoration of tombstones and other stone objects in cemeteries.  Bill McDonald made the motion that HPI join forces with the Florence Historical Board and Bob Torbert in this worthwhile project.  Charlotte Dean seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

     
  3. Billy Warren noted that Tommy Pirkle couldn't attend HPI's annual meeting on January 18 but can come to our March 22 meeting to discuss a possible city ordinance that would require a public hearing before a historic building is razed.  All agreed that Billy should invite Tommy to attend that meeting.

     
  4. Vince Brewton announced that a scholarship fund in honor of Lindsey Stricklin has been established at UNA.  Contributions to the fund are certainly encouraged.

     
  5. Hester Cope made the motion that HPI spend up to $50 for a book to be placed in the public library in memory of Lindsey Stricklin.  Mary Peck seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.  Lee Freeman agreed to select the book.  Board members were encouraged to e-mail suggested titles to Lee at this address:   

            lfreeman_histgen@hotmail.com

 

  1. Hester Cope made the motion that HPI renew the subscription to the National Trust magazine for Melissa Bailey, director of the Florence Planning Department.  Betty Champion seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

     
  2. Charlotte Dean made the motion that HPI reimburse Milly Wright the $20 fee for entering the video, "Follow the River," in the UNA film festival.  Betty Champion seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.  Milly Wright stated that she would prefer two copies of the VHS instead, so Billy Warren gave her the copies.

     
  3. Betty Champion circulated a postcard that pictured the Jefferson Hotel.  Bill McDonald explained that the Jefferson Hotel was located on the corner of Short Court Street and West Tennessee Street.  It burned in 1920 and was replaced by the Negley Hotel which was razed in the late 1950's when our present City Hall was built.

     
  4. Lee Freeman distributed a flyer advertising a 6-week workshop at the public library on genealogical research for beginners to be conducted by Darrel Russell and Lee Freeman.  The dates are March 2 – April 6.

     
  5. Because of time constraints, no work was done on the proposed list of local craftspeople.

     
  6. Billy Warren reminded everyone that the T.S. Stribling Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, in Coby Hall.