July 2008

The past three months have been busy for the Society. We took possession of the former Dunkard Brethren Church on Aprill9, 2008. Many of our members got their first look at the building at the business meeting held on May 14, 2008. Spirits soared and ideas flowed on how to best utilize the new space. Plans for our first event on May 17 were quickly laid out. First billed as an "Empty Building Open House," the Saturday event showcased not only the beauty of the building itself, but also featured a few displays as well. Turnout was lower than expected on this first rain free day in several weeks, so we had to compete with Little League ball games and lawn mowing.

Phyllis Scarbro and her crew - Caroline Bergman, Martha Craig and Shirley Whiting - organized the kitchen so they could continue providing us with those excellent refreshments at monthly meetings. Moving large items and picking up donated furniture took several more days. The moving crew consisted of Karl and Wilma Schroeder, Bill Gothard, Sue Cummings and me. Items donated by Mack Memorial Church were moved first from their building to ours. I brought smaller items from the Ward Center almost daily. The final big move from the Ward Center took place on June 12th. Our crew moved forty-four sectional file cabinet drawers, two shelving units, a steel storage cabinet, small bookcases and a desk, plus the large 1857 Map of Montgomery County. Two trips with a Saturn Vue, pickup truck and Chevy van took care of the job in one morning. We marveled at how much had been stored in the two small rooms - it almost filled the 30 x 5O ft main room of the History Center!

Since the big move, files and office furniture have been placed in the research wing of the building. Work days have been set up for Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1-4 PM. Doris West. Caroline, Shirley, Sue and Kay have come to help with office work. With any luck, the interior will be in good shape by the Grand Opening. Exterior work is moving along. Ed Kemper and Scott Theibert will replace three aged exterior doors early this month. Bill Gothard and Keith Aukerman have begun scraping, caulking and painting the Gothic arch windows in anticipation of getting storm windows installed before winter. Maureen Aukennan has plans for decorative garden pots in front of the building. Lawn mowing is being handled by Bill and me. Other volunteers would be welcome. Come see the changes!

Our main goal for the rest of the year will be to raise funds to support the History Center. I have heard that the economic stimulus checks are being sent out now. Why not consider donating part of your "bonus" to our Building Fund. Sue is writing grant proposals for support from local foundations. We hope to secure some monies from Vectren to help pay for the storm windows. Applications to the Dayton Foundation, Lowe's, DP&L and other agencies are planned. High levels of member support will aid in our acquiring external grants.