MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

October 18, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Commander Robert Baker in ritualistic manner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a Roll Call of Officers.

The following members were in attendance:

Our Department Commander entered the room and was introduced to all members.                      

Minutes for the September meeting were read and approved.

 FINANCIAL REPORT: 

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     Members Help Fund at $176.50.

     The 50/50 winner for Sept. 1 was Lis Menichin. On Sept 29 it was Robert Graves.

     End balance: $1,551.73

     Mr. Long also presented the Camp budget for 2008.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made and passed.

Our Department Commander thanked the Camp by saying “You guys know how to show visitors a good time.”  He praised our active council and congratulated us on our efforts and said to keep up the good work.  He stated we must keep ACW history alive and teach it to younger generations. He also said we must be vigilant in protecting our graves and memorials. Every grave should be marked with a flag on Memorial Day.  He also mentioned the cannon discovered for sale at a flea market by Mr. Ferrara  as example of how members can help watch over historical artifacts so they remain in the proper hands.

OLD BUSINESS:

Commander Baker asked if there were any new developments concerning the cannon at the flea market.  Joe Long reported that the cannon was one of numerous Civil War artifacts donated to a college when the local GAR post closed. The college at one time had a museum and someone took the cannon presently on sale.  The Department Commander said a national committee is investigating the matter to establish who owns the cannon.  Mike Grayson asked if the cannon was government property. The Department Commander said it depends if cannon are given outright or not. If it was given to the GAR then it rightfully belongs to the Sons.

Memorial Association - Howard Wolfe said the matter of leaving the present location is still in transition. John Hart said the Scranton Club offered a free room for meetings during the first three months of 2008. Mike Grayson said the Olyphant American Legion also offered a room. Ray Sulger made a motion to accept the Scranton Club’s offer. Howard Wolfe seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Christmas Party - Our annual Christmas party will be held during the first week in December at Tiffany’s Restaurant in Eynon. The date will be December 6^th, depending upon availability.

Joe Long said the Department Encampment will take place in Ligonier, PA on June 19, 20 and 21^st. He suggested we take out adds in the booklet to sponsor the event.

NEW BUSINESS:

Remembrance Day in Gettysburg -  Captain Hart will host a reception Friday evening in a rented house on the square. The Delaney-DeLacy Guard will participate in an 11 a.m. ceremony before the statue of the last Union veteran. Afterwards they will lay a wreath before the monument of the 143^rd Regiment.

Mid-Year Meeting - The Department of Pennsylvania will hold its Mid-Year Meeting on Saturday, November 3^rd at Doc Holliday’s Steakhouse, 110 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, PA.

Last Meeting - Our last official meeting in this building will take place in November.  Russ Jones suggested that next month we should conduct some kind of official ceremony close the room after the final meeting.

Commander Baker suggested that anyone in touch with the building’s owner should inform him we would like to keep the memorial plaque in place or have it returned to our unit. Lt. Heisler said if the plaque is permanently attached to the building it is considered part of the real estate.        

Russ Jones said the landlord has not been informed of our intent to leave the building after December and we should tell him before the event occurs.  Joe Long said the landlord would be told at a board meeting for the final plans sometime in the near future.

Historical Books - Scott Teeters said he has found a bookstore with a collection of Civil War regimental histories and he will share the information with interested members.

Nomination of Officers for 2008.  The following members were nominated for offices in 2008:

Senior Commander: John Hart

Senior Vice Commander: Ray Sulger

Junior Vice Commander: Robert Sulger

Secretary: Bob Shaffer

Treasurer: Joe Long

Counselor: Howard Wolfe

With no further business a motion to adjourn was made and the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully Submitted,

Corporal Richard M. Ryczak

Secretary