South Central Reporter

City of Salem Historical Commission met Jan. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER

The Historical Commission met on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Salem Area Historical Museum. Luke Purcell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the presence of commission members Diane Eller, Myron Lloyd, Megan Holler, Mark Larimer, recording Secretary Cindy Eller and Jim Koehler.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mark Larimer made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 20, 2023 meeting. Myron Lloyd seconded the motion. All members present were in favor and the motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

The treasurer’s report for November 2023 and December 2023 were presented for review.

CORRESPONDENCE

Letters were received from Doug Ludwig in Yakima WA requesting information on the Bryan Home and Bryan Museum. Luke told the Commission that he would get some things together and send to him.

BUSINESS

Myron Lloyd gave an update on the Bryan Home as follows:

• Leon Chapman donated fabric for kitchen curtains

• Oak kitchen table and chairs donated by Myron Lloyd

• Pump for sink donated by the Rusty Nail

• Ice Box found in Springfield for $250.00 that will be purchased

• Leon Chapman donating platter for display in kitchen

Commission Members continue to look for items to stage the Bryan Home.

Mark Larimer updated the Commission on plans for Bryan’s birthday celebration that will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Mark contacted a professor at Illinois College that has studied William Jennings Bryan and he has agreed to speak at the event. The consensus of the Commission was to pay his travel expenses and pay for a motel room if he wanted to spend the night. Myron and Jim will work on a media campaign to advertise the open house, possibly posting before and after pictures of work done to the home. The Open House will be held from 1:00 pm – 2:45 followed by a speaker at 3:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church.

Myron told the Commission that Keri Garret is donating her Judith Goldsboro collection to be displayed in honor of her mother, Jo Chitty Stallins. Myron indicated he would ask Keri to come to the next meeting. Also, Myron said he is expecting other donations or possible things loaned to the museum including a trunk that was Dr. Horseman’s and a coffee pot from the Schoonover family.

Mark Larimer was approached by the Daffy Dills requesting a brochure that could be placed on a board by the William Jennings Bryan statue that has information about the Bryan Home and Museum. Luke stated he would work with Illinois South and Deane Hanson on getting something together that would include a map.

COMMISSION MEMBER’S REPORT

Luke Purcell reported that he had given a tour of the museum to a sorority and that Ivy Balla has requested another tour. Luke added he would begin moving Christmas décor out of the museum.

Luke noted that Election of Officers for 2024 should have been on this agenda but was not so election will be at the next meeting, February 20, 2024. Diane Eller made a motion to re-elect Luke Purcell as Chairman. Myron Lloyd seconded the motion. Luke Purcell made a motion to re-elect Mark Larimer as Vice Chairman and Myron Lloyd seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. Vote will take place at the February meeting.

Diane Eller stated plans need to begin earlier for the Cemetery Tour. She also said that she spoke with Frank Brinkerhoff and he would like to see a tour focused on the oil business.

Mark Larimer went over some items that were found when cleaning out his office. Mark also handed out an updated timeline.

The Historical Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 since Monday, February 19, 2024 is President’s Day

ADJOURNMENT

Megan Holler made a motion and Myron Lloyd seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

https://www.salemil.us/historical-commission/minutes/historical-commission-minutes-40