10-24-96 OHPC MINCITY OF OTSEGO - Heritage )Preservation Commission
Meeting - Thursday, October 24, 1996
Otsego City Hall
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 by Chair, Joy Swenson. A correction of
the fifth paragraph of the September 26 minutes changed the names of Arlene to
Janet and Joan to Arlene. Norm moved to accept the minutes as corrected, second.
by Janet; motion carried.
An evaluation of Heritage Day was made. Elaine reported attendance of 95; last
year 103. Janet suggested we consider a change in program to stimulate interest.
We need variety in presentation to draw in newcomers. Elaine suggested contact-
ing schools to offer to enhance their local history studies. Janet suggested we
develop a program identifying the various ethnic groups in Otsego. Joy explained
the Children's Day program of Wright County Historical Society. Elaine suggested
we have someone act as a "tour guide" to show our exhibits and explain them. Joy
said that Buffalo Journal Press will publish pictures after the event if we pro-
vide them,,{ Joy reported that wagon rides and the farm machine exhibits at the
Park and Rec Appreciation Day were attractive to children. Norm stated that we
should not be repetitious •.- we need to change the program to increase interest.
by appealing to a larger audience. We had too much food, but cleared expenses.
We took in $240.00, but only spent $212.00. It was suggested that "thank you"
notes be sent to Mayor Freske, McDonalds, Bank of Elk River, Marquette Bank,
Gwyn Schwanbeck and the food committee, and Sally Dare. Joy offered to send
them. Norm was commended for his handling of the event.
Joy reported that she pres6nted "Otsego - In The Beginning" books to the Wright
-�nd__Sherburne County Historical Societies at their annual meetings, the Monticello
and Buffalo.Public Libraries. Books will also be given to the Elk River library
and the Minnesota Historical Society. Wright County will stock books in their
sales area. Joan reported that $600.00 had been collected for books. Elaine
reported that Eleanor Cooley Rue had written offering more information about some
Otsego families after she had read the book. She also reported that we have re-
ceived the signed accession form from David Humphrey for the material he sent her.
It was suggested that we consider the possibility of giving some of the Humphrey
information to the new museum being organized by Irene Bender. Elaine presented
the pictures taken by Norm of many interesting houses. Norm, Bob Holt and Elaine
have made several tours of Otsego and identified 98 locations as possible histori-
cal sites.
Joy reported that Mike-Koop was again unable to attend our meeting because of a
crisis in Winona.
The importance of obtaining more oral histories was discussed. It was suggested
that Arlene be requested to conduct some as she has a natural talent for inter-
viewing. Elaine moved to purchase a tape recorder suitable for use in oral
histories at a cost not to exceed $50.00; seconded; motion carried. Joy will pur-
chase it. The meeting adjourned at 9:00
Elaine Norin, Secretary