ITEM 3.9A OHP 3.8.2016 MinutesITEM 3-9A
3-8-16 Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission
Present: Toni Seroshek, Chris Wilson, Zonja Matushenko, Gail Anderson,
Mayor Jessica Stockamp.
Meeting called to order at 7:05pm. Chris has two items to add to the archives.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Book Revision/rebinding:
Toni has sent corrections to Lisa Fahey from The Farm Years update. In order to
print we need to have 25 books, so Lisa will copy and upgrade enough for our
total to be 25 books of The Farm Years. Gail moved that the OHPC accept the
proposed cost of $221.60 for The Farm Years corrections and copies; it was
seconded and passed.
Research on Native American people in the Otsego area prior to and during white
settlement:
The Commission discussed how to proceed with their research on Native
Americans in this area. We decided our information will have to be general rather
than specific because we do not have specific information. We all had researched
from different sources and discussed possibly, for instance, focusing on the
migratory patterns, ways of sustenance and territories of the dominant tribes in
this area. It appears that this area was on the edge between the Ojibway's
territory and the Dakota territory and Otsego was within the buffer area. But
there were probably two dominant tribes, Dakota and Ojibway; and Winnebago
later from the Wisconsin area. There were probably three lesser tribes in and out
of the area. Native Americans lived a mobile lifestyle within their areas
depending on the season, hunting, fishing etc.
We discussed a possible field trip to Mille Lacs Museum on Mille Lacs Lake for
more history. There was a major battle between the Dakota and Ojibway in 1800
and a major battle between Native Americans and whites (US Army) in 1862. We
envisioned a possible display of a Native dwelling (teepee or other) and a craft
or survival skills being taught at our location at the Otsego Fest. Chris will ask Joel
Coles of the local martial arts business if he is interested in working with us on
this research. He has some interest and knowledge of Native American history.
Jed Dotterer does own a teepee he has used with youth in scouting. We may
wish to use photographs from the MN History Center re: early tribal life of MN
Native Americans. We may wish to have a banner produced on this subject.
Arcadia's letter to Chris Wilson as co-author of the book Otsego:
Chris has received a letter from the publisher of the book she co-authored with
Paulie Skaja-Bell on Otsego. It offered to sell her 80 books for $5 each. We had a
discussion about how record -keeping has been done, or has not been done, by
our Commission on what books have been sold. Jessica will check on whether the
City has records of these sales. We feel that 80 books is too many for us to buy at
this point and Chris will call Arcadia and see if they will sell us 20 books, or what
exactly would be their minimum at that price or another price. We do need more
of the books, but we agreed that 80 is too many and we do not have any way to
pay for them. Chris will also ask about the royalties which she has never received,
nor has the City, Jessica thinks. Jessica will check on that also. Decision is post-
poned to acquire more information.
Election of Officers:
Chris moved to keep the same slate of officers as previously serving. Motion
seconded and passed. They are:
Chair: Toni Seroshek
Vice -Chair: Zonja Matushenko
Secretary: Gail Anderson
Treat Supply: Chris Wilson
Meeting adjourned at 8:36pm. Next meeting scheduled for April 12 at 7pm.
Gail Anderson, Secretary