The Stanley Area Historical Society held their first socially distanced membership meeting of the year on Tuesday, July 28. The scheduled April Quarterly Meeting had been canceled due to the Corina-Virus shutting down public gatherings.

After calling the meeting to order, Historical Society President, Dave Jankoski, introduced Adam Smit, of Adam Smit Investment Management, who was making his annual visit to report on the Trust Funds, the historical society has invested through his firm. A discussion and question period followed. Despite market fluctuations since beginning investing in 2014, the annualized inception to date return on SAHS invested funds has been 6.47 percent.

After the Smit presentation, Acting Secretary, Connie Pozdell, presented the minutes from the October 28, quarterly meeting. Treasurer James Ericksen followed with presenting a January through July 28, 2020, Treasurer’s Report, including income, major expenditures and investment overviews. His report noted decreases in membership dues, Trust Fund donations, and General and Building Fund donations, which are mostly attributed to the current pandemic and an increased number of deceased members over the past year.

The Digitization Work Group reported that the digitization of collections at SAHS continues, although at a slower pace, due to less people working and thus less hours being spent on the project. In a written report, Cheryl Kern Simirenko, who is serving on a Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), Digital Readiness Community of Practice Committee, noted that a grant application to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) had been successful. The grant will enable the hiring of a full-time Program Assistant, which will support the effort of the WHS to help local historical societies, including all- volunteer ones, move forward with digital initiatives. Due to COVID-19, approval has been received from NHPRC to move the start date to October 1, 2020, at which time the steering committee will also become activated.

Jankoski noted that summer work at the museum continues even with reduced numbers of volunteers. Connor La Favor, intern student from UW-Eau Claire, came to the museum in early June and is working limited hours during the week and weekends through September. He is being offered a broad range of experiences. Sharon Wundrow, Betty Plombon, Connie Pozdell and Ed Staib have been working with him on different duties and responsibilities related to museum operations. La Favor has indicated that he is well satisfied with his work setting and the exposures that are being offered. Reports are that he is well liked by those working with him and he has received accolades from weekend volunteers.

In a Building and Grounds Report, it was noted that lawn mowing, weed and insect control have been ongoing. Landscaping at the rear of the 2002 building is at a standstill, with suggestions still being sought. Improved lighting is evident throughout the museum. As exhibit cases are opened, new LED lighting is being installed. Jankoski noted that the prairie garden has come into its own and is beautiful this year. He encouraged anyone interested to drive down the Pump House Road to view it or to stop by and enjoy the sights from one of several benches in the area. Butterflies and bees have found its location.

Mark Bernklau provided information on the roofing project, which is nearing completion. C& S Construction of Eau Claire was awarded the bid for removal of the old roof, installation of a new shingled roof, removal of the brick chimney, painting the cupola, repairs to the soffit, venting the attic through soffit eaves, replacement of fascia as needed and new gutters. No extra costs have been identified so far, although two layers of shingles were found. Once the roof is completed, the brick work around the front entrance will be examined to determine what repairs may be needed. Jankoski noted that the $21,000 project is getting some support with donations trickling in since the June-July 2020 newsletter went out. One of the local banks has indicated a willingness to provide a donation, but has not determined the amount to date.

It was reported that several new exhibits were under construction in the North Gallery. Wedding dresses from the museums collections are being exhibited. In one area, a painted canvas scene, by local artist Joyce Mc Manus, serves as a background. A major new exhibit, also in the North Gallery, is being developed and will feature East First Avenue businesses, which at one time was Stanley’s Main Street. Also new at the museum this year are a Swiss Cheese exhibit in the Logging and Farming Building, plus an updated map showing the locations of the cheese factories that once flourished in the Stanley-Boyd area. Jankoski noted the late opening of the museum this year, with the first weekend being June 20-21. Two volunteers and the summer intern are available for tours on Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 pm. Hand sanitizer is available, mask use is encouraged and social distancing is practiced. It was noted that, so far, at least one visitor has visited during each opening.

It was reported that the June Meeting of the Clark County Historical Society was canceled due to COVID-19 and that the November 9 meeting is still scheduled to take place at a rural Greenwood home.

Consensus was to determine, closer to the date, if a potluck meal would be feasible in conjunction with the next quarterly meeting on October 26. If held, those interested in participating would meet at 6 pm and the quarterly meeting would begin at approximately 6:45 pm. The President thanked those in attendance and Pat Jankoski was thanked for the nourishment provided following the meeting.