The Stanley Area Historical Society held their quarterly meeting on Monday, October 26, with a sparse attendance attributed to COVID-19. Acting Secretary Pat Jankoski’s presentation of the minutes from the July 27 quarterly meeting was followed by Treasurer Jim Ericksen’s comprehensive financial report for the first three quarters of 2020. Highlight of the financial report was that donations for the new roof installed this summer are to date $12,960. Membership support of the roof project was noted and President Dave Jankoski thanked everyone for their support. It was also noted that major gifts have been received from Forward Bank, Xcel Energy and Rutledge Charities. Ericksen also reviewed the work that continues to be done related to upgrading lighting in the museum complex. To date he estimated the project was about 90 percent complete.

In Buildings and Grounds matters, it was noted that the outside work including the fall cleanup of the grounds has not been completed due to the early snow fall. It was also noted that the summer lawn care was provided with no major issues and the winter snow removal will be handled by Ed Helland who also did the lawn mowing. John Pozdell indicated that the fall insect spraying was completed. It was also reported that the roof work was completed to the satisfaction of the contract.

Betty Plombon reported that wedding dresses/gowns are now on exhibit scattered throughout the upper floor of the museum. The oldest gown, dates to 1898, was worn by Mrs. Stehly, who was Mrs Art Gaffney’s mother. Plombon and Judy Judnic have been working on a comprehensive exhibit that will feature businesses located on First Avenue in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Jankoski thanked the 39 volunteers who helped keep the museum open this season. Despite COVID-19, weekend hours were maintained from June 20 through September 27. Connor La Favor, a UW-Eau Claire student, was the summer intern who worked this past summer to gain experience in all aspects of museum operations.

Cheryl Kern-Simirenko presented a report on her work on the state digitization task force that she is a part of. A grant has been obtained that will support a project designed to help historical societies, including all-volunteer ones, to move forward with digital initiatives. The work of the committee she serves on has been delayed by the pandemic. A virtual kickoff meeting is scheduled to occur on October 30th. The grant has allowed hiring a Program Assistant, a one year full-time position. The person started working on October 1, and has a library degree and significant experience in archives and with curation of community digital collections.

Jankoski announced that the Clark County Historical Society’s Fall Meeting has been canceled because of COVID-19 and that no newsletter will be published by the organization. Plombon noted that she is working toward getting the SAHS newsletter out before the end of the year. Jankoski asked members to mark their calendars and plan to attend the SAHS Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 23, 2021.. In closing, Betty Plomobn and Pat Jankoski were thanked for providing the nourishment following the meeting.