The Stanley Area Historical Society (SAHS) Quarterly Meeting on July 29, began with a tribute to Connie Pozdell, who passed on July 4. She served as president of the society from 2000-2009 and was currently volunteering as a key member of the digitization team. Treasurer Jim Ericksen, presented a financial report on income and expenditures through June 30, 2024, including sales data on the museum’s newest publication, “Vintage Views of Stanley Brought to Life with Color.” His report included informing the membership that sales to date have been sufficient to cover the costs associated with the printing and shipping of both the soft and hard cover editions. He also announced the museum’s insurance is now being covered by a new carrier that is providing a policy that will better cover replacement of a building, or buildings, in case of a disaster. In his final report, Ericksen informed the membership that the heating and air conditioning unit in the original museum building warrants study to determine what needs to be done as the unit is nearly 40 years and having it go out in the winter could be disastrous.
If possible, it would be desirable to be able to segregate heat to just the upper area, when work is being done in that area of the north building during the winter.
Sharon Wundrow provided a digitization report. The loss of Digitization Team member Connie Pozdell means the team is down a key member. Connie's skills at categorizing, describing and her knowledge of storage details will be especially missed. She was a vital link from A to Z in the digitization process. Digitization team needs include the replacement of a Server (Main) Computer and lighting in the photography area. Fortunately, donations have recently arrived for both and it was approved to go ahead with having the work done as needed and to get the computer needs taken care of. Landon Wilson, the museum's summer intern student from UW- Eau Claire has been keeping up with digitizing artifact donations that have been accessioned into the museum's collections.
Museum Director Betty Plombon’s report provided information on the four major new exhibits that can be viewed at the museum this summer. There are exhibits on the Ku Klux Klan’s activities in Stanley, the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Auditorium and businesses on Maple Street in the 1950’s and 60’s. Eulah Lane and the students featured in 1950’s productions held at the Stanley Auditorium are also featured. Plombon was supported in her plan to hold an open house in September for West and East Maple Street residents and relatives of previous or present Maple Street businesses. It would serve as means to receive and provide information for attendees on their properties.
President Dave Jankoski reported on the semi-annual meeting of the Clark County Historical Society held on June 1 and hosted by the Loyal Area Historical Society. He reported on the numerous improvements that have been made to the Loyal museum since the last meeting there. It was noted that SAHS will be hosting the Clark County Historical for their next meeting on November 2. Jankoski asked for program ideas.
The next quarterly meeting of the local historical society is scheduled for Monday, October 28, at 7 pm. President Jankoski thanked those in attendance and all who participated in the potluck meal that preceded the business meeting.