Meeting for their Quarterly Meeting on Monday, April 26, members of the Stanley Area Historical Society heard reports indicating things are a go for the seasonal opening of the local museum the weekend of June 5 and 6. The museum will be open weekends on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm. Use of hand sanitizer and masks are encouraged but not mandatory. Because of the large museum social distancing is not an issue.

After calling the meeting to order, President Dave Jankoski called on Secretary Sharon Wundrow to present the minutes from the last quarterly meeting held on October 26, 2020. Following upon this, Adam Smit, from Adam Smit Investments, made a presentation on the societies’ Trust Fund investments with his firm. Members present had an opportunity to have questions answered and he was thanked for coming annually to provide an update. Next was the Treasurer’s Report from James Ericksen, who provided a first quarter report on the SAHS finances. Ericksen also reported that the Federal Form 990 is being completed by H & R Block and will be submitted after receipt.

President Jankoski also noted that the SAHS’s report to the State Historical Society was filed in January, as required to maintain nonprofit status with the state. Jankoski also noted that the annual elevator inspection recently took place, with no problems noted. In a Building and Grounds Report it was noted that snow removal was satisfactory and lawn mowing is arranged for the summer. John Pozdell reported that most of the insect spraying has occurred in hopes of cutting down on the annual beetle invasion, Ericksen reported that the new LED lighting is essentially completed, lacking some exhibit cases, and Jankoski reported that the annual spring cleaning is about twothirds completed.

Meanwhile, Betty Plombon reported that the major 2021 Exhibits are completed and several other updates are under way. The North Gallery exhibit this year will feature Soo Park and First Avenue businesses from Barber Street to Franklin Street. There is also on display a number of wedding dresses throughout the main floor of the museum. The World War’s exhibit is being updated, as are several bulletin boards. Jankoski reported that the exhibit case in the South Gallery will be updated and will feature advertising or gift pieces, from a goodly number of Clark County cheese factories, donated by the La-Grander Family.

As to summer help from the university, Cheryl Kern-Simirenko reported that Eric Mehnert, a junior in the Public History program at UW-Eau Claire has been hired as the summer assistant at the museum. He is excited about this opportunity to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of museum operations, while satisfying the internship portion of his graduation requirements. Visitors will meet Eric as he will be responsible for opening and closing the museum most weekends.

Plombon then reported that several programs are in the planning stage but will depend on how the pandemic progresses and if it can be determined that it is feasible to have people closer together in the meeting room. One program that is ready for presentation is KKK activity in Stanley in years past. Another program in the planning stages is a wedding dress parade. The museum will also be coordinating an open house with the Full Gospel Mission Church on July 25. The church located directly across the street will be hosting a community open house recognizing the 100th year since the original church building that they now occupy was constructed.

Kern-Simirenko also reported on the museum’s digitization efforts now that the Digitization Team has re-grouped for spring and summer work. The major focus is on photographing artifacts, including many items that were sent directly to storage in 2019 and 2020. Systematic photographing of older items in storage will also resume. The plans to expand use of the archives catalog that is part of PastPerfect (currently used only for maps) will also move forward giving better control of, and access to, primary source materials. She also reported on her service on the state committee that is planning, preparing materials, and helping historical societies discover the value of digitizing their collections. The next phase will be four regional fairs that will take place over the summer via Zoom. They will focus on making potential participants aware of resources and the network of knowledgeable colleagues.

As to Soceity publications, Plombon reported that the June Newsletter is nearly ready for printing. She also reported that for the first time in a long time, membership increased by about the same number that have recently passed away and that two new life memberships have been added, which makes 37 life members. Plombon put forth a proposal that the museum purchase a six month or year’s subscription to Ancestry. com World Explorer for use at the museum. The idea was embraced and an announcement will be forthcoming when it becomes available. Area genealogists will appreciate its availability. Jankoski noted that the Clark County Historical Society’s semi-annual meeting, that was scheduled to be held in the Greenwood area, was canceled. He also noted that the Clark County Historical Society newsletter will be forthcoming. Jankoski reported that the family of Fred Evans will be holding a celebration of his life at the museum on Saturday, August 14 and SAHS members are invited to attend.

In closing it was noted that the next quarterly meeting will be held on Monday, July 26. Officer elections are coming up in January, meaning that Society members and/or prospective members should be thinking now of whether they might want to take a leadership role in the Society may want to start thinking about it now, as before one knows it the elections will be here, come January.

As such, positions within the Stanley Area Historical Society include President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Once again, officer elections for the just over 45-year-old Stanley Area Historical Society are in January, and candidates welcome.

As to the April 26, 2021 quarterly meeting, Connie Pozdell and Jean Ketterhagen were thanked for the nourishment served to attendees.