Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Manheim, PA

Sunday, March 6, 2016

President Tom Walczak called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Joe McCarthy brought his Father-in-Law, Arnie Alexander, who signed up as a member today.

Tom reminded members the minutes are in the box for review and approval later.

TREASURER’S REPORT (read by Gloria Smedley in Bob’s absence). 367 members renewed for 2015-2016. Two less than one year ago.

MEMBERS’ REPORTS.

Tim McLaughlin visited Knox (PA-15-15#2) which is not open yet but closer to completion. He noted new sections of wood in the arches. He also visited Rapp’s (PA-15-14) which looked good and Sheeder’s Hall (PA-15-12) which always looks rough. He and Connie Francis visited Thomas Mill (PA-51-01) with Michael Chorazy and Sharon Hill and got some great photos.

Joe McCarthy added regarding Knox that Monday work will be done on the siding, roof, and masonry stonework.

Greg Williams visited Schenk’s Mill (PA-36-30#2) this morning (in good condition) and Shearer’s (PA-36-31#2) where he noted boards knocked out of the side possibly damage from recent storm. He shared articles from recent papers stating Saville (PA-50-07#2) will be closed for three week for roof repair, and an update on the work on Dellville (PA-50-16).

Bonnie Shultz placed photos of Dimmsville (PA-34-02) on the board. She visited 12 PA bridges since our last meeting and noted that both Saville and Books (PA-50-13#2) were damaged.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

President Tom Walczak visited Jericho (MD-03-02 & MD-12-01) this morning where they are continuing rehabilitation work. He noted the guard rails are up on the inside and on the outside on one end, headache bars (resembling wind chimes) are in place, and scaffolding has been removed. He has submitted the text for the SPCBW proclamation to the Governor’s Office and contacted the PA TV station regarding a promotional spot to be done sometime before SPCBW.

First Vice President Jim Smedley – Jericho is expected to open the third week in March and a ribbon-cutting ceremony should be the last week of April. Kidd’s Mill Bridge in Mercer County (PA-43-01) will have some work done on it starting early next year. Work will include reinforcing some truss diagonals, replacing damaged truss members, install supplemental knee braces to correct a “twist” in the bridge, replacement of deteriorated bolt connections and apply a clear fire resistant coating to the interior.

The deadline for the summer issue of PA Crossings is June 5^th, the date of our meeting in Kreidersville.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein – no report.

Third Vice President Steve Wolfhope – Steve had no bridge report but shared with the group a handmade wooden railroad covered bridge he made for his personal train display.

Fourth Vice President Tim Cohen – no report.

Historian Fred J. Moll – This past month he visited Griesemer’s Mill (PA-06-03), Pleasantville (PA-06-01), and Dreibelbis Mill (PA-06-07) in Berks County and all seem well. Griesemer’s still has its brilliant coat of red paint from when our Society painted it in 2013. At his last Power Point program in Wyomissing Fred promoted our Society and activities and had someone ask about joining.

Recording Secretary Gloria Smedley – No bridge report. Gloria thanked those who brought in refreshments today – Tina Chandler, Tina Conn, Noelle Green, and Linda Finkelstein.

Corresponding Secretary/Program Chair Pam Heisey - No report.

Treasurer Robert Kuether – No report. Bob and Judy are in Florida on family business. Gloria reported for Bob that we have sold three items already at the Lancaster Visitor Center where he set up items for sale last month.

REPORTS OF ILLNESSES OR DEATHS – None.

OLD BUSINESS – None.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made to approve funding ($4,600) for the painting of Sam Wagner Bridge (PA-47-01/49-11) on June 18, 2016. Katie Helm and Gloria Wolfhope moved to approve, and a unanimous vote was received, so the motion was carried.

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS

Greg Williams shared a ceramic model and old calendar photo he had brought in.

Jim shared a copy of Pennsylvania County Maps and Recreational Guide from the 1970s.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February minutes were approved as presented.

Today’s program was given by Jim Smedley, entitled “Covered Bridges in the Civil War”.

NEXT MEETING

Our Next Meeting and Bake Sale will be on April 3, 2016 here at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by Recording Secretary, Gloria Smedley

March 7, 2016