The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, York, PA

Saturday, July 9, 2022 – 2:00 p.m.

The TBCBSP held a fundraiser for lunch at Hoss’s Steak & Sea House (20% of sales) followed by the monthly meeting. Vice-president Jim Smedley called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m.

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Sara Kohut’s mother; Pat Cook’s daughter, grandson, granddaughter; Linda Finkelstein’s mother, sister, brother-in-law; Greg Williams’ friend; Clayton and friend (he’s making safari shirts).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jim Smedley reminded all the June Meeting Minutes are available for review on the table and will ask for approval later in the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported having 383 members for 2021-2022, 3 more than year ago.

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Greg Williams: Greg saw Ramp’s Bridge and said it looks good.

Tim McLaughlin: Tim and Connie saw Kennedy, Rapp’s Dam, Sheeder Hall and Gibson’s Bridges. They also saw all the bridges in Bucks County with Jim and Gloria Smedley, in preparing for Safari.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Not present.

First Vice President Jim Smedley - Jim and Gloria attended the Covered Bridge Summit in Oxford, NY from June 10-12; will report on at a future meeting. On their way home, they visited Knapp’s Bridge in Bradford County; and Forksville, Hillsgrove and Sonestown, all in Sullivan County and in nice condition. Also saw Jericho Bridge, MD. and noted the headache bar has canisters hanging from chains that will hit the vehicle’s windshield if too high.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein - Ray and Linda took a ride to see Peace Valley Lavender Farm. On the way back home, they visited Pine Valley (good shape), Mood’s (good shape), Perkasie (still had fence all around level, boards still missing on one side), Sheard’s Mill (floor still in bad shape) and Knecht’s (good shape). Ray visited all Lehigh County bridges: Wehr’s could use fresh paint inside, Geiger’s is still not being worked on (was to be completed by June or July), Bogert’s is in initial planning stages to repair; all other Lehigh County bridges are in good shape. Ray will attend the memorial service/dinner for Ben & June Evans, long time members, on July 15^th; he will represent the TBCBSP to speak on their role in the society and express some memories.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam Mailey traveled with Bob and Judy Kuether to Pike County and Delaware River Gap to pick-up our covered bridge displays.

Fourth Vice President Tony Abramo – No report.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam Mailey shared that she and Frank used many coupons from the Lancaster Visitor’s Center booklet and were grateful for them. One coupon was for the Mennonite Life Visitors Center; the gift shop included covered bridge books. Paul, manager, recently joined the National Covered Bridge Society and provided a copy of directions they give to visitors to travel to Neff’s Mill Covered Bridge. Pam gave them rack cards to also hand out.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey - While looking through the old Portals, Pam Heisey noted a 1972 picture of Green Sargeant’s Bridge for its 100^th anniversary. She is researching if a celebration is planned for the 150^th anniversary, this year.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Shirley and Fred traveled many miles since the last meeting. The new headache bars are up at the Pleasantville Bridge in Oley. They took a 1 week bus trip from Chicago to Mackinac Island then to Frankenmuth, Michigan seeing many sites and saw Frankenmuth Covered Bridge; then went down to Dearborn, MI and found the Ackley Covered Bridge that was moved there from Washington County, PA. Finally, they traveled by bus for 2 weeks on Route 66 from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier; saw a lot of iconic spots along the way and 2 covered bridges as they drove by. All 3 bridges appeared in good shape.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline for the Fall PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, October 2nd, the date of the October meeting.

ILLNESS/DEATH of MEMBER(S): (1) Doris Taylor died May 19th. (2) Joe Calabrese has kidney cancer; is undergoing treatment. (3) Bob Kuether is ill today.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1) Judy Kuether reported, of the 400 calendars, we sold 141 to date with another 20 on consignment.

(2) Judy also informed the group that the September Meeting is Sunday, September 11^th and will include our annual picnic at Historic Pool Forge Park. The majority previously voted for a potluck meal – please bring a dish to share with at least 10 people. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can bring your own meal and not share in the potluck. Pam Mailey shared that we will also be videoing the group saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the bridge to submit to ABC27 news for their morning segment at 11:58 a.m. (3) The Annual Safari is August 20-21st in Bucks County, led by Tim and Connie McLaughlin. Judy Kuether stated that she had orders for 49 Safari shirts and 35 registered to attend before today. Connie informed the group to bring your own picnic lunch on Saturday to eat at the State Park pavilion. Sunday will be lunch on your own after finishing at Schofield Ford Bridge. Note that it is about a 45 minute drive each day to arrive at the first bridge and carpooling is encouraged. The patch design is finished and was sent to the company; should be ready in 2 weeks.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1) Jim Smedley asked the group to consider a location for the 2023 Safari and leader(s). It could be in state, out of state or a 1 day Safari. (2) Judy Kuether passed around pictures of Friendly Village dish collection, donated by Ortha Klischer, 99 year old member. See Judy if interested in purchasing.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Tina Chandler saw a picture and a painted hand-churn at Quarryville Thrift Store.

NEXT MEETING: August 7, 2022 at 2:00 at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, 340 Locust St., Columbia, PA. We are going to collect donations for the church’s food bank. Program will be a movie of the building of Conowingo Dam 1926-1928. Tentative Officer’s meeting at 12:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The June 2022 minutes were approved as presented.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by Pamela Mailey, Recording Secretary, July 28, 2022