Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 2:00pm

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:00pm, welcomed everyone, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He noted copies of the September Meeting Minutes were available for review at the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 374 members for 2023–2024 and 185 members for 2024–2025, with 3 new members: Randall Dietz (Coal Township), Bob and Peggy Wentz (Nanticoke).

MEMBERS' BRIDGE REPORTS:

Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie saw a total of 48 bridges, including those on Safari, located in PA, WV, VA, and MD. Tim noted that Carrollton Bridge is stunning and Humpback Bridge was in rough shape with graffiti. They worked at the Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Festival for 3 days and saw 3 more bridges; also saw Knox (now open), Rapp's Dam (new headache bars), Sheeder Hall, Speakman, and Poole Forge, which was holding a Classic Car Show that day.

Bonnie Shultz – Bonnie and Malissa visited Ebenezer, Henry, and Wright Bridges before Safari. They also visited Jack's Mountain, Roddy Road, Loys Station, Utica Mills, and 7 romantic shelters.

Steve Wolfhope – Steve and Gloria visited a couple of bridges before Safari, then after Safari saw bridges in Licking County, OH. Steve noted: Davis Farm's roof is ready to collapse; Spellacy is a large, beautiful bridge; and Girl Scout Camp Bridge was repaired and graffiti removed — in excellent shape. Of interest, Steve has visited 751 covered bridges to date!

Ken Slippey – In addition to the Safari, Ken and Cindy saw the following bridges: Colvin, Heirline, Diehl's, and New Baltimore in Bedford County; and Glessner, New Baltimore, Trostletown, Walter's Mill, Barronvale, King's (covered in graffiti), and Lower Humbert in Somerset County.

OFFICERS' REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob coordinated the Festival at Bloomsburg and thanked those who volunteered to work with him and Judy: Diane, Ed, Tim and Connie, Tony and Karen, Jim and Gloria, Joe and Joanne, Bonnie and Malissa, and Pam. He also thanked Tim and Connie, Pam and Frank, and Sara Beth for driving them to test-run the Safari and to Safari.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – In addition to the Safari, Jim and Gloria saw Philippi, Carrollton, Dent's Run, and Barrackville Bridges in WV. After visiting family in Cincinnati, they saw more bridges: Bell's Ford, Roann, and North Manchester in IN; Montpelier Fairgrounds, Lockport, Spellacy, and Stutzman's Crossing in OH; and Jackson's Mill, McClurg's, and Walter's Mill in PA. The highlight was seeing the rebuilding of Bell's Ford Bridge near Indianapolis — the trusses, upper ties, and flooring were complete and over the water; the roof, siding, and portal boards still needed to be done. Completion was expected by end of November 2024.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Not present; no report.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam had a covered bridge display at the Red Land Senior Center's Open House on September 19th. Approximately 328 people and 22 vendors were present. Frank sold a few calendars and spoke to people about bridges and the Society.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony and Karen attended Safari and spent 2 days helping at the Bloomsburg Festival. Tony reported on a Lancaster News article that wood was replaced at Bitzer's Mill Bridge; however, abutments need repair, so the bridge is closed until 2027.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Frank and Pam, along with Jim and Gloria Smedley, drove to see Red Bridge, noting repairs, new paint, and removed graffiti. They saw the bench and plaque that the Society donated money for. They also visited Aline Bridge, which needs painted.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Fred and Shirley missed Safari due to a 12-day trip to Scotland/Ireland. On Sunday, October 20th, Fred will present a program on "The Restoration of Dreibelbis Covered Bridge" at the Kutztown Historical Society at 1:00pm; all are invited. Although Fred made multiple inquiries, he received no response to paint Griesemer's Bridge or apply No-Char to Wertz Bridge.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Winter Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, February 2, 2025. He is seeking a volunteer to take over the Newsletter and website.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Doris Musselman recently fell and is recovering. (2) Gladys Smith, one of two living charter members, fell a couple of weeks ago and will be in rehab for 5–6 weeks.

OLD BUSINESS:

Safari 2024 – September 14–15 to Washington/Greene Counties; 40 attendees saw 16 bridges.

Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Festival – October 3rd–6th. Sales and donations were $4,944.75, about half of last year's sales.

NEW BUSINESS:

Safari 2025 – Jim and Gloria Smedley will lead the 2025 Safari. They took a poll of members to determine preferences for length, location, and month. The outcome was a 2-day Safari to WV bridges in September 2025.

Annual Officers' Reports – Pam Mailey explained that the By-Laws require officers to submit an Annual Report for the members' review. These reports are available at the front table.

Annual Officers' Meeting – Saturday, November 2nd at the church, starting at 9:30am.

Poole Forge Decorating (Bridge and Gazebo) – Sunday, November 24th at 12:00pm. Will also address dues reminder cards and decorate Christmas card bags. New LED lights needed for garland and wreaths. Note: adjust the cameras that monitor the bridge when the ladders are up.

Christmas Dinner – Sunday, December 8th; gather at 11:00am, buffet meal at 11:30am. Cost $23.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Pam Heisey conducted a memorial service to honor the following members who died in the past year, ending with a moment of silence:

• Marjorie K. Balliet, died June 29, 2024 (Life Member — 24 years)
• William R. Haag, died October 8, 2023 (member 14 years)
• Ortha G. Klischer, died January 8, 2024 (member 32 years)
• Carl McDaniel, died May 7, 2024 (former member 13 years)
• Patricia Tabor, died December 31, 2023 (member 18 years)
• Anthony P. Walczak, died September 5, 2024 (member 35 years)

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Ted Smith shared that googling covered bridges in Ireland yields none, but Switzerland has many. (2) Bob Kuether stated there are new Country Store items for sale at the back table: puzzles, ornaments, and magnets. (3) Tony Abramo had 3 framed covered bridge posters available for anyone interested.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The September 2024 minutes were approved as presented.

PROGRAM: "Our Society's Year in Review" by President Bob Kuether.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA. This is the 2nd annual bake sale and canned good donation for the church's food pantry. The program will be "Covered Bridges of the Lower Susquehanna Valley Basin in 1954" by Jim Smedley, 1st VP.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:37pm.

Respectfully submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, October 27, 2024.