Carol Neumann, George Isley, Ken Hanson, Rom Schell, Ken Kurtz, Alan Card & Fran Vegh going over the books
The monthly meeting of the Historical Society of St. Boniface and Maryhill Community was held on Monday, November 24th at 7 p.m. in the Edward Halter Home.
President – Tom Schell gave his final report to the board for 2016. He congratulated all board members and thanked them for a very rewarding year. Our society started and completed a number of projects to enhance our visibility and image.
It started with a successful fund raiser with the Catholic Women`s League, Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society.
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Seth Doerr received a “History Award” for the top history student in grade 8 at St. Boniface school.
On Canada Day we were honoured to have M.P. Harold Albrecht, M.P.P. Mike Harris and local councillor Murray Martin in attendance and they helped to raise the Canadian flag and our own new Society flag. In the afternoon antiques, old tractors and cars were on display. Over 100 people attended throughout the day.
Open Doors in September with over 200 visitors.
Heritage Sunday was well attended with great weather for the car cavalcade, good food and a very successful fundraiser. Thank you to all board members.
We were invited to Woolwich Heritage in Elmira and it was a wonderful time to promote our Society. A presentation was also presented to the Guelph-Eramosa Council about the two Wayside shrines in their area.
We now have a logo that easily identifies our area and we are currently in the process of updating our web site.
In regards to the Halter House. We have applied for a grant to replace old and inefficient windows and doors. As well major furnace repairs are needed. In the next few months, we will have to replace the sewage sump pump. This is ongoing repairs to older equipment.
We are also replacing a rotted out cross at the Klein location.
Looking over our goals from our meeting in January, we have achieved most of our goals. We will try to establish Veteran Recognition, web site development, plaques on our historic buildings and establish a cultural landscape around the Maryhill area.
Thanks to all the support and the hard work and time from the board. To those that are leaving the board – Mary Campagnaro for her many years of service. Brian Lorentz thanks for your labour and we hope to see you back in the future. Ashley Honsberger we will miss your input and ideas, but know we can call on you for posters or advice as needed.
Vice-President – Mary Ann Stroh organized the poster for the Woolwich Township Heritage Fair in Elmira on Sat. Oct. 15th from 1-4 p.m. She is currently working on updating the poster for the 5th Annual Genealogy Fair on Saturday, November 5th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kitchener Public Library.
Secretary – Ken Hanson went over the plans and duties for the Annual General Meeting on Sunday November 20th at 2 p.m. at the Maryhill Heritage Park Community Centre. Guest speaker will be Karen Ball-Pyatt from the Kitchener Public Library who will speak on the KPL`s Soldier Card Project and on Remembrance.
Treasurer – Fran Vegh gave her report and next year some adjustments will be made. Everyone was very happy with this year’s outcome.
Past President – Marlene Bruckhardt mentioned that she had contacted all member of the board if they would stand. Unfortunately Mary Campagnaro and Ashely Honsberger will be retiring and Brian Lorentz will be stepping down for this year. But we will have some new members coming on board.
Archivist & Genealogy – Diane Strickler has helped Peggy Pflug (Zuber / Weiler), Rick Marion (Bruder), Lynn Planinac (Weiler), Thomas Weiler (Weiler), Carol Simpson (Brohman), Carolyn Carnahan (Zinger), Rosanna Atwater-Hallatt (Frenzel). Diane reminded everyone of the Waterloo Historical Society annual meeting which will take place on Saturday, November 12th at 1:30 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College, Great Hall in Waterloo. Their topic is “The Neighbours Who Said No: Waterloo Region Mennonites and the Second World War.”
Birthday Club – Diane Beitz reported that we will be backtracking a couple of years to make sure we haven`t forgotten anyone. Also to see if they would like to become members. The birthday list was passed out. It was decided that instead of households each person will be counted individually. A better way to keep track of the birthdays.
Building Maintenance – Brian Lorentz reported that some major furnace repairs are needed. We will also have to replace the sewage sump pump. Will have to also look into replacing old and inefficient windows and doors.
Church – Mary Campagnaro – Two JK / SK classes from St. Boniface school toured the church. St. Boniface church had 5 baptisms and 1 death during the month.
Fundraising – Lee Ann Wetzel gave her report. There were 4 prizes for the raffle and 63 items for the silent auction. Both fundraisers were great successes and should be continued in future years. There was a very positive response to the silent auction.
She personally thanked Ken Kurtz who took the time to gather donations in a timely manner. This contributed to the great success of the event.
Membership – Carol Neumann reported that we had 3 new life memberships, and the death of 3 members. She will be making new business cards with our new email address. She also was instrumental in making our new banner.
Program – Ken Kurtz spoke on Canada Day and the dignitaries and the overall attendance on that day. He was also actively involved in the Woolwich Township Heritage Fair in Elmira on Saturday, Oct. 15th.
Publications – Ashley Honsberger has printed the newsletter and that along with the proxies were sent out.
Resource Centre – Diane Strickler & Mary Ann Stroh – Five people went through the Historical House on Monday Oct. 3rd. Monthly clean-up has also taken place.
School – Mary Campagnro – St. Boniface School did the Terry Fox walk and raised almost $500. St. Boniface school fundraiser is Saturday Nov. 5th. Received from Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Hartwick 3 pictures from Winterbourne # 7 & 3 pictures from West Montrose #6 (1945-1947-1949 ).
Wayside Crosses – Doug Keller is in the process of replacing a rotted out cross at the Klein location and will be cutting the grass around the crosses one more time before the snow flies. He will be getting three crosses ready for winter.
Website Co-ordinator – Ashley Honsberger will be retiring and the executive will be looking into further option.
