MINUTES OF WISCONSIN MANX SOCIETY, INC.

April 29, 2007

Midvale Community Lutheran Church

The Wisconsin Manx Society met at Midvale Lutheran Church, Madison on April 29, 2007. Members and guests shared news and conversation during registration and lunch.

It is hard to believe that longtime loyal member, Melvin Lindauer will no longer be attending our meetings. His sudden death on March 2 was a shock to his family and friends. As our President read the long list of his lifetime involvements and accomplishments, we remembered his loyalty to the Wisconsin Manx Society.

Reminding us that the fuchsia is the National flower of the Isle of Man, President Georgene presented potted fuchsias to three members, in recognition of special events in their lives. Oneida Lindauer was recognized for her courage in attending the April meeting so soon after the sudden death of her husband, Melvin. Willard Reese was congratulated on his recent move to a more secure living facility and having attended more meetings than any of the rest of us. James Morey is not only graduating from high school, but is the recipient of a Lilly scholarship and will be able to decorate his room at Blaine College in Indiana with the fuchsia and a “Manx St.” sign. We wished them all well in their life transitions.

Member, Carrie Anderson and her husband David joined us before the program and meeting. Carrie, daughter of the Alffs, has attended three NAMA Conventions – two of them with her daughter, Erika and she was welcomed by those who’ve known her over the years.

Jody Morey accompanied the group as we sang the Manx National Anthem and Ellen Vannin before the program. “Wild Mann- Wild Life of the Isle of Man”. a DVD was beautiful to watch with peaceful scenes of the flora and fauna of Mann. Starting was delayed because of technical difficulties so it was stopped before the part on the birdlife of Man, with a promise that it will be shown at another meeting.

President Georgene called the meeting to order.

Minutes of the Fall 2006 meeting were printed in the Spring Newsletter and accepted at the Board Meeting with the correction of a date.

Treasurer Joan Ogden reported a balance on 4/28/07 of $1861.91. Her detailed report of receipts and expenditures has been placed on file.

V.P.Judy Bonnet, is pleased that she received early reservations for lunch and reminded us that the $2.00 increase ($12 now) is due to rising expenses of the caterer.

Newsletter Editor, Judy Schlueter is happy to receive interesting items relative to the Isle of Man or Manx immigrants and their descendents to be included in the Newsletter. She reminds us to watch our Newsletter labels for reminders to renew membership.

V.P. & NAMA Newsletter Editor, Andrew Ravenscroft – represented the WMS in a Celtic celebration and has been asked to do so at a special Highland Games Affair on next Labor Day Weekend at the Waukesha Expo Grounds. He would appreciate help from other members.

Historian, Mae Reese has had queries from Lois Ralph, former member and now a resident of Marquette, Mich. regarding a James Callow who was, at one time, a Trustee of the Laxey Church. She is helping her look for information. It was suggested that our Newsletter might be able to feature queries regarding Manx connections, so that queries would reach all Newsletter recipients.

Museum Committee Member, Mary Kelly reported on the progress of the “North American Manx Museum”, which is being developed as part of the new Luce Center at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Mary has become an almost full-time volunteer at the University Museum. Mona Moughton has been cataloging and acknowledging donations which are being received. Kelly McCarthy, a NAMA Trustee is compiling a complete inventory of collections of NAMA records and memorabilia. It appears that the museum will be as important to the University as it will be to NAMA and Wisconsin Manx Society. Mary welcomes opportunities to speak with History groups in Southwest Wisconsin. It gives her a chance to explain the “Manx connection” and to publicize the unique museum cooperation with the U.W. Platteville. She has met with a group called “Point of Beginnings”, which studies, discusses and preserves the history and heritage of the southwest area of Wisconsin and the states, which border the state.

Librarian, Norma Bircher has had inquiries from the Harris family about buying copies of the red book, Laxey in The New World, and is concerned that there are few or none available. Mary Kelly will inquire at UW Platteville about the possibility of their printing copies, which could then be made available in the new museum. Norma said that the Mylreas, who are WMS members, wish our spring meeting could be held in May after they return to Wisconsin. It was briefly discussed, but not with much enthusiasm, due to many conflicting dates for families in May.

The Laxey Cemetery Committee has received gifts in memory of Melvin Lindauer, given by the Callin family to be used for necessary cemetery maintenance. The Bloomfield Buddies, a local 4-H group will again do some cleanup and planting at the cemetery this spring. Our treasurer was instructed to write a $25 check to Norma so that the appropriate person can be reimbursed in cash for expenditures.

For years, the entire WMS Library has been carefully maintained and stored in the Bircher home between meetings. It has become unwieldy, so we welcome the opportunity to review and move appropriate books and items from the traveling library into the developing North American Manx Museum at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Birchers will continue to bring the most popular and utilized materials to our meetings; one collection will be kept for use in special presentations and the more historical and special items will be catalogued for the museum, where they will continue to be accessible. President, Georgene has made arrangements to transport our library materials from Bircher’s home in Monroe to the New Monroe Library, where volunteers from WMS will meet on June 2^nd at 9 am to help Norma and Georgene sort them.

Meeting adjourned at 3pm

Fall Meeting- October 21, 2007

Andrew Ravenscroft will speak on Isle of Man Folklore and possibly share a little of his new children’s book, which could be “hot off the presses”.

Respectfully submitted,

Doris J. Alff, Recording Secretary