Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc
April 23, 2006
When the Wisconsin Manx Society met
at Midvale Lutheran Church, Madison on April 23, 2006, members and guests had
much news and conversation to share during registration and lunch. A guest,
Kathleen Harris of Minnetonka, MN came especially looking for information about
a Gr.Gr. Grandmother, Mary Short. She understands that at the age of 16, Mary
walked to the Barneveld area from eastern U.S. behind a covered wagon. Mary
Kelly was able to suggest appropriate places for her research. Ms. Harris
learned of our Wisconsin Manx meeting from our Website.
Joan Ogden, Treasurer brought
special news of a $1000 bequest received from the estate of Ruth Craine Lembke
of Sussex, WI, a founding member of WMS. Ruth was remembered by many of our
long-time members, and especially by Mae Reese who was able to remind us of
Ruth and her dedication to the organization. Ruth encouraged and worked with
Mae as co-editor of the very first WMS Newsletters. She was first
Secretary-Treasurer and continued paying dues and attending meetings for many
years.
Jody Morey campaigned in a local
election for Municipal Judge and is now “Judge Jody”.
John Bircher has had the first of
two knee operations. Bob Kelly visited IOM and brought slides to share. He is
relieved to be able to sit and drive again after hospitalization and weeks of
treatment for a serious infection.
Bill Wade spent 2 weeks in IOM and found
a “new ancestor”. He brought news that Shirley Kelly’s health is improving and
she has just returned after spending 4 months in Florida
Jean and Dan Willett have presented
more than 50 programs related to Jean’s book, “Dear Mom” which was published last
year. They are enjoying the opportunity and available for more.
Bill and Jean Brew are being honored
during the Wisconsin Dells Sesquicentennial year for being part of a “150 year
farm” family that began when William Brew arrived in 1855. Jean has produced a
family history DVD to share.
A New DVD, on the history of IOM was
viewed before the Meeting.
The Business meeting opened
with a welcome to all members and visitors. We sang the Manx National Anthem
and Ellen Vannin, accompanied by Jody Morey on the piano.
Treasurer, Joan Ogden was thanked for caring
for financial business and keeping accurate records between meetings. She
reported a Treasury balance on April 23, 2006 of $1277.93. This does not yet
include the $1000 Lembke gift. The detailed Treasurer’s report is filed with
the recording secretary.
Recording Secretary distributed brochures promoting a
special “2005 Time to Remember Year Book” and CD which were
received too late for the Fall meeting or Newsletter. It was decided by
consensus that the Treasurer should order a copy for the WMS library.
Membership Secretary, Judy Schlueter received high
praise for another excellent Newsletter. She invited other members to submit
suggestions or information which might be of interest to our readers. She also
asks that the Membership blank, which is printed in the Newsletter be completed
and submitted with dues payments, in order to simplify and verify membership
records.
New Governor Andrew Ravenscroft was thanked for
agreeing to complete our Board and Ellen Roberts credited with her awareness
that we needed male representation.
Historian, Mae Reese appreciates news
clippings and photos of member activities.
Vice President, Judy Bonnet again emphasized the
importance of early reservations for meals. She is pleased with the services
and cooperation of the Caterer and hopes TJ’s will continue to serve us. Participants agreed.
NAMA Trustee, Joyce Benjamin gave an encouraging
update on plans for the NAMA Convention ’06 in San Diego. She said Sir Noel
Kringle, President of Tynwald and a “delightful speaker” will give the Keynote
address. The “Star of India” will be the setting for a member reception and
tour. The convention rates for stay at the Bahia Resort Hotel are very
reasonable for it’s prime location on a peninsula in Mission Bay.
Joyce thinks it would be helpful to
have special “identifying bookmarks”, which could be handouts at Celtic
Conferences, when she and other members represent us at special Manx tables.
She’ll welcome suggestions and help with design and production.
Museum Report- Mary Kelly is pleased with the
interest and planning for the new UW Platteville museum, which will showcase
the development of southwest Wisconsin with a section to feature Manx history
in the area. The museum is expected to open in the 2007-08 school year. Stephen
Harrison, director of the Manx National Heritage in Douglas, IOM has provided
guidance for the museum, which will be located in the new Luce Center in the
University’s Ullsvick Hall. Mary has been able to locate Al Divine,
photographer who has recorded information on Laxey stones and gravesites in the
past. She will work with him to document history and facts of Laxey Cemetery
for developing collections.
Librarian, Norma Bircher and husband, John
were present, but John’s health prevented him from transporting our “mobile
library”. We hope John ’s surgery will mean better health for him by the Fall
meeting.
New Business
President, Georgene reported that
special WMS pins, which she ordered have been back-ordered, but will be
available before the NAMA Convention.
Since efforts to plan a Laxey
cemetery workday ran into complications and conflicts, the Board has decided to
contact the 4-H group, which worked there last year and arrange to compensate
them for planting flowers again this
summer.
Next Board Meeting: September 10, 2006
Fall Meeting: October 8, 2006
Carol McLernon, Lake Geneva, will
speak on “Mining in Southwestern Wisconsin”
Following the business meeting, we
were privileged to see the DVD on the 150 year history of the Brew Family Farm,
which focused on sheep and wool.. This was of special interest to those of us
who had enjoyed knowing Dan and Mae in the early years of our organization.
Some of the farm has evolved into a golf course, but Bill and Jean still own a Cruise Boat Business,
“Brew’s Landing” and gift shop “Wild
Things” on the old farm property.
Some of us were able to stay to see
Bob Kelly’s slide show of his 2005 trip to Isle of Man. That was an extra bonus
for those of us who were unable to make the trip.
Respectfully submitted,
Doris J. Alff, Recording Secretary