Historical Committee Annual Report
The first meeting of the CCR Historical Committee was on February 27 , 2020 in the ranch house dining room . Attending were Barb Steele , Earl Sowers , Roger Ray and Board Liaison Viki Kaszonyi .
Some names of possible people to be on the committee were discussed . It also was decided to have Barb Steele and Earl Sowers by co-chairs . A Mission Statement was written .
“ The purpose of the CCR Historical Committee shall be to :
A . Preserve and protect historical documents and artifacts of Canada Creek Ranch so that current and future members , as well as guest , are able to appreciate and enjoy the memories of past years and traditions of the Ranch .
B . Promote the history of the Ranch by creating and maintaining a display of the documents and artifacts for everyone ’ s enjoyment .”
Goals were discussed with emphasis on the need to create some kind of museum that can be maintained and showcase historical documents and artifacts . Everyone agreed that it should be in or close to the Ranch House . It was also agreed that this will take money , both through fundraising activities and donations .
We would gather , sort and catalog historical papers , clippings , articles , pictures , VCR tapes , DVD ’ s , plaques , signs , furniture and equipment . Also , set up historical displays for members ’ viewing at special events .
It was also decided to hold committee meetings the 3 rd Wednesday of every month , or as needed at 2 p . m . at the Ranch House . This was later changed to the 3 rd Wednesday at 10 a . m . at the Ranch House . Then , due to Covid-19 , we would meet at 10 a . m . at the Campground Pavilion .
In March , we discussed donation boxes , corn-hole tournaments , dinners and potlucks at the campground , raffles and other ways to raise money . Perhaps go on field trips to see other museums . Look at possible museum sites on the Ranch such as off the ranch house back deck , entering through the Gift Shop . Make a list of people to talk to , gather pictures , articles , artifacts , etc . Go to Barb Steele ’ s house to see what historical items she has . Also , set up a Custodial Fund and worked on writing a proposal to become and Ad Hoc Committee .
At the April 18 , 2020 CCR Board Meeting , the Board voted unanimously to establish and Ad Hoc Historical Committee . We thank the Board of Directors and the General Manager for their support .
We did not hold a May meeting due to Covid-19 ’ s Stay-At-Home Order issued by Governor Whitmer .
We were able to hold a June meeting in the Board Room wearing masks and keeping 6 feet apart . Earl Sowers called the meeting to order . This was our “ First Official ” meeting of the committee .
Earl offered a recap of earlier meetings . We discussed raising money by collecting and returning cans and bottles and have our own donation box in the lobby of the Ranch House . Have a tent with displays of photos and artifacts and donation jar at the upcoming Beach Bash . Gary and Jo-Carole Zechel offered to have a 6 ’ x 3 ’ sign made reading “ CCR History ” to use at our events . Webb Wood would bring his collection of Ranch badges and a laptop computer to show the video “ CCR Then and Now .” Barb Steele would bring a photo display . Also , Jo-Carole is to write up an article about the committee for the CCR News . Webb Wood is to write the history of the “ Fields ” outback ; Gary Zechel is to write the history of the Ranch Cutting Program and the Fire Department .
In July , $ 364.00 from the cans / bottles was put in the Custodial Fund . We thank Earl and Roger Ray for the hard / dirty job of collecting and returning the cans and bottles . We discussed republishing / updating / rewriting the history book about the ranch , like the one written in 1968 by member Connie Crossman . Or , a pictorial book of the ranch . We agreed that the Beach Bash display was a success .
The August committee meeting was held at 10 a . m . at the Campground Pavilion . Earl said the Campground committee would like to be included in any dinners we would hold at the campground pavilion , we agreed . Earl thanked member Russell Keller for donating a large amount of cans and bottles . Russell also donated a travel trailer for us to sell and put the money into the Historical Committee fund .
We had heard that member Perry Cooper was a Graphic Artist / Curator . Earl visited him and gave Perry some ides what we would like the museum to look like . It had been decided to use the Oar / Teen Club rooms for the museum ( they are off the First Department garage ). Perry brought his photos / plans and we all loved them ! We would have to clean out the rooms . The ranch would possibly busy a shed and we would transfer the oars , safety vests , toys , books , wheelchairs , walkers , etc ., into it . We would have contractors come in , and using Perry Cooper ’ s plans , remodel the room . This would be less work and money than building something new .
Steve Standfest had been asked by Earl Sowers to investigate the gaming / raffle laws , now that the club has a Club License ( Beer and Wine ). Steve said that since our club license was so new , that at this time it wouldn ’ t be wide to get a special exemption for raffles , games , etc .
As of September 11 , 2020 , we have $ 1245.41 in our Custodial Account ; about $ 100.00 is from persons donating money . We give Earl and Roger a big THANK YOU for their efforts raising the money , which they continue to do . Presently committee members are : Earl Sowers – Co-chair , Barb Steele – Co-chair / Secretary , Carol Drouin , Mary Bickley , Gary / Jo-Carole Zachel , Perry Cooper – Curator , Roger Ray , Sue Jacobs , Steve Standfest , Trish Gilbert , Webb Wood and Viki Koszonyi – Board Liaison .
The next committee meeting will be September 16 , 2020 at 10 a . m . at the Campground Pavilion .
Respectfully submitted , Earl Sowers – Barbara Steele , Chairpersons
32