“ The purpose of the CCR History 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 Preserve and protect historical documents and artifacts of Canada Creek Ranch so that current and future members , as well as guests , are able to appreciate and enjoy the memories of past years and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 .”
The first 2021 meeting of the committee was April 14 , 2021 . As of this meeting we had a grand total of $ 2145.81 in our account .
We were waiting for builder , Doug Kenyon , to give us a cost estimate of the museum to be built on part of the lakeside deck .
Manager Rogers explained the 501 C 3 part of the Heritage Committee .
We discussed possibly expanding the museum by having a lower level . Manager Rogers suggested a major addition to the back of the ranch house ( lakeside ) which would include a banquet room , a larger aerobic / fitness classroom , kid ’ s room , possible room for the library , turn the Bickley Room into the museum . Also , adding an electric handicap chair to a staircase or , an elevator to the addition . This would be an expensive long-range project that would need membership approval . This isn ’ t feasible at this time .
Board liaison Tim Chambers , asked if the museum would be between $ 150,000- $ 250,000 . We said we won ’ t know until we get drawings and a quote from a builder .
Earl Sowers suggested that Perry Cooper could put on one of the museum walls topics with a short write-up and photo . Refer visitors to a computer disk in a file drawer for the complete story . They could then read the story off a museum computer . This could be done for many subjects . It was discussed that each committee member take a topic and write it up and furnish photos . Example , Gary Zechel is working on the forestry plans “ Then and Now ”. As a start , whoever takes a topic would visit Barb to see what information she has on that topic . Also , may have to do further research . Manager Rogers brought up the importance of rotating displays in the museum to keep people interested and visit the museum often .
It was brought up how to publicize the building of the museum and how to finance it . Use emails , Ranch News , Barb ’ Blurbs , posters , ect . Also , we would like the museum to have a “ modern-rustic ” look .
It was brought up that we need a museum curator . Perry Cooper volunteered to be the curator as he has done it before .
Visiting other museums was brought up by Roger Ray . Due to Covid we couldn ’ t do it at the moment . Viki Kaszonyi volunteered to make a list of museums to visit in the future .
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We then adjourned and went outside to see options for a major addition . Everyone was in favor of the addition and that it would need approval from the Board and Membership . But of course this is not feasible at this time !
It was decided to not have a May meeting due to the fact we didn ’ t have any figures to present to the membership or any pending business ..
In June , we had a short meeting . It was asked which committee members would like to visit the Hiawatha Club in the U . P . Jo-Carole Zechel to make arrangements with the Hiawatha Club .
Doug Kenyon will be at our August meeting and do a presentation . We would then have sketches of the building to show the membership and ask for donations . The museum is to be supported by donations ; no club money would be used .
Perry Cooper is to have a large sign made advertising the museum and hang it in the Beach Bash museum booth .
It was brought up that there is a trailer on Ranch House Trail being used by a member to collect cans / bottles for a private outside organization . This is confessing to members who want to donate cans / bottles for the building of the museum . This trailer is on a member ’ s lot so it can ’ t be shut down . Earl to call Tina Swanton to ask her to specify where the cans / bottles are going and he would pay for a sign to be made for her . She refused . So Earl wrote a letter to the membership explaining cans / bottles should be dropped off at his house or call him for pick-up . Also , info was put in Barb ’ s Blurbs and on Facebook .
Since we would have a booth at the Beach Bash , and many people have visitors during the month of July , we felt it wasn ’ t worth it to have a July meeting .
At the August 18 , 2021 committee meeting we had a total of $ 4620.43 in our account .
At the Beach Bash we had 30 people sign the visitor ’ s sheet at the history tent . We found that kids were really interested . We thanked Perry Cooper for the new history museum sign and for displaying the artifacts .
Earl has put two trailers on Ranch House Trail to collect cans / bottles . A sign states the can / bottle proceeds are for the building of the museum . This is working well . Also , cans / bottles can be dropped off at his house or call him for pick-up .
The Zechel ’ s donated $ 50.00 to the Hiawatha Club as a thank you for hosting committee members Earl Sowers , Perry Cooper and Gary and Jo-Carole Zechel on July 27 , 2021 .
Doug Kenyon couldn ’ t make the August meeting .
Once the museum is completed we should take digital photos to keep in case of a fire . Barb to update list of potential topics for the museum . Perry is to set up a domain website
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