Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Manheim Farm Show Building/Community Center

Sunday, October 17, 2021 2:00 p.m.

 

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.  He welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:  None

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the September 2021 Meeting Minutes are available for review at the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Judy Kuether reported there are currently 238 members for 2021-2022, 18 more members than a year ago, including 5 new members.

 

MEMBERS’ REPORTS:

Tom Walczak: Saw damage from “Ida” to Hunsecker’s Bridge; boards are loosened/broken off.  Also saw Jackson’s Mill, Felton’s Mill and Hall’s Mill Bridges, in Bedford County, all showing signs water had been over the creek banks with some boards broken off, but no major damage.  Crew is now working on drainage problem at Bank’s Bridge then it will be painted.  Tom attended the Washington/Greene County Festival in September and saw Ebenezer, Hughes, White and Carmichaels Bridges and reported all are in good shape.

 

Tim McLaughlin: Tim and Connie started looking in Bucks County for next Safari.  Visited 6 bridges and saw that “Ida” caused some damage.

 

Michael Chorazy: Michael attended the National Safari in Indiana along with KC and Bob Griner, and Jim/Gloria Smedley.

 

Tony Abramo: Tony took pictures of damage at Hunsecker’s Bridge and noted a slight bow in bridge.

 

Joe McCarthy: Decking will arrive for Hassenplug Bridge in February 2022, so can start rehabilitation March 1st.  Damages have been repaired at Rapp’s Dam Bridge; waiting for redwood cedar from California to arrive.

 

Bonnie Shultz: Saw Trostletown, Kings, Barronvale, Lower Humbert, Scotty Land and Keefer Station (had flood damage) Bridges in PA; also Bennetts Mill and Oldtown Bridges in Kentucky; saw Milton Bridge in W. Virginia; and Hills, Hune and Rinard Bridges in Ohio.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether: Bob and Judy saw the Twins Bridges at the recent Festival; picnic tables were newly painted with covered bridge scenes.  He thanked all who helped at the Columbia/Montour County Covered Bridge Festival at Bloomsburg Fair Grounds. Previous best sales were about $6,000 with this year at about $8,940 with large crowds.

 

First Vice President Jim Smedley:  Not present.

Second Vice President Ray Finkelstein: After the “Ida” storm, Ray visited all covered bridges in Lehigh County and found they are in good shape; he also visited Knecht’s and Perkasie Bridges.  He visited Erb’s, Eshleman, Kurtz, Hunsecker’s, Weavers, Keller’s, Zooks, Bitzer and Red Bridge with friends from New York.  Saw Wehr’s Covered Bridge and found it is closed for repairs of the abutment wall.  Also, visited The Green Sergeant Bridge in New Jersey and saw damage to the side wall.

Third Vice President Frank Mailey: Frank and his son, James visited Rishel Bridge in Northumberland County and found some boards broken off the side and water rushing only about a foot below the floor. Frank and Pam helped with the Columbia/Montour County Covered Bridge Festival, helping to load up the Penske truck, unload and set-up at the festival, sell at very busy festival, load up truck to return home and unload into storage unit.

 

Fourth Vice President Tony Abramo: Tony showed a round wall hanging made of PVC material, displaying a covered bridge, their last name and year of marriage.  This custom cutout was made by Red Mill Monograms.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey: Pam and Frank saw damage from “Ida” to Gibson’s/Harmony Bridge with boards missing on one side and debris/large branches between boards on the other side.  Also saw Larkin’s Bridge which is an unpainted pedestrian bridge and in good shape.  Went with

Bob/Judy Kuether to meet with Director of Dillsburg Library on September 23rd to discuss his requested presentation on covered bridges.  Due to increasing COVID numbers this fall, the October 19th presentation has been postponed until Spring 2022.  Enjoyed Covered Bridge Festival, but a lot of work!!  Need more volunteers to help!!

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey:  No report.

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether: No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll: Just back from Albuquerque Balloon Festival with 588 hot air balloons, but no covered bridges.  Fred reports that Pleasantville Bridge is open for traffic with the old, bent headache bar in place; once a contract is signed, the County will install a new breakaway headache bar. He also visited Dreibelbis Station Bridge which is in good shape and Griesemer’s Mill Bridge with peeling paint. Fred was asked to give a Power Point Program on the Dreibelbis Station Rehabilitation Project to the Fleetwood Historical Society on December 15th; he’s working on cutting down the 1,627 photos he has.

 

ILLNESSES/DEATHS of MEMBERS: Jim Smedley fell going to National Safari Trip, injured his ankle & knee; he had a subsequent fall at home further injuring that knee and his shoulder.  Connie McLaughlin had hip surgery 5 days ago.  Frank Mailey is scheduled for surgery on October 19th to open blocked artery & stent in his leg. Jim Smedley’s mother, living in Florida, died at age 99.  Mary Ann Waller from Missouri died September 26th age 91 (Bob was contacted about donations to the Society).

 

OLD BUSINESS: Judy Kuether reported the Holiday Luncheon will be December 12th at Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in New Holland with a Sunday Brunch, Christmas card exchange and short Business meeting.  We will be in a separate room with round tables.  If you paid for the 2020 Anniversary Dinner that was cancelled due to COVID, see Judy so your money is credited to this meal.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Bob Kuether asked for volunteers to test the lights on wreaths and garland before decorating at Poole Forge.  We will decorate the bridge, gazebo and tree in mansion on Saturday November 20th starting at 9:00 am and address dues reminder cards and prepare bags for Christmas card exchange.

PA Magazine will include information to order 2022 Calendars from the Society.  Bob Kuether reported we ordered 400 Calendars in May 2021 and only have 71 left, so may need to order more.

 

NEW COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Bob Kuether reported the new Hunsecker’s Bridge T-shirts and Hoodies are available for sale at the back table; also some “freebie items” that have not sold.

The new World Guide is at the printer.  Bob asked for a show of hands of those interested in purchasing one.  Bob will order 25 copies. 

Bob is looking into getting the “All Bridge T-shirts” re-printed for covered Bridges of PA.  Many were interested and also asked about sweatshirts.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September meeting minutes were approved as presented.

MEMORIAL SERIVCE:  Pam Heisey conducted the service to remember our deceased members and their years in the TBCBSP, reading a reflecting and including a few minutes of silence:  David Garman (3 years), David L. Hoke (29 years), Ernie Jones (3 years), Olive Jones (21 years – Life member), Clyde V. Scheib (34 years), Paul O. Styer (21 years), Harriet Unrath (16 years – Life member), Pat West (7 years - Former member), Mary Ann Waller (19 years – Former member), Miriam F. Wood (13 years – Former member).

 

PROGRAM TODAY: Tom Walczak presented his Annual President’s Report/Year in Review for 2021-2022.

 

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Manheim Community Center with our bi-annual bake sale and food donations for the Manheim church.

 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, October 29, 2021