The first 2018 meeting of the Clay County Landmarks Commission and Historical Society was held April 4, 2018 in the Clay County Library.  Present were Quincy Potasnik, Sandra Claybrook, Jeanine Samples, Jim Miller, Marlene Potasnik, Eloise Boggs and Danny Dawson.

In the absence of President Jerry Stover, Eloise Chaired the meeting, following an agenda prepared by President Stover.

The minutes of our last meeting in November, 2017, were approved as printed in the local newspapers. Sandra gave the treasurer’s report.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

1. Borrowing from the Roane County Historical Society, it was suggested that we print our membership list annually and that our application form be expanded to contain more information, e. g. information on family names being researched by each applicant. Roane County’s application form will be reviewed, and revisions of our application form will be discussed at our next meeting.
2. Sandra is preparing a contact list of members or organizations for the benefit of members or others seeking information about the Landmarks Commission and Historical Society. Our website is http://www.claywvhistoricsociety.org/ – not as erroneously printed in the Spring issue of “Now & Then.” (It is historic, not historical.)
3. Some of our members have visited other historical societies in the area, namely, Calhoun County, Braxton County and the Elk Communities of Kanawha County museum at Elkview. Sandra gave a brief report with a list of contact persons for each organization.  The Braxton County Historical Society closed and gave their material to the Gassaway Public Library. A DAR member is present most days to assist with genealogical research, but interested persons should call first at 304-765-7478. Braxton County’s Historical Newsletters have been copied to discs.  A discussion followed as to the need and possibility of our Historical Society using this method for storing and preserving our many family histories and other records.  Danny and Quincy and other members will continue consideration of this option..
4. A guestbook is now in use at our offices in the courthouse.
5. The old courthouse volunteers will prepare a list of Clay County High School yearbooks in our collection. We are still collecting, if anyone has a yearbook to contribute.
6. Hiram Lewsi has told us of a cemetery in the Elkhurst area with a few graves but only one marker, that of a T. Shamblin (1845-1924), a Civil War veteran. This will be on next month’s agenda.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Cemeteries: anyone wanting information on obituaries should contact Karen at 304-587-2600.
2. Building report: a motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the purchase of a new printer for the Historical Society office.
3. Newsletter: Eloise reported that the Spring issue of “Now & Then” has been mailed to the printer.

The meeting adjourned.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, May  2, 2018, 1:00 PM, Clay County Library.