Document - Historical Society Minutes - Eagan Historical Society Minutes 07062010 - 7/6/2010MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
JULY 6, 2010
3:30 p.m. – EAGAN ROOM
Members present: Ted Wachter, Joan Remick, Millie Gignac, Bea Blomquist, Ted
Ringberg, Dawn Simpson and Fred and Carol Vihovde. Also present was Communication
Coordinator Joanna Foote.
RECOGNIZE THE PASSING OF CO-CHAIR GIN KNIGHT
The Committee recognized the passing (on 6/8/10) of Co-Chair Virginia (Gin) Knight.
Members discussed the fact that Knight’s family had asked that memorials in lieu of flowers be
designated to the Eagan Historical Society. The Committee discussed possible ways for the funds
to be utilized including the purchase of a memorial bench to be placed near the historical marker
either at Dodd Road or at the 1914 Town Hall. Foote noted that the donors have been sent notes of
thanks on behalf of the committee and the Knight family will be consulted on potential uses of the
memorials.
Simpson discussed the possibility of further honoring Gin’s work with the Historical
Society Filing system by considering the hiring of a grant writer to pursue a legacy grant. She
noted that she has met someone who has written such grants for another organization and a grant
has been awarded. She stated the cost for the service of writing the grant and final report is 10
percent of the grant amount received. Members agreed that clarification needed to be made as to
what amount would be required if a grant was not received.
The members agreed that if the money is available from the State and the Legacy grant
program the Society should consider the opportunity to write, or have a grant proposal written.
The Minnesota Historical Society will evaluate and provide feedback on what to improve upon if
the application is denied. Ted Ringberg offered to assist with the grant preparation if needed.
Wachter asked if a memorial to Gin Knight could/would be part of the Police Department’s
memorial wall. Foote will look into the possibility with the Police Department although she
believes the memorial wall is reserved for those killed while in service.
JULY 4th / 1860 FAMILIES UPDATE
Parade & Pancake Breakfast / Display
Foote introduced the item by thanking the many members who rode the bus with our
descendant families in the parade July 3rd and also thanked them for assisting in the hanging of
banners, waving at crowds and generally “playing along” with the event. The bus was a crowd
pleaser and could be considered again in future years for parades or other options.
She also stated the attendees at the pancake breakfast included 10 Egan descendants (last
name of Lydell), 4 LeMays, 2 Slaters, 2 Scotts and 1 Kennelly. Foote indicated that the Patrick
Eagan family tree will be arriving to us from the Lydell family that attended the breakfast.
Blomquist will take on the search for how Eagan/Egan name changed over time. It was
noted that Patrick Eagan descendants say it is always reflected as “Egan” and not Eagan in family
genealogy.
Fred Vihovde stated that Harold, owner of Harold’s Quality Discount Store, started the July
4th parade in the early 1960’s; noting a tricycle and doll-buggy parade. He stated the parade started
at the Dutch Reform Church and ended at Harold’s store. The benefit to the store owner was that
he sold the crepe paper and decoration materials to the children. It was also noted that the original
carnival was at Cedar Pond Park and included turtle races.
JUNE 10 HISTORICAL TOUR UPDATE
Foote introduced the item stating if the committee decides to do the bus tour in the future,
larger signs are needed on the bus and invitations need to go out earlier. Blomquist asked if there
was a way to re-coup some of the funds for the bus in future years. Foote discussed the possibility
of offering tours from the Funfest site for a nominal fee to cover some of the bus costs if that is
done in the future. Time did not allow coordination of this option this year.
DODD ROAD SIGN DEDICATION
The Committee discussed when to hold the Dodd Road sign dedication. It agreed on a week
night in September; Foote will find out approximately when sunset will occur. They further
discussed a marker at Lexington/Diffley Athletic Site regarding the first City Hall as subject of the
marker as the beams from that building are now located as a part of the picnic shelter at that site.
A McCarthy historical marker was also discussed; Elaine P. is very excited about the sign, along
with other family members, and has some photos and a family tree to share.
OTHER
Gignac noted that Bernie Jansen sent an email regarding a potential display at the State
Fair. Foote stated she will check into and report back to Committee. It was also noted that
Jansen’s wife Kathy is recovering from surgery and he is therefore unable to be in attendance.
Gignac will keep the committee updated on Kathy’s recovery.
Fred Vihorde stated that when Eagan became a City, Carol Vihorde and Alyce Bolke set up
the first 4 precincts for voting. It was also noted, that in 1960 the election was held in the Town
Hall, but by 1964, it was split into two locations and then later the four that Carol and Alyce
coordinated. The Vihovdes will be added to the Society mailing list.
Nominations for Chair/Vice Chair will be taken at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.