Document - Historical Society Minutes - Eagan Historical Society Minutes 04052011 - 4/5/2011 MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
APRIL 5, 2011
3:30 p.m. – EAGAN ROOM
Members present: Ted Ringberg, Bernie Jansen, Joe Reid, Mary Ellen Voracek (Chair) , Kim Hazel
(Vice-Chair), Joan Remick Kennedy, Dawn Simpson and Lori Tripp. Also present was
Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
Joan Remick Kennedy was the meeting Secretary for the April 5, 2011 meeting. The minutes of
the February 1, 2011 were approved by consensus.
“UNDER THE TREE” DVD
The Committee watched a video of the song “Under the Tree” and found it had possibilities and
may be able to be customized for Eagan.
DISCUSS PLANS FOR SHOWCASE EAGAN EVENT / DISPLAY JUNE 2
Foote introduced the item. The Committee discussed the June 2, 2011 Show Case Eagan event
from 4:30 to 7:30 at the Eagan Civic Arena. The discussion included the possibility of playing our
recent videos and a “then and now” theme. Foote suggested she would again try to secure a booth
in the corner with extra chairs. The Committee also discussed shifts for volunteers; including
Hazel, Kennedy, Tripp, Jansen, Reid and Ringberg and any others who are willing and able to
attend.
The Committee agreed to meeting on Tuesday, May 31 at the Old Town Hall at 3:30 p.m.to select
items for the booth. Hazel volunteered to collect items in her van the day of the event and bring
them to the Civic Arena.
SELECT DATES FOR TOWN HALL BENCH & SIGN INSTALLATION / DEDICATION
AND SPRING TOWN HALL OPEN HOUSE
It was suggested to give the Knight family dates to choose for dedication; Sunday, June 5, 12 or
26; or Thursday, June 16. Foote will update the group following the Knight family decision. An
Open House at the Town Hall will be planned in conjunction with the dedication.
TIME CAPSULE UPDATE – FIRE SAFETY CENTER DEDICATION
Foote noted the Fire Safety Center dedication is scheduled for June 23, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. and
all Historical Society members are welcome.
OTHER
Jansen gave information about volunteering and noted a Volunteer Recognition Event at the
Dakota County Historical Society.
Voracek discussed research she had done regarding a military WWII Touch-and-Go field near the
intersection of Lexington Avenue and Diffley Road. Voracek noted a book she acquired entitled
“Minnesota Aviation History” and stated she contacted the author, Noel Allard, regarding the
practice. This information could be used for an Historical Marker at the Lexington Diffley Athletic
Fields.
Footed informed the Committee that the City has acquired the old Blackhawk School. The
property is located within the redevelopment area and the building will most likely be removed.
Foote asked if members would be interested in researching whether the building might be able to
be moved from its site and preserved for an undetermined historical purpose? Members discussed
the issue but noted the building’s deteriorated condition, the need to move it from the site and the
modifications that had been made to the building likely left it with little usable value. They also
noted that this building was erected in the mid-1930s and was not the original “Old Blackdog
School” from the mid-1800s and therefore was less historic than the original would have been.
(The original building was destroyed by fire and was replaced in the mid-30s.)
Foote also stated Jennie Olson, from the Sun Current Newspaper, contacted her regarding an
article on the Eagan Historical Society. She noted that a story was likely to appear in that
publication in the next issue.
A question was raised about the “milk cart” being worked into the sign stand. Foote will make
inquiries.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at the new Fire Safety Center
Campus.
ADJOURNMENT
Kennedy made a motion to adjourn the History Committee meeting at 5:02 p.m. Hazel seconded
the motion. All members voted in favor.
