Document - Historical Society Minutes - Meeting Minutes - 6/4/2013 MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
June 4, 2013
3:30 p.m. – 2nd Floor Conference Room A/B
Members present: Chair, Mary Ellen Voracek Martin DesLauriers, Millie Gignac, Kim Hazel, Joe Reid, Joan
Remick-Kennedy, Ted Ringberg and Lori Tripp. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
The minutes from April 30, 2013 were approved and accepted without any changes.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS
Recap of May Event with Eagan 55+-/Seniors
On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Eagan Seniors and Historical Society hosted
an event to celebrate the10th Anniversary of the Eagan Community Center. Ringberg and Gignac gave an
update as they were able to attend.
• Eagan Women of Note performed
• Kay Brown did a reading of her book with assistance from Eagan Theater Company members
• E-TV’s video about the 150 year old Lone Oak Tree and its move was shown
• Gignac has stats about the ECC that there was not time to share at the event, she will get them to the
committee
Discuss June Open House
The spring Open Houses at the 1914 Town Hall will be held Thursday, June 20, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
and Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Members will let Foote know of their availability to
staff. The group discussed featuring the Fire Department 50th Anniversary as a part of the event. Foote will
plan to have the commemorative painting of Eagan’s first fire truck brought to the Town Hall and Ringberg
indicated he would inquire about the availability of the artist, Larry Landis to be available at the event. Foot
also noted she would talk to the Fire Chief to see if “Jenny” can be brought to the Open Houses.
Discuss Partnering Opportunities with DCHS
The DCHS has been very busy reviewing 43 candidates for the position of Executive Director after the
departure of Chad Roberts who went to Ramsey County. So far round three has produced very good results.
Foote attended the last DCHS Board meeting with Gignac and Jansen to discuss partnering opportunities with
that group. They are receptive to potentially sharing their displays in Community Center or other City building
display spaces. Foote also discussed a potential partnership with DCHS at the Streets Alive/Showcase Eagan
Event. They will discuss the possibilities at their June “Festivals” subcommittee.
Streets Alive/Showcase Eagan Event
The “Eagan Streets Alive/Showcase” event will be held Sunday, September 15, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. The group discussed the wish to do something that would involve crowd participation such as a square
dance or polka, or perhaps various popular dances through American History. Ringberg indicated that he and
his wife Mary have a dancing presentation they share at senior homes and could perform it for this event. The
members agreed that this would be a great option and will discuss it further as the event approaches. Foote
indicated there are funds available should the group decide to hire a small band (fiddle, accordion player, etc.)
Committee inquired if they could be positioned near the Fire Department first fire truck, Jenny” at the event to
help bring attention to the Fire Department 50th Anniversary. Foote will inquire as to the Department’s plans
and the feasibility of locating together.
Other
Committee members were saddened by the passing of member Jean Janssen. Reid was able to attend the
funeral service. Janssen’s family called to indicate they have pictures and information they believe Jean was
compiling for the Historical Society and they will get them to us.
Members discussed the new Paragon Outlet Center that will be constructed near the former Cedarvale Mall
area. They wondered about the possibility of doing an historical marker or some commemoration of that
original area. Foote also indicated there will be a new park developed near the area and the Society has been
asked to consider naming options for the park.
• DesLauriers indicated that the property in that area was originally owned by the Slater Family
• Marvin Wenzel and Herman Ditman also owned property in the Cedarvale and Cedar Grove area
Martin mentioned he recently ran into Robert Vanderarde who owned Robert’s Drugs at Cedarvale. He also
said he will try to see if the O’Niel Family will provide photos of their old station at 149 & 55. And also the
Nachtegal’s – their small station used to be a Jefferson Lines bus stop.
Members would like to consider coordinating a luncheon or something to get historical families together
Discussion was had regarding the Water Tower near Unisys and whether it had historic value. Members
agreed it is nice to have one of the more original towers but can’t justify its preservation if it costs a great deal
to maintain.
Ringberg has photos and a write up about Helling family property near Jensen Lake/Park, Pilot Knob almost to
Apple Valley border. He indicated it was bought for taxes in 1939. Ringberg will type up the notes for the
Historical Society files.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
DesLauriers made a motion to adjourn the History Committee meeting and Hazel seconded the motion. All
members voted and adjournment was at 4:50 p.m.