Document - Historical Society Minutes - Meeting Minutes - 3/2/2013 (2) MEETING NOTES/MINUTES
EAGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
TUESDAY
March 2, 2013
3:30 p.m. – EAGAN ROOM
Members present: Linda Bendt, Martin DesLauriers, Kenneth Ekblad, Kim Hazel, Bernie Jensen, Joe Reid,
Joan Remick-Kennedy and, Mary Ellen Voracek. Also present was Communication Coordinator Joanna
Foote.
MEETING MINUTES & SECRETARY
The March Historical Society Meeting was canceled due to inclement weather and there are therefore no
minutes. The minutes from February 12,, 2013 were accepted as presented.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUSINESS
Further Discuss Shared 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 will host
an event to celebrate the10th Anniversary of the Eagan Community Center. Cake, coffee and a program are
being coordinated.
Kay Brown Gustafson will read from her book Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree.The committee suggested a
few additional ideas which included the following: scanning the display regarding the moving of the
Grandfather Tree, Joanna will coordinate. Mary Ellen brought news clippings that featured the tree move
which can be included. Foote suggested that the photo taken at the Grand Opening Event at the community
Center of the community creating a giant “E” could be presented with spots for people to identify each person
in photo, to see how many can be identified and put up at ECC for a period of time. Foote is talking with E-TV
looking for videos of grand opening of ECC and tree move. Hazel said she found two articles that were
archived. Foote stated that there are plenty of photos for a display, but, there is a lack of articles. Also check
with ECVB if they would like to be involved with this event.
Reid said he would be available to cross reference and search files for articles and photos of the Grandfather
Tree and the EEC. The information would be ready by the next meeting which is being rescheduled from
May 6, 2013 to April 30, 2013.
Set Dates for June Open House
It was agreed upon that Thursday, June 20, 2013 and Sunday, June 23, 2013 would be the best dates for the
spring Open Houses at the 1914 Town Hall.
The group also discussed having the Old Town Hall open one evening a month from 4:00pm to 6:00pm from
June through October but the idea was tabled at present.
Discuss Partnering Opportunities with DCHS
The group again discussed opportunities to partner with the Dakota County Historical Society including
making an offer to provide display spaces for any of the DCHS displays they might be willing and able to
provide. Foote has not talked to Rebecca about their interest as far as travelling displays. She noted that
members of the group and the broader community have expressed interest in the Vietnam display and Foote
will speak with Rebecca Snyder regarding that potential and feasibility. Jansen announced that Chad Roberts
has taken a new job with Ramsey County and DCHS will be seeking a new Executive Director.
Jansen stated that the Univac/Sperry, etc. computers and certain items are now located at the DCHS Museum
and are displayed in a roped off area at the museum. More processing and cataloguing of items received may
be slowed or on hold until a new Director is selected. DCHS has received a grant to help inventory,
cataloguing and document all of the items from the collection of materials donated from Sperry-Univac-
Lockheed Martin into their records system. This is estimated to take about a year. When complete, many
photos and documents will be transferred to the Charles Babbage Museum at the U of M.
Jensen mentioned that the DCHS is always looking for volunteers and members. He is working on a program
for the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Discuss the Passing of Former Chair Wachter and Consider Memorial Opportunities
The passing of Former Historical Society Chair and longtime City Councilmember Ted Wachter was noted by
the members. Foote paid tribute to Ted’s accomplishments in Eagan. She indicated that the family had not yet
made a formal announcement or service notice but that she would notify members as information was
received.
Members discussed possibilities of a memorial for Wachter including suggestions of planting a tree in his
honor, installing a plaque at the 1914 Town Hall or the Municipal Center Campus as it is named the “Wachter
Addition” due to Ted’s foresight in securing the property for City purposes. Foote will speak with the family,
Former City Administrator Tom Hedges and Former City Attorney Paul Hauge to see if they may have any
additional ideas. Memorial would have to be funded by donations rather than through Historical Society
funds.
Foote also mentioned that Ted’s daughter, Pam Hoppe was hoping to locate a photo album of photos taken at
the burning of the Wachter/Sell family farm/barn on Lexington Ave. Foote looked through Historical Society
files and did not locate but will check with the Fire Department to see if they may have photos.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
DesLauriers made a motion to adjourn the History Committee meeting and Jansen seconded the motion. All
members voted and adjournment was at 4:45 p.m.