Rosecrans’ Headquarters
Minutes of Meeting Held
Thursday, March 26, 2009 

Attending:  Rick Helwig – Chairman, Tom Paul – Vice Chairman, Bill Comisford -Treasurer, Polly Horn, Robert Souder, Suzanne Allen, John and Kathy Beckley, Greg Williams, Liz Lutwick, Dale Metzger, and Valerie Hamill. 

Secretary’s Report:  Bill presented the minutes from the meeting of February 26, 2008.  Minutes were approved and accepted. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Polly indicated the bank account has been set up. 

Activities:  The following activities were discussed: 

Artillery School – April 18^th:  Rick indicated that he has not received a very good response for participants to the artillery school.  So far only the 5^th OLA has responded.  If no other responses within the next week, the event will be cancelled. 

School Days in Sunbury – May 15-16:  Letters will be signed and stuffed after the meeting and sent to the various schools.  The plan is to again have 12 stations similar to those presented at the Sunbury Re-enactment in May, 2008.  The plan is also to provide a similar program to the public on Saturday, May 16^th.  Rick will check with the Village to secure the Square for Saturday.  Robert has spoken with Hayes, but is still waiting to get a response on the participation of the cadets.  There seems to be some interest in them volunteering.  Robert will follow-up and report back the group.

Mansfield Artillery Show – May 2-3:  The plan is to have at least 2 to 3 tents set up for the event.  Discussed with Greg possible sites for setting up the Headquarters.  Tom, Bill, John and Kathy plan to attend.   Also, the Ladies Aid Society (to be discussed later) may have an interest in participating.

 Ladies Aid Society:  Polly discussed the progress on getting a group of women together to form a “Ladies Aid Society”.  She has been researching the activities of the Delaware and Cleveland Ladies Aid Societies and has come up with several ideas.  She has inserted information into the local newspaper and has received a very good response.  She will be trying to get someone to chair this group and get things organized.  Hope to have something ready for the “School Days” program.

 Myers Inn Activities:  The Inn has a Civil War display, along with period dresses.  Polly reported that several local 3^rd grade classes have toured the Inn over the past couple of weeks.  Tom has participated on several occasions as General Rosecrans.  Response has been very positive.  Letters from the students have been very complimentary of the General, especially his saber.

 Other Up-Coming Activites:

      ·         April 24-25:  Ohio State House Encampment
      ·         April 25-26: The Encampment, Grove City
      ·         May 25: Memorial Day, Rosecrans’ Headquarters, Myers Inn

Unit Impression:  Rick again discussed the need for everyone to come up with their own individual impression (whether it be a soldier or a civilian).  Impression can be a specific individual (i.e. General William S. Rosecrans), a branch of the service (i.e. artillery, cavalry, etc) or other (camp follower, sutler, officer’s wife, etc).

 Unit Flag:  Bill will follow-up getting an estimate for the headquarters’ flag. 

Rosecrans Memorial:  Tom report on the progress of a memorial to General William S. Rosecrans.  Tom has received several estimates, ranging from about $100,000 to $140,000.  Tom spoke with Senator Bill Harris.  Two suggestions: a grant (but, they have no money) or the fund being set up with taxpayer donations (a better possibility).  Tom would like to set 2013 as a target date to have a memorial.  Tom has also talked to the Ohio Historical Society with regards to the “plaque program” and will follow-up with them.  Tom also discussed the possibility of having a dedication ceremony with the Boy Scout involved with the restoration of the Rosecrans’ Memorial on Rosecrans Road.

Demos and Public Presentations:  As discussed at the February meeting, the idea of members of the Headquarters providing a public presentation or demo on a subject of the Civil War as a part of our monthly meeting was overwhelming agreed to.  Several ideas brought up by Rick and Bill were discussed.  The following schedule was agreed to:
·         April Meeting:             General Rosecrans, Tom Paul
·         May Meeting:              Department of the Ohio, Bill Comisford
·         June Meeting:              Letters and Diaries of Soldiers and Civilians, Valarie Hamill
·         July Meeting:              Headquarters, Rick Helwig
·         August Meeting:         Religion, John Beckley
·         September Meeting:    Camp Life, Linda Paul

Polly will update the website, add to the BWAHS newsletter, and do an announcement for the newspapers.

A future meeting was set for Thursday, April 30^th.  Bring a friend!

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                        W. D. Comisford
Secretary, Rosecrans’ Headquarters

(04/22/2009)