Rolling Fork Historic Preservation Association

Members present:

• Charles Lemons
• Tessie Cecil
• Peggy Miller
• Pam Howard
• Scott O. Stoke

Guests:

• Billie Alvey
• Charlie Alvey
• Charles Hall
• Kristopher Hall
• Adrienne Doyle
• Barry Doyle

1. Treasurer’s Report: Tessie Cecil submitted a written report showing that we presently have $2554.64 in the bank. Charles pointed out that 1,500.00 of this is already earmarked for the signage at the Howell House - the money granted to the Association for that purpose by the Louisville Civil War Round Table, but that an additional $2000.00 is due to be sent by the Bardstown - Nelson County Tourism Commission to cover costs of the Civil War Trails event.

2. Committee Reports: Scott Stoke reported that there was nothing new to report, except that a letter had been received from the Kentucky Heritage Council, pointing out our reporting obligations on archeological digs at the Howell House site. He noted that we will comply with their request. He also noted that Ann Bader, with the Falls of the Ohio Archeological Survey, will be conducting a dig at the site on the weekend of the 23rd.

3. Old Business:

• a. Insurance: Charles reported that we have received one bid for insurance. Cost for just liability at the house would be around $584.00 with the Cincinnati Insurance Company. Another bid is due in, but all agreed that this was certainly reasonable and it should be considered at least for this year. We can always shift to another carrier later due to our desperate need for the insurance prior to the event. There was some discussion and it was moved by Peggy that we accept the bid, with the proviso that we check on what they mean by 'excluding medical' on the bid. Seconded by Scott Stokes. Tessie agreed to call the company about this proviso. The motion to accept the bid passed. The paperwork was passed to Tessie for action.
• b. KRM Right of Way: The KRM has cleared the right-of-way along the farm side of the line at least to the crossing. In a related note, it was pointed out that the d**ned trailer was still in place. Peggy stated that she could not remember the name of the person who had agreed to, not only remove the trailer, but also clean the site. She did say that his first name was David and that he worked at Howie's in Culvertown. She also said that she would see what was going on.
• c. Road Culvert: Charles Lemons said that he talked with the state highway engineers at Elizabethtown. They said that we could submit a plan to fix the culvert, but that the state was not in any hurry to do any repairs themselves. It may be that Larue County might help with the reconstruction, but that is also not likely that they would be able to repair it. It was suggested that maybe Larue county road engineers could at least look at the culvert and make up an acceptable plan for its repair.
  A break was taken at this point to explain to the visitors the status of the Howell House, as well as explain more fully the mission of the Rolling Fork Historic Preservation Association Inc. One visitor wondered why a representative of the Kentucky Railway Museum did not attend any of the meetings. (NOTE: Our minutes are a matter of public record, as is the attendance at those meetings). This was the subject of some discussion but we had no answer to that question. This short break lasted approximately 15 minutes, upon which the meeting continued with the next piece of Old Business.
• d. Site Cleaning at the House: Nothing new - but the grass really does require cutting, and additional cleanup of the trash heap south of the house needs to be done. Charles had talked to Jeri Burks, who thought he might be able to bush-hog the area next weekend.
• e. Civil War Trails Event: We are closing in on the event and the Bardstown- Nelson County Tourism Commission has granted us 2000.00 to defray the costs. We have not yet received the funds however. As was noted at the last meeting, several problems have worked themselves out. We should be able to have liability insurance in place by the event. Tessie Cecil has confirmed that the small tour bus is now available to ferry people to and from the site. $500.00 is to be set aside for fuel and payment of the driver(s) of the vehicle. We have not yet contracted for Port-Potties for the event and a minimum of three will be needed at the Howell House site (1 handicapped and two regular ones). Since Jeff Shelton noted at the last meeting that he had a possible source for the Porta-Potties, it is hoped that he can make those arrangements. Charles brought several samples of a proposed rack card / brochure for the Howell House site. He had requested estimates from printing companies in Bardstown and Elizabethtown with only one company (Hub City) coming in with a bid of $800.00 for 1000 cards or 2000 cards for $850.00 (set up costs are most of the expense of the cards). There was some discussion on the cards the design being acceptable to those present. They are two sided, about 3 x 8 with the history of the battle on one side and a color map with site notations and our contact information on the other. It will be a color printed run on hard card stock. It was pointed out that the cards are not specific to the upcoming event and are usable year-around. The money for printing is part of the grant from the Tourism Commission. We can make them available for the state and county fairs, as well as to the tourism commissions in both counties. Tessie moved that we accept the bid for 850.00, seconded by Scott Stoke. Passed.

4. New Business: No new business.

Next Meeting: Set for Sunday, 17 July 2005 at 1900 (7pm) at the New Haven Library (or possibly the refurbished New Haven City Hall).

Scott Stoke moved to adjourn - seconded by Tessie Cecil - motion carried. Closed at 2035 (8:35 PM)

Charles Lemons

Additional Information- 5 July 2005: I spoke with Greg Matthews by telephone at the KRM concerning the 23rd of July. At present the train is scheduled to run twice on that Saturday, and the steam engine is not scheduled to be operated on that date. Those living historians who are taking part in the program (Civilian and Military) will be allowed to ride the train free-gratis, as long as they remain in character and in authentic clothing. I invited Greg to the last meeting before the event (17 July) to discuss and problems, concerns or suggestions.

Meeting was opened at 1910 by Charles Lemons, President

Members present:

• Charles Lemons
• Stan Shelton
• Jeff Shelton
• Charles Shelton
• Pam Howard
• Scott O. Stoke
• Paul Conard
• Margie Mooney
• Rebecca Patrick

1. Treasurer’s Report: Tessie Cecil sent a written report. The report is the first official printed report covering the period from our founding to the present. Total income for the Association during the period from January 1, 2003 to present is 3,114.47 from all sources. Total expenditures during that same period 679.83, leaving us a total of 2,434.64. Charles pointed out that 1,500.00 of the remainder is already earmarked for the signage at the Howell House - the money granted to the Association for that purpose by the Louisville Civil War Round Table. Paul Conard paid his $20.00 dues renewal, and two additional members joined the organization with payment of $40.00 dues Margie Mooney and Rebecca Patrick.

2. Committee Reports: Scott Stoke reported that Pam and Peggy said that the infamous trailer is on its way out. The electrical wiring has been removed by KU and the trailer can now be removed. The people removing the trailer will also reportedly clean up the site. The existing pole can then be removed and reinstalled next to the Howell House so we can have KU put in new service, as well as install a security light with movement sensor. Scott also said that this would be a good time to also put water service in. Scott also said that KU has been informed about the downed wire behind the house.

3. Old Business:

• a. Insurance: Charles reported that we have two possible sources for liability insurance, but the paperwork is not yet completed for the quote requests. One is the Kentucky Association of Counties All Lines Fund and the other the Cincinnati Insurance Company.
• b. KRM Right of Way: Progress has continued but slowly. Pam asked if the trees under the bridge could be cut so that the house and property could be seen from the end of Center Street. Charles said that he believed that the KRM was probably required by Federal law to keep the bridge clear of flammable trees and brush - so they will have to cut it eventually.
• c. Road Culvert: Charles Lemons sent an e-mail to Tommy Turner concerning reporting the culvert to the State Highway folks. Tommy in turn passed it to the Larue County Highway folks and then to the state.
• d. Site Cleaning at the House: Nothing new but the grass will require cutting, and additional cleanup of the trash heap south of the house needs to be done.
• e. Civil War Trails Event: No news. Karl Lusk sent an e-mail stating that the Nelson Country Tourism Commission would be making a decision on our grant request tomorrow morning. Charles pointed out that several problems have worked themselves out. We may be able to get at least liability insurance by then. New Haven now has a small bus we can use to transport people to and from the site. Jeff Shelton noted that he has a possible source for portapotties also. The next meeting of the Civil War Trails Event committee is in mid-June.
• f. Archeology in April: Scott Stoke said that the archeological dig under the old porch found some Civil War period materials, but the heavy rails basically washed out the dig. After a long discussion of the situation, Charles Lemons said that he would hopefully be talking to Dr. Pollock, Chief Archeologist for the Commonwealth on Monday.
• g. Site Inspection of Fort Allen: Scott said that Berell Clay out of Lexington was still interested in doing a survey of the fortification He wants to run a magnetometer across the site in order to fix its exact location. No date has been set for this, but probably late in the year after the harvest. Cost would probably be just the cost of getting the equipment and him on site.
• h. Removal of Porch Remains: The remains of the porch roof have been disposed of. The lower portion of the porch now needs to be carefully removed. During this removal we need to be taking photographs and notes to document the original construction. Most of what is in place is not original, but it may still contain some original parts. The porch is no longer supported and is could be causing some unknown damage to the house structure.

4. New Business:

• a. Howell House Plan of Action: Scott Stoke submitted a plan of action for archeological investigations around the Howell House, as well as including recommendations for beginning conservation of the house. He noted that Stanley Kelly, out of Louisville, might be a good person to get on board when we begin restoration of the house. Charles noted that Ann Bader, an archeologist out of Louisville will be performing additional work at the site – starting in July. Scott noted that she will have to conform to the proposed plan – so all work performed will be uniform and all of the information and locations be traced to a fixed and known point. Charles Lemons said he would retype the plan and submit to Scott before publishing it.
• b. Insect Damage Inspection: After the archeological dig, a termite run was discovered close to the front of the house by Charles Lemons – who passed it on to the membership by e-mail message. Charles and Jeff Shelton arranged to have the house inspected for free. The Economy Pest Control Company inspected the house from top to bottom and, although old damage was discovered, now active termite action was found. The company highly recommended that the soil levels under and around the house be reduced to prevent water and insect damage. Scott also noted that there was a squirrel living in the house, as well as a ground hog underneath the house. These will have to go. During this discussion, it was noted that the inspection also revealed that the last addition to the house – the westward extension – was in extremely poor condition and probably should be removed before it collapsed. Charles Lemons noted that we probably should have an outside opinion before proceeding with that action.
• c. Eagle Scout Project: An Eagle Scout candidate is looking for a project. A possible project is the erection of split rail fencing in front of the Howell House. Wood is available from Fort Knox and the Larue County Jailer is not only an expert rail-splitter, but has potential splitters under training in his jail. Tommy Turner has been trying to hook us up, but no news so far.
• d. Next Meeting: Set for Sunday, 19 June 2005 at 1900 (7pm) at the New Haven Library (or possibly the refurbished New Haven City Hall).

Stan Shelton moved to adjourn – seconded by Jeff Shelton – motion carried. Closed at 2015 (8:15 PM)

Charles Lemons

Meeting was opened at 1905 by Charles Lemons, President

Members present:

• Charles Lemons
• Jeri Burkes
• Stan Shelton
• Jeff Shelton
• Charles Shelton
• Betty Shelton
• Peggy Miller
• Pam Howard
• Scott O. Stoke

1. Treasurer’s Report: No report made. At this point, because several people were anxious to get dues paid, Scott Stokes made a motion that family dues of $30.00 be established. A family was defined as husband and wife and all children under the age of 18. Individual membership would remain at $20.00. Stan Shelton seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Charles Lemons noted that Tessie Cecil had arranged for a corporate Post Office box at the Post Office. Our address is now PO Box 6, New Haven KY 40051. Two checks for dues was received: 30.00 for a family membership for Stan and Valerie Shelton and family, and $80.00 for individual memberships for Pam Howard, Pearl Howard, Anthony Howard, and Gary Pottinger.

2. Committee Reports: Jeff Shelton reported that the two buttons had been delivered to the Bardstown Civil War Museum and that the loan document had been signed. The Museum stated that a formal presentation would be arranged sometime in the near future. They have added a link to our web site and have requested that we add a link to theirs. Charles Lemons stated he would pass this request to our webmaster.

3. Old Business:

• a. Insurance: There was no new reports on this subject.
• b. KRM Right of Way: Betty asked about the progress of the KRM clearing of their right of way along the property lines at the battlefield. Jeri Burks and Charles Lemons noted that it had been cleared along the battlefield side nearly 2/3 of the way to the crossing.
• c. Road Culvert: There was some discussion but no action - Charles Lemons stated that he would send an e-mail to Tommy Turner concerning reporting the culvert to the State Highway folks.
• d. Abandoned Trailer: Peggy stated that she has not been able to get contact with the person who was interested in hauling it off.
• e. Site Cleaning at the House: Charles Lemons stated that we should have another cleaning day at the house. Jeff Shelton said that the tires out at the site could be turned in during the Tire Amnesty in Larue County. He further stated that he would look into it. Jeff Shelton also announced that the porch roof had been removed by himself, Scott Stoke and Buck on the 9th of April - it did not take much as the roof was held only by a couple of posts. If not removed, it would have eventually fallen off on its own.
• f. Civil War Trails Event: Charles stated that he had attended the last Central Kentucky Civil War Trails meeting - but had nothing new to report. On a related note, Betty Shelton asked about several related subjects - namely notes she had on portapotties and on bus transportation. Charles Lemons noted that these items would probably be covered by monies expected from Nelson County tourism, and that with the receipt of a tour bus by the City of New Haven, the need for renting school buses may go away. There was some discussion on this, but no action was needed at this time. Betty also asked about the Nelson County Tourism Grant application . Charles Lemons said that it had been filled out and sent electronically to two different people at the Tourism bureau - and that it had been received. Nothing has been heard since on the progress of the grant.

4. New Business:

• a. Property Taxes: Peggy Miller said that she had received a telephone call from Tessie Cecil (Treasurer) stating that we had received a notice of delinquent property taxes from Larue County. Charles Lemons confirmed that he had also received the call and that he had immediately contacted Tommy Turner, Larue County Judge Executive. Tommy checked with the PVA office and reported today that they had agreed to remove the Howell House property from the tax rolls, and that the current bill would be exonerated.
• b. Water for the Property: Scott Stoke said that they needed to get water out to the site and that his committee would be working on that. They need to get a frost proof (lockable) hydrant to complete the work.
• c. Archeology in April: Scott Stoke brought up the a number of e-mails that originated from the State Historic Preservation Office, as well as from one of our members - Karl Lusk, concerning the visit by Dr. Gramly. There was much spirited discussion of the situation, with input from Stan Shelton, Jeff Shelton, Charles Shelton, Scott Stoke and Charles Lemons. Charles Lemons explained what he knew of the apparent problem between the SHPO and Dr. Gramly, and how our site was involved. After a long discussion of the situation, Charles Lemons said that he would hopefully be talking to Dr. Pollock, Chief Archeologist for the Commonwealth on Monday.
• d. Electric Power for the Site: Scott Stoke noted that Buck has agreed to help move the power pole and box from the site of the old trailer to the house, so that KU can connect temporary power out to the site. Jeff Shelton noted that the power line for Fred Marion O’Bryan’s barn, had been brought down by a fallen tree branch behind the house. Scott Stoke said that he had talked to one of the KU trucks in town concerning the possible break.
• e. Site Inspection of Fort Allen: Scott Stoke noted that he had arranged for a site inspection by a high power metal detector for the week of 23-28 April - supervised by him. He also noted that Berle Clay has agreed to run a magnetometer across the site in order to fix its exact location. No date has been set for this, but probably late in the year after the harvest. Both of these are supposed to be non-invasive.
• f. Show and Tell: With the removal of the porch roof and the collapse of the north end of the porch, the ground underneath has become clear. Scott brought some stone artifacts found on the surface under the porch - probably left there by the house occupants after being found at another location. These will be retained by the appropriate committee for later study.
• g. Removal of Porch Remains: With the removal / collapse of the front porch, it will need to be removed. Jeff Shelton suggested that if we supplied money for fuel, Buck might be able to move the porch and also make the existing wood pile more manageable by use of the High Lift. Charles Lemons noted that we also needed to removed several outlying scrap piles, as well as the old surface fuel tank. Scott noted that Buck might be interested in the fuel tank. In any case it was noted that the site needs to be ready by July for the Civil War Trails event.
• h. Permanent Schedule for Meetings: Jeri Burks moved that we meet on the 3rd Monday every other month alternating with the 3rd Friday of the month, at 7PM starting with Monday May 16. Seconded by Stan Shelton. After some discussion, the vote was taken and the motion did not pass.
• i. Next Meeting: Set for Monday, May 16, 1900 (7pm) at the New Haven Library.

Jeri Burkes moved to adjourn - seconded by Betty Shelton - motion carried. Closed at 2040 (8:40 PM)

Charles Lemons

Meeting was opened at 1920 by Charles Lemons, President

Members present:

• Charles Lemons
• Jeri Burkes
• Jeff Shelton
• Charles Shelton
• Betty Shelton
• Peggy Miller
• Andy Hall

1. Treasurer’s Report: No report made

2. Committee Reports - None

3. Old Business:

• a. Insurance: This was discussed. Charlie Shelton, Andy Hall and Charles Lemosn said that they would continue to look at insurance sources.
• b. Road Culvert: There was some discussion but no action.
• c. Loan to Bardstown Civil War Museum: Jeff Shelton reported that the loan agreement was ready to be signed and we needed a date to make the official hand over. Charles Lemons stated that 1000 on 21 March would be a good time. Jeff said that he would see about getting it advertised.
• d. Abandoned Trailer: Peggy stated that Mr. Barns (the executor of the original owner’s estate) said that they didn’t want it. She also noted that she had two people interested in perhaps hauling it off. The general consensus was that since it is derelict and the owners do not want it to just have it quietly disposed of.
• e. Security: There was some discussion concerning security at the site, especially with the possibility of additional archeology at the house. We have the new ring attached to the large post and so Jeri moved that, in order to allow members access to the site, we purchase a combination lock. Seconded by Jeff passed.
• f. Civil War Trails Event: Charles stated that he had several groups lined up for the event Union infantry and two civilian groups for the Howell and Johnson houses. Jeri asked whether any Confederate artillery or cavalry had been contacted or whether a Mountain Howitzer had been located. Jeff said they were working on it. Charles brought up the fact that Tessie Cecil was supposed to have picked up a grant application from Nelson County Tourism. Betty Shelton volunteered Charlie to pick up a copy and deliver it to Charles to complete and send back in before the deadline of 1 April. Charles stated that he still needed to make contact with the local archeologist in Louisville for a public dig at the Howell house during the event.

4. New Business:

• a. Archeology in April: Jeff Shelton stated that Dr. Gramling would be back in Kentucky and would like to do additional archeology underneath the porch.
• b. Next Meeting: Set for Friday, April 15, 1900 (7pm) at the New Haven Library.

Jeri Burkes moved to adjourn seconded by Jeff Shelton, motion carried. Closed at 2000 (8 PM)
Charles Lemons

Meeting was opened at 1605 by Jeri Burks,Vice-President.

Members present:

• Jeri Burks
• Scott Stokes
• Jeff Shelton
• Charles Shelton
• Betty Shelton
• Tessie Cecil
• Donnie Cecil
• Pam Rust
• Peggy Miller
• Karl Lusk

1. Treasurer’s Report: Tessie Cecil, reported that our treasurer’s report would be submitted at a later date in writing. The balance was 2,046.04 (not including the recently deposited 300.00 from Larue and Nelson Counties).

2. Committee Reports - None

3. Old Business:

• a. Insurance: Karl Lust suggested talking to Tommy Dawson concerning insurance. Karl will call Chuck Parrish at Eugene Wilson.
• b. Road Culvert: There was some discussion but no action
• c. Loan to Bardstown Civil War Museum: Jeff Shelton reported that the loan agreement is ready and he will make arrangements for the transfer, media attention, etc. This will probably occur in mid-March.
• d. Scott Stoke noted that the electric meter had been unhooked at the house.
• e. Membership and Dues: Charles Shelton brought up the discussion from the last meeting concerning normal membership versus family membership. Something needs to be done on this subject before our next meeting.

4. New Business:

• a. Approval of Budget for the Civil War Trails Event: Betty Shelton moved that we proceed with the proposal as worked out by the ad hoc committee in late January. Seconded by Don Cecil. – Passed. Jeri Burks noted that Charles Lemons has already contacted some civilian groups and Union infantry for the event – but that we still needed to locate Confederate cavalry and artillery. The KRM is already working on the road right-of-way using inmate labor from the Marion Adjustment Center. Karl Lusk suggested that we file a grant request with the Nelson County Tourist and Convention by April 1, 2005. Tessie said that she would pick up the application from Nelson County tourism.
• b. Next Meeting: Set for Friday, March 11, 1900 (7pm) at the New Haven Library.

Jeff Shelton moved to adjourn – seconded by ???, motion carried.

Jeri Burks

The meeting of the Rolling Fork Historic Preservation association was called to order by President Charles Lemons at 3:07 pm.

Scott Stokes gave a report on the excavation that took place at the house in April. He included a list of those who participated:

• Peggy & Sarti Miller
• Seth Miller
• Pam Rust
• Adam Wooldridge
• Wes & Scott
• Paula Underwood
• Jeff Shelton

He presented Charles with 3 of the artifacts that were found (buttons)He also discussed the cleanup of the site and house in regard to grass and trash. Scott is in the processing all other items that were excavated and said that another date needs to be set for additional cleaning of items and of the site itself.

Treasurers Report:
Balance on hand: $2,145.00

Tessie gave the treasurers report which included the $1500 that was awarded by the Louisville Civil War Roundtable in May for signage at the site. Charles was present at the LCWRT to accept the money. He said that the LCWRT is also interested in doing a fall field trip to the site in October. Tom Fugate gave Charles info on various sign companies that can do what we need. Charles attended the National Register of Historic places meeting as well in May and we should know something in the next few months about that.

A motion was made and passed that Scott be reimbursed for half the cost of the plywood that he bought from ASA. The remaining portion will be a donation to the RFHPA.

A motion was made by Greg Dodge to expedite all expenses under $100. These will not require a vote of the membership, Scott Stokes 2nd, motion carried.

An architectural consultant that did some pro bono for Charles has informed him that the porch is probably 4th generation and is not original to the house. It needs to come down as soon as possible as it is unsafe and may cause further damage to the house. Replacement clapboard on left side of house is also a priority as this is deteriorating quickly. The addition (present kitchen) is a 20th century add-on. The out building we have been referring to as the smoke house is probably original to the house and may have been the kitchen. The front seems to have been built in 3 stages-up then out. The window sashes are all replacements. His biggest concern was leveling the building to stabilize it.

New Business

Fund Raising:

1. Booth at State Fair-this will allow us to solicit new members and donations.
2. Website was discussed with online membership application process
3. Brochures-These would direct attention to the RFHPA and also solicit new members. Charles will be working on a brochure to be used at the State Fair. Stan will check on donation of printing services and report back at the next meeting
4. Charity auction / Dinner-Kay discussed the possibility of holding a dinner auction at the site next year to raise money. Jeff Shelton motioned that the Dodges investigate this, Greg Dodge 2nd. Motion passed.
5. Table at Iron Horse festival-There will be a membership table at the Iron Horse festival and various raffle prizes to raise money.

Bardstown Museum:

1. Stan motioned that we loan the Bardstwon Civil War Museum the union coat button that was found under the porch during the April dig. This was 2nd by Tessie. There will be appropriate paperwork to insure that this item is returned to us when asked and in good order.