1, 2014
The December meeting was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM followed by the flag salute and moment of silence. There were 10 members present: Harry Silvers, Bob Boer, Sue Shannon, Beverly Gibson, Donald Gerber, Mary Ann Silvers, Ann Franzen, Peggy Pitney, Judy Argentine and Midge Hangley.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
OLD BUSINESS
We received a check from P.J. Whelihan’s for $90 from the Dine and Donate we held there on Nov. 19, 2014.
Ann Franzen reported on the success of the first Community Tree Lighting held on Dec. 5, 2014, which was co-sponsored by the Historical Society, the Woman’s Association and the PTA. It was well attended and well-received. Many of our members contributed baked goods or volunteered their time at the event.
Mary Ann Silvers informed us about the outcome of the Christmas Tea held at the New Leaf Tea Room on Dec. 11, 2014. She said that 22 people attended the Tea which gave us a profit of $133.98. We also sold chances on a giant candy bar. This generated a profit of $22. Total money earned from the event was $155.98.
NEW BUSINESS
The President presented the yearly budget for approval by the membership. A motion was made by Bob Boer to approve the $5,525 budget. After a second by Beverly Gibson, the motion carried by voice vote.
A donation was received from Joan Spaeth Harper of historic photos, booklets and a plate. The photos are of the Tabernacle Friendship School which was located on the Spaeth family property. Ms. Harper has been thanked by the President for her generosity to the Society. Judy Argentine volunteered to copy the photos so that they can be saved in a digital form.
The next meeting will be held on March 12, 2015, as we have no meetings scheduled for January or February. Beverly Gibson offered to provide refreshments. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM and refreshments were served.
Nov. 13, 2014
The November meeting was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM followed by the flag salute and moment of silence. There were 14 members present: Ann Franzen, Peggy Pitney, Betty Orme, Irene Abrams, Dee Collins, Betty Gerber, Donald Gerber, Flossy Worrell, Harry Worrell, Sue Shannon, Mary Ann Silvers, Harry Silvers, Bob Boer and Edna Seebode. There were also a number of guests.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
OLD BUSINESS
The two scout projects were reviewed and certificates of appreciation were given to the scouts who worked on the Friendship School (Patrick Boegley and Jacob Boris) and the scout who supervised the cemetery restoration (Aleks Hill). A motion was made by Donald Gerber to reimburse Aleks Hill $381.98 for materials used on the tombstones. Edna Seebode seconded the motion and the members approved .
Peg Pitney, Mary Ann Silvers and Ann Franzen dusted and swept the Pepper House on Tuesday, October 21.
The Dine and Donate night at Upper Crust on Oct. 27 was a success. We received a check for $105.74 and are considering another event there in the New Year. The next Dine and Donate night is scheduled for P. J. Whelihans on Nov. 19.
Another upcoming fundraiser is a Christmas Tea to be held at the New Leaf Tea Room on Dec. 11.
Ann Franzen reported that plans are being finalized for the Community Tree Lighting that we are co-sponsoring with the Woman’s Association and the PTA on Dec. 5. Donations of baked goods are needed for that night.
NEW BUSINESS
We received a donation from Cliff and Betty Wills for $50 to be used toward the cemetery upkeep. They have a relative buried there. There was also a $3 donation from a friend who could not attend our Dine and Donate night.
The next meeting will be held on Dec. 11 at Town Hall at 7:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. A presentation followed by Bob Boer on the life of a Civil War soldier.
Oct. 9, 2014
The October meeting was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM followed by a flag salute and moment of silence. There were 15 members present: Dee Collins, Edna Seebode, Irene Abrams, Betty Orme, Penny Jones, Bob Boer, Harry Silvers, Wilma Davison, Ken Spencer, Mary Ann Silvers, Ann Franzen, Donald Gerber, Betty Gerber, Peggy Pitney and Sue Shannon. There was also a guest – Aleks Hill. The minutes of the September 11 meeting were read and approved.
The President reported that there was a Historians’ Roundtable held on Sept. 20 at Batsto. A small group of 15 were impressed with the antique furnishings in the Wharton Mansion.
OLD BUSINESS
Mary Ann reported that repairs were partially done on the Friendship School, and a partial payment was made to CMB with a letter requesting that further work be done.
SCOUT PROJECT – SCHOOLHOUSE
Work has begun on the school. Trim has been repaired and loose paint scraped.
SCOUT PROJECT – CEMETERY
Aleks Hill presented his plans for righting and cleaning the tombstones. He and his volunteers will do this work during the weekend of Oct. 25-26.
CANVAS MIXER
Judy Witowski-Argentine has researched this idea. Since she was not present, discussion on it was tabled until the next meeting.
DINE AND DONATE
Certificates were distributed for a Dine and Donate night at Upper Crust on Oct. 27. Certificates were distributed which, if used on that night, will give the THS 15% of the diners’ bill. Another of these events is planned for P.J. Whelihans in Medford Lakes on Nov. 19.
CHRISTMAS TEA
It was proposed that we sponsor a tea at the New Leaf Tearoom in Riverton to be held on Dec. 11. The motion was made by Ann Franzen, seconded by Sue Shannon, and carried by voice vote.
TREE LIGHTING EVENT
A committee composed of members of our organization and the Tabernacle Women’s Association has met twice. Plans are underway for this event to be held on Dec. 5 at 7 PM. All members will be asked to provide refreshments.
NEW BUSINESS
A beautiful parlor stove has been donated to us by Wilma Davison and Ken Spencer and installed in the Pepper House. A thank-you note was sent and they were again thanked in person at the meeting.
A calendar for 2014-15 was debated and approved by the membership.
The next meeting will be held at Town Hall on Nov. 13 at 7:30 PM. There will be a program by member Bob Boer on the life of a Civil War soldier. Ann Franzen will provide refreshments. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
September 11, 2014
The September meeting was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM followed by a flag salute and moment of silence. There were 9 members present: Ann Franzen, Beverly Gibson, Sue Shannon, Bob Boer, Don Gerber, Mary Ann Silvers, Judy Argentine, Peggy Pitney and Betty Orme. The minutes of the June 12 and July 10 meetings were read and approved.
The President reported that a Historians Roundtable is scheduled for September 20 at Batsto.
OLD BUSINESS
The fourth and fifth installments of the Insurance bill were paid to Frankin Insurance for a total of $1251.
Mary Ann Silvers and Ann Franzen spoke at a meeting of the Young at Heart Club on June 25th. We brought artifacts and pictures to display. Two new members were added to our Society. A thank you note was received from the President of the Young at Heart Club.
The County Historian, Joe Laufer passed away recently. A sympathy card was sent to his family.
NEW BUSINESS We have filed our annual corporation report. A motion was made by Donald Gerber and seconded by Betty Orme to reimburse Mary Ann for the $25 fee she paid. The motion was approved.
Two donations were recently received. One was for $50 from Dan Franzen in honor of his mother’s birthday; the other was for $10 from a friend who could not attend the Barbecue.
CMB General Contractors will fix a hole in the soffit on the right side of the Friendship School and add flashing to the chimney for $575.
Boy Scouts have volunteered to paint the outside window frames and the door and door frame of the Friendship School. They will also replace the trim on two exterior window frames on the front right side of the building and trim on the front left side. Ernie Bogley will supervise the scouts and Steve Scanlon will donate the materials needed. The scouts – Adam Argentine, Jacob Boris and Patrick Bogley will begin the work in a few weeks.
Another scout, Aleks Hill, wishes to work on a project cleaning the headstones in the Old Cemetery.
A meeting was held on July 30 at the home of Wilma Davison to discuss planning a tree lighting event in Tabernacle. Mary Ann, Wilma Davison and Ann represented THS, and there were several representatives of the Tabernacle Women’s Association. It was agreed that the two groups would co-sponsor the event and a tentative division of tasks was made. This will be pending approval of the Township Committee. There will be another meeting at Mary Ann’s house on September 18.
Fundraising ideas were discussed. There was some interest in a Christmas Tea, a restaurant Dine and Donate and a Painting Party. A possible antique show as also mentioned. All possibilities need further research.
The next meeting will be held at Town Hall on October 9 at 7:30. Betty Orme volunteered to bring refreshments.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.
July 10, 2014
A special dinner meeting of the Tabernacle Historical Society was held on the above date at the home of our Vice-President, Donald Gerber. Donald began the evening at 6 PM with a prayer. This was followed by a dinner with many delicious dishes provided by the members.
At 7 PM the business part of the meeting began. Donald handed out posters and tickets and reviewed plans for the upcoming Chicken Barbecue. Members were asked to pre-sell as many tickets as possible. Last year we sold 224 tickets in advance and 59 at the door. For 2014 we ordered 10 more chicken halves and hope to presell around 220.
The chicken Barbecue will be on August 3 at the Methodist Church. Members were asked to arrive around 12:30 to prepare for the event. On August 2, we will meet at Betty Gerber’s house to shuck corn for the next day.
Present at the dinner were Dee Collins, Jackie Krantz, Edna Seebode, Donald Gerber, Dorothy Yates, Ken Yates, Betty Gerber, Betty Orme, Irene Abrams and Ann and Rick Franzen. The dinner was over about 8 PM. The next regular meeting will be on September 11 at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall.
June 12, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Tabernacle Historical Society was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM, followed by a flag salute and moment of silence. There were 14 members present: Peggy Pitney, Irene Abrams, Dee Collins, Betty Gerber, Donald Gerber, Mary Ann Silvers, Ann Franzen, Ken Yates, Dorothy Yates, Midge Hangley, Judy Witowski-Argentine, Bob Boer, Harry Silvers and Betty Orme. The minutes of the May 8 meeting were read and approved.
OLD BUSINESS
The President reported that a third installment on our insurance bill was paid, but that we still do not have a copy of the policy as amended this year. Ken Yates offered to go to the insurance agent and obtain this.
Our scholarship recipient, Elizabeth Raffo was present along with her parents. We congratulated her and she thanked us for our generosity. She also told us about her future plans.
Mary Ann revealed that we won 2nd place in the Memorial Day Parade and received a check for $25. She requested reimbursement of $74.70 for supplies used on the float and for the wreath. Ken Yates made a motion to this effect. It was seconded by Irene Abrams and passed by voice vote.
Donald Gerber reported on the Strawberry Social. Murphy’s Market gave us a $100 gift card towards supplies and Russo’s sold us the strawberries at cost. Both have been sent thank you notes. 133 people were served, and the profit was $651. The President gave special thanks to all who help with the event including Judy Argentine, who provided the Victrola, and Betsy Piner, who coordinated the Carranza video. She requested reimbursement of $25 for additional supplies. The motion was made by Don Gerber, seconded by Ken Yates and was passed. Ann Franzen also requested reimbursement of $25 for tablecloths. This was moved by Ken Yates and seconded by Midge Hangley. The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A donation was received from Washington Orme of a panoramic photograph taken at the dedication ceremony for the Carranza Monument. A letter of thanks was sent by the President. Harry Silvers displayed an enlarged an enhanced copy he had made from this photograph. He requested reimbursement of $31.98 for expenses incurred in making 3 copies for the Society. The motion was made by Ken Yates, seconded by Bob Boer and passed by the members.
Mary Ann and Ann will present a program to the Pinelands Young At Heart Club on June 25 on the history of Tabernacle. They will take some artifacts to display, and will encourage new members to join.
Dining for Dollars was discussed as a fundraiser, but research needs to be done before plans can be made.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Donald Gerber on July 10 at 6 PM. Plans will be made for the Chicken Barbecue in August, and members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
May 8, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Tabernacle Historical Society was held on the above date at the Tabernacle Town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM, followed by a flag salute and moment of silence. There were fourteen members and two guests present: Beverly Gibson, Irene Abrams, Dee Collins, Betty Gerber, Midge Hangley, Bob Boer, Harry Silvers, Jackie Krantz, Edna Seebode, Don Gerber, Renee Heiss, Doug Heiss, Judith Witowski-Argentine, Peggy Pitney, Ann Franzen and Mary Ann Silvers. The minutes of the Apri 10 meeting were read and approved. There was a Thank You note read from the Lees Family thanking us for our donation in Robert Lees’ memory to the Bell Tower Fund of the United Methodist Church.
OLD BUSINESS
It was reported that the Pepper House and Friendship School were cleaned on April 24th and 25th and that the Tabernacle 3rd Graders were given an historic tour of our town on May 2. Volunteers for this event were: Peg Pitney, Ann Franzen, Mary Ann Silvers and Jackie Krantz.
Beverly Gibson volunteered the services of Lise Trinkle to photograph the historic building on Camp Inawendawin property before it is demolished.
Donald Gerber reported on plans for the Strawberry Social. It will be held on June 7 from 2PM to 5PM. We will need a lot of volunteers to work at the event, as well as donations of cakes and cool whip. Various discussions took place. Midge Hangley said that her son’s band would play at the Social for free. A motion was made by Beverly Gibson and seconded by Judy Witowski-Argentine to raise the price of an adult serving of cake, cool whip and strawberries to $5.00. The motion carried.
The Memorial Day Parade was discussed. We will have a float in it honoring Bob Lees, we will present a wreath during the ceremony, and we will have the Pepper House open during the festivities.
NEW BUSINESS
We will be awarding a $250 scholarship to a Seneca graduate who lives in Tabernacle and shows some interest in History.
We have found and distributed working keys to the Friendship School.
Mary Ann reported that she had the basket created by Indian Ann appraised and found that it has little monetary value because it lacks documentation.
Donald Gerber said that the Chicken Barbecue will be held on August 3rd from 2 to 6 PM. After some discussion, a motion was made by Peggy Pitney and seconded by Judy Witowski-Argentine to increase the number of chicken halves ordered to 285. The motion carried.
Midge Hangley and Judy Witowski-Argentine volunteered to bring dessert to the June 12 meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 and a program followed by Renee Heiss on the books she has authored and the process of getting a book published.
April 10, 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Tabernacle Historical Society was held on the above date at the town Hall. The President called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM, followed by a flag salute and moment of silence. There were fourteen members present: Irene Abrams, Dee Collins, Donald Gerber, Beverly Gibson, Jackie Krantz, Edna Seebode, Betsy Piner, Judy-Witowski-Argentine, Harry Silvers, Bob Boer, Peggy Pitney, Midge Hangley, Ann Franzen and Mary Ann Silvers. The minutes of the March 13 meeting were read and approved. There was a Thank You note read from the Lees family
Mary Ann reminded members of a historic tea to be held at Peachfield. She had two tickets that were available for purchase.
OLD BUSINESS
Mary Ann questioned the donation to the Kidney Foundation that was approved at the last meeting in memory of Bob Lees. She pointed out that the family had named different charities. After a brief discussion, it was decided to send our check to the Tabernacle Methodist Church for the bell tower fund.
She also reported that the work had been completed by CMB on the Pepper House, and that a balance of $745.00 was due. Approval was granted to pay this amount.
Mary Ann and Ann went to the insurance agent, Rich O’Neal, to make changes to our policy. The changes are as follows:
PEPPER HOUSE (LOCATION #1)
We were able to drop the fire insurance this year, as the Township will cover it. We will have a $1 million in limited liability with the township named as additional insured and $26,000 comprehensive insurance on the contents.
FRIENDSHIP SCHOOL (LOCATION #2)
Also insured for $1 million in liability with $30,000 comprehensive insurance on the building and $10,400 on the contents.
TABERNACLE CEMETERY (LOCATION #3)
We have $1 million in liability coverage, but will investigate the cost of covering the two buildings and the arch for fire. This is complicated by the fact that we built one building and the arch, but do not own the land and have no deed to the property.
There is a bill due for the next installment of our insurance bill. Mary Ann will pay this on April 15.
Spring Cleaning of the Pepper House and the Friendship School was set for April 25 and 26.
The 3rd Grade Historic Tour is set for Friday May 2. Those who volunteered as docents were: Peg Pitney (schoolhouse), Ann Franzen (Carranza Monument), Bev Gibson (Cemetery), Mary Ann Silvers and Jackie Krantz (Pepper House). Another volunteer would be helpful to assist at Town Hall.
The Strawberry Social date cannot be set until the May meeting, so further discussion of plans for this was tabled until then.
NEW BUSINESS
A favorable story in the Tabernacle Sun was presented at the meeting. Although none of the officers were interviewed for the story, the overall result was very good.
The Memorial Day Parade is set for May 24. After some discussion, it was agreed that we would participate and would present a wreath. Harry Silvers has donated the use of his antique truck which we will decorate with a patriotic theme and in honor of Bob Lees.
Beverly Gibson reported on the pending destruction of an old mill building on the Girl Scout property. Betsy Piner will check on the legality of this razing with the Pinelands Commission.
The next meeting will be held on May 8 at 7:30. There will be a program by Renee Heiss, a teacher/author who wrote Woodie’s World about her father growing up during the depression.
Bev Gibson volunteered to bring dessert.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 and a program followed by Bob Boer on “The Jersey Soldier during the Revolutionary War”.
March 13, 2014
The regular monthly meeting was held on the above date at the Town Hall. No meeting was scheduled for January, and the February 13 meeting was cancelled due to weather conditions. Vice-President Donald Gerber called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM, followed by the flag salute and a moment of silence in memory of Bob Lees. Bob was a member of our Society who contributed greatly to our work over the years. There were nine members present: Donald Gerber, Irene Abrams, Betty Gerber, Dee Collins, Edna Seebode, Betty Orme. Bob Boer, Ann Franzen and Peg Pitney. Also present were four visitors: Eileen Chesla, Jan Adamski, Wendy Reilly and her son
The minutes of the December 12 meeting were read and approved.
A handout was distributed from the County about upcoming historical events, and members were asked to keep the ailing County Historian, Joe Laufer in their thoughts.
OLD BUSINESS
Donald Gerber reported on a meeting he attended along with Ann Franzen, Rick Franzen, Mary Ann Silvers and Harry Silvers and representatives of the Newcombe Active Home Services Team on February 5. The company gave us an estimate on restoration work at the Pepper House. It is hoped that there will be some funding coming from the Township toward this project. Donald also reported that the same group met with Township Administrator, Doug Cramer, on February 21 at the Pepper House to survey the work that needs to be done. It was agreed that the THS will apply for 501C3 status so that we will be eligible for grant money. Kim Brown will be working on this for us. It was noted that there is an immediate problem of a chimney leak.
Ann Franzen reported that on March 11 a representative of CMB Contractors met with her, Rick Franzen, Mary Ann Silvers and Harry Silvers at the Pepper House to give an estimate on the cost of emergency repairs that need to be done. Subsequently, an estimate was received of $845 from CMB. Since we have dedicated $500 in our budget for maintenance, a motion was made by Bob Boer and seconded by Edna Seebode to spend this amount for the emergency repairs. An additional motion was made by Edna Seebode and seconded by Bob Boer to spend the additional $345 from the treasury to pay for the needed repairs. Both motions carried.
Members were thanked for their response to our survey of priorities for the Pepper House. As a result of the survey, the long term restoration will focus on either the windows or the roof as the first projects.
NEW BUSINESS
The Vice President explained the current situation with our insurance policy. The policy is up for renewal, but the Society has some questions about our coverage. After some discussion, it was decided that the Society needs to increase the coverage of the contents of the Pepper House and decrease the coverage on contents of the Friendship School. In addition, we should add liability coverage on the cemetery buildings. The insurance agent, Rich O’Neal suggested that the officers be covered for liability up to $1 million. This suggestion was tabled for now, but a motion made by Bob Boer and seconded by Betty Gerber to pay the balance of the insurance bill was approved.
Ann Franzen reported that we have seven photos relating to our schools that we could frame and hang in the Friendship School. Betty Orme made a motion to spend $100 for this project as well as any additional money that may be required specifically for this purpose. The motion was seconded by Irene Abrams and passed by voice vote.
Ann also reported that the Third Grade Tour is scheduled for May 2 (raindate May 27), and that volunteers are still needed for this as well as for the Spring clean-up to be done beforehand. A date for the clean-up will be announced later.
A discussion followed about future activities. Donald explained that the date for the Strawberry Festival will probably be May 31, but that he will know better after talking to the farmers closer to the date. Women’s Club representative, Eileen Chesla relayed a suggestion that we join forces for a tree lighting ceremony next December. A planning session in June may be scheduled for this project.
Edna Seebode made a motion to donate $50 from the Society in memory of Bob Lees to the Kidney Foundation. This was seconded by Irene Abrams and approved by the members.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2014 with a program to follow by Bob Boer, our Revolutionary War re-enactor. Betty Orme will provide the refreshments.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45. While refreshments were served, Ann Franzen shared historical photos from our collection.
Tabernacle Historical Society 