Orlando A Somers Camp #1
Meeting Minutes—September 16, 2006—Richard’s
Restaurant
Senior Vice Commander Matt
Elkin opened the meeting at 12:55 p.m. Chaplain Jon Ayers led the group in the
opening prayer. Then the group recited the American’s Creed and the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Sr. Vice Commander Elkin. The secretary and treasurer were
absent, but the Treasurer’s report was submitted and read..
Members present were Matt
Elkin, Jacob Elkin, Jack Shaw (David D. Porter Camp), Don Overmyer, Tom
Crawford, Larry Myer, Ned Baker, Jon Ayers, Russ Kirchner, Allen Moore, and
Gary Dolph. Guests were Connie Overmyer and Debbie Dolph.
Old Business:
The minutes of the May 20,
2006, meeting were approved (Jon Ayres moved and Don Overmyer seconded.)
The new bylaws were voted on
for a second consecutive meeting. Russ Kirchner moved to accept them, and Don
Overmyer seconded. They were passed by consensus.
Reports were given regarding
the items and function of the camp website, www.somerscamp.org, and the events of our
participation with the Howard County
Fair pioneer village were
provided.
Ned Baker will clean the
cannon in October.
Tom Crawford reported on the
status of the Highland Park building to house the cannon. The building has not
been started, and the time schedule for completing it is not firm.
A Mr. Tharp was invited by
Allen Moore to entertain the camp by playing harmonica. Mr. Tharp’s skills were
enjoyed by all.
A report was given regarding
the Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home Gathering set for October 28, 2006, at
10 a.m.
Jon Ayers reported on
vandalism that occurred at Lindley Cemetery in eastern Howard County. The
cemetery has several veterans resting there. About forty stones were destroyed
or vandalized, and about six stones belong to Civil War veterans. There was
discussion regarding contacting the Township Trustee, Linda Grove, about
offering our help with restoration. Tom Crawford advised seeking out living
descendants of the veterans regarding any work done. Further efforts would be
made regarding replacing stones through Veterans’ Affairs.
Don Overmyer presented the
camp with a donation of pictures.
Allen Moore announced a
raffle and the opportunity to take part in a commemorative stamp project for
veterans as a continuing service of the Somers Camp.
Tom Crawford introduced
genealogical information he has acquired regarding the Noble family as a
possible topic for a future presentation.
Tom Crawford requested
consideration regarding a plaque presentation for Gordon Williams as the last
living Howard County Civil War veteran. The matter was discussed with positive
results towards going forward on this project.
Winners of the book raffle
were Ned Baker, Tom Crawford, Gary Dolph, Jacob Elkin, and Larry Myer.
The business portion of the
meeting was concluded, and Jack Shaw, Porter Camp Commander, provided the
program for the camp. He spoke on Samuel Upham, a
Philadelphia businessman and counterfeiter of southern currency during the
Civil War.
The next meeting will be
October 21.
Vice Commander Elkin closed
the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Matt Elkin, Secretary Pro Tem
Gayle Eikenberry, Secretary