Historical Commission

HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING July 12, 2018 8:00 a.m. Town Hall 100 Ann Edwards Lane Committee Room, 3rd Floor ****************** MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Gutowski, Chairman; Patrick Morrissey, Vice Chairman; Robert Macdonald; Heidi Schless; and Brittany Lavelle Tulla EXCUSED ABSENCE: Marc Fountain ABSENT: William Ray ALSO PRESENT: Mary Julia Royall, Town Historian STAFF PRESENT: Chris Luly, Senior Planner; Maddie Spellerberg, Marketing Coordinator, Business & Tourism Department Mr. Gutowski called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. I. Approval of Agenda Mr. Morrissey moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Macdonald. All present voted in favor. II. Approval of Minutes Mr. Macdonald moved for approval of the minutes; seconded by Mr. Morrissey. All present voted in favor. III. Public Comment [None]  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 2 of 11 IV. Committee Reports HISTORY ROOM Mr. Morrissey stated that Commission members received an update on the History Room. He stated that the furniture has been ordered, but not yet received. He stated as to the wording, he stated that the latest version of what is to be posted around the walls in the History Room, appears to be the version that is going that is being printed. He stated that the Town has not asked the Commission for any additional input. He stated that the History Room is currently on automatic. CHRIST CHURCH LINE Mr. Morrissey stated that at the last meeting, as well as his continued interest in the Christ Church Line, Mr. Bostick discussed his update; however, called Mr. Morrissey and advised him of his subsequent meeting with the McRae Family at Boone Hall Plantation and they were receptive and moving forward with granting an easement to the South Carolina Battlefield Trust for the entire length of the Christ Church Line within Boone Hall Plantation and were also interested in extending historical easements, which Mr. Bostick is working on currently, to add a historical easement for the entrance connecting from Long Point Road to the Avenue of Oaks. OTHER Mr. Morrissey stated that Mr. Brown stated that he had a friend he was going to ask to do additional research on Mr. Jenkins for the information board for the Police Station in the Old Village. He stated that he has not received an update on this. AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL SETTLEMENT COMMISSION Mr. Macdonald stated that his work continues with this Commission and they are working to save the Long Point Road School and move it to Snowden. He stated that Grant Gilmore at the College of Charleston and his team have done a tremendous job of documenting the buildings (one extension). The original section was built around 1904, and the new section expanding the school in 1924. He said that several  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 3 of 11 individuals have been identified who attended the school and are beginning an oral history project for the Snowden Community in the near future. He stated that this is being accomplished in collaboration with The Citadel, which will be the repository for the oral histories, which will be owned by the African American Historical Settlement Commission (AAHSC). He said he is hopeful that this work will be initiated soon. He said that apparently oral histories have been done in Scanlonville and well as the Cainhoy areas, which are communities under threat. He said that it would be good to integrate the Commission’s oral history program with what is happening in the community. He stated that he will keep the Commission informed. He is unsure of what the link will be; however, believes the Commission would be interested. He stated that going back to the Long Point Road School, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has indicated a real interest in supporting the preservation and the moving of the school. He said they have also done research with the Charleston County School District and their historical records network is continuing. He is optimistic that this project will come to fruition. He said the school is the last segregated school building existing East of the Cooper. He said there were other schools in Scanlonville/Remley’s Point, Four Mile and going up to McClellanville; however, those schools no longer exist. He stated that Long Point School is the last one. Mr. Gutowski stated that an article was written approximately one or two years ago regarding the school and suggested finding that individual to do a follow up story. Mr. Macdonald stated that there have been several articles written. He stated that David Slade of the Post and Courier was the individual and more articles are supposed to be written. Ms. Schless stated that there was an individual associated with the AAHSC at the Senior Center for the Commission’s and Michael Robertson’s recent history presentation. She attended because it was shown on the agenda that Mr. Robertson was going to be discussing the plans for the school building. The woman heard there was concern as to  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 4 of 11 whether it could actually be moved because it is not part of the Town of Mount Pleasant and was a jurisdictional issue. She stated this was the woman’s understanding from the Town. She asked Mr. Macdonald if he knew any additional information. Mr. Macdonald stated that there may be, but this will not inhibit the movement of the building itself. He stated that he will let the AAHSC members know. He stated that this project is moving along and would like to thank Ms. Schless and Mr. Luly for updating the Cresco Award information on the Town’s website and asked about having an article in the Moultrie News about the program and request for nominations for this year’s award. He said ideally, it would be advantageous to have an article done in late August or early September to stimulate interest in the award. Mr. Gutowski stated that there were two submissions last year and asked if the other submission should be resurrected for consideration. Mr. Macdonald agreed that it should. HIGHWAY 41 (PHILLIPS COMMUNITY) Mr. Macdonald stated that this community is not a part of the Town of Mount Pleasant; however, what is being considered (highway improvements) is affecting portions of the Town (Park West / Dunes West). He said they are currently working on a compromise between the residents of the Phillips Community and the residents of Park West / Dunes West. He said Town Council is more responsive to the residents of Park West / Dunes West because they are in the Town. He feels there are positive moves being made with the communities coming together and would like to find a solution that will do justice to the historic nature of the Phillips Community but also recognize the tremendous transportation challenges that are developing in this area. COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Tulla asked if there is a place where the Commission’s past Cresco winners are listed. Ms. Schless stated that it needs to be on the website.  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 5 of 11 Ms. Tulla stated that having this information available would be very helpful. Mr. Luly asked if the Commission would like to explore whether a new sub-page for only the Cresco Award would be a good idea, to explain the award and show the past winners, as well as have the application available. Ms. Tulla stated that on the Historical Commission page, there is a link to apply for the Cresco Award, to click on the link. Ms. Schless stated that the designer of the rack card stated that the rack card was the “teaser”, and would draw interest to the website; therefore, now the website requires more information than it had previously on the “Our History” page, as well as the “Commission’s” page. She stated that both need to be developed more strongly to address more than the Cresco. Mr. Gutowski asked Ms. Tulla if she would be following up on this. Ms. Tulla responded in the affirmative. Ms. Tulla stated that this past month she has been looking at what is already available on the website and app and one of the items she noticed was that the Historical app is not linked to the Commission’s page. She asked Mr. Luly if she could work with him to get that set up. She also asked about having access in order to edit the app. She communicated with Cleveland State and they advised her to discuss with the Town for access. Mr. Luly stated that he would discuss with the Communications Director, Martine Wolfe-Miller. Mr. Gutowski asked for Mr. Luly to arrange a meeting with Ms. Wolfe- Miller and Ms. Tulla. Ms. Tulla stated that she reached out via telephone and email and has not received a response. Mr. Luly stated that she was out as she coordinated the “All American City Award” in Denver, Colorado, which the Town won. He stated that  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 6 of 11 he will request access for Ms. Tulla, as well as a new webpage for the Cresco Award. Ms. Tulla stated that the Town has a great app that most commissions do not have; however, the visibility is not there with exception of QFF’s. She wanted to connect with Ms. Wolfe-Miller to discuss linking up to the social media platforms for Mount Pleasant to get more visibility. She suggested the Historical Commission create its own social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook. Ms. Schless stated that this has been done already and vetoed by the Town. Ms. Tulla stated that the Commission is creating this content where the QFF’s can be uploaded. Mr. Luly stated that a few years ago, the Town combined all the social media platforms, because departments began having all their own. Ms. Tulla stated that she would like to meet with Ms. Wolfe-Miller to discuss pushing content more. She would love to get the information out more. Ms. Tulla stated that the Town’s Explore Mount Pleasant website does not have a section on Things to See and Do and suggested that the Commission’s information could be included. Mr. Luly asked if the QFF’s have a link to the app. Ms. Schless responded in the affirmative and stated that it is on the bottom. She stated that they are attempting to integrate everything. Ms. Tulla stated that the Commission member listing on the website is also not updated. Mr. Gutowski asked if Mr. Luly has distributed the updated roster for Historical Commission members. Mr. Luly stated that he does not believe he sent it to Commission members; however, he sent the corrections to the Clerk of Council and will ask for the official version and distribute.  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 7 of 11 Ms. Schless asked Mr. Gutowski if absences could be addressed. Mr. Gutowski stated that Mr. Ray is absent, unexcused. QUICK FACT FRIDAYS Ms. Schless stated the QFF’s are going smoothly and Mr. Morrissey is doing Maritime History for the month of July. She said Mr. Gutowski is doing Parks and Gardens for August. COMMUNITY OUTREACH Ms. Schless stated that she went with Michael Robertson to the Senior Center recently. She said the Senior Center invited them back to give a presentation. She prepared a PowerPoint on what the Commission does and will upload it to the shared drive so that members can propose improvements for future use. She said there is a very attentive audience at the Senior Center who are very interested and ask questions. She said there was a gentleman that she wanted to bring to Mr. Macdonald’s attention as a possible candidate for an oral history. He is a descendent of a French Huguenot that came to the Santee area. He said his wife is a descendent from this area. She said his name is Ed Rhodes and his wife’s name is Adalia Scott and they live in The Groves and are part of the early Creekside Plantation. RACK CARDS Ms. Schless stated that she distributed the first stack of rack cards at the Senior Center. She stated that each Commission member was provided with a distribution plan, and all have provided input. She stated that 55 rack card holders were ordered and received. She said she would like to divide them up for distribution. She said she will have labels printed for the back of the rack card holders indicating that “this is the property of the Town of Mount Pleasant, and when the supply needs replenishing, please contact…..”. She asked that when distributing the rack cards and holders, to obtain their contact information and keep a record of how many were provided at that destination. This will provide a sense of how many are being consumed and where the key areas are in order to keep them replenished.  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 8 of 11 Mr. Luly requested that his name be put on the rack card holders as the point of contact at the Town in the event more rack cards are needed. Ms. Schless stated that she will divide up the rack cards and rack card holders once the labels are printed and have them ready for pickup at Town Hall with Mr. Luly. Mr. Morrissey stated that if the rack cards are being distributed and it is an institution that already has large tourist racks in most hotels, to utilize the rack cards that are there. Mr. Gutowski asked if the rack card holders were taken out of this year’s budget. Ms. Schless stated that they came out of last year’s budget. Mr. Gutowski asked if additional rack card holders are needed. Ms. Schless stated that Ms. Lynes reacted to the distribution plan and did not feel that the Commission needed as many. Ms. Spellerberg felt that the number of rack card holders was accurate for the time being. She stated that tourist attractions, venues and accommodation properties have rack card holders. Mr. Gutowski stated that the schools will not have them. Ms. Schless stated that they should be in two locations at the schools: the library reference counter and the front desk reception. She stated that she will also provide an allotment to each member as well. She would like to save some for outreach presentations. ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FY2018-19 Ms. Schless stated that the budget needs to be addressed at the next meeting since this is a new fiscal year. Ms. Schless stated that she did reach out to Cleveland State and he is very enthusiastic and happy to work with the Commission and did provide written permission to use the logo in the future as it is the logo used town-wide.  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 9 of 11 Mr. Gutowski stated that he was disappointed that the Historical Commission was not mentioned when the Town won the All American City Award. He said the other cities that placed all included a mention of their Historical Commission. He stated that what the Commission does for Black History Month could have been referenced, but he was very disappointed that the Town did not reference what the Commission does for the Town. V. Staff Update Mr. Luly stated that he has distributed the Town’s new attendance policy to all Commission members, passed by Town Council. He also mentioned that a new budget year has started, and he will obtain the final numbers from the last fiscal year and circulate them to Commission members and add budget discussions to the August agenda. He will also be updating the Cresco Award form for the application and will explore getting its own individual webpage as well. VI. General Discussion – Items of Interest Mr. Morrissey stated that as we look at next year’s budget, he would also like to know the status of the Charleston Library Society’s completion of any of the historical minute books. Mr. Luly stated that this was tied to the fiscal year ending so he will contact them today. Mr. Morrissey asked Mr. Luly to confirm that the pricing they provided last year still applies so that the Commission may budget the next volumes for the upcoming year. Mr. Morrissey stated that when working on his QFF, he was going to do a story on the Clamagore submarine, located at Patriots Point and did not realize that it will be turned into a reef off the Florida coast if they raise the money to transport it. He added that he has a call into Patriots Point as to their schedule and any points they would like to make on the Clamagore, and if there is a better photograph.  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 10 of 11 Mr. Schless stated that one of the QFF’s that was prepared on the rack cards led to a call from a Real Estate office requesting a supply of rack cards. Mr. Luly stated that he has already distributed rack cards to them. Ms. Schless stated that she did not include the real estate offices, because there are so many. Mr. Gutowski stated that he understands that the budget will be discussed next month; however, he feels that the Commission did very well with the first 5,000 rack cards and suggested approving an additional 5,000 be printed. Ms. Spellerberg stated that both the design and printing totaled $3,000 and she is not sure what the breakout is. Ms. Schless stated that the Town now has the artwork. The designer was able to utilize out-of-town printers as part of his effort; however, she believes the Town encourages using local vendors when the rack card is reprinted. Mr. Luly concurred. Mr. Gutowski stated that he knows a printer and will check with them on pricing. Ms. Schless thanked everyone for their assistance with getting the rack cards completed, as well as the distribution to come. Mr. Gutowski asked who has the artwork. Mr. Luly said it is saved on the Town’s server. Mr. Gutowski stated that if he has discussions with the local printer and shows him the rack card, he could obtain pricing on what it would cost to print them. Mr. Luly stated that he is unsure if the Town is able to make corrections and would have to look at the file. Ms. Schless stated that there are two words to be corrected and then adding the Mount Pleasant Historical logo that the Commission now has  Historical Commission July 12, 2018 Page 11 of 11 permission to utilize. She said the Commission would like to bring attention to both; the Town website and the Commission’s app. Mr. Gutowski asked Ms. Schless to work with Ms. Spellerberg to ensure if approved at the next meeting, that it is ready to go. Mr. Macdonald stated that he has a few suggestions and corrections on the timeline for the history room. Mr. Luly stated that they have already been finalized. Ms. Tulla stated that the Historic Charleston Foundation is working on a national register nomination for the single house along Venning Street next to Johnson Hall’s funeral home on Simmons and Venning. She was not sure if the Historic Commission would like to get involved or just be aware. Mr. Macdonald stated that the building is the headquarters for the AAHSC. He stated that he was aware of this. He stated that the AAHSC is becoming very active. He stated that he will keep the Commission advised of their activities going forward. VII. Adjourn Mr. Macdonald moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Morrissey. All present voted in favor. There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe July 12, 2018