Walker County Historical Society May's minutes
Present: David Boyle, Lizzie Caldwell, Bill Newton, Margaret Newton, Zora Pettyjohn, Sharon Bloemendahl, Fred Roth, Jane Shelton, Joan Trundle.
After a drive from the Marsh House to Mr. Roth’s Farm, the site of the May Mystery Tour, the meeting was called to order by President David Boyle. Regular business was omitted to allow more time for the tour. One item was introduced for thought: the transfer of assets from a Historical Society certificate of deposit to the Marsh House Endowment Fund, to be decided later.
Fred Roth led a tour of his home, which contains eight historic reed and electronic organs. He gave a brief history of each, including when and where it was manufactured, the type of organ and where it was originally installed. Several organs were played to illustrate their sounds. A number of historic pianos and clocks were also viewed.
Following refreshments at the end of the house tour guests were taken to Mr. Roth’s cabin on the next farm, which has been constructed with authentic materials and includes a historically-accurate outhouse. The cabin boasts a chimney and hearth constructed from stones originally in the Estelle mine.
Next meeting: Sunday, June 26, 3 p.m., at the Welcome Center, 309 North Main Street in LaFayette. The topic will be mining in Walker County. Everyone is encouraged to bring stories and artifacts about mining to the meeting. Notes by David Boyle.