From the Town of Ocean View, Delaware

Historical Committee
Meeting Minutes, Feb. 27, 2004
By TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW
May 19, 2004, 17:37

OCEAN VIEW HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

FEBRUARY 27, 2004

  1. Chairman Bob Herrington called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m with Committee members Wade Spanutius, Jean Athan, and Sara Carlson present. Committee members Gary Meredith, Bill Wichmann, Bob Svenson, Vicki York, and Shirley Price were absent from the meeting.

  1. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

  1. There were no changes to the agenda.

  1. Chairman Herrington noted that he did not have a copy of the minutes from the January 23, 2004, meeting, but has read them and found them satisfactory. Wade Spanutius made a motion to accept the minutes from the January 23 meeting. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

  1. New Business:

    1. Chairman Herrington introduced Dick Carter and said he would give the Commission some guidance on its work. Mr. Carter asked the Committee exactly what it planned to do and was told by Bob Herrington that the members wanted to find out as much as possible about the past history of the Town of Ocean View and preserve and document as much of it as they can. Mr. Herrington explained that they have already been established as a Historical Committee and a branch of the Town government. He said that the Committee has already issued a press release explaining its mission and asking for donations of any item of historical significance. He also said that there is a possibility of using a Town-owned building as a museum that can be maintained by the Town. Mr. Clark gave the following names and organizations as good resources for the Commission:

      • Claudia Melson of Seaford would be a good resource person for the organizational aspects of this endeavor.

      • The Delaware Heritage Commission gives small grants to local historical organizations for research projects, etc. and conducts training sessions that teach people how to conduct oral history interviews. The Commission has several good tape recorders and can advise members on what type of recorder and tapes to purchase.

      • The State of Delaware Archives has a new state-of the-art-facility and can give advice about the best ways to store historic material, tapes, and special items. Russ McCabe is a good person to contact in the State Archives Office; his boss is Ken Slavin.

      • Faye Stacen, Historical State Preservation Office, is a good resource.

      • Paul Bauernschmidt, the Director of the Delaware Heritage Commission (302 577-5044), which has a very good web site. Mr. Bauernschmidt is the person to contact about training opportunities

      • Jim Stewart heads the State Museum Office, which is a branch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

      • Joan Larribee who works for a branch of the Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs.

      • Russ Archut would be a good contact.

The Town Manager said she was amazed at how many video recorders are on the market and introduced Jim Rickards, who is very knowledgeable about this field. Mr. Rickards explained his background in this area and offered his services to the Committee. Mr. Clark explained why security is something the Town must consider and expressed sadness over the loss of so many buildings, historical items, and memories in Sussex County. A meeting attendee asked if it would be advantageous to photograph the Town as it exists today; Mr. Clark said that anything would be a good idea. The issue of recording any buildings in Ocean View as historic was raised; the Town Manager said the Town wants to investigate the possibility of designating the Route 26 north corridor as its historic district. Chairman Herrington said that the sanctuary renovation at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church caused many residents to think about historic preservation.

    1. Chairman Herrington said that he wanted to discuss procedures to ensure consistency in the interviews and asked for input from meeting attendees. The Town Manager said that she has not purchased the video camera because she is not sure exactly what would best meet the Committee’s needs. Mr. Clark said that they should always tape record these interviews even if they are video taped because it might be desirable to have a written transcript, and it is easier to do this from a recording rather than a video tape. He also said that it’s very useful to get more than one person together so that they can work off of each other. He went on to say that it is preferable to have several short sessions rather than one long session. Sara Carlson said that she has already done one interview and suggested other names. Mr. Clark said that it would be helpful to draft a set of questions because it will be important to ask the correct questions. Chairman Herrington gave each attendee an assignment to gather the names of five senior citizens or interesting characters who would have noteworthy stories and develop a list of the most important things to cover in these interviews. Wade Spanutius agreed to serve as the first interviewee at a workshop to be scheduled in the future when the Committee is ready to proceed with interviews. The Town Manager agreed to help obtain equipment, and Mr. Herrington said that they would gather names and interview points at the next meeting and set a date for the workshop. After tugboats were mentioned and briefly discussed, Chairman Herrington said that he thinks that three major themes would be: maritime activities, the poultry industry, and agriculture. The issue of tourism was discussed. Peggy Burd from the Lord Baltimore Women’s Club said that she had 70 years of memorabilia from the Club and doesn’t know what to do with it. Mr. Clark suggested that she seek the assistance of the State Archives office. The Chairman agreed that the Commission should tape younger people with memories as well as senior citizens.

    1. Chairman Herrington told the story of Ocean View policeman Wallace Melson and how his name came to be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial and used this as an example of what interested people can do to preserve the memory of Ocean View residents.

  1. Old Business

    1. Chairman Herrington reported that they have Council permission to purchase audio and video recorders, and the Town Manager will handle this. The Town Manager reported that Beverly Stalnaker, wife of former Council President Bob Orem, donated some items today; her son donated some old newspapers; and Wade Spanutius donated some material. Both she and Chairman Herrington said that they have gotten some very positive feedback on this Committee’s plans and activities. In answer to a question, the Committee decided to focus their activities on the general area rather than stay within the strict confines of Ocean View.

Someone made a motion to adjourn, and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Herrington, Chairman

Transcribed from Notes: March 18, 2004



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