The meeting was called to order by president Evelle Dana at 5 p.m. There were nine members present: David Boyle, David Cameron, Don Coleman, Marj Craig, Evelle Dana, Janice Fortune, Hubert Marsh, Mary Smitherman and Laura Wilson. Staff: Lin Oliver.

Minutes of the Oct. 5 meeting were approved after a correction that “Travis Antiques auctioned what was not placed in the house” on a motion by Janice Fortune (1) and Don Coleman (2). The treasurer’s report for October showed: Checking Account balance: $9,476.38- receipts of $1,454.37 and expenses of $1,026.09. Events Account balance: $8,095.17 with receipts of 5,122.50 and expenses of $1,546.95 for Heritage Day and Ghost Walk combined.

Staff Report by Lin Oliver: Lin worked on developing letters for the Friends membership mailing. Put together a doll exhibit for the Chattanooga Doll Club Tour. Worked with the DAR to help set up a meeting at the Marsh House. Paid bills due. Answered calls and relayed messages to the proper

committees. Kept the sign up dated. Began background work for the Cherokee Exhibit in November. Sent thank you notes to persons who loaned materials for the Lucy Street exhibit and returned items. Made free tour passes for special volunteers such as the Master Gardeners and the seamstress who assisted with the drapes and sheers. Helped set up and take down the Heritage Day exhibit.

Committee/work group reports: Building and Grounds: David Cameron reported that the carpenter has completed a number of small repairs, including the damaged floor boards at the head of the

ramp on the east porch. He will submit the invoice to the County. He will keep watch on the leak in SW2 and make the roofer aware when he comes back. The log cabin which a subcommittee examined has too few usable parts for the size that is was originally, but perhaps would have enough material for a smaller cabin. Since someone has agreed to take it down, the material can be stored temporarily at the Smitherman’s. There will be some research before an actual reconstruction on the back lot to determine some historically accurate approaches.

Friends: Evelle and Lin will complete updates of materials and work days will be scheduled for new member and renewal mailings in November.

Interiors: Davene Nichols reported on the several items accepted from the Roach estate. She moved and Janice Fortune seconded that $906.37 from the sale of items auctioned by Travis Antiques be made available to the Interiors committee to use.

Events: Mary Smitherman gave a final report on Heritage Days. Sponsors gave a total of $800 and one business gave $650. This support is very important to making the event a success. Two $500 sponsors are committed for next year. It was agreed that the cannons will not be used next year due to possible damage to the house from the sound waves and to concerns about bothering nearby neighbors. Instead muskets will be used. The Ghost Walk was very successful with 123 paid

participants. Next year it will run for two nights, and there will be a special midnight tour. There will be more stops next year. The basic model of this first walk worked well. Candlelight tours will be Dec. 5 and 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Public Relations (Don Coleman): Don is working on a updated virtual tour for the DVD and player. Has set up appearances for the Judy O’Neil Show on UC TV.

History (Janice Fortune): a total of 50 persons toured the house in October for an income of $195. A group from St. Gerard’s Church toured and were very pleased. November will feature a Cherokee exhibit, and the Trail of Tears Association will meet at the House on Nov. 14.

Docents: The House will be closed to allow for decorating for the holiday season, November 23-December 4. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but otherwise open on the regular schedule in December and January.

Helping Hands (Hubert Marsh): On February 20, 2010, there will be a story teller (Akbar Imhotep) and gospel choir at the Marsh House in celebration of Black History Month. Hubert’s congregation will underwrite the fees for the story teller ($225). Helping Hands expenses for last year were submitted and approved to be paid.

New business: Tina Rogers has requested permission to do something to promote the Marsh House in the La Fayette Christmas Parade as a service project for her Girl Scout troop. Her request was approved.

Next meeting: 5 p.m. on December 7. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Submitted by David P. Boyle, recording secretary.