Minutes from MCCC meeting Aug 20, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Mineral County Extension Office
Present: Anita Bailey, Mary Jo Berry, Carole Johnson, Sue McLees
1. Minutes from July 16 meeting were read and approved.
2. The EPA TAG grant – A letter of intent was sent by George Bailey on behalf of the Chamber, and the grant will formally be applied for in September. If granted, the Chamber will receive money to hire a community member to help keep the community informed about the EPA Superfund cleanup project.
3. Clark Fork River cleanup – An invitation will be sent to all Chamber members to participate in the 1st Annual Clark Fork River cleanup on August 29.
4. Program:
Carole Johnson (US Forest Service) & Sue McLees (Mineral County Museum & Historical Society) gave a brief, but very interesting history of the 1910 fire and its aftermath. (see attachment). The “big blowup” occurred on August 20 & 21, which will be the dates in 2010 for many of the commemorative events. The Forest Service and the Historical Society have been collaborating and planning for these events. Most of the activities will take place at the Savanac Nursery, which was totally destroyed by the fire and rebuilt. Planned activities for that weekend: memorial grove planted to honor 1910 fallen firefighters, CCC reunion, rededicate the fire memorial (possibly with the USFS Honor Guard from San Bernadino, CA present), Forest Service historians and former rangers giving early day portrayals, reunion of Forest Service employees of St. Regis & Superior offices, video and book of Savanec’s history. Events are also being planned in surrounding communities who were affected by the 1910 Fire: reenactment of fire camp and survivor reunion (Trout Creek/Sanders County), survivor reunion and rededication of cemetery (St. Maries), multiple events (Avery, ID), events centered around the Pulaski Tunnel (Wallace, ID), auto tour of 1910 fire sites & celebration of Aerial Fire Depot’s 50th Anniversary (Missoula). Ongoing exhibits beginning in March 2010 are anticipated at the following locations: Smokejumper Center in Missoula, Ft. Missoula, NineMile Ranger Station, Mineral County Museum, Sanders County Museum, Lincoln County. Other ideas being considered are: mule packing demo, melodramas, commemorative items such as coins, calendars, etc., parade, lookout tower tours.
The Historical Society and Forest Service would like to partner with the Chamber to help make this a memorable, educational event. Carole & Sue are hoping that Chamber might be able to help locate relatives of local survivors and also to help publish a book that has been written about the history of Savanac.
It was suggested that a history of the fire be posted to the Chamber’s website. It was also suggested that the Chamber could put event information in the Tour Montana/Tour Idaho book.
4. Museum fund-raiser: Sue reported that a basket of goodies is being raffled off to raise money for the Mineral County Museum. Items include 2 rounds of golf, quilted table runner, tripod water sprinkler, haircut and manicure, massage, and more. Tickets are 1/$1 or 6/$5, the drawing will be held in September. To purchase tickets, stop in at the Museum Tuesdays or Thursdays 3:00-6:00 p.m. or call Sue (360-3655 or 822-4974).
5. Anita reported that chamber membership is up to 16 businesses.
6. Gildersleve Historical Tour – Sue invited all to participate in the annual mining tour. (see attachment)
Next meeting: September 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Program: Glenda Wallace, the Chamber’s webmaster, will talk about our website, what she does, and what she can do. Bring your ideas! And check out our website: www.MontanaRockies.org
Respectfully submitted: Anita Bailey, MCCC Secretary 406-240-3942