Allen Muncy, City Administrator, met with the Society to discuss plans for a county wide museum to be established in the Annex Building of the former Blees Military Academy. The building has been vacant for a number of years and extensive repairs are needed. The City and the Society are in the process of drawing up a contract to explain the responsibilities of each party. The contract will be presented to the City Council at the next meeting for review.

Since this museum will be county wide we hope to include the farming community, coal mining era, churches, schools, banks, former businesses for a complete history of Macon County.

Linda Farmer, President of the Macon Garden Club, advised that the club will be researching the types of flowers used in the early 1900’s and will help with the landscaping.

The Macon County Historical Society is exempt from Federal income taxes and also classified as a public charity, so donations or contributions will be tax exempt. It is hoped that local organizations and individuals will be able to help with the work involved in the clean-up and the organization of the museum.

During the business meeting the minutes of the previous meeting were read. There was a discussion of the contract with the city, insurance, grants, and bids for the preliminary clean-up. It was reported that tables, chairs, and display cabinets had been purchased at a recent sale. The Society had had a Christmas display at Callao and in one of the windows in Macon. Merlyn Amedei gave the Society $25 that she had received as fees from her home tours. There was a discussion of whether or not meetings should be held in the afternoon or in the evening.

The following membership committee was appointed by President George Morgenweck: Sally Watts, Janis Diamond, Vicky Cody, Merlyn Amedei, Mary Frances Troy and Donna Ayers.

The Historical Society Meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in the history of Macon County is invited to attend. The next meeting will be on 1 February at 1:30 at the library.