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Minutes of 2003 Directors' Meetings

Potomac Chapter National Railway Historical Society, Inc.

November 12, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:07 p.m.

Bill Holdsworth distributed copies of the previous meeting's minutes.

Jay Creswell gave the treasurer's report.

Jerry Hott reported that the chapter had not received membership renewals from the national organization yet.

Directors discussed the upcoming showing of Phantom Express at the Silver Theatre. John Sery stated that we are the rights holder of the film. John said that the standard purchase order called for $275 or 50% of the gross receipts, whichever is greater. John said that Jay should send an invoice to AFI. John will bring the chapter's copy of the film to the membership meeting for storage in the chapter's locker. Similarly, Jay will bring the chapter videotape copy to the membership meeting for storage in the chapter's locker.

Directors discussed candidates for grants. They telephoned Walter Gottlieb, producer of the documentary on the Silver Spring station, for more information about that project.

Directors approved a motion, by a vote of 5-0, recommending that the membership authorize a donation of $3,000 to Montgomery Preservation, Inc. (MPI) for completion of the documentary on the Silver Spring station, subject to negotiation with MPI. Initially, Jerry Hott's motion called for a donation of $3,500. Directors then voted 4-2 to amend the amount to $3,000.

Directors discussed a potential date for the annual banquet. They agreed that March 27 would be a good date. Bill Hopkins said that he would contact Bob Cohen about making a reservation.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Four eastbound and three westbound trains passed during the meeting.

October 8, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:14 p.m.

Bill Holdsworth distributed copies of the previous meeting's minutes. Bill reported that he obtained a copy of Montgomery Preservation's agreement with Walter Gottleib to produce a documentary on the history of the Silver Spring B&O station. Bill had no news on the Harford County Historical Society's effort to preserve the B&O passenger station in Aberdeen.

Jay Creswell gave the treasurer's report. Jay had copies of the chapter's bank statements.

Bob Cohen gave an update on the damage done by the recent fire at the National Capital Trolley Museum. About half of the museum's streetcars were destroyed when one of the two car houses burned. The mseum had insurance on the car house, but not the cars. The museum is unable to run cars at the moment because of damage to the electrical, but Bob thought the damage could be repaired. Bob reported that the chapter won't have a table at the upcoming Gaithersburg Railroad Show.

The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. One eastbound and two westbound trains passed during the meeting.

September 10, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:12 p.m.

Bill Holdsworth distributed copies of the previous meeting's minutes.

Bill Holdsworth reported that he sent a letter, on behalf of the chapter, to the Harford County Historical Society supporting their effort to preserve the B&O passenger station in Aberdeen. Bill announced that he would pinch-hit for Jay in purchasing the supplies for the picnic.

Bill reported that he gathered some information about Montgomery Preservation's collaboration with Walter Gotleib's effort to produce a documentary on the history of the Silver Spring B&O station. Bill had a discussion with Nancy Urban, treasurer of Montgomery Preservation.

Bob Cohen reported that he was continuing to update the chapter membership directory. He reported that he had reserved the Executive Office Building auditorium for chapter membership meetings through 2004. He has also made arrangements for the December social.

Jerry Hott announced that MARC would have some cars at Olde Towne Gaithersburg Day September 21. He will be seeking volunteers to man the cars. Jerry reported that reported that the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society is still working to purchase that railroad's last diesel locomotive, #82. Jerry reminded Gordy about the need for a nominating committee.

John Sery reported that November 15 and 16 were merging as likely dates for an American Film Institute screening of Phantom Express. He hopes that AFI will split the receipts with the chapter. Ray Brubacher would provide organ accompaniment.

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Two eastbound and one westbound trains passed during the meeting.

August 13, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:08 p.m.

Bill Holdsworth distributed copies of the previous meeting's minutes. John Sery pointed out a correction for the minutes.

Bill Holdsworth reported on what he had learned from the Harford County Historical Society about the effort to preserve the B&O passenger station in Aberdeen. Directors instructed Bill to send a letter of support for the effort on behalf of the chapter.

Directors discussed possible support of Walter Gotleib's effort to produce a documentary on the history of the Silver Spring B&O station. Gordy appointed a committee to examine the details related to such a contribution. Gordy named Bill Holdsworth chairman of the committee, with Bob Cohen and Jay Creswell as other members. Directors asked that the committee provide a report at the October directors' meeting, with a progress report at the September meeting.

Bob Cohen announced that he was updating the chapter membership directory. He said he would solicit updates at the next two membership meetings and in the PRN, before finalizing the document.

Jerry Hott reported that the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society is seeking to purchase that railroad's last diesel locomotive, #82. The purchase price is $8,000, but the cost to move the engine from York to the society's property is estimated at $40,000. Jerry suggested that the chapter consider a donation. He said he would obtain more information.

Jerry announced that the national organization has adopted a new policy regarding dues. The organization expects the chapters to submit the dues by the end of the calendar year.

John Sery said that he would like to work with the American Film Institute to schedule a screening of Phantom Express on a Saturday or Sunday in October. He hopes that AFI will split the receipts with the chapter. Ray Brubacher would provide organ accompaniment. Directors suggested that John to try schedule the second weekend in November or the last weekend in October, in order to avoid conflicts with the scheduled excursions and the Gaithersburg Railroadiana Show. After the showing, the chapter's copy of the film would be put in the storage locker.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Five eastbound and three westbound trains passed while directors were present for the meeting.

June 17, 2003 (Special)

In the absence of other officers, Treasurer Jay Creswell presided and served as Secretary.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear a presentation by Mr. Walter Gotleib, an independent television producer, who was introduced by John Sery.

The speaker had produced a 90 minute documentary on the history of Silver Spring, which had been presented by educational TV station WETA and shown on other PBS stations; the video had received critical acclaim. Six minutes of the video dealt with the Silver Spring B&O station and the role of the railroad in the development of the town. Gotleib said had collected enough material for at least 30 minutes of video on the station.

He is now working with Montgomery Preservation, Inc., which restored the Silver Spring Station, to create a video giving the history of the station and the immediate surroundings from 1878 to recent times. He is at the point in the project where he needs to assemble additional material and to begin having the existing material professionally processed and edited. He is also negotiating with both WETA and Maryland Public Television for possible showings.

At this time he is looking for two things: (1) assistance in locating additional material for the video and funding. He estimates that it will take $30,000 to $40,000 to complete the project, and would like the Chapter to consider providing $3,000 to $5,000 of that sum. He distributed a portfolio with material on the previous video and an outline of his present plans.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. so that the regular membership meeting could commence.

Respectfully submitted,
Jay Creswell, Treasurer

June 11, 2003 (Corrected)

In the absence of Secretary Bill Holdsworth, who was traveling to Europe, Jay Creswell acted as Secretary.

Meeting was called to order by President Bjoraker at 8:25 p.m.

President Bjoraker announced that he would not be in town on the for July board meeting. Treasurer Creswell also stated that he would be away that day. The Board therefore decided by unanimous consent to dispense with the July meeting. The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 13.

Reading of the minutes was dispensed with due to the absence of the Secretary. The Treasurer's report was distributed, with the principal item of interest being that members had contributed over $850 toward the restoration of the B&O Museum.

Mr. Walter Gotleib, a producer of video documentaries, had been scheduled to make a presentation to the Board. John Sery announced that Mr. Gotleib had a schedule conflict and requested: (1) that Gotleib be allowed to make a brief presentation to the Board at a special meeting prior to the June membership meeting, and (2) that Gotleib also be allowed at the membership meeting to make a brief showing of portions of his video on the history of Silver Spring featuring the B&O Station. The consensus of the Board was that Gotleib be allowed to do so.

Jerry Hott reported that the site in Gaithersburg City Hall Park had been reserved from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. There was some discussion of the desirability of switching the picnic time from 3:00-6:00 to 4:00-7:00, but no decision was reached.

John Sery asked about the possibility of his 14-year-old son being allowed to join the Chapter. It was noted that the current Chapter bylaws prescribe 16 as the minimum age; no one knew if the National bylaws specify a minimum age. The issue was referred to the Bylaws Committee for consideration as part of a possible group of Bylaws revisions.

There was a discussion with John Sery about the present location of the Flack Film Collection. Several directors expressed surprise and concern that the entire collection was still at John's house. John's view was that this was necessary so he could continue to work on cataloging the collection when he had time to do so. Other directors expressed the opinion that Chapter property should be in the storage locker except when in use and that it would be better if John placed most of the films in the locker except for those he was currently cataloging. John said that as films are cataloged, they will be moved to the locker within the next six months.

John Sery proposed that the film the Phantom Express be shown as a special program either at the Weinberg Theatre in Frederick or at the AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring. An organist, Ray Brubacher, has volunteered to provide musical accompaniment for the presentation. John will investigate the arrangements with the theaters and report back to the board. Several Board members expressed their desire to see the Phantom Express film also placed in the storage locker pending the special showing.

There was no other business. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

May 14, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order shortly after 8 p.m.

Directors approved two new members, David Noss of Callaway, MD, who applied for regular membership, and Robert Randolph of Gaithersburg, who becomes a chapter only member.

Jay Creswell gave the Treasurer's report and reported that banquet made a profit of $105.

Bill Holdsworth reported that the 2003 slide contest winners have been posted on the chapter web site.

Jerry Hott raised the topic of the Kensington group working to open a railroad museum. Directors are unclear about the group's mission and what type of support the group seeks from the chapter. Director suggested that the group submit a short written proposal.

Directors apporved a motion to authorize Clay Moritz to make whatever arrangements he finds convenient to send the chapter's mailing list to the Washington Chapter for a one-time use in a mailing for the national convention in Baltimore.

Directors discussed broadening the "Foreign" category in the slide contest to include Canada and Mexico. They hope to solicit more entries in that category.

Directors decided that August 23 would be the first choice as a date for the chapter picnic. September 16 and 23 would be the alternate dates. Jerry Hott will contact the city of Gaithersburg.

Directors discussed the Flack film collection. The board is concerned that the films aren't stored in the chapter locker.

No trains were visible from the meeting room.

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

April 9, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:25 p.m.

Directors discussed the recent banquet. Consensus was that the event went well. The speaker was excellent. The food and the service were good. The only drawback was that the room wasn't ideal for audio-visual presentations.

Jay Creswell reported that he plans to discontinue the long distance service on the chapter phone. Instead, the chapter will purchase a calling card to use for its rare long distance calls.

John Sery suggested that the chapter enlarge a photo of President Harry Truman aboard a train at Silver Spring for display in the station. Directors suggested that he bring in a copy of the photo before they approve the expenditure.

John also suggested having a showing of the chapter's newly restored print of the film Phantom Express, with live organ accompaniment. He mentioned the Weinberg Theatre in Frederick and the Silver Theatre in Silver Spring as possibilities.

Bill Hopkins said that he would check with the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, regarding rumors that they plan to republish Western Maryland Steam Album.

Jerry Hott reported on the national directors' meeting. The national organization is thinking of starting a speakers bureau. The controversay regarding the Alco historical photo collection appears headed to court. The B&O Museum will make a special presentation at the NRHS convention in July. Minneapolis will host the 2004 convention. Portland (OR) will host the 2005 convention.

Directors approved a motion that the chapter's copy of the film Phantom Express be kept in the storage locker with other chapter materials.

Two eastbound and two westbound trains passed during the meeting.

The meeting adjourned about 9:42 p.m.

March 18, 2003 (Special)

Directors approved Robert H. Rudolph of Gaithersburg as a new member of the chapter.

Directors approved a motion to recommend to the membership that they authorize up to $1,000 to match donations made to the B&O Museum restoration fund between now and the May membership meeting.

Directors approved a motion to limit to 12 the door prizes awarded via drawing. The rest of the donated prizes would be free to takers at the end of the banquet.

March 12, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.

Directors approved a motion to authorize showing the first place winners from the slide contest at the chapter banquet. Bob Cohen cast the lone dissenting vote.

Directors approved a motion to recommend to the membership that they authorize an additional $280 for our 16mm copy of the 1925 film, Phantom Express -- provided that the related paperwork is in order. The chapter donated the film to the American Film Institute collection at the Library of Congress for preservation. The chapter originally authorized $400 so that the library would make an extra copy for the chapter.

Directors approved a motion to use the door prizes at the chapter banquet to raise funds for the B&O Museum restoration fund. Guests would be allowed to choose a door prize in return for a minimum donation of $5. The sales agent is authorized to increase the minimum required for some door prizes. The roof of the roundhouse at the B&O Museum collapsed in the snowstorm of February 16.

Directors approved a motion to recommend to the membership that they authorize funds to match donations made to the B&O Museum restoration fund at the banquet.

Bill Holdsworth reported that he has received no response from the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, regarding his email asking whether they were planning to republish Western Maryland Steam Album. Bill Hopkins and Gordy have not discussed the matter with members of the organization.

Three eastbound trains passed during the meeting.

The meeting adjourned about 9:45 p.m.

February 12, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:31 p.m.

Directors approved a motion to continue selling B&O Steam Finale Volume II to members at a price of $5 a book, with a maximum of 20, until June 30. John Sery suggested that the policy be announced at the membership meeting.

Bill Holdsworth reported that he has received no response from the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, regarding his email asking whether they were planning to republish Western Maryland Steam Album. Bill Hopkins and Gordy thought that they would have an opportunity to discuss the matter with that organization's president in the next two weeks.

Directors discussed whether the chapter should explore using photographs from the Flack collection for a book with Morning Sun Books. The consensus was against the idea.

John Sery said that he was investigating an AFl-CIO building in White Oak as a potential site for membership meetings.

John Sery presented an invoice from the Library of Congress for $640. The $400 authorized by the chapter was insufficient to pay for the 16mm copy of the 1925 film, Phantom Express. The chapter donated the film to the American Film Institute collection at the Library of Congress for preservation. The library made an extra copy for the chapter. Directors agreed that the membership had to authorize the additional funds.

Directors approved Doug Koontz of Taneytown as a new member.

One westbound train and one eastbound train passed during the meeting.

The meeting adjourned about 9:40 p.m.

January 21, 2003 (Special)

Directors approved Tom Rogers of Reston as a new member of the chapter.

January 8, 2003

Gordy Bjoraker called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m.

Directors discussed the potential topics for the banquet speaker, Bill Howes. Directors thought that Bob Cohen should convey to Bill that any discussion of pre-Amtrak passenger service or Chessie steam specials would be welcome. Directors suggested that Wayne Sherwin prepare a certificate of appreciation for Bill.

Directors asked John Sery to investigate the possibility of holding the board meeting at the Silver Spring station in the future. John said that he would discuss the matter with Montgomery Preservation. John may have an answer by the January 21 membership meeting.

Directors discussed the possibility of changing the location of the membership meeting. Kensington Library has been mentioned, but its suitability is unclear. We will not be able to determine which dates for the second half of the year are available until their "open season" this spring. Published regulations imply that we might not be able to stay past 9 p.m. The board asked John Sery to research any alternate locations.

Directors approved a motion to authorize Jay Creswell to spend $180 to reserve the Montgomery County auditorium for July through December. The deposit is refundable with appropriate notice.

Directors, taking note of Bob Cohen's objections, approved a motion to continue selling B&O Steam Finale Volume II to members at a deeply discounted price. Any chapter member can buy a book for $5, provided he makes prior arrangements with Bob to pick up the book.

Jay Creswell gave the Treasurer's report. He estimated the deficit for 2002 at $5,500.

Bill Holdsworth asked for a copy of the key to the storage locker. Bob Cohen said that he would make a copy for Bill.

Bill Holdsworth suggested that the chapter rent a vendor table at the national convention. He proposed the chapter sell B&O Steam Finale Volume II, surplus books from the storage locker, and any books and videos donated by chapter members.

Jay Creswell raised a concern that another rail organization has suggested on its web site that it will reprint the chapter's book on Western Maryland steam.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.