Ona Brasington, Presider, introduced her son, Bill Brasington, who gave a presentation on the life of Conrad Weiser and how his endeavors affected our Bradford County and state history. In 1709 he arrived in England as a German refugee following French invasions. He then came to New York State with his family who settled near Syracuse. He grew up with the Mohawk Indians where he learned the language and culture. Because of land disputes, his family moved to Berks County, Pennsylvania which was the beginning of the Pennsylvania Dutch settlements in the Lancaster area. In February of 1723, Conrad Weiser and his travelling companion, Stoffel Stump, started their 6-week trek north to Onondaga. They met up with an Oneida Chief Shikellamy near Shamokin who accompanied them as they made the treacherous trip north enduring and barely surviving sub-zero temperatures, high snowfall amounts, starvation, and life-threatening injuries before arriving at their destination, the Iroquois capital of Onondaga. Their trek basically followed the Susquehanna and other water ways taking them through several present day locations such as Montoursville, Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming Creek, Towanda Creek, Oscaluwa, Tioga Point and others into New York State. Over the years, he was successful in promoting peace between the Native Americans and English colonists.
At the conclusion of Mr. Brasington’s presentation, there was a brief time for discussion and questions.
Each year the Thursday Study Club donates books in memory of club members who have passed away. Abby Werlock gave an interesting reading about the life history of Sibyl Pyle. Because of her musical education and talents, the club donated the following books to the Allen F. Pierce Library in Sibyl’s memory:
Introduction to Music Education by Charles Hoffer, The Music Teacher’s First Year: Tales of Challenge, Joy, and Triumph by Beth Patterson, and Integrating Technology with Music Instruction by Alfred Publishing Staff.
President Sheila Wilcox opened the meeting with club members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. The minutes of the April meeting were read and approved as was the treasurer’s report.
Pat Yearick, Town Beautification Chair, shared that Pat Rogers, Linda Nickerson, Carol Ulmer, and Judy Warn would be planting the bridge planters in the next few days. She asked for volunteers to help with watering the plants through the summer months.
Pat Yearick, Caring and Sharing Chair, also reported sending six birthday cards and Happy Birthday was sung to celebrate the May birthdays. Additionally, two sympathy cards and three get well cards were sent to members. It was reported that Fran Homet is recuperating slowly and would appreciate cards to cheer her up. Peg Cobleigh is recuperating from a recent fall and would also appreciate cards.
Each year the Thursday Study Club presents a scholarship to a Troy High School graduating senior who is pursuing a music vocation or avocation. This year’s recipient is Emily Lathrop. Congratulations and best wishes were given for her future endeavors.
Linda Nickerson presented the nominations for 2015 - 2016 officers as follows:
Treasurer, Joan Sinnegen; Secretary, Brenda Brewer; Vice President, Carol Lane; President, Pat Rogers. The nominations were accepted as given with appropriate motions and all were in favor with an affirmative voice vote. A round of applause was given to outgoing President Sheila Wilcox for her dedicated service.
Fran Gardiner reported the three new members voted on at the April meeting were: Karen Gilliland, Susan Storch, and Carol Zuber. The Club looks forward to welcoming them at our September meeting.
Carol Lane reminded members to sign up for any committees they wish to take part in for the upcoming 2015-2016 year and to let the planning committees know if there are certain months that the member would be away and unable to serve on the refreshment committee or as hostess. There were also lists circulated for members to submit program suggestions for the next year.
Eunice Wilston thanked the club for their kind expressions of sympathy following her brother David Forrest’s passing. Louise Williams also thanked everyone for all their efforts in campaigning and voting at the recent primary elections for Evan Williams, Bradford County judge.
President Sheila reminded the club that the June meeting will be held at Woodburn, Armenia Mountain, at noon on June 18th. The luncheon will be catered by Fran Martin with the fee payable upon arrival. Abby Werlock will give the presentation on “The History of Woodburn”.