Association Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2017 – Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

Friday, January 27, 2016

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center on Friday, November 18 at 12 pm. Present at the meeting were Larry Bishop, Scott Bowen, Grace Bradshaw, Joe Brown, Robert Chapman, Gretchen Cope, Madison Edwards, Pam Eddy, Buford Ervin, Nick Fitzimmons, Larry Fleenor, Joe Fuller, Leton Harding, Megan Krager, Bob McConnell, Wanda McConnell, John Mullen, Joy Mullen, Randell Rauch, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Joan Short, Ron Short, Dale Taylor, Ruble Taylor, Mary Trigiani, and Gary Williams.

Pam Eddy introduced Nick Fitzimmons, who was currently serving as an intern at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Buford Ervin and Adriana Trigiani from Powell Valley National Bank were also introduced.

Approval of Minutes from November meeting:

Bob McConnell moved that the minutes be approved as written. John Mullen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Summary Report:

Joe Fuller delivered the treasurer’s report. A copy of the report is kept on file in the secretary’s archives.

Benny Reed moved that the financials be approved. Barbara Reed seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Ron Short reported that a check for $4,800, a grant to be used for educational programs, was in the mail and should be arriving at any time.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center Report:

Bob reported that the site preparation was underway and that construction should begin after completion. He added that the expected time for construction was right at one year.

Bob added that there was an opportunity for those that would like to donate exhibit items or money to purchase exhibit items.

Park Reports:

Pam Eddy reported that Cumberland Gap National Park was offering a series of workshops and similar programs that focus on what it’s like to be a park ranger.

Scott Bowen reported that the parks visitation was up and that they had a lot of upcoming programs and special events.

Program:

Powder Horn Contruction – Randy Rauche

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business:

There was no new business.

Announcements:

There were no announcements.

Adjournment:

Bob McConnell moved to adjourn the meeting. John Mullen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

About the book: The Blockhouse On The Holston

The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association has published a history of the Blockhouse that was built in 1775 on the North Fork of the Holston by John Anderson. His fortified home became a landmark along the road west, the Wilderness Road, marked by Daniel Boone that same year. Over the next thirty years, some 300,000 people passed Anderson’s home on their journey through Cumberland Gap and on into what would become the state of Kentucky, and further westward.

William L. Anderson, a direct descendant of John, has written a well-researched book that tells the story, the history of the home that became known to posterity as “The Blockhouse,” and its part in the expansion westward of our new nation. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association is proud to offer this book that tells, for the first time in such detail, the very significant part played in our nation’s history by the pioneer settlers of the western frontier during the last quarter of the eighteenth century.

Also included in the book are many brief biographies of significant players in the story, maps, an article on Fort Blackmore, and the diary of early explorer Dr. Thomas Walker.

The book may be purchased for $19.95 at Natural Tunnel State Park at the Visitor’s Center and at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse Interpretive Center (276-940-2674) and at the law offices of Lisa Ann McConnell in Duffield. Or contact Robert E. McConnell at roberte@mounet.com or 276-452-4520

About the book: The Blockhouse On The Holston