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TIGS Monthly Meeting Notes
March, 2005

The Troy Irish Genealogy Society did meet on Wednesday, March 16th, at the Capital District Celtic Cultural Center in Troy. Attending the meeting were Eileen and Rich Shea, Lizette Strait, Marialice Mangan, Kay Brearton, Mike McAlonie, Kristin Ayotte, Donna Vaughn, Carol Waldron, Ed Dyer, Rebecca Rector and first time attendee, Marilyn Mahoney. Marilyn, a very active list member, drove over from Boston to attend the meeting.

The meeting was called to order by acting Chairperson, Kristin Ayotte and the group agreed that the first item of business would be Donna Vaughn’s’ presentation on Green Island.

They were not disappointed, Donna had put a lot of time and talent into her presentation and all enjoyed it. Even her props were in keeping with the presentation; she rested her material on an antique easel that had belonged to her paternal grandfather , William Knight. Her maternal grandfather, James Butler was at one time the Town Supervisor of Green Island. Interesting facts were presented such as in 1708 it was originally called “ Turkee Farm Green Island”, then in the 1800’s it was called “ Tibbits Island”, and finally incorporated in 1853 as the Village of Green Island. The first bridge constructed to reach it was a covered wooden bridge in 1835, later destroyed by a fire in 1862. A battle of the French and Indian War was fought near Green Island. Green Island had its own newspaper, the “Green Island Review” from 1879 – 1884. Donna brought with her a copy of the only existing issue from 12/7/1883. The Island at one time had its own airport near the land known as “The Prairie,” used exclusively for Ford Motor Co.; and Prediger’s Bakery was originally known as “the Miller House”.

I have only touched a few of the interesting facts presented to the group. Donna brought yearbooks from the high school, allowing us a peek at a much younger Donna during her high school years. Donna will forward some history of Green Island to Jeanne for posting to the website. We want to thank Donna for a fact-filled, well prepared presentation.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Members Projects – Bill McGrath is sunning in Florida, we will get an update upon his return.

Website Update – Jeanne Keefe was unable to attend, update at next meeting.

Tours – Nothing currently planned or to be reported on.

Group Resources – Donna reports there is no current activity.

Report from List Administrator – Donna reports that we have 88 list members and 5 Digest only members.

Links to other websites – Kristin tells the group that the TIGS website is now linked to Cyndis List. Inputting “Troy Irish Genealogy” into a search engine does pull it up under several other sites.

Meeting Room Discussion – CDCCC has reportedly moved or is in the process of leaving the building where the meetings have been held. Donna Vaughn volunteered to check with the Troy Public Library for availability and Ed Dyer volunteered to check with Troy City Hall. They will post to the list prior to the next meeting with their results.

Genealogy Table – Marilyn Mahoney had brought information for Mike McAlonie based on some of his postings to list. They believe they have found some family connection. Marilyn was kind enough to bring copies of her work that she was able to give to Mike. Kristin reminded the group of the importance of visiting and speaking with elderly relatives. She had just spent a weekend with her husbands’ 90 and 92 year old Aunts and an Uncle who will turn 100 on March 19 th. They shared names and dates they recalled and had pictures of ancestors that could be copied.

 

NEW BUSINESS 

Nomination and Election of Officers – Donna Vaughn volunteered to be a Nominating Committee; there were no other volunteers. Members will contact Donna on or off list, which ever they are comfortable with, to nominate a member for office. A slate of nominees will be presented at the next meeting and elections will take place following that meeting. Elected members will take office in time for the June meeti

Co-Chairs for upcoming meetings – Lizette Strait volunteered to chair the next meeting. May is still open for a volunteer.

Future Presentations – Members were asked to consider putting together a presentation for a future meeting. In the past Jeanne Keefe and Lizette Strait had entertained the group and at this meeting Donna Vaughn did the same. Members were asked to consider putting togegther a topic of their choice, related to genealogy, resources, Troy and its surrounding communities and perhaps their own family history.

The meeting was closed and several members went for a great cup of soup at the Illium Café, a great example of Troy’s using the old to become new again. The Café is located on Broadway in one of Troy’s oldest buildings. The architecture and original murals are a sight to see and enjoy.

           Kris Cooney-Ayotte

 
 

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