Thirty-two attended the annual corporation meeting and appreciation supper of the Garnavillo Historical Society held November 12 at the Thomas Dairy Bar & Cafe. A fine soup and sandwich meal was served to volunteers and members present.
Following the meal, a brief program highlighting Garnavillo’s early history as High Prairie and Jacksonville was presented by Society member, Jane Thein. The back and forth county seat battles from 1840-1868 between Garnavillo, Elkader, Guttenberg and McGregor provided interesting subject matter, along with some of the very early settlers.
During the business meeting, President Lanny Kuehl highlighted the society’s accomplishments in 2019: the lodge hall was opened for visitors, the light project at the museum had been completed, along with a new furnace and air conditioning, there was new exterior signage for the buildings along with some new displays. Recorded visitors were up 100 from the previous year. The operating budget for 2020 was approved. Election was held for board of directors. The Board of Directors for 2020 are President Lanny Kuehl, Vice-President Carol DeSotel, Secretary/Treasurer Jane Thein, and Directors David Beck, Ron Kaiser, Ky Clefisch and June Wolter. President Kuehl expressed appreciation to Cheryl Wirkler for her 6 years of service on the board.
The evening concluded with the drawing of a door prize won by Lee Lenth.
