SHGAPE Council Minutes
April 12, 1991

President Leslie H. Fishel, Jr., called the Council of the Society for Historians of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era to order at 5:00 p.m., on April 12, 1991. The Council met in the Corn Island Room, Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky. The following, in addition to President Fishel, were present: Charles Calhoun, Roger Daniels, Stacy Rozek, Ruth Crocker, Peter Wallenstein, and Roger Bridges. The Council accepted the agenda as presented by the President. Charles Calhoun moved the acceptance of the December 28, 1990, Minutes as corrected. Daniels seconded; motion carried.

The Secretary-Treasurer reported that there was a balance in the Treasury is of $1861.34. He noted there were no outstanding bills. He reported that membership remained at approximately 135-140 members (he inadvertently left the membership report in his office).

Bridges moved that SHGAPE memberships run from January 1 to December 31; renewal notices to be sent on December 1 for the following year. Those who had not renewed by April 1 will be considered to have allowed their membership to lapse. All who join before September 1 will be considered members for a full year and they will be expected to renew the following December. Those who join after September 1 will be considered members for the following year ending December 31. Daniels seconded; motion carried.

In the subsequent discussion of membership, council members and others were urged to promote membership by their colleagues in the field. The secretary was encouraged to prepare the prospective membership list, sorted by states, and distribute it to all Council Members. Council Members will then be encouraged to scrutinize the list, add to it, and invite those they know, and/or those in their vicinity, to become members.

After some discussion concerning the possibility of getting the newsletter started, Mr. Fishel agreed to edit it. Bob Cherny has volunteered his services, and those of a graduate student to see the newsletter through the printing process. It will then be shipped to Fremont for distribution to members. The first issue should be in the mail by the beginning of October and the second before the OAH meeting in the spring.

Roger Daniels reported for the Prize Committee and moved the adoption of the recommendations of the committee. The report was amended to have the committee decide how and when to announce the winner. Calhoun seconded, motion carried.

Charles Calhoun for the program committee reported that Ed Crapol will do a major historiographic profile on diplomatic history at the AHA in 1992. Calhoun reported he talked to someone who was working on a program entitled "Midwestern Women and Progressive Reform" for the OAH meeting in 1992 and that we would co-sponsor, or sponsor if not accepted by the OAH. There was additional discussion of having a luncheon and presidential address at the AHA meeting. It was unanimously decided to arrange this for the next AHA meeting.

Charles Calhoun, in the absence of members from the nominating committee, reported the following nominations:

Vice-President/President Elect: Roger Daniels, University of Cincinnati

Council Members: Ruth Crocker, Auburn University

Harold D. Langley, Smithsonian, Museum of American History (3 year terms)

Stacy Rozek, Graduate Student, University of Texas (1year term)

Charles Calhoun will succeed Les Fishel as President. The election ballot will be distributed in September. New officers will assume office at the AHA meeting.

President Fishel then adjourned the Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. to attend the SHGAPE reception in the Dorset Room. The next meeting of the Council will be at the AHA in December 1991.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger D. Bridges
Secretary-Treasurer

Approved 04/12/97