River of Time Preparations Underway
August 26, 2007
By: Stephen Kent
Last Weeks program - August 21, 2007:
River Of Time and History of Women's Equality
Jan Rau, Chair of the River of Time committee of the Bay Country Historical Society, talked about the upcoming River of Time 2007, to be held September 28 and 30.
This will be the 17th year for the encampment in River Walk Park. The encampment is unique because it features a complete time line from Native American and French exploration days right up to World War II. This is one of the few encampments in the nation to follow the entire time line.
River of Time is open to the public without charge. It is put on as an educational experience to show history as it happened. Funding is provided by donations and sale of a historical booklet. The entire event is run by volunteers.
Each year the committee invites historical performers who represent figures like Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Lincoln, General Grant, and others. Historical music groups perform throughout the park. This year Derek Warfield will perform prior to a performance for Bay City's
Friend of Celtic Culture.
Rotarian Dee Dee Wacksman, dressed in her new "Bloomers" outfit, talked about the Women's equality movement. For years Dee Dee has been known for her mid 1800's hoop skirt outfit worn at River of Time and other historical events. The new outfit was named for Emily Bloomer, an important figure in the Women's movement, who championed more practical dress.
Elizabeth Katie Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are some of the best known names in the Women's movement. In Bay City, May Stocking Knaggs was the central figure. Both Anthony and Stanton made speaking appearances in Bay City during the 1870's. It is possible that one of them may have stayed with Knaggs in her Sheridan Street home.
The Women's suffrage movement started in the 1840's. After the Civil War the movement gained strength again. The Women's Suffrage Amendment to the Constitution was passed August 26, 1920 and the first national election that allowed Women to vote was November 1, 1920.
To learn more about Women's Equality, see
Dee Dee's Article from last week's MyBayCity.
Young reenactors cook apple fritters over an open fire.
CLUB NEWS
Alan Lafave, member of the
Hells Half Mile Film Festival committee, thanked the club for the recent
community grant. This funding has allowed the committee to expand it's search for films. Over 100 films were submitted. The funds were also used for additional publicity for the event.
In the spirit of the Rotary Year Theme "Rotary Shares", President Rob has started a food drive. Members are encouraged to bring a can of food, or donate cash, each week. The food will be distributed to local food pantries.
The district's inbound
Ambassadorial Scholar from Afghanistan has arrived in Mt. Pleasant where he'll attend CMU. The Mt. Pleasant club is helping furnish his apartment.
The club plans to hold a
membership drive in the next few months. Details will be announced soon.
A new printed
photo directory has been produced and is available from Steve Kent.
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org)
August 28
The need for mentors with foster children who are teens or have aged out of the system and under age drinking.
September 4
The upcoming library millage request
September 11
Club assembly
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
The International Night committee is meeting weekly at 11:00 am, right before the regular Club meeting. Volunteers are needed. Be sure to check the sign up cards.
Be sure to buy your tickets. Larry LaPorte distributed two tickets to all members.
We need about 140 more auction items over the next six weeks. The auction accounts for a third of the revenue!
The board has approved a Public Relations Officer position for the club, for which it will pay an honorarium.
The dictionaries will be delivered soon. See Chuck Cusick if you'd like to help.
Rob Monroe still needs a family to host our inbound exchange student Mariana from Mexico. Jeffrey Weenink's family, and Rob's family will host Mariana for the first and last three month period. A third family is needed for the middle period, which includes the Christmas holidays.
Breezes Reporters Wanted: If you'd like to help write the weekly Breezes please see Steve Kent. It's an easy job. No experience necessary. High Pay (well at least a lot of thanks).
Visit
RotaryBayCity.org,
web site of the Rotary Club of Bay City, Michigan