Meeting Minutes
SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF MUSIC HALL
The Annual Meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall was called to order by President
Norma Petersen at 5:45 p.m. on the main stage at Music Hall on Monday, September 8, 2003. Norma greeted the many members and guests to the annual meeting of this, the 125th Anniversary of Cincinnati Music Hall.
Norma asked for a moment of silence in which to remember three trustees who passed away during this
past year, Gary Mack, Mel Schulman, and co-founder Jean Reis. They were much loved and will be sorely
missed.
Norma thanked Cincinnati Arts Association for the cooperative spirit in which they have entered into
all of the special activities of the 125th Anniversary year. She was pleased to report fine cooperation
from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Ballet, as well.
Barbara Hahn and Eileen Knollman were recognized for chairing the annual meeting. Dudley Taft and
Friends (Tom Vanden Eynden, Chris Smith, Joe Lukasik, and Jock Lawrence) were thanked for their
spirited musical performance onstage.
Christopher Buchanan was named as the new editor of Music Hall Marks.
Joyce Holmes, Corresponding Secretary, reported acknowledging donations from 510 donors during
the past year and a half. This number shows both the great number of people making contributions
to Music Hall, and Joyce's scrupulous care in writing acknowledgments. Joyce has generously
contributed to SPMH the total cost of the postage for this correspondence.
The Painted Violin project, which has garnered such fine publicity for Music Hall's 125th Anniversary,
will culminate in the final opening of bids on September 20.
Bob Howes, SPMH archivist, presented a brief history of documents relating to the early days of Music
Hall. He reported that permanent space to exhibit certain of these documents will be constructed on
the southeast corner of the second floor Music Hall Promenade. The first exhibit, targeted for opening
sometime in October, will pertain to the building of Music Hall--its inception and construction. It will
be presented in collaboration with the Cincinnati Historical Society. Bob acknowledged the following
individuals whose enthusiasm and expertise have made the project possible: from SPMH, Norma
Petersen, Mace Justice, Martha Seaman, Barbara Boyd, Walter Langsam, Louis Thomas, and Ethan
Stanley. From the Museum Center, Maggie Heran, Jane MacKnight, Scott Gampher, Ann Kling,
Phyllis Zarnorski, and the librarians in the Historical Society's Reading Room.
Mayor Charlie Luken then read a proclamation proclaiming September 8, 2003, as Music Hall Day
in Cincinnati. The mayor pledged that the city will continue to work to preserve Music Hall.
Joyce Holmes then presented the Nominating Committee report: Nominated to serve three-years
term beginning September 2003, through September 2006:
Nominated to serve renewing three-year-terms:
• Barbara Harshman
Nominated to served as officers for 2003-2004:
• President: Norma Petersen
Nominated to serve as HONORARY MEMBERS of the Board:
• Judy Bertke
Upon motion duly made and seconded, this slate of board members and officers was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Annual Meeting September 8, 2003
• Marlesa (Marci) Gray
• Dan Lorey
• Peggy Snyder (Tour Guide Chair).
• Karen McKim
• Sue Sommer (Liaison - ushers).
• Vice President: Barbara Harshman
• Vice President: Sylvia Benjamin
• Vice President: Barbara Hahn
• Recording Secretary: Karen McKim
• Corresponding Co-secretaries: Dorothy R. Lewis and Martha S. Seaman
• Treasurer: Julia Stephen
• Assistant Treasurer: Joyce VanWye
• Joyce S. Holmes
• Alberta Marsh