CDBA Meeting Minutes 02-07-2005

Members Present:

Jack Connell
Jim Moran
Dan Crowther
Sarah Ritchie
John Ackner

Jim and Sarah discussed methods of increasing WebForge (CDBA's Blacksmithing Forum) traffic. Sarah suggested “Seeding” the forum with any and all questions from ourselves and our members to try to stimulate traffic.

Age of Iron Coordination with Berkshire Blacksmiths

• Jim updated us on Berkshire ’s next meeting date (02/19/2005 – 1pm) and that Bill Senseney was heading up the group again.
• Sarah indicated that Dan and herself would not be able to attend.  Jim then offered to relay CDBA information to Berkshire regarding our participation in Green Coal and assisting with the Saturday evening cookout.
• Dan updated Jim about a 11^th Century AD Norse iron smelt whose planning was underway with Brian Emery in Fall 2004.  Jim indicated that Brian had moved to Maine and was probably unable to be a liaison for the smelt arrangements.  Dan then filled Jim in with regard to Smelting needs at Age of Iron
  • 2’x2’x1’ pit.
  • Setup out back by the fence and brick outhouse
  • Need to stay on grounds to tend smelter
  • Will start prep on Friday
• Sarah indicated that staffing issues for Green Coal were very important since, two of the previous Green Coal demonstrators would be working at the smelt.  Additionally, there would definitely be a relief shift, and a teach the teacher date this year.

Andy left word that CDBA Hats are on their way.  New T-Shirts will be dark grey with white letters.

The CDBA Calendar was covered point by point to make sure updates were occurring.

John Ackner indicated that last CDBA even there was in April.  Group decided to keep the event in the same month this year.  John will check on precise date in April for Mabee Farm.

CDBA will provide a blacksmith for the Ten Broeck Mansion Living History Day 5/5/2005?  [Actual date was discovered to be 5/1/2005 – Secretary]  A request for a CDBA member to demo at Broek will be posted request at the same time as Hancock Green coal demo signup.

Jack questioned what the status was of CDBA signs for events such as the Ten Broeck demo.  Sarah replied that it had been considered but it was very expensive, remembering a price of around $140.  Jack offered to convert some of the signs he made for Age of Iron to CDBA signs suitable for our public demos.