Re: C&S n.g. Hisorical Society

The C&S Narrow Gauge Historical Society started around 1995. It was fairly active at first, but after a year or so, things began to deteriorate. There was dissent between the President and the rest of the directors, and all resigned except the President. He appointed successors (there were never elections). The second year's dues were paid by many, and $100 contributions were solicited (and received from at least 21 people)to help make the society solvent. Then, no activity for about a year and a half. After receiving only two newsletters since renewing, with no other activities, members received a notice that they were "past due." Last I heard, C&S NG Hist. Society President Paul Howald was still running the organization, but it didn't sound like there was any activity. To my knowledge, nobody ever was able to receive any information from the President accounting for the money paid for dues or donations.
Shortly after, a group of people from the DSP&P e-mail list (currently active on eGroups at [www.egroups.com]) met at the 1998 Narrow Gauge Convention in Colorado Springs to start the Denver South Park and Pacific Historical Society. This organization has been slow in growing, but is still active. Our bylaws require regular elections, so members have some control over all director positions. We've had two conventions (1999 in Fairlpay, 2000 in Gunnison), and 5 issues of our newsletter. We also sponsored the 1999 Sn3 Symposium in Lakewood, CO. The next convention will be in Idaho Springs in August. Dues are presently $10 for four issues of the newsletter (approximately one year). They will go up next year to support improvements to the newsletter and possibly fund historic preservation. Unlike the C&S society, we hold regular elections
Membership information can be obtained from President Cliff Mestel cmestel@chaffee.net">(cmestel@chaffee.net).