Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 9/15/2020
Item Status: Replacement
From: Felisha Anderson, Archives Director
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Archives Director
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
*Acceptance of the Latham Post Office and Transporting the Post Office to Bicentennial Park
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
To promote Baldwin County’s history and to preserve the Latham Post Office at the Baldwin County’s Bicentennial Park take the following actions:
1) Accept the donation of the Latham Post Office located at 60075 State Highway 59, Stockton, AL and owned by Joseph Nelson and Ruth Nelson Sherrell; and
2) Authorize the Chairman and the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History to execute the Deed of Gift transferring the ownership of the Latham Post Office from Joseph Nelson and Ruth Nelson Sherrell, IRS Form 8283, and any other documents related to the donation of the property; and
3) Authorize the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History to facilitate the move of the Latham Post Office from the property located at 60075 State Highway 59, Stockton, AL to be relocated at Bicentennial Park.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N
Background:
Replacement Item - additional authorization added to approve IRS Form 8283.
The Latham Post Office was established in the year of 1878. The first Postmaster was Mrs. Henry Cooper, whose husband was the son of the Latham Cooper, the person for whom the town of Latham was named. Latham Cooper was a native of New York state and settled in Mobile. He kept the custom house there for years. His son Henry Cooper married Lucinda Fickling and came to Latham to live. He made his home with his son until he moved to Arkansas, to spend his last days with a daughter, Mrs. Mary Butler. Mrs. Henry Cooper died in 1884 and Miss Mollie McGowan succeeded her as Postmaster, and served until her marriage to Rufus Bryars, in January 1901. Guy McGowan her brother was Postmaster until July 15, 1901, when Miss Virginia Ferguson accepted the office and served until, she retired. Her niece Miss Luella Ferguson succeeded her February 1, 1940 and served until August 22, 1942. Mrs. Bessie N. Coghlan was appointed Postmaster August 23, 1942 and served until December 3, 1959. She retired on disability because of leukemia and died March 15, 1960. During her illness Miss Luella Ferguson served as assistant Postmaster. The office was discontinued on February 29, 1960 and moved to Stockton, Alabama. There was no one to accept the office was the reason for it being moved.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $23,500.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 57239.5150
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? This expense was budgeted as part of the Phase 1 project for Bicentennial in 57239.5500 and since this particular expenditure does not meet the capital threshold the funds will be moved to 57239.5150 to meet accounting standards.
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
Y
Reviewed/approved by: Reviewed by County Attorney 09/08/20.
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History, Junius Long, Maintenance Director will facilitate and implement the following:
1) Deed of Gift
2) IRS Form 8283 Noncash Charitable Contribution
3) Move and conservation of the Latham Post Office at Bicentennial Park
Administration mail correspondence with the Commissioners decision to Joseph Nelson and Ruth Nelson Sherrell
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed):
Ms. Ruth E. Nelson Sherrell
60075 State Highway 59
Stockton, AL 36579
Mr. Joseph Nelson
60075 State Highway 59
Stockton, AL 36579
Additional instructions/notes: N/A