Retired Teacher Association Releases Minutes of September 15 Luncheon Meeting

Hardin County Retired Teacher Association President Madelyn Lowery welcomed 16 members and guests Dave Brutzer, Bev Craig, Amy Long, and Ellen Johnson to the September 15 luncheon meeting at noon at the Kenton Elks. She thanked the committee of Chr. Sandy Berry, Susan Dugan, Joan Mouser, and Pam Robinson for the beautiful tables and arrangements.

Sec. Norma Frederick shared a prayer sent from Chaplain Melanie Kindell before lunch. Sue Buroker and the Elks volunteer staff were thanked for the delicious lunch of chicken croissant, fruit cup, dessert, and beverage.

Following lunch, Lowery introduced David Brutzer who gave a slide show/video presentation as he demonstrated how to make useful items from copper and tin. He has collected equipment from 1838 through 1890 that you would need for production of items used mostly in the 1700s or 1800s. On this day he was demonstrating the steps to make a copper colonial side pour boiler.

Brutzer displayed a variety of his wares on a table including lamps, mugs, and flasks which he sells within his business of Tymochtee Creek Tin and Copper Company. His work is well known throughout historical re-enactors. There are very few people who are doing this work in Ohio and fewer who are wanting to apprentice in this art. He said that the work involves the use of math and the right antique equipment.

The antique equipment has been bought in various places. He will also trade equipment to obtain the pieces he needs. He does buy old equipment in order to get any parts to fix what he owns presently. He can buy copper sheets which has skyrocketed in price. He discussed his bar fold machine and set down equipment. Of his various wares that he makes, a small personal flask with a cork is a big seller. A flask with a screw lid was not period appropriate so he has learned to research what is needed.

Brutzer sells his wares through word of mouth. He also attends a trade fair in Xenia in the first weekend of March. Another favorite market is found at Kalamazoo, MI.

Brutzer’s presentation was followed with a question/answer session. Pres. Lowery led the group in thanking him for this information in crafting copper and tin utensils. The business meeting began with Sec. Norma Frederick reading the May 19 minutes. They were approved. Treas. Joan Mouser gave her report. She is collecting dues which is $10 for HCRTA and $30 for ORTA for 2024. She also read a thank you from the Hardin Northern Public Library for HCRTA’s donation to be used for their summer reading program.

In other committee news, Ruth Ann Poling has retired as the membership chairman so a volunteer is requested for that position. A volunteer is requested as a co-treasurer to help Joan Mouser.

The attendees reported a total of 395 volunteer hours since the last meeting. These can be from school or church or anything in the community. The attendees also donated $95 to add to the HCRTA Scholarship Fund. Some members were unable to attend so cards could be sent to Keitha Dugan, Melanie Kindell, and Donna Myers.

The members gathered donations for Mary Roby, who directs Angels for the Elderly in Hardin County.

Pres. Lowery reminded all that the next meeting will be Friday, October 20, at the Kenton Elks at noon. The hostess committee will be Chrs. Joyce and Mike Hubbell, Billie Thompson, and Pat Ritchey. All are encouraged to attend as we will enjoy a concert from one of the Kenton City School choirs and learn about a salt spa.

For October 20, Pres. Lowery reminded to bring wrapped candy that will be shared in appreciation of teachers at each of the county schools. Norma Frederick will be gathering any donations of socks and/or slippers and underwear for students‘ Christmas gifts as prepared for clients at Helping Hands. Having no other business, Sec. Frederick read a closing prayer as sent by Chaplain Melanie Kindell. All were dismissed and wished safe travels.