Base Meetings 1947-1957

The following comes from the 40th Anniversary Photo Directory, S.I.L. in Peru, 1986, pages 33 and 37.

April 5, 1947

Purpose of the base meeting: to discuss base finance and problems and to seek a solution for them, particularly because we are now some S/. 11,000 in debt (exchange rate about S/. 16 to the doller).

March 26, 1948

It was moved by Bob Schneider, seconded by Dr. Altig, that an entertainment fund be established, fed by the general fund, for entertaining friends in Lima and at the base. Carried. This is not for birthday parties. Invitations might be given by any member of the group, but it was asked that the power be used discriminately.

Because of the complete isolation of Peruvian workers as compared with the semi-civilized condition of Mexico workers, it is imperative that each Peru member write to the Lima office every two weeks. This need not be a letter..simply:

  1. Date
  2. Dear Lima Office
  3. We are all fine
  4. (signed)

March 22, 1948 (from the first Branch Conference)

"Questions regarding the jungle base were first discussed. Regarding the acquisition of the Aguaytia Hotel building, advantages and disadvantages of purchasing the building were discussed, the sites of Tzotziki near San Ramon and also of a lake near Pucallpa were considered, but both the latter sites were dropped in favor of the hotel."

August 7, 1949

Food: Elaine Townsend moved that persons being served individual portions shall have the right to give their portion to others. Titus Nickel seconded it. Discussion followed, during which it was decided that children should be served half portions of dessert. Carried. As for left over desserts in the refrigerator, any one could help themselves as they felt led.

September, 1949

The pets committee reported. Ken Watters moved that the final two conclusions be accepted, namely, "That the presence of any animal on the premises be subject to a majority vote of the members present at that time, and that all owners of pets should consult the base residents before bringing pets here. All pets must be excluded from group buildings, except by special permission. Carried unanimously.

October 20, 1949

The men in the group will take turns turning off lights for a week at a time. It was requested that, before a rain, all help in gathering in things.

1951

Juanita Goodall made a motion, seconded by Omer Bondurant that we buy six towels from Anita Price for S/. 50. Carried.

Dining room prices: Breakfast: S/.4.00, Lunch: S/.5.50, Supper: S/.4.50. The question to be reviewed in a month. It is agreed by all that the quality of the meals will be somewhat lowered. Moved and passed that Sunday noon and birthday meals cost S/.6.00.

Moved to adjourn to assemble again at 4 o'clock at the volley ball court.

March 13, 1952

Hibbards asked by letter to bring their dog to the base. Phil C. moved that the dog may come on trial. Seconded by Harold. Carried.

May 1, 1952

Beth Hinson with encouragement from Doc Eichenberger announced clinic hours: morning-natives, afternoon-base folk, Mentioned also was the possibility of arranging Saturday afternoons off for the clinic staff. This started considerable discussion regarding working hours, weekly woad reports, volley ball time, keeping the Sabbath, time off for jobs at thome, etc. The result of this light-hearted discussion, as far as the minutes secretary could tell, was a fairly general agreement that Judges 17:6 should be the recognized principle with the understanding that any member of our group should have a sufficiently enlightened conscience to avoid any abuse of liberty.

May 8, 1952

Moved by Beth Hison and seconded by Uncle Cam that the base services purchase a set of three flat irons with detachable handles. Moved by Phil Cheesman and seconded by Cal Hibbard that we accept with gratitude Anita Price's offer of the use of her stove for the heating of the irons.

May 15, 1952

Anito Price pointed out that fact that for cleanliness sake cockroaches are excluded from the base linen cupboard and therefore users should learn how to close the doors.

May 16, 1952

Children must not be allowed down at the swimming places without their parents or some adult requested by their parents to look after them. The orgin of this rule cannot be traced, but at the base meeting last night it was agreed by common consent that this should be our policy and that this should be published.

January 15, 1953

Arising out of the minutes..Titus Ncikel requested that people telephoning should always listen before making another call. Ken Watters suggested that they should also always ask first if the line is clear. Olive Shell said that she would like people to answer their telephone when called.

July 2, 1953

Moved and seconded that base meetings be held one a month only. Carried. Also that those family units not represented at the meetings are required to read and sign the bulletin board copy of the meeting minutes.

October 29, 1953

Jack Henderson requested permission to keep these [rabbits] at the base and allow them to multiply. In view of the fact that they did not offend by site or sound and only by smell if you live close enough, it was agreed that permission be granted.

January 14, 1954

Moved by Ken Watters and seconded by Esther Powlison that the Waters be allowed to keep one female rabbit and that they be allowed to allow her to become a mother. Carried.

May 27, 1954

Elaine Townsend explained that the making of a summary of the existing base rules had blossomed out into a full blown base handbook and this was ready for approval or correction by the base meeting.

August 12, 1954

As of now, all mail delivery to homes will be discontinued.

Dr. Altig suggested that all base residents re-read the base handbook.

We never know who is coming on the base, so always be prepared to greet strangers and to assist them in locating the person they want. Also if at all possible, please pass the word around by a general ring when a guest is on the base, telling something about him.

February 12th, 1955

Moved by E. Powlison, seconded by E. Townsend that this meeting recommend that the kitchen buy new salt containers for the dining room tables. It was suggested that the Nystroms look for suitable ones when in Lima. Carried.

Elain Townsend suggested that the group try to find a room for a museum.

March 12, 1955

The following were mentioned as items for thankfulness:
  1. the new salt shakers
  2. the new volley ball court
  3. the increased amount of vegetables available

May 12, 1955

Base Vehicles must not leave base without permission of base superintendent.

December 15, 1955

A reminder was given that there is a rule which states that chickens are to be penned up till 4 p.m. As this is a frequently mentioned subject, someone suggested open season on chickens loose before this hour.

Again we were asked to keep speeds down. Al Townsend advised us that we should only drive the vehicles on the roads, not down the foot paths. Larry M. cautioned that when driving down the runway we should stop and look before entering and then keep to the right.

Please do not take out small cash amounts from the cashier..such as ten soles several times a week.

March 15, 1956

A motion was made by Lee Kindberg that children under 15 yrs. of age ride motor cycles or motor scooters only with an adult or under the close supervision of an adult. Carried. After considerable group discussion, Jim Wroughton made a motion that a committee be appointed by Al to draw up traffic regulation for tricycles, bicycles, motor scooters and motorcycles. This was passed. Mary Ruth Wise moved that this committee be empowered and such regulations be in force after they have made and posted them. Carried. Traffic committee: Ray Hart, Cecil Hawkins and Lee Kindberg.

August 15, 1957

There was a discussion concerning free lemonade. By a show of hands it was decided to allow free lemonade for all who want it.

July 11, 1957

Beth Eichenberger requested that they be permitted to keep a donkey on the base. Moved and seconded that it be given a trial. CARRIED.

Prayer Meetings: Shall we continue with ladies' and mens' separately? Moved that we have a joint prayer meeting on Wednesday evening instead of two separate meetings each week. Carried. It was pointed out that there has been some slackness regarding coming to the prayer meetings on time. It was suggested that the devotional committee set the time for 8 o'clock and that a greater effort be made to get to the meeting on time.


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Updated January 14, 2002 A.D.