The Founding Meeting
A historic ninety-minute meeting took place starting at noon sharp on December 12, 1997, at the Dock Restaurant in Wickliffe, Ohio. The purpose of this meeting was to determine if the group assembled was interested in becoming founders of a new Civil War Round Table. The interest and desire was unanimous! Six of the seven Founders were in attendance that afternoon.
The Founding Seven
The Founding Seven
- Robert E. Battisti, Sr.
- Robert R. Baucher
- Robert N. Bayless
- Norton London
- Earnest Safran
- Joseph E. Tirpak
- Frank A. Yannucci
Items Discussed and Resolved at the Initial Meeting
- Official Name: Northeast Ohio Civil War Round Table
- Charter Member: New members who joined the NEOCWRT starting January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998, would be recorded with a special designation as “Charter Member.”
- Constitution: Bob Baucher and Bob Bayless volunteered to draft a Constitution for the next meeting scheduled for January 15, 1998. This follow-up meeting was designated as a business meeting to continue the planning and launch of the new Round Table scheduled for April 14, 1998. The Constitution was approved pending minor modifications.
- Officers and Executive Committee: Joe Tirpak was selected to serve as the first President of the new group. Each of the Founders was to serve as President for one year. The rotation for President was in order of joining the Cleveland Round Table. Each Founder was either a prior or current member. The seven Founders were also members of the Executive Committee.
Decisions and Assignments from the Historic First Meeting
- Norton London – to determine Round Table legal requirements
- Bob Baucher – 1st Speaker, April 14, 1998, kick-off meeting
- Bob Battisti – Vice President and Secretary
- Bob Bayless – Vice President and Treasurer
- Ernie Safran – Vice President, Chief Photographer, & Podium Builder
- Frank Yannucci – Vice President and Legendary Quote Maker
- Bob & Natalie Bayless – Artwork and Logo
- Bob Bayless – Editor, THE COURIER
- Dues: not determined; however, each Founder contributed $10.00. The Treasury stood at $70.00
- Joe Tirpak – to design and develop a Membership Application
Moving Forward
Each of us had our respective assignments and we eagerly looked forward to the challenge of making this dream become a reality. The first meeting of potential new members was held on the second Tuesday of April 1998. Bob Baucher spoke on: “The Gathering Storm.” The meeting included fifteen members and guests and was deemed a great success.
Field Trips and Traditions
Our first Fall Field Trip was to Shiloh. Stacy Allen, Chief Historian of the Shiloh Battlefield, served as our official Tour Guide. Norty London served as our “Supreme Field Commander.” Our new battle cry was born out of thirst on this field trip. Founder Frank Yannucci uttered his famous quote, which lives in infamy: “Salad! The hell with salad, bring us some BEER!”
A Remarkable First Year
In December of 1998, we closed our first year with a real coup and national treasure, Edwin Cole Bearss as our guest speaker. His presentation: “The High-water Mark of the Confederacy: July 2, 1863.” Membership at year-end stood at twenty-three total members. This included the seven Founders and the sixteen Charter Members. The Founders were honored with a beautifully framed plaque presented by Ed Bearss. Our sincere thanks to Bob and Natalie Bayless for this very meaningful gift.
Our Enduring Vision
Yes! We had a dream. The dream is now a reality. For this we are truly grateful. Our goal was simple: “To become the Best Little Round Table in the Country.” We truly believe we have succeeded.
— The Founders