More color for the magazine!

Membership dues are being raised, effective November 1, to $30.00 per year. This $5.00 increase will allow us to have more color in the Magazine. The color we did this year was the one thing about the Magazine that was most remarked upon in the questionnaire. People have told me repeatedly that they want more of it. The questionnaires are overwhelmingly in favor of it, and members at the Cincinnati Conference had no objections. (About 20% of the members have sent us the questionnaire. If you have not, please do so!) People think that it is time we put as good a face as possible on our Magazine, since it is the principal representation of the Society not only to most members but to others who may be interested in helping us.

What does this mean? We will add color as often as it is justified based on the subjects being covered and the availability of appropriate images. If we said that color would always be used, we could hardly use a cover image dated earlier than 1960. Therefore, color will be used appropriately. Some issues will not have it, and some will, but now we have the flexibility to do it as needed. We also have to catch up financially from the color issues of 1999. These were not funded, so I have to pay back funds already expended. If you have color photos that you think might be good for publication, please let Fr. Sam Scott know. I would like every issue to have some color, but you can be sure it will not be put in just for "bragging rights" or to satisfy a misperception that we have to have it. Your increased payments will be judiciously and wisely used.

As the fall arrives we are hopeful that model sales will pick up: the N-gauge 3-bay hopper (due late September/early October), the rest of the HO Atlas early "for Progress" cars (due shortly), and the GP30s (here now), as well as the Berwind hoppers (available now).

With the arrival of fall we are increasing our fund raising efforts. We are still strapped for cash to do new projects for next year, which have to be put in development during the winter, so if you can see your way clear to raise the level of your membership, it can be put to very good use. Rates are: Sustaining $55.00; Contributing $75.00; CandO Club $100.00; Alleghany Associates $250.00; Chessie Patron $500.00; and Commanderin-Chief $1,000.00 and over. Last year we were successful in getting funds needed to sustain operations and retire debt, and I hope that all those contributing last year can at least continue at the same level.

Copyright Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society, Inc. Sep 1999
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