Jay Pfaender introduced the program by prompting members to recall their own youthful "cave exploration" adventures. Subterranean St. Paul with guest speaker, author and geologist Greg Brick. Greg's fascination with caves began in his youth and lead him to be exploring the many underground features of the St. Paul and Mississippi Valley area his whole life. Cave exploration in St. Paul goes back 250 years to Carver's Cave with its subterranean lake. St. Paul's most famous cave, Fountain Cave was discovered in 1817. There are also host of sandstone caves within the Ford Parkway area. Many of the tunnels, some 30 miles long, that still exist were carved by hand with only an ax.
Greg shared examples of the various uses of our sandstone caves from refrigeration to beer laugering to European influenced mushroom growing and cheese processing, night clubs, civil defense to utility lines. There is a lot that we know about our caves and geology however it appears every 10 years or each generation rediscovers it and is amazed by it all over again. Unfortunately as the cave and tunnel systems have been blocked and abandoned they have become greater points of interests for adventure seekers and youth.
President Jerry concluded the program by thanking Greg and presenting a certificate for the Read with Me Program. He reminded members to mark their calendars for next week and for April 10 when St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter will be with us. Members were asked to please pick up and return their Officer and Board ballots
Jerry thanked Jim, presenting a certificate of appreciation and invited members to share the Four Way Test. FOUR WAY TEST Of the things we think, say or do: - Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Respectfully Submitted, Trixie Golberg, Club 10 Vice President
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