At the June 2, 2011 meeting of the Fox Valley Genealogical Society a quorum of the membership voted to accept the recommendation of the FVGS Board of Directors to disband the Fox Valley Genealogical Society. This difficult decision was made because of a declining membership and the difficulty of recruiting new members.


On several occasions during 1974 and 1975 conversations between Alice Hockemeyer and Annette Howard centered around their mutual interest in genealogical research. Many discussions related to the Brigham Young University genealogical correspondence course, and the Shawano Genealogical Society, which is located in Shawano, Wisconsin. The advantages of forming a genealogical society in the Fox Valley area were advanced, and little by little plans were made to establish such an organization.

Early in 1975 Paul Bowen, genealogy chairman of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Appleton, was consulted. He was acquainted with the Shawano Genealogical Society and with the mechanics of using the facilities of the Branch Genealogical Library in Shawano. He obtained a copy of the Shawano Genealogical Society Bylaws which served as a pattern for the subsequent bylaws of the Fox Valley Genealogical Society.

On Friday, May 16,1975 at 8:00 P.M. at the Howard residence in Appleton, a meeting was held to outline plans for organizing such a genealogical society. Those present were Paul and Beverly Bowen, Paul and Gretchen Phillips, Alice Hockemeyer, Jane Winfield and Sherwin and Annette Howard. The next planning session was held on Thursday, October 30,1975 at 7:30 P.M. at the Bowen residence in Appleton. Those present were Paul and Beverly Bowen, Alice Hockemeyer, Annette Howard, Doris Jacklin and Barbara Stracka. Plans were made to hold a public meeting on Thursday, December 4,1975 for the purpose of organizing the society. Paul Bowen was appointed to serve as temporary Chairman.

An efficient publicity program headed by Alice Hockemeyer, brought more than 60 people to that first open meeting conducted by Paul Bowen. The meeting was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 425 West Park Ridge Avenue in Appleton at 7:30 P.M. Featured speaker was Marjorie Stoehr, librarian of the Branch Genealogical Library in Shawano, Wisconsin. Registration was under the direction of Doris Jacklin and Barbara Stracka. Bevery Bowen supervised refreshments. Annette Howard served as organizing secretary. Those who attended had been invited to bring an object of genealogical interest, such as a book, photograph or heirloom. The response was excellent.

Another planning meeting was held at the Hockemeyer residence in Appleton on Friday, December 12, 1975 at 7:30 P.M. Those people present were Paul and Beverly Bowen, Sherwin and Annette Howard and Gene and Alice Hockemeyer.

The second public meeting was held on Thursday, January 8, 1976 at 7:30 P.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint in Appleton with Paul Bowen, temporary Chairman, presiding. Approximately 60 persons attended. Alice Hockemeyer and Beverly Bowe taught classes for beginners while Paul Phillips conducted a class for advanced researchers. Those present voted to have the first Thursday of each month be the regular meeting time for the group. Tentative annual membership dues were set at $2.00 subject to change pending completion of bylaws. Doris Jacklin and Barbara Strackcha were in charge of registration, and Beverly Bowen, refreshments. Many people expressed interest in an alternate meeting time and Alice Hockemeyer formed a daytime group.

The following committees were established: Bylaws: Paul Phillips, Chairman, Alice Hockemeyer, Paul Bowen. Duane Long and Betty Sheldon (member of National Association and Wisconsin of Parliamentarians). Program: Doris Jacklin, Chairman, Julie Biolo, Beverly Bowen, Gretchen Phillips and Sue Staron. Nominating: Annette Howard, Chairman, Olive Cunningham, Paul Cunningham and Vickie Vosters.

The third public meeting was held on Thursday, February 5, 1976 at 7:30 P.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Appleton, with temporary chairman, Paul Bowen presiding. Suggestions for a name for the new organization were read. Beverly Bowen moved that the name of the group be Fox Valley Genealogical Society since this seemed to be the consensus of opinion. The motion was adopted. Those present were requested to give lists of surnames and locations being researched to Karen Durham who compile them into working lists. Following the business meeting Lillian Mackesy, staff writer for the Appleton Post-Crescent and interested in the Fox Valley Genealogical Society, was the speaker telling of her experiences in research. Classes were conducted by Alice Hockemeyer, Beverly Bowen and Paul Phillips. Doris Jacklin and Barbara Stracka were in charge of registration and Beverly Bowen served refreshments.

The meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 4,1976 was cancelled due to an exceptionally severe ice storm.

Organizing Secretary
[signed] Annette Howard