GBPA
By Deborah Fitts
Feb./March 2002
GETTYSBURG, Pa.

The helm of the oldest Civil War battlefield preservation organization has changed hands for the first time in nearly two decades, and the new president is promising a positive new direction.

In voting Jan. 7, the 15-member board of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association (GBPA) elected Craig Caba president. Losing in the two-way contest was the longstanding head of the organization, Walter Powell.

Caba, 53, said his victory was "unexpected." But he said the election of several new board members in November, and the departure of others in the last six months, had already spelled out a "new direction" for the GBPA.

"The GBPA won't be a railroad-cut type of organization," Caba said, referring to a bitter flap in the early 1990s when the group attacked officials at Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg College for a land swap that resulted in destruction of a historic railroad cut.

GBPA waged a costly and unsuccessful battle in the courts, and the park ended the organization's lucrative access to funds donated by park visitors.

"The focus of this group should be on a positive note," Caba said. Instead of advocacy, the goal should be a return to GBPA's roots in preservation, he said.

As for the souring of relations with the park, which were exacerbated when Powell became one of the park's most vocal local critics during planning for a new visitor center and museum, "An olive branch should be held out," Caba said. "I'd like to arrange a meeting with National Park Service officials and see what perhaps we can do for the park."

He said, "I look at our role as being one of giving and cooperating. From having little to no intercourse to having some communications, and improving communications, is the right way to go."

Powell had been reelected to the board in the November balloting. But after his defeat as president he submitted his resignation from the board, saying he was "looking forward to devoting more time to other obligations."

Other officers elected by the board Jan. 7 were Andy Waskie, vice president, replacing William Frassanito, and Jeff Davis, treasurer, replacing Dean Thomas, who lost his bid for re-election to the board.

Powell had served as president about 18 years, Caba said, with Thomas and Frassanito serving as either vice president or treasurer during that time. Barbara Mowery was re-elected recording secretary, and Sue Boardman was re-elected corresponding secretary.

The change of leadership comes at a critical time for the GBPA, which was founded in 1959 and claims 400 dues-paying members. The group was founded by Civil War enthusiasts who were concerned about commercialism of hallowed ground. Early supporters included President Dwight D. Eisenhower and TV personality Cliff Arquette. Its honorary advisory board included nine governors, six senators, seven Congressmen, U.S. Grant III and Robert E. Lee IV. National fundraising supported saving battle land. The GBPA’s first purchase was the 55-acre Wolfe Farm which it gave to the park.

Nearly three years ago the organization took the bold step of purchasing the 140-acre Daniel Lady Farm, a historic property near the battlefield, and it has been hard-pressed to pay off the mortgage.

Board member Kathi Schue said the $400,000 debt has been reduced by only $5000. But she said that with Caba, her co-chair on the Lady Farm committee, she took the fundraising bull by the horns in August and, with the board's blessing, hopes to make better progress.

Caba cited purchase of the Lady Farm as an example of "positive" actions by GBPA. Another, he said, was the organization's support for the ongoing effort headed by Pennsylvania Rep. Harry Readshaw to fund restoration of the state's monuments at Gettysburg.

New members elected to the board were Davis, a historian from Gettysburg; Hanover attorney Joe Erb; Kevin Trostle, president of Main Street Gettysburg; Nancy Wilkins, co-founder of Co. K, 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Association; and Brendan Synnamon, co-owner of the Union Drummer Boy relic shop in Gettysburg.

Besides Powell, those re-elected to the board were Caba, historian Mark Nesbitt; Frassanito; Carl Glover, professor at Mount St. Mary's College in Maryland; and Sue Boardman, co-owner of the Antique Center of Gettysburg.

Sitting board members include Waskie, Schue, Mowery and Ken Boardman. Powell's resignation left one seat to be filled.

Caba said he would also explore getting together with like-minded nonprofits. "The more people talk, the more they have in common," he said. "Nothing but something positive can happen."