MGMS Newsletter

February 2014 Part 2 P.O. Box 5043 Midland, Texas 79704 - Shop: (432) 687-6467

Midland Gem & Mineral Socie ty

Website: MidlandGemAndMineral .org E-mai l: mgmstx@gmail .com

Clarence Scharbauer Jr.

Clarence Scharbauer Jr. dies at 88

July 6, 1925 - February 21, 2014

Clarence Scharbauer Jr., longtime rancher, noted Midland philanthro-

pist and championship horseman, died Friday, February 21 from com-

plications from emergency surgery. He was 88.

Born July 6, 1925, Clarence was known for his generosity to and love

for his hometown, his zeal for cattle ranching and his passion for

horses. With his sons, Clarence owned and ran the Scharbauer Cattle

Co., which at one time encompassed nine ranches in Texas and New

Mexico.

He carried on the philanthropic tradition first set forth by his father,

Clarence Scharbauer, in the early 20th century, a legacy of generosity

that will live on through the Scharbauer Foundation, which, in the fi-

nal years of his life, he helped establish as a lasting gift as he continued to help make Midland a

better place. Please note: For the full obituary, visit www.npwelch.com/obituary/clarence-scharbauer-jr/

Clarence Scharbauer Jr. and the Clarence Scharbauer House

When Clarence Scharbauer Jr. entered this

world, he was born on July 6, 1925 in a second

floor bedroom in the Clarence Scharbauer home,

which was built and still stands today at 602

South Main Street in Midland, Texas.

Clarence Scharbauer Jr. lived in the Clarence

Scharbauer home with his parents until the con-

struction of the Scharbauer Hotel was completed.

The family then moved into the top floor of the

Scharbauer Hotel.

After graduating from Midland High School and

attending Texas A & M his freshman year, Cla-

rence Jr. was notified of his father’s death.

Clarence Jr. moved back home to Midland imme-

diately and took over the ranching, oil and bank-

ing businesses started by his father.

Clarence Jr.’s time in Midland was short due to

entering the Navy during World War II. After his

service in the war, Clarence Jr. again returned

home and married native Midlander, Dorothy

Turner. Clarence Jr. and Dorothy had four chil-

dren, Clarence III, Douglas, Chris and Pamela.

Midland, Texas is known as a city of innova-

tion and change. Unfortunately, with innova-

tion and change comes the destruction of the

old and construction of the new.

Due to Midland’s drive for new excellence and

ability to get the job done, not many family his-

torical homes are left for the public to benefit

and enjoy.

Fortunately, this began to change in 1996

after the city of Midland received a gift of

another historic home. A few years later, on

August 19, 1998, Heritage Midland was

formed.

About eleven years ago, the Clarence Schar-

bauer home was purchased by Heritage Mid-

land through the generosity of Clarence Schar-

bauer Jr. Mr. Scharbauer gave a gift of

$115,000 to Heritage Midland, enabling the or-

ganization to purchase the property and house

for the exact sum of money.

Mr. Scharbauer was enthusiastic and hum-

bled by a Midland organization wishing to pre-

serve such an historic site. Continued on page 6 →

PAGE 6 MGMS NEWSLETTER

Clarence Scharbauer Jr. and the

Clarence Scharbauer House Continued from page 5…

Heritage Midland had an initial inspection done

on the Clarence Scharbauer house in 2003. An en-

vironmental service company was hired to remove

all asbestos and lead paint materials. In 2004, a

final inspection reflected that the Scharbauer

home was void of all potentially hazardous mate-

rial.

Heritage Midland also began renovation of the

Clarence Scharbauer house. This included remov-

ing the existing roof to the framing, replacing de-

teriorated framing as necessary and installing a

new roof. All fascia and sub-fascia were removed

and new fascia and sub-fascia were installed. All

new wood work was painted. There was demoli-

tion of the interior to framing and leveling of the

house. These were the items included in Phases 1

and 2 of a four-phase plan.

Throughout this time, Heritage Midland had

been trying to locate an educational organization

to inhabit and use the Clarence Scharbauer house.

In 2007, Heritage Midland began talks with Mid-

land Gem and Mineral Society.

In late 2007, the Midland Gem and Mineral Soci-

ety’s Board agreed that our organization should

enter into contract agreement with Heritage Mid-

land to secure the site at 602 South Main Street

for our organization’s future home. Having met

the terms of the agreement, Midland Gem and

Mineral Society accepted the conditional deed for

the Clarence Scharbauer House property on

Thursday, May 15, 2008.

One of the goals that Midland Gem and Mineral

Society has had with the Clarence Scharbauer

House Project is to finish out the second floor bed-

room that Clarence Scharbauer Jr. was born in,

complete with period furnishings as a lasting me-

morial to the legendary native Midlander.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Renovation of the Clarence Scharbauer house

continued after Midland Gem and Mineral Society

obtained the deed for it, and it continues to this

day.

The Clarence Scharbauer House Project has pro-

gressed to a point where the interior is now ready

to have electricity installed, and Midland Gem and

Mineral Society has begun taking bids for this.

▲ABOVE: The Clarence Scharbauer House.

When finished, the ground floor will house class-

rooms, a library, office, meeting room and an exhibit

area open to the public displaying artistic lapidary &

jewelry work, gems, minerals and fossils. It will also

include a kitchen and restrooms.

The Clarence Scharbauer House Project

You can help our renovation efforts by mak-

ing a tax deductible donation in any amount

today to Midland Gem and Mineral Society’s

Building Fund to honor the memory of native

Midlander Clarence Scharbauer Jr.

You may give your monetary gift to Midland

Gem and Mineral Society treasurer David

Richardson, or you can mail it to:

The Clarence Scharbauer House Project

Midland Gem & Mineral Society

P.O. Box 5043

Midland, Texas 79704

Questions? Call David Richardson 432-362-1912.

THANK YOU! to Thomas Bauer, Raymond Boswell,

Linda Bryant, Anna Richardson and Ron Wingo for

donating used computer ink and toner cartridges.

WANTED:

USED COMPUTER INK & TONER CARTRIDGES

You help our organization save money each time you

donate your used ink and toner cartridges. We now

accept ALL BRANDS of used INK cartridges. The

brands of TONER cartridges we accept are: Brother,

Canon, Dell, HP, Lexmark & Samsung. You can bring

the used cartridge to Monday Night Open Shop or any

meeting. Please put your name on the cartridge box or

bag when you turn it in. Questions? Call Daniel Jones

at 432-694-2142 or 432-520-7313 or e-mail him at

mgmstx@gmail.com

MGMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

January 23 General Meeting President Bauer called the

meeting to order. Since there were no corrections or addi-

tions, the minutes of the January 17 Dinner Social stood

approved as published in the newsletter. David Richard-

son gave the Treasurer’s report. Guests Geraldine Ball &

Marty Marin and new members Linda Johnson and Susan

May were recognized. For Show & Tell, Craig Tellinghui-

sen brought some fossilized coral, and James Darby had

some polished agate slices mounted in halved golf balls.

Clarence Scharbauer House Project Coordinator, James

Darby, reported that they had completed all of the minor

construction changes on the ground floor area of the house

except for reinforcing the stairs on the staircase that goes

up to the second floor. He also said that they are building

a wall around the stairway up on the second floor to help

keep the air conditioning and heating more efficient. The

wall will have some of the old windows from the east side

second story of the house in it and also some display areas

added in. As soon as this is completed, our organization

should begin accepting bids for the electrical work on the

Clarence Scharbauer House Project. James also reported

that a mercury vapor light that was donated by David &

Anna Richardson will be installed on one of the storage

buildings courtesy of electrical work donated by Jheri

Rutter’s company. Herman Jones gave the Sunshine

Chairman report. Club Liaison, Herman Jones, asked for

displays to go into 10 cases provided by the Big Spring

Prospectors Club for their gem and mineral show on

March 1 & 2. President Bauer reported that the Lapidary

class is currently under way. Show Co-Chair, Bill

Halepeska, reported that he has a few new dealers lined up

for our November gem and mineral show, including Vir-

ginia Adian, who makes wirewrapped jewelry. South Cen-

tral Federation Executive Vice President, Bill Halepeska,

announced that there are people who are interested in

forming a gem and mineral society in San Angelo, Texas.

Secretary Daniel Jones had hand-outs available on 2014

local area events & sister club shows that our organization

would probably be participating in, a list of the 50 states’

official state gems, stones, rocks, minerals & fossils, and a

shopping guide to purchasing Compact Fluorescent &

L.E.D. light bulbs after the 40 watt & 60 watt incandes-

cent light bulbs eventually disappear from store shelves

nationwide. The members present thanked Jennifer Bauer,

Jacqueline Darby, Herman Jones and Anna Richardson for

bringing refreshments. After the refreshment break, presi-

dent Bauer turned the floor over to Adam Ball, who pre-

sented the program, “Canada Fossils.” The program gave

highlights of his vacation in Canada to Dinosaur Provin-

cial Park and the Canada Fossils Ammonite Mine. He also

brought some specimens for members to look at after his

presentation and question & answer session had ended.

Meeting adjourned.

Adam Ball explains how

ammonites are mined

during his program at the January 23 general meeting.

▲ABOVE: Ammolite jewelry at left & an ammonite

at right were on display at the January 23 meeting.

▼BELOW: Items from the January 23 meeting’s

Show and Tell...

At left: a piece of fossilized coral

brought by Craig Tellinghuisen.

At right: polished agate slice mounted in

a halved golf ball brought by James

Darby.

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MGMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 8

February 4 Board Meeting President Bauer called the meeting to order. Motion was

made by Bill Halepeska and seconded by Lyn Yater to

approve the minutes of the January 7 meeting as published

in the newsletter with one correction: “He (Mike Burns –

ed.) also said that he and Craig Tellinghuisen each had

one of the four windows taken out from the house and

started stripping the paint off of them to use in the inside

wall upstairs” changed to read: “He also said that he had

one of the four windows taken out from the house and

started stripping the paint off of it to use in the inside wall

upstairs.” Motion carried. Treasurer David Richardson

read the financial report. Motion was made by Jeffrey

Cornell and seconded by Bill Halepeska to accept the fi-

nancial report. Motion carried. President Bauer said that

they sorted a lot of rocks on Saturday, February 1. Presi-

dent Bauer reported for Shop Co-Chair, James Darby, that

they changed the 600 grit wheels on two polishing units in

the shop, as they were worn out from use. Bill Halepeska

reported that the mercury vapor light donated by David &

Anna Richardson had been installed on the big storage

building courtesy of an electrician who works for Jheri

Rutter’s company. Herman Jones gave the Sunshine

Chairman report. Club Liaison, Herman Jones, reported

on all of the local area events and sister club shows that

our organization can participate in for 2014. They include

the Big Spring show: March 1 & 2, Scottish-Irish Celtic

Fair: March 8 & 9, Celebration of the Arts: April 5, Abi-

lene show: April 12 & 13, Lubbock show: April 26 & 27,

Blakemore Planetarium’s Astronomy Day: May 10, Mid-

land County Fair: August 21 – 24 (date not confirmed),

Permian Basin Fair: September 6, 7 & 13, and Roswell

show: October 4 & 5. Motion was made by Jeffrey Cor-

nell and seconded by Lyn Yater that our organization par-

ticipate in these local events and sister club shows. Motion

carried. Herman also asked for displays to go into 10

cases provided by the Big Spring Prospectors Club for

their gem and mineral show on March 1 & 2. Bill

Halepeska reported that the date has been set for the next

Midland Gem and Mineral Society members-only Surplus

Rock & Supply Sale, which will be held on Saturday,

March 29. After some discussion, motion was made by

Jeffrey Cornell and seconded by Bill Halepeska to have

the surplus faceting material available for members only

to purchase at the faceting group meeting. Motion carried.

Bill also proposed that our organization hold a tumbling

contest this year and also another monthly contest with

expanded categories and prizes for both contests. Motion

was made by Jacqueline Darby and seconded by Lyn

Yater to hold both the new tumbling contest and monthly

contest with prizes given for both. Motion carried.

(Details for both contests to be given in a future newsletter

-ed.) Craig Tellinghuisen proposed a one-day Doublet

& Triplet Workshop with a $10.00 class fee, with a

prerequisite for using the equipment in the workshop

being that all attendees have taken and completed the

Basic Lapidary class. (Those who have not taken or

completed the Basic Lapidary class may still attend

the Workshop, but without the use of the equipment.)

Motion was made by Oneita Burgess and seconded by

Jeffrey Cornell to hold the one-day Doublet & Triplet

Workshop with a $10.00 class fee available to all paid

members with or without completion of the Basic

Lapidary class. Motion carried. Class Chair, Jacque-

line Darby, reported that Karen Tenny, Mark Burgess

and James Darby are in contention to help assist

Randy Bryant in the Silversmithing class. School Liai-

son, Bill Halepeska, reported that he and his assistants,

David & Anna Richardson, gave a program on rocks,

minerals and fossils for 5th grade science students at

LBJ Elementary School in Odessa on Wednesday,

January 29. There were close to 100 fifth grade stu-

dents there. They also gave a short program for some

6th grade students, too. Vice President, Mike Burns,

said that the program for the February general meeting

will be on Doublets & Triplets to be presented by

Craig Tellinghuisen. After some discussion, it was de-

cided to purchase two sets of gemstone globes for our

organization’s gem and mineral shows in 2014 and

2015. South Central Executive Vice President, Bill

Halepeska, reported that there are people in San An-

gelo, Texas who are interested in beginning a gem and

mineral organization. He proposed that our organiza-

tion assist them in whatever ways possible to help

them get one started. Meeting adjourned.

Presenting your Midland Gem & Mineral Society

South Central Federation Officers

Bill Halepeska

South Central Federation

Executive Vice President

Herman Jones

South Central Federation

District 5 Vice President

(West Texas)

MGMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 9

AT WHAT LOCATION are the MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS HELD?

Parking lot on the North side of building

Entrance from Sibley Circle

Front of the Sibley Center building

Former entrance to South side of the building, now blocked off from entry.

The Sibley (Environmental) Learning Center, also known as the Sibley Nature Center.

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← Sibley Center

Hogan Park

Golf Course

W. Wadley E. Wadley Ave.

Ranchland Hills

Golf Club

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An Illustration of cross streets & side streets of Wadley Avenue in

going to Sibley Center.

The World’s Most Expensive Mineral

Specimen

Most of the world’s finest and most expensive minerals

are sold in secret backroom deals that are settled with a

handshake, so the most expensive specimen ever sold re-

mains a mystery. However, it is known that the best speci-

mens sell for millions of dollars. For reference, in 2011

the stunning “Emperor of China” Rhodochrosite, on dis-

play at the Tucson Show, was offered for sale at $8 mil-

lion. However, the price actually paid by an anonymous

collector may never be known.

Currently, the highest known price paid for a mineral

specimen at auction, and therefore a price on public

record, was $662,500 for the “La Madonna Rose

Quartz” specimen in 2013.

AT RIGHT: “The Emperor

of China” Rhodochrosite,

one of two giant specimens

displayed at the Tucson

Gem and Mineral Show,

2011.

AT RIGHT: “La Madonna

Rose Quartz” specimen.

≡SHOW CALENDAR≡

March 1 & 2...BIG SPRING, TEXAS Big Spring Prospectors Club 45th Annual Show

FREE ADMISSION

Howard County Fair Barn

Rodeo Grounds

Hours: Sat. 9 - 5, Sun. 10 - 5.

Contact: Lola Lamb (432) 263-3340

→ Show Calendar continued on page 10 →

MGMS NEWSLETTER PAGE 10

March 1 & 2...ROBSTOWN, TEXAS Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society 52nd Annual Show

Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds

1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd.,

Intersection of IH-37 and Highway 77.

Hours: Sat. 10 - 6, Sun. 10 - 5.

Contact: Jerrold Simpson (361) 877-3073

E-mail: jsimpson1@stx.rr.com

Website: www.gcgms.org

March 6 – 9…DEMING, NEW MEXICO Deming Gem & Mineral Society’s 49th annual

“Rockhound Roundup Gem & Mineral Show”

Southwestern New Mexico Fairgrounds,

4200 Raymond Reed Blvd.

FREE ADMISSION TO THE SHOW

Show Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 9 – 5.

Guided Rock Hunts Thursday, Friday & Saturday,

leaving at 8:30am from the show’s location to go to

many different locations! Materials found: Onyx,

agate, geodes, peridot, rhyolite & travertine. Bring

suitable clothing & shoes, lunch, water and tools.

Guided Rock Hunt fee: $5, Big Diggins trip: $10

Contact: Shirley Krasinski (575) 494-5971

E-mail: nmbound@gmail.com

website: www.dgms.bravehost.com

March 8 & 9…PASADENA, TEXAS

Clear Lake Gem & Mineral Society’s 39th Show

Pasadena Convention Center

7902 Fairmont Parkway

Hours: Sat. 10 - 6, Sun. 10 - 5.

Contact: Sara Chelette

E-mail: sara_chelette@sbcglobalnet.com

Website: www.clgms.org

March 14 - 16…ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club’s 45th show

Creative Arts Center Building,

State Fair Grounds, EXPO NM, San Pedro entrance

Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 10 – 5.

Contact: Paul Hlava (505) 265-4178

E-mail: paulhlava@q.com

Website: www.agmc.info

March 15 & 16…SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Southwest Gem & Mineral Society 53rd Annual Show

San Antonio Event Center, 8111 Meadow Leaf Drive,

northeast corner of Loop 410 and Marbach

Hours: Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 10 – 4.

Contact: Robert Bowie (210) 860-2830

E-mail: krbotx@gvtc.com

Website: www.swgemandmineral.org

2014 OFFICERS

President: Thomas Bauer

president@midlandgemandmineral.org

Vice President: Mike Burns

vicepresident@midlandgemandmineral.org

Secretary: Daniel Jones

secretary@midlandgemandmineral.org

Corresponding Secretary: Ellen Adan

correspond@midlandgemandmineral.org

Treasurer: David Richardson

treasurer@midlandgemandmineral.org

BOARD MEMBERS

Jacqueline Darby 2014 - 2016 board1@midlandgemandmineral.org

Don Carlton 2014 - 2016 board2@midlandgemandmineral.org

.Lyn Yater 2013 - 2015 board3@midlandgemandmineral.org

Bill Halepeska 2013 - 2015 board4@midlandgemandmineral.org

Oneita Burgess 2012 - 2014 board5@midlandgemandmineral.org

Jeffrey Cornell 2012 - 2014 board6@midlandgemandmineral.org

2014 CHAIRS Building Committee:

Building/Finance Liaison: Bill Halepeska

building@midlandgemandmineral.org

Scharbauer House Project Coordinator: James Darby

house@midlandgemandmineral.org

Class Chair: Jacqueline Darby

classes@midlandgemandmineral.org

Club Liaison: Herman Jones

clubliaison@midlandgemandmineral.org

Communications Committee:

Newsletter Editor: Daniel Jones

mgmstx@gmail.com

Webmaster: Katrina Cornell

webmaster@midlandgemandmineral.org

Rock Hunt Field Trips: Anna Richardson

fieldtrips@midlandgemandmineral.org

Finance Committee: Tom Wurster

finance@midlandgemandmineral.org

Petroleum Museum Liaison: Bill Halepeska

Scholarship: Linda Page

School Liaison: Bill Halepeska

schools@midlandgemandmineral.org

Shop: Mark Burgess & James Darby

shop@midlandgemandmineral.org

Show: Bill Halepeska & Tom Wurster

show@midlandgemandmineral.org

Refreshment Coordinator: Jennifer Bauer

Sunshine: Herman Jones

sunshine@midlandgemandmineral.org