Baseball before it became Baseball

July 18^th, 1870

The meeting was called to order by Mr. White who nominated U. S. Ellsworth for chairman of the meeting. He was elected and took the chair. The House then proceeded to elect officers and in the short characteristic way with which the Oak BBC alls things generally the following named gentlemen were elected to office, M. A. Brown President J. D. Beach Vice President. F. W. Bullock Co. Sec. U. S. Ellisworth Ret. Sec & Tres, and Meissrs. Avid, W. Ellsworth and Perret Directors. A motion was made that “all members of the Oak B.B.C. quilt of swearing either at the club meeting or on the B.B. ground should be fined a sum not less than 5 or exceeding 10 cents.” Carried. A motion was then made that “the President should see that this rule was enforced.” Carried. A motion was then made that “the chairman elect 3 gentleman for “the old,” et nine who were to choose 6 players to complete the nine.” Carried. They elected Messrs. Alvord, Bullock & Beach who at over retired age of the other players. After a few moments the afford said gentlemean are tired and announced their choice of players to fill out the nine (?) Messrs, Gray, Brown, White, Curtis Ellsworth, & Paul.

Some one suggested that a uniform be decided upon. Accordingly several of the members decided upon a suitable uniform as allows. A white knit shirt gray pants gray caps and cloth clad. Motion was made that an imitation of 50 cent be paid by each (unreadable) Carried. The subject of monthly dues was brought up. After some discussion it was moved that we (unreadable)sessed 10 cents per month. Carried. It was Respe---veaded to pace the 1^st nine by ballet. This crealed some fun & excitement. The postions of the first nine are as follows. Brouson C., Curtis P.. Point 1^st B. Gray 2^nd B. Bech 3^rd B. Bullock S.S. Ellsworth C. F. Alvord C.F. White R.F. The 1^st  line then decided to play a ? of B.B. on their own grounds July 30^th. After talking & joking & we time longer. A motion was made to everyone.