HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-06-21 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes Reading Bicentennial Commission
June 21, 1973.
Minutes
The Reading Bicentennial Commission was authorized under article Zo
of the Town Meetinp of March 1972, the nine members to he appointed by the
Board of Selectmen.
Several preliminary discussions were held in the spring of 1973 by the
persons named, but formal 'organization did not take place until June 21 when all
nine appointments had been made, and officers chosen.
The first formal meeting was held at the Reading Public Library on
June 21, 1973. Seven of the nine members wertpresent. Mrs, Joyce Miller was
named chairman, and Mrs, C.Nelson Bishop secretary,
A number of communications had been received by Mrs. Miller, including
a notice of the Middlesex County Armed. Forces Festival week in July. Mrs. Mary
Herbert, coor,linator from the State Bicentennial Commission requested an
appointment to meet with the Reading group to discuss state and local plans, the
setting up of a state-wide calendar, and use of limited available funds for local
projects. It was agreed that the chairman should set up a meeting date with Mrs.
Herbert, and since it would be a day-time one, urge members available to meet with
them.
Letters, meanwhile, had been sent to local organizations, in the name
of the commission secretary, asking each group to appoint a liaison person to work
with the Commission. By this date about 20 had replied.
i The main discussion than centered on the various projects thatmightbe
^0 undertaken, and the question of setting priorities, keeping in mind the overall -
aim of permanent values. Three types of activity were outlined, and several
possibilities under each, 1) Preservation & Awareness, 2) Research & publications,
3) Events and public participation.
After the consideration of the many possible alternatives, with suggestions
and ideas contributed by all the Commission members, the decision was made to endorse
the following -- 1) Restoration of the Parker Tavern, including the grounds
2) Identification and marking of the Town's historic sites and
houses of the Revolutionary period
3) a new edition of Reading's Colonial Rooftrees
4) Omide to the Reading Heritage Trail
5) Make the celebration's focal point a festival week or weekend
which would include 29 May 1976.
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It was pointed out that it xxx highly desirable that as many citizens
as possible become involved in the celebration. Individuals and groups may assist
in carrying out Commission projects, may make other suggestions, and may carry
out their own activities. One of the chief functions of the Commission is to
coordinate the arti,'ities of the whole community.
For this purpose - to start the ball rolling - the next meetinp will be
held in the Children's room at the Reading Public Library, September 13 at 8 pm.
Invitations are to be extended to all the organization liaison people, and to any
other interested citizens.
y. The secreta"- was then instructed to notify the Board of Selectmen of
so the formal organization of the Commission and the selection of a chairman and
t secretary. V6 C . c n Vr
Eleanor C. Bishop, secretary
The Bicentennial commission held an open meeting at the Reading Public
Crary on September 13, 1973, at 8 p.m.
All the commission members but one were present and some sixteen organiza-
tions were represented by liaison members. Several interested citizens were also present.
Chairman, Joyce Miller, welcomed those present and asked each person to
identify himself and name his orgaikization.
She then outlined the organization of the commission and its purposes,
together with a brief statement of deliberations up to the present. She reported the
meeting with the state commission representative, Mrs. Mary Herbert, and expressed the
pleasure of the local group that their thinking and plans to date so closely matched
the aims of the state group. The Reading commission divided its plans into three
fields called Preservation & Awareness, Research & Publications, and Events and Public
participation. The state commission , using the slogan, "A past to Preserve, a Future
to Mould" urges activities under the three headin3sof Heritage, Horizon, and Festivity.
A difference only in terminology.
It also has become apparent that the focus will be on the local scene. There
will be no great state and national bash. Groups are urged to do something of lasting value
for the town. On the state level a network of bicycle paths has been suggested. Reading
could easily @o one for its own territory.
A worthwhile project for any organization, and one well within any group's
Wility, would be a history of itself, to be made available to others in-tbe Library
d possibly-elsewhere.
A list was distributed to each one containing all the various projects
which had been suggested as possibilities, each named under one of the three categories.
The list was intended to generate ideas, not to be taken as anything settled.
It was emphasized, however, that timing was an important element, since
if town appropriations are to be sought they must be ready for the March 1974 town
meeting, since March197 0 be too late for starting projects. Financing bicent-
ennial events can be jj�� several ways. The town appropriation is one of them.
Other activities could be carried out by individual organizations, and financed directly
by them. Or a group could agree to pay certain expenses, or certain projects, or parts
of them. There may be some state funds, but not large amounts, and in any case, they
are expected to be on a matching grant basis.
Mrs. Miller then read to the group the list of five decisions the
Commission has made to date, 1) Restoration of the Parker Tavern, including the grounds,
2) Identification and marking of the Town's historic sites and houses of the Revolut-
ionary period, 3) a. new edition of ReadingIs Colonial Rooftrees, 4) Guide to the Reading
Heritage Trail, and 5) Make the celebration's focal point a festival week or weekend
which would include 29 May 1976.
The meeting was then thrown open for discussion and general comment.
One general concern was the problem of "spill over crowds" or what will happen locally
an the tourist visitors pour into the Boston, Lexington, Concord area, especially in
e spring of 175. Information and accommodations will be needed, an information booth
n the Common? to direct travelers to motels, campgrounds, restrooms etc. Mr. McCauley
noted that on the big times at Lexington & Concord no cars will be allowed in the entire
area. Plans are for bus service with parking at Fort Devens, Hanscom Field etc. The
lack of facilities for trailers, campers and picnickers was n6ted, and the abundance
of such facilities people are accustomed to in other parts of the country.
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Mrs. Barclay offered to bring in her orientation sheet prepared for
• Parker Tavern guides. Mrs. Bishop suggested all commission members become
familiar with Vignettes of Reading History as the best brief source of local
lore.
tL
Linda Ham$$ said there were some interested students at the High
School who would like to undertake some projects.
A basic need seems to be a comprehensive Reading bibliography.
Barclay and Mrs. Bishop are both working on this.
g PhY• Mrs,
Mr. McHugh will continue talks with the High School history faculty
on plans and suggestions for projects.
The Colonial Chorus have decided to do the history of their group] and
of the Old Hose House on North Main Street which they have recently acquired.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Eleanor C. Bishop-_ „' 1
Secretary
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