HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-11-06 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes 6 Nov. 1973
"he ' ]certennirl Commission held a second open meeting for liaison representa-
tives and Interested ritivens at the i'eadinr Public Library on ".ovember 6. Joyce Millar
resided. Firht commission members and about 25 citizens were present.
Mrs. Miller welcomed the participants and asked each to announce his new and
orranisat'on, end to sign the attendance sheet.
Pollowing a resume of previous action each one reported brieflya
The Recreation romeiselon outlined the glen Meadow Park project, with possille
memorial bandstand, and playing fields.
reorge Richards, for the Masons, offered participation in any parade, and said
they hoped to have the new Lodge built and ready to dedicate by 29 May 1976.
Mr. Incas surrested a pageant such as the Paptiste had for the 120th anniversary,
and the Rev. Mr. Arnold mentioned the 1939 pageant at the 01d South. Mrs. Bishop
referred to Heil Robinson's drama, "Reading Yesterdays" and the hope that it might be
revived, elthourh the nuannapcwitt Players do not plan this. The Hiph School dramatic
club, and remrfire girls mirht assist in such a project.
The role of local industry was queried in a brief discussion of financing methods.
The rraftamen would be happy to hold a demonstration on the Common.
The Rev, Mr. Arnold spoke of a map, and tare. Miller explained the current project
of obtaining asp rerroductione for the Library, and the plan for the Heritage Trail with
mp and brochure.
Mrs. Purkley of the Pusiness h -rofessional Womens group asked about possible
open houses. 1,Ys. Theophanis commented on her experience with such an event.
Pxhibits were discussed with considerable interest. Tt was noted, however, that
real artifacts of the Revolutionary period, or earlier, are scarce. It was surrested
that craftsmen, younr and old, rould re-create thine using the tools of the past.
The rsmpf�re representative asked if there was any apace in Town Hall for a
static display. "r. Richards surpeeted using a room in the Community Center to start
accumulating item, or petting people to promise srecific loans. The school children
4b,airb1; sake a canvass to locate item for display.
The ronservation commission proposes to dedicate land acquired in 76.
The rarden Club plane a self-guided nature walk, and it was suggested the Colonial
history class at the Hiph School mlrht put togather a bike tour - heritape trail.
Campfire girls will help with some ppejeet, but cannot take full responsibility
for one.
The Colonial Chorus will contribute some kind of musical performance.
The Fastern Star is having its 75 year history written, and they are urged to
make certain that the Library received a copy.5 ,r }s a long list of subjects for
histones. A number of organizations have done t�e � the past. If they are updated
and a copy deposited in the Library's local history collection they will provide a
permanent record.
Dr. Mcraul ey reported bdiefly on Picentennial matters at the State level.
rheiraen Miller asked that as rapidly as a rmlect is developed and the organization
fable committed to it they should inform the rommission whose lob it is to coordinate
a'1 local activities.
4r. McHuph surreeted having some event this spring to spark the celebration and
arouse reneral interest.
The Poston Tea °arty anniversary will to recognised on December 16. There will
be no re-enactments at Lexington and roncord in'75. There is no space anywhere for
spectators. NO care will } e allowed in the area. The sc�restion was mde that the
satellite towns should plan activities for April 1975 to absorb come of the crowds.
The availability -or lack- of facilities information, housing, feeding, sanitary-
is a very serious concern. At the crossroads of 128, 28 and 93 Reading is very
vulneratle. The only trailer nark anywhere around 1e in Horth Andover.
Tt was emphasised that we are not attempting to attract tourists, but we met
4wake them welcome. Friends, relatives, and former residents will come.
The Veterans represpatbtive indicated they were interested in a possible Minuteman
company. Dr. McCauley will confer with them.
Mov 6 2/
The date of the next general meeting was left open. What is needed now is rood
publicity and promotion.
Mrs, larclay surrested that the "bed and breakfast" project might be one that
&he Rotary Club would consider tak#W on.
The meeting adjourned at 9p.m.
votef 8 copies of Virnettee of Reading History were sold, for the benefit of the
Parker Tavern. It had been noted as a poo r a g on the town's history.
Following the open meeting the Commission members remained for a brief session.
Mrs. Miller said she was awaiting a ruling from the town couWl about a financial pro-
cedure for an account including private contributions with town money.
Mr. I*Hurh presented his reeirnation due to family pressures, and intrlduced
Katherine Ebeling, High School history teacher, whom the Commission members endorse
to the Selectman as his replacement. His resirnation was accepted with renuine rerret.
The next meeting will be held on December $.
Fleenor C. Bishop Secretary