HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-18 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes Lp
18 September 1974
Bicentennial Commission Minutes
The Bicentennial Commission met at the library thisj. Eight members
®were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as presented
Mrs. Lawrence Blood was present to report on the Oral history project
as outlined irh the report of the special committee. :dames were suggested
for intervieyees9 with the committee to make choice of ten to start off.
The College Club has endorsed the project, and the committee now needs
to prepare guldelines.Dudget figures will be needed volunteers to interview
and transcribe tapes likewise. The committee hopes �o set up an on-going
program, not just a single Bicentennial effort.
On motion of the secretary, seconded by Jane Celehar the Commission
voted unanimously to accept the report of the special committee and to
endorse the Oral History program as set forth.
Apparently the Wading application to be named a+ ARBC community was
sidetracked, and now new forms arerequired listing affiliations of each
commission member as well as commission projects. Dr. McCauley indicated
the whole dCsignation process was a farce anyway and the local commissions
were just being "used" by the national orgahization. After some discussion
Mrs. Celehar moved and Mrs. Ebeling seconded the motion that the Commission
stake the new application since there was nothing to lose and the publicity
might be of some use. It was so voted, with Dr. McCauley casting a no vote.
The subject of bike trails was mentioned once again and Mrs. Miller
reported thaVPW superintendent Roger Louanis, had determined that one was
Lnot feasible in Reading unless t were part of a state-wide area project.
i The League of Women Voters committee has done preliminary work on the
regision of the Pitkin book, but will hold off further work until the report
of- the 'Town Government Study Committee is in.
The College Club has a group interested in preparing a booklet on
Reading history for primary school children, grades 3-5, or younger than
those the Pitkin volume is intended to interest.
Mrs. Ebeling reported on the marker project and the brochure.She
has been in contact with Town Counsel for information on legal particulars
and liabilities (ownership of sign, fall, vandalism, new onsership access
for repair and the like). The agreement form for home owners is not yet
ready. Details of format and printi" the brochure renin to be worked out
with Mr . Morang. Complete copy has not yet been referred to Mrs. Bishop
for editing.
Dr . McCauley reported the formation of the Reading companies of militia
and minutemen, including North Reading and Wakefield. With about 75* in each
of the three companies it would be Che of the largest. An October meeting
is scheduled outfitting will begin, and they will take part in the April
1975 ceremonies at Lexington and Concord.
Notice was given of the scheduled appearance of the McCauley family,
in appropriate costume, at the Parker Tavern, Sunday, Nov-3.
Dr. Blanchard has agreed to serve as coordinator of public activities,
and is presently at a Kiwanis meeting.
With present projects all well under way emphasis needs to be placed
on the Horizons and Heritage Festival aspects of the commemoration.
Jane Celehar again noted the need for public restrooms new parks,
kp�ind camping facilities. For conservation the replanting of trees is
suggested and Mrs. Miller will talk with Mr. Dickey about this. Mrs.
Barclay asked whether anyone realized that the elms on High St. were
planted as memorials to deceased Civil War soldiers. Fbssible development
of the Bare Hill site was another suggestion.
The commission adjourned at 10915 pm to meet again on October 22 at
8930 pm.
Eleanor C. eishopq see stary
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