HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-12-11 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes heading Bicentennial Commission
Meeting Dec. 11 ,1974.
The commission met on December 11 at the Reading Public Library.
4wree members were absent. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved
as presented.
Chairman Joyce Miller reported that the Town had received the
$750.00 check from the Bicentennial grants for the marker/brochure project.
The check for the Antiquarian Society Parker Tavern restoration has not yet
been received.
The Town has been noti"ied officially of its designation as a
Bicentennial Community and a public official presentation of the flag will
be made at an% appropriate ceremony to be arranged. The presentation should
take place before annual town meeting, with carefully arranged publicity.
Mrs. Ebeling distributed a letter and form, with approval from
the town counsel for the marking of the Revolutionary period houses. It
was agreed that the plaque should be prepared and placed on the Stocker
House and that the letter to the house owners should invite them to go and
see it. The letters should then by followed up in ten days by a telephone
call and a visit to answer any questions.
The commission, now eligible to use the official Bicentennial
logo, is ready to order some stationery, using 6 Lowell St. as the address.
Mrs. Ebeling will see about this purchase as voted by the commission.
Jane Celeher reported for the public events committee that
and Blanchard was meeting with the service clubs, and a January open
eting with all organizations will be called to formulate plans for
the'76 events. The Jaycees homecoming will be on Saturday. A ball is in
the offing. It is understood that the Armory at Camp Curtis Guild has been
offered to the Selectmen for town use.
There is still some uncertainty about the pictures for the
brochure. Apparently Frank Gazarian does not want to do the job.
It is reported that the Minutemen are being deluged with
invitations to march. The question of a Liberty Pole is under discussion.
Maurice Proctor reported that member, Robert Parsons, is working
on the detailed specifications for the Tavern restoration.
The Oral History committee Jane Blood coordinator, sent in a
release for interviewees, drawn up by kenneth Latham. It was read by Mrs .
Miller, and after discussion it was voted that it be partly reworded to
specify "the results of the Oral History program should be deposited in the
Readinf Public Library and use of them should be granted by authoi"ity of
the director of the Litrary." The committee hopes to start interviewing in
January. On motion of Jane Celehar it was voted to authorize expenditures for
tapes and supplies, up to $100.
Budget requests for the town meeting warrant should be ready by
Ubruary 1, with details for town meeting- recorder, publication festival
ents. Details for the publication of Rooftrees must be determined - how
many copies, how sale to be handled, proceeds, etc. Mrs . Celehar talked earlier
with Mr . Morang on this. Details should be rechecked.
The College Club' s project is a local history for the third grade
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level. A committee is working on detailed plans and contemplate a booklet of
not over 70 pages, with chapters or really topics. It should be definitely
Reading related, not a general colonial history, and must be kept simple for
cat age level. Its distribution must be considered, and line drawings are
ggested, color not being feasible.
Mrs. Cronin had called attention to a monologist program, being
sponsored by the State Commission which was being used in the schools of the
state and which she considered very good. The state pays $25 of the $100 fee.
It has been shown in Lynnfield. Mrs. Ebeling said that Tom Darrin is Bicent-
ennial coordinator at the High School, and would lmow of it.
More publicity and better reporting of activities and plans are
highly needed from here on. The citizens need to know what is going on, what
is the status of various protects. Mrs. Barclay said how about a discussion
group (transportation then & now for example. Mrs. Celehar said a P.R.person
was needed, someone who would write for the commissions Keena Hoyle was
suggested and consultation with Mr. Morang is needed to see who might do a
feature story, or monthly columns. The Commission should be highly visible
in the next few months, especially before town meeting.
The next meeting is set for January 22, 1975•
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Eleanor C. Bishop, secretary
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