HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-04-02 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes - Minutes - Apri1, 2, 1975. -
I The Bicentennial Commission met at the Library on April 2,1975.
All members but one were present. The minutes of the previous meeting
were approved as distributed, with one correction: the Craftsmen will
give a demonstration on the Parker Tavern lawn every Sunday during June
of 1975 and 1976.
Mrs. Miller, chairman, reported receiving many compliments on the
March 20, kickoff, program, and some questions why the Bicentennial Flag
was not flying. There will be a ceremony, complete with MinuteMen and
photographer, Saturday at 10 am to raise the flag. The Minute Men will
then parade to 3 Avon St . The certificate is being framed to hang in
the Town Hall.
Thanks go to the March 20 supporters and participant; the Reading
School Committee, John McHugh, Mr. Green, and the Credo Club, the Minute
Men, Fifers, Larry Blood for photography, and especially to member, John
McCauley, master of ceremonies.
David Biette agreed to arrange for pictures for Saturday's flag
ceremony.
Mrs. Barclay has scheduled several speaking dates for Reading in
the Revolution. It was suggested that arrangemments be made for this
talk to be taped. Mrs. Miller spoke to the Business & Professional
Women and the group is presenting a small Bicentennial Flag for the
Library Reading Room.
Gregory & Weaver, real estate, desire to purchase and fly a
Bicentennial flag. Mrs. Barclay contacted the State Commission and was
told the local commtssia�a ust give written approval. After extended
discussion the Read ing,,unatxtlmously agreed that there should be no
commS,ercial use, and approval would be given for display only on a
- community-owned building.
Mrs. Ebeling's written report listed permits for markers received
to date and 2 requests for review. Mrs. Bishop was asked to check the
copy for the markers prior to the placement of the order.
Mrs. Blood reported that Miss Helen Ruggles had already been
Interviewed by the Oral History program, and that Preston F. Nichols
was scheduled. Marie Diamond and Arlene have been added to the
subcommittee. Mildred Buckley has volunteered to do the transcriptions.
At the Barbershoppers concert on April 12 David Biette will read
a script on Reading's musical history, prepared by Miriam A.Barclay.
Jane Celehar spoke of the Calendar, noting events already listed,
and citing the necessity of getting all occasions recorded on it , through
29 May 1976.
The School Department has reportedly named a Bicentennial coordinator
for all the schools but It has been difficult , so far, to determine what
Is 161,Lg done, and the reference librarians and Mrs. Barclay are still
being deluged with requests for help from individual teac'ners. The
reference librarians have edited Mrs. Barclay 's history of Reading for'"
third graders, and have supplied one copy to each elementary school-
'The
chool-'The old Reading maps-, Mrs. Miller 's _special project , have been _ ,...
reproduced, courtesy oftheChronicle, framed, and will be on display
-
in Jones window for two weeks in April.
The chairman meets with the Finance Committee on May 3 and will
present a budget request of ;9200, including 5900 costs of publications
which will bring in a return on sales. This budget , on motion of John
McCauley, seconded by Roland Blanchard, was approved unanimously.
The matter of the drive and parking project at the Parker Tavern
is still unsettled, pending resolution of legal considerations of
public versus private property improvements.
Roland Blanchard reported plans for the 1976 weekend are progressing,
with a period-dress ball, Minute Men demonstration, and the Colonial
Chorus as likely events.
Mrs. Miller will present a second report of progress to the annual
town meeting.
The Commission adjourned at 10 pm to meet next on 21 May, unless
some action is required earlier. C Q) ..f'
Eleanor C. Bishop,Secretary