HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-05-21 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes May 21, 1975.
Minutes -. Bicentennial Commission
The Commission met in room 9 of the Community Center at 8 pm. on
y 21st . All members but one were present, as well as a group of
citizens, led by Ron Daddario, who wished to present a project for
commission backing.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed,
Mrs. Miller reported that approval had been granted to the Joshua
Eaton School for the purchase of a bicentennial flag. Eleven plaques
have been delivered and Roy Skinner is ready to back them preparatory
to placement on the houses,
Kra. Barclay and Mrs. Bishop attended the Barbershoppers concert where
David Biette of the Commission read a piece on Reading's musical heritage
prepared by Mrs. Barclay. _
Additions to the Calendar include: Sunday, Nov.16, Rev.* Mr, Barnes,
a 1776 church service with sermon* Oct , 26, open house at all the churches
with special displays; and Jan. 1,1976 (Congregational Church) a 1876
period program,
An Invitation to take part in the Founders Day program on Saturday,
May 26 was obviously too short notice for any action.
Arrangements for the big weekend in May 76 will be spearheaded by
V' e Jaycees, but all four of the service clubs will participate, with
,land Blanchard as coordinator.
Mrs. Miller met with the School Department bicentennial coordinator,
and a workshop on baste resources for all interested teachers was set up
with the assistance of Mrs. Barclay and the reference librarian of the
Public Library but , regrettably, it was postponed until Fall.
The third-grade history, prepared bey Mrs. Barclay, and the old maps
of Reading (recently displayed in Jones window) both have proven highly
successful. By request the Friends of the Library will arrange for map
reproductions.
A report of progress was presented to town meeting on May 5, and the
budget was voted unamously on 19 May without a question. No action could
be worked out for the project of the drive and parking space at the Parker
Tavern.
Test rubbings have been made by the cemetery project sub-committee.
They anticipate some 80 rubbinge, and some photography. Materials are
on order.
, Pictures taken by Larry Blood at the March opening meeting are available
for the commission to select those desired for the permanent record.
Jane Blood has resigned as chairman of the Oral History project , but
11 continue to assist the committee, Mrs. Miller will meet with the
J pup the coming week to help them choose a new chairman and divide the work.
i
i
5/21/75 (2)
Regrettably the interview with Preston F. Nichols has had to be called
off a second time.
The Reading Symphony Orchestra requested, and received approval, to
borrow and display, the bicentennial flag at Its bicentennial concert
to be held at Reading Memorial High School auditorium.
Dr. McCauley reported that the Reading Minutemen acquitted themselves
In fine fashion on April 19 at Concord, although the day was a lot less
spectacular than expected.
Mrs. Miller says she is constantly deluged with commercial projects
of all kinds from those who are trying to use the Bicentennial and they
cannot seem to understand the type of observance we are sponsoring.
Exhibits noted, and recommended, include Paul Reveres Boston at the
Museum of Fine Arts, and dioramas at American Mutual. Mrs. Bishop
described a small exhibit she had arranged at Harvard 's Baker Library on
Boston Business - 1775-1776 from Lexington & Concord to the Evacuation.
Mr. Proctor reported that the Parker Tavern repairs were coming along
on schedule and that Wally Grover and Bob Parsons of the property committee
were doing a fine ,Job of supervision.
The Craftsman demonstrations will be held outside, Sundays during
June, at the Tavern, although the house itself will still be closed.
Only three more house owners need to be re-contacted for approval
466r plaques, reported Mrs. Ebeling. Eleven are ready to be installed.
Three owners have requested a reexamination of house dating. The marking
of the three sites : Lobs Pound, Slab City mills, and Dragon Corner remain
to be determined : place for the marker, legend, and necessary site
approvals. The brochure pictures are about ready and the copy will be
finished shortly.
The young people, led by Ron Daddario, presented a proposal to do a
�t slide-tape show of life In Reading in 1775. After considerable discussion
about possible sources and resources (and the lack of same), and the fact
that after July 1 the Commission will own the needed equipment so that
funds would be needed only for film and tapes, a 050 budget was suggested.
The commission expressed interest in the proposal, and the group was asked
to bring in a preliminary list of resources, and a draft outline of a
script and pictures for further consideration.
The commission adjourned at 10 pm. to meet next at 8 pm. on Wednesay,
June 25th, cC C2,�q -
Eleanor C. Bishop, secretary.