HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-09-17 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes Minutes - September 17, 1975
The Reading Bicentennial Commission met at the usual place in the
Childrents room of the Fublic Library on 17 September. All members
were present except David Biette who has started his freshman classes
at Bowdoin. Copies of the minutes of the previous meeting were distri-
buted and were approved without change.
Chairman, Joyce hiller, reported pro,ress of the sub-committee on
grave-atone rubbings and recording, and said that Loraine Louanis had
made a gift of 025 worth of supplies for the project . The secretary was
requested write an acknowledment of the gift and also one to the Friends
of the Library, Robert Jackson, chairman, who nave provided materials
to the amount of x42.
The request for January through April dates for the state calendar
was turned over to Jane Cellehar.
A progress report was received (and accepted ) from '.r. Daddario for
t 'ne tavern slide presentation project . Mrs. Barclay noted that they had
not yet reached consideration of their original object of the position of
the tavern in 1775 society. About k41 has been spent to date and the
chairman has provided a letter of official endorsement requested in order
to obtain pereisslon to photograph interiors of some out-of-town tavern
restorations.
A report o:' progress fro^! the Oral History program, Jane Blood,
coordinator, detailed interviewing, transcribing and typing to date and
reported some 11 interviews in various stages of preparation. They as'ced
If the Commission would approve additional taping even if It might not be
possible to transcribe and type them now. Approval was unanimous to
obtain the interviews lest It become too late in some cases.
There was further discussion about the rules for use of the commissio,l
equipment. In addition to those on official Bicentennial projects (Oral
History and Taverns project ) it was voted that since the equipment wall
purchased with town funds it should be available to town departa;ents,
boards or committees under a check-out proceeding with a knowledgeable
person who would be responsible for it .
It was reported that some 30 persons took part In the Walkathon on
Sunday. Nothing has been heard from the Depot project sponsors. John
Agnew wants the Commission to endorse it , but since the one who signs
the request receives the grant and is responsible for its administration
this Is something the Commission is not prepared to do. If they should
come In with a detailed proposal at the next meeting a statement of some
sort should be made by this Commission.
The Heritage Trail project Is moving along. The remalning plaques
will be ordered/ and or installed shortly. Mr. Skinner has deelgned the
standards for the 3 free-standing markers (the two mills and the Minute
sen rendezvous. The 46dahure will then be completed.
1^.rs. 4arlcay and Sire. "'filler outlined the teacher workshops to be
%w held Oct . 1 & 8 for elementary and secondary Instructors. The Schools
bicentennial has been scheduled for May 10-14 with special programs In
all the schools and a grand presentation at RIHS May 13th. Since
2/ 171 n
Since May 15 has been set by the youth groups as Youth Weekend
with a special program on the Common it was suggested that the leaders
of these activities confer with the school planners to prevent conflicts.
Roland Blanchard Is in contact with Richard Chesley, head or the
Jaycees as the service clubs are making plans for the May 29 period
festival events.
Dr. Blanchard said he had received inquiries why the Bicentennial
flag was not being flown. Others have been asking and the Secretary
was instructed to write to the Board of Selectmen and official request
that the flag be flown daily from now on.
The College Club grouo still expects to complete the third-grade
j pamphlet history of Reading but It has not yet been funded since they
have never presented any concrete outline or results to the Commission.
i_ It was claimed the copy is complete and being edited. The commission
endorse the project and funding could be asked for the next town meeting
a since the specific amount of the request does not need to be ready until
s the meeting itself. The commission believes the contea s must be
authenticated by local historians before final approval. If town
funded the proceeds of sales accrue to the Town not the Club. It was
voted to place in the warrant an article which can be presented if
needed.
The Junior Unity was reported as looking for a project. It was
suggested a small pamphlet , brief history, for adults was needed. :ire.
Barclay suggested C.:7elson Lishop'a A 3riefing on Our Town's History
prepared for the Nelghborhood Betterment Association In 1956 and printed
In the Reading Chronicle "Reading Reflections" series the same year.
It could be updated where required.
Queries were made bow to obtain copies of Reading maps reproduced
by the Friends of the Library. Teresa Bond of the Book Nook has been
trying to obtain them for distribution. The chairman of the Friends
Is Robert Jackson, Gleason Road.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 to meet again on Wednesday,
October 8th. Cp n n
Eleanor C. Bishop
secretary