HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-12-04 ad Hoc - Bicentennial Commission Minutes Dec. 4,1975.
The Reading Bicentennial Commission met at the Reading Public
Library at 8 pm, on Dec. 4, 1975. Present were members: Joyce Miller,
• chairman, Eleanor C. Bishop, secretary, Miriam A. Barclay, Roland
Blanchard, Jane Celehar, Maurice Proctor and Katherine Farquhar, together
with George Gray and David Crockett of the Minute Men and Wiley Osborn
of the Jaycees. Member John MaOsuley was unable to be present as also
David Biette now attending college In Maine.
The minutes were accepted as distributed.
Dr. Blanchard raised the three questions concerning the May 22
Founders Day proposals presented at the previous meeting: funding sponsor-
ship, dress for the Colonial Ball.and scope and responsibility for the
program book.
Captain Crockett explained that the Commission's endorsement
did not entail financial responsibility for funding the festivities.
The Colonial Ball will not be a closed affair, and colonial dress, though
encouraged, will be optional. Minutemen of the three towns will have
tickets available in advance. The size of the Curtis Guild hall Is ample.
Mr. Osborn explained that the primary purpose of the program
booklet is to raise the funds for the events through individual and
business sponsorship advertisements, and it will contain such material
as a list of Bicentennial events, pictures of old houses, history and
Bicentennial projects. It 's aim is to provide a colorful souvenir keep-
sake of the 200th anniversary celebration.
`. Since the Bicentennial Commission has tax exempt statue and an
account with the town treasurer all contributions will be deposited in
that account and expenditures paid in the usual manner, provided on a
bill Sheet over the signature of chairman, Joyce Miller. Expenses for
the ball will be handled directly by the sponsor orgablzations not by
the commission.
On motion of Roland Blanchard it was voted unanimously: "
that the Reading Bicentennial Commission wholeheartedly endorse the
program as set forth by the Reading Companies of Minute and Militia for
Founders Day with the full understanding that no financial encumbrances
be made or implied by this action. Further, that any future actions be
subject to review by the Bicentennial Commission before granting their
approval or endorsement , also that the Bicentennial Commission endorse
the Jayceek' publication of a chronicle of the year's events. "
A question was raised as to the scope of the celebration, how
widely it should be advertised. The Commission agreed that Its concept-
ion was that of a home celebration, listed in the Bicentennial Calendar,
but not widely advertised. Homecomers and visitors will be welcomed, but
not actively sought for by any ballyhoo.
Other events are being scheduled during the May festival week
Including a Garden Club flower show, and the Reading Schools programs.
It is understood that outriders of the Pennsylvania wagon train
due at Valley Forge on July 4th will be in the vicinity in May or June
carrying a scroll for signatures.
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Wiley Osborn of the Jaycees is the prime organizer of the
activities, with the Minute Men, and will bring in other civic organ-
izations, as this is to be a public celebration in which the whole town
may participate. Roland Blanchard is Commission representative.
More publicity coverage for the Bicentennial is needed. Bruce
Morang will handle the festival events but more week to week coverage
Is needed. Jane Celeher is working on this problem.
David Biette IS now away at college and Mrs. Miller will contact
him about stepping down since the Commission is left Shorthanded, and
now lacks fan active youth member.
Katherine Farquhar reported the last of the plaques and the
free standing markers are being cleared for placement , and final copy
for the brochure Is being prepared.
The Oral History project is continuing under the joint chair-
manship of Arlene Zemlin and Frances Wells.
Ron Daddario's group Is working on their script and have asked
for a place on the next Commission meeting agenda.
The Grave recording project Is progressing well under the
direction of Lorraine Louanis. The rubbings are about complete. No
photographshave been made. IT%. Farquhar suggested a motion of concern
re: potential damage to stones from the now popular practice of stone
rubbings and a possible banning of such by the Town now that an authorized
set will be available for Study and reproduction. Aire. Miller will pre-
pare a draft letter for consideration at the next meeting.
The Pitkin revision project under the League Of Women Voters
Is progressing, as Is the College Club's under Elaine McDonald for the
third-grade local history brochure.
The meeting adjourned, to meet next , same time, same place
on Wednesday, January 1,4, 1976.
Eleanor C. Bishop I
secretary
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$411.
MOTION:-
That
OTION:-That the Reading Bicentennial Commission wholeheartedly endorse
the programs set forrtthh by the Reading Companies of Minute and
Militia with the full,- 11derstanding that no financial encumbrances
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be made or implied by this action. Further, that any future actions
be subject to review by the Bicentennial Commission before granting
their approval orCL
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