Historical Commission
Members Present: Sue D., Mike D, Bob C, Mark C., Roseann B.
Members Absent: Adrienne B.
Guests: Jerry B.
I. Town Flag- Mike reported that he inquired about presenting the town flag at the June town meeting. Theresa indicated she would present the idea to the Select Board. Follow up is needed next week. It was discussed that given a similar recent inquiry to the Memorial Day Committee, presentation of the town flag was reportedly deemed as "not appropriate". If presentation at the annual meeting is denied, the board discussed the possibility of Old Home Day.
II. Historic Plaque Program- The board discussed having two orders. Mike will request an invoice for two plaques from Joe Faucher and Sue will deposit the payments received. Once the invoice is received, payment to the vendor will be added to the warrant. Other interested parties in town have yet to place their orders despite follow up by Mike.
III. Civil War Memorial- Roseann provided a summary of her efforts to date, including obtaining estimates for painting and her communication with the highway department regarding the accident resulting in damage to the fence. Roseann reported that a subcontractor specializing in iron work was hired by Bartlett to repair the fence. Further information is needed regarding the repair status. Mark offered to call the highway department to follow up. The board engaged in a lengthy discussion about funding for the Civil War Memorial rehabilitation and preparation that is needed to apply for a grant coming up in the fall of 2024. Bob was asked to talk to Theresa about using the Cumberland Farms funds for the rehabilitation of the cannons and fence since the memorial is part of the town common. We discussed the importance of having funds lined up before the application for the grant becomes available again.
IV. Records Project- Mike reported that it is moving along, but that it was a slower month than usual. More work has been completed on items in the vault and in our office on the second floor. In addition, Mike reported that he and Roseann have been working in the Memorial Room at Hitchcock to catalog books and enter them in a database.
V. Windmill Project- Roseann reported that both Cindy and Suzanne spoke to Father Jack about transferring the windmill to the town. Reportedly, it is still stalled with the Bishop of Springfield. Roseann provided hard copies of the estimated cost of maintaining the windmill to the board, and those costs were reviewed and discussed by all members present.
VI. Town Hall Project- The board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the current projects proposed by the town, and the options that were presented in several public meetings. Mike presented the following motion for consideration:
I move that the Brimfield Historical Commission is on record with full support of the preservation and maintenance of the Town Hall without the entertainment of any plans or projects that include demolition of this historic building.
Roseann seconded the motion. All members presented voted in favor. Motion passed. The board discussed providing information to the town on the town hall regarding it's history using social media. Sue offered to write something over the weekend.
VII. Dedication of the plague at Auction Acres: Sue reported that on May 15th at 7am, Auction Acres would be unveiling a plaque and new national historic landmark dedicated to auctioneer, Gordon Reid and his family in their creation the antique market in Brimfield.
VIII. John's records: Bob reported that he had a discussion with Ben Curtis about preserving John's work regarding the history of Brimfield and, in particular, his military research. Bob reported that John's family assured him the records will not be destroyed and arrangements will be made for either scanning or donation. Follow up will be needed at an appropriate time.
IX. Book Reprinting: The board discussed perhaps using what's left in our budget to purchase new books which can be sold at upcoming events. No decisions were made.
X. Old Home Day- Roseann reported that it will be in July. Discussion was held regarding selling our books, maps, and possibly old postcard reprints.
XI. Friends of the Brimfield Historical Commission: Roseann presented this project, which includes a business plan that she created. We discussed it as an opportunity to raise money for projects such as maintaining the windmill, should the town come to acquire it. The board's response was enthusiastic. Roseann will send copies via email when the plan is complete.
XII. Beautification Project: Bob announced that there will be a meeting on 5/10 involving his sub-committee.
XIII. New/Old Business: Our guest, Jerry B., brought in an old ledger that he bought years ago. The names Ferry and Puffer were included on this ledger for their business, which was a carding mill on/around Old Palmer Rd. Entries were dated in the early 1800's. He wanted to know if we had any further information on the mill. Mike and Sue took down his contact information so that some further research can be conducted
Sue made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45. This was seconded by Mark and others simultaneously.