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Minutes for Historical Commission Meeting 05/04/11
Meeting began at 7:00 pm in attendance were Harry Rott, Rita Furlong, Rob Gorden, Barbara Stuhlmann and Jennifer Beatty
- Reading of previous minutes, communications, and treasure’s report - Minutes read by Barb and accepted as read. Treasurer report given by Rita. The money for the Town Pound sign will be taken from the gift fund. Communication: From the ZBA – Jacob’s Pillow on Carter Road is doing some renovations to their Inside Out location. No historical concerns. From MA Historical – State Archeologist sent communication assuring that the commission will be kept apprised of the work on the Center Pond Dam. We will be the local contact for this project and in fact already received a packet of information on the project. It was agreed the work is necessary and would likely not result in any concerns for this commission. From the Town of Becket – we received our copy of the Annual Town Report
- Town Pound Sign - The Becket Town Pound Sign. Rita reported that she took the bracket provided by Rob to the sign maker to have the holes drilled. Rita suggested that we affix the sign to the bracket using clamps that she and her husband will spray black to match the bracket. The sign looks nice and we all thanked Rob for the beautiful bracket he donated for the sign.
- R.R. Monument in Ballou Park - We discussed the addition of a label sign for the monument so that people who see the sign know where it came from. After much discussion, it was decided that we could include both pictures of the railroad depots on the sign as we don’t know for sure which station held the original sign. We also agreed there is not much opportunity to display these photos to the public, so including both is a good idea. Jenn will create the sign for little cost to be hung on the monument in time for Memorial Day. The wording on the sign was agreed upon by the group.
- Three informational maps – Aaron received a written quote from Windsor Marketing to reproduce the three Becket maps. The signs will be printed on Coroplast which is a 3/8” thick corrugated plastic specially made to be outside in the weather. Barbara moved to approve the spending up to $300 to produce the three signs needed and Harry seconded and was approved unanimously by the group.
- The Higley Apothecary – Rob reported that he spoke to the owners of the Apothecary about their application to the CPA for funds to restore the building. Ma Historical must approve the deed modification for the CPA to approve the funds. They also suggested the owners provide an updated report of the work that is needed on the building. The owners must separate the deed and modify it first before they contact MA historical. It is our understanding that this is not a simple process and Rob has encouraged the current owners to contact MA Historical directly to get the details of what is required. The commission’s position continues to be one of support of the preservation of the building and to cover the holes in the roof and to encourage the owners to donate the building
to the town.
- Athenaeum - Further discussion was held on moving the archives from their current location at the Athenaeum to an alternate location and what we can do about this. Aaron will look online regarding what the commission is able to do in this circumstance as our understanding is that we are to be involved in the housing of historical documents, but not historical artifacts. Rob suggested we think about getting this issue put on the town meeting as the athenaeum is asking the town for additional funds for the library while at the same time making definite moves towards getting rid of the artifacts and documents they have held for over 100 years. Rob also suggested the commission appear before the Athenaeum’s board to discuss our concerns over the treatment and care of the historical
documents and artifacts currently upstairs in the athenaeum.
- Old Business – none
- Brewster House – no news
- New Business – Barb stated that Camp Greylock on Route 8 has replace half of the porch and corresponding roof on one of their buildings that was in much need of repair. Rita also shared a reference to the Becket Silk Mill that appeared in a publication on Quilt History shared by Steve Schatz.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05.
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