Becket Historical Commission
7:00pm, 1/23/13
present: Aaron Beatty, Rita Furlong, Rob Gordon,
Meeting called to order at 7pm
We had a guest, Phil Connor from Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, who gave a presentation recapping the relationship the Y has had with Becket since his appointment to CEO in 2004 including the infrastructure issues he faced when becoming CEO in 2004 and what has been done since to address historical, infrastructure and community relations concerns. Many upgrades have been made with an eye toward returning the camp to what it used to be. Becket-Chimney Corners has endeavored to use local contractors, buy local and has increased its charitable giving to public safety and highway departments as well as reaching out through the Berkshire Taconic Foundation to the Becket-Washington school.
He stressed that the Y was working hard to be a good steward to the town of Becket both by continuing to improve and maintain the camp and by supporting local businesses and institutions. They are endeavoring to leave the property in better shape than they found it. A full 1/3 of their staff live in Becket and the surrounding hilltowns. Their dining hall is now an emergency shelter for the town, they provide approximately $775,000 in financial aid for campers wishing to attend their camps, $120,000 of which goes to local schools and children. There is also a 50% discount for residents of Becket and Washington.
Phil spoke about how the Y could participate in the 250th anniversary celebration of Becket’s founding this summer. He offered the Brewster House as a possible location for some activities and said the Y would contribute monetarily, offer the use of its grounds (as availability permits) and provide a liaison who could attend planning meetings. There was talk of having people dressed in period clothing, a picnic, fireworks, a re-creation of the walk from N. Becket to the camp that campers used to make.
There was a brief discussion about the road that runs through their property that they are looking to acquire; their concern is about public access to the camps & campers, traffic is a secondary concern.
Phil also presented each member of the Historical Commission with a copy of “Our Loyal Band: The Story of the First 100 Year of YMCA Camp Becket”. We thanked Phil for coming and he thanked us for our time.
Minutes from Nov. 28 mtg read (last meeting) – minutes passed as read
COMMUNICATIONS
12/3 – notice from ZBA regarding property on N. Lake way – owners do not have proposal in place yet – so no hearing has been held, regardless, there are no historical concerns
Planning board provided us with a notice regarding an owner’s plan for a boarding/day care facility for dogs & cats with private rooms & TVs on Jacob’s ladder road. There is no structure there now and no historical concerns
The Commonwealth is accepting nominations for annual preservation awards – no action taken
Received various newsletters: Commonwealth Museum Connection, MA Humanities, The Trust for Public Land
Received a quote from Chester Granite Quarry for the Civil War monument (details below)
CIVIL WAR MONUMENT
Chester Granite Quarry provided us with a quote for a granite obelisk with etching on all four sides - $5700.00 -1-8x 1-8 x6-0, $450 for installation & delivery.
We do need a list of those who participated in the Revolutionary War & War of 1812 – Rob will look through the history book & touch base with Bill Mulholland - Rita spoke to Skip about this as well.
Rita wrote article to place on warrant :
“To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6150.00 for the purchase and installation of a granite obelisk monument to commemorate the Becket veterans who served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Monument to be placed in Ballou Memorial Park. “
Rita moved that we placed it on the town warrant, Aaron seconded, the motion passed unanimously
Treasure’s Report – no report/no change
NEW BUSINESS
- Rob read the town report summarizing our activity for 2012 – it was well received
- We are out of postcard mylars – Rita requested that we buy some 3x5s & 4x6s (to protect postcards). In addition, Rita is redoing our postcard displays for the Becket Room and requested reimbursement for the materials she has needed to purchase. Rita moved that we appropriate up to $50 to reimburse her for these supplies. Aaron seconded and the motion passed unanimously
- There is mold on some of items on bookcase – Rita is going through & cleaning
- We may acquire some file cabinets (we may purchase or receive second hand) – Rob would need to build a base as he has for our other file cabinets – he agreed to do so.
- We went through some photos of uncertain origin
- Rita has been doing a lot of organizing & going through our archives / postcards/photos
- Found sermon from 1903 – Melrose Unitarian Church – Aaron researched online at meeting – and found info – Rita will mail it to them
- Rita found reflections on Becket, poetry from Becket, recipes
- Also found notes of Marrian Smith Parker – correcting Becket Bicentennial Book – we will keep it on hand with the book for reference.
Meeting adjourned 8:10pm (Rita moved, Aaron 2nd passed unanimously)
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