Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
March 24, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Attendees: Joyce Anderson, Sheila Dubman, Matt Lindberg, Joe Lee, Alex Fiandaca and Bruce Rollins
Meeting House Cemetery
Bruce Rollins joined the first part of the meeting to express concerns over the amount of funds the Commission was seeking from the town for Meetinghouse Cemetery repairs. Members clarified that while the actual amount had yet to be determined by the Select Board, it would not be as high as the $7,500 Bruce had thought. Bruce also questioned the possibility of seeking a much larger request to fund all cemeteries as well as the possibility of seeking private donations. Members explained that a ‘piecemeal’ approach toward funding requests seemed to be the most prudent and that we have begun looking into the possibility of grants from private foundations. Bruce indicated that there were about three to four hundred stones in need of repair. Members asked for Bruce’s help in
identifying those stones so that we could include them in our priority lists. The Everett tomb at Redemption Rock was briefly discussed as was the undocumented relocation of burials from Calamint Hill Cemetery to South Cemetery.
Alex has contacted Ta Mara regarding Sheriff Evangelidis’ offer for free help and is awaiting a response. Members discussed the possibility a workshop (similar to that held in 2008) in which the Commission would make arrangements, provide lunch and equipment and Ta Mara would provide instruction.
Wachusett Mountain Nomination
Joyce has successfully scheduled a meeting between MHC, DCR, David Crowley and Joe O’Brien to address concerns about the proposed National Register listing of Wachusett Mountain for March 31st. MHC will attend by phone. The meeting time is to be determined.
House Card File
Betsy Beth’s husband Henry, an attorney, will examine the house card file in regards to concerns over privacy. Nancy Orlando has expressed concerns in terms of robbery. Matt questioned whether other communities have encountered this dilemma. Joyce will contact the Mass Historic listserv for feedback.
Website:
Joyce and Sheila met with Lynne recently to discuss the website which is progressing. The PHC home page is up and links are in the process of being constructed. Members will check out the website and send comments to Joyce who will communicate changes to Lynne.
Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
February 17, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Page 2
Everettville:
Sheila discovered that in 1843, the enrollment at school house No. 10 in Everettville was so low that the school was closed and the children began attending school in Westminster. This might be evidence that Everettville spanned both Princeton and Westminster. Joyce noted that this might not be the case based on the fact that at one point children from West Sterling attended school at Mechanics Hall.
Alex suggested that the early deeds of the Westminster houses in question might make reference to Everettville. Alex will look into a Westminster street list of owners and addresses and/or assessor maps to facilitate title searching.
Four Corners/Wachusett Meadow:
Anne Forbes will be visiting Princeton soon to begin work on the nomination for Four Corners and Wachusett Meadow. Her first payment toward the Four Corners portion will be made prior to July 1st in the amount of $1,500. MHC is on track to provide payment for the Wachusett Meadow portion. At Joyce’s request Anne will combine her visit with a tour of Everettville. This date is to be determined.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, April 14, 2011, 7 PM, Town Hall Annex
Respectfully submitted,
Alex Fiandaca
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