Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
October 20, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Attendees: Joyce Anderson, Sheila Dubman, Joe Lee, Matt Lindberg, and Mickey Splaine
Members approved minutes from the October 20, 2011 meeting.
Wachusett Mountain National Register Nomination
Joyce reported that the Wachusett Mountain National Register Nomination will not proceed and that she followed up with David Crowley on his offer to reimburse the $4,000 that Princeton, Westminster and private donors had contributed to the nomination. A check will be sent by the end of December 31, 2011. It will be made to the PHC and we will distribute the proceeds to all contributors. Sheila will prepare a distribution schedule and share with John Lebeaux for approval. DCR has indicated that they are interested in placing interpretive markers on the property and would work with us to ensure accuracy.
Four Corners Nomination
We have paid Anne Forbes $1,500 toward writing the nomination. Joyce recommended that we pay the next installment promptly upon invoice and that we have about $4,000 in the donation account.
Fundraising
We will, at some point, need to raise funds for a Four Corners marker and to commence work on the Everettville nomination. Joyce described past events:
- A Day in the Country: This was done several years ago as a joint fundraiser with Preservation Worcester and The Princeton Historical Society. The event took over a year to plan and raised over $10,000. The event included a luncheon and a craft show at the Princeton Center
- A silent auction and a beer and wine tasting raised $3,000.
Joyce agreed to ask the Historical Society to collaborate with the PHC. We agreed to consider strategies for various levels of effort. We should consider the kind of event(s) and the sponsors to solicit (food, drink, venue and auction items).
We also discussed the possibility of taking on the phonebook project, in the event that the church chooses not to) and the possibility of a historical house tour.
Mechanics Hall
Discussed current status of Underutilized Assets Committee work on Mechanics Hall. Sheila reported that they will recommend the formation of a “Friends of Mechanic Hall” group and that Henry Beth has accepted the task of developing an historic conservation restriction for the building. Sheila will suggest that Henry check with Mass Historic for examples.
East Princeton Lighting
The group agreed to table discussion until plans for the roadway are further along to consider integrated lighting proposals.
Meetinghouse Cemetery
Discussed question of stray pieces and Bagg family marker found on the grounds. Any plans to move these require more information than we have at this point.
Redemption Rock Historic Marker
Joyce reported on her findings about Massachusetts Bay Commission Tercentenary Markers similar to the one at Redemption Rock: There are 192 extant in the Commonwealth. They were made in Marietta, Ohio circa 1933 and may be owned by DCR. The group discussed taking responsibility for cleaning and restoring ours as a service to the community and as an example for other Historical Commissions. We need to
- Learn who ‘owns’ the marker,
- determine the condition of the marker and
- get a restoration cost estimate from our marker supplier.
Bagg Hall
The group agreed that we want to take an active role in removing the overload on the Bagg Hall second floor. The Select Board put public surplus on their 11/21 agenda. Sheila will ask of John Lebeaux what action is planned and offer our help to determine what, if anything, should be preserved in town ownership.
Next Meeting: Thursday, January 19, 2012 Town Hall Annex, 7PM
Respectfully submitted, Sheila Dubman
| 
