Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 9 July 2025 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Alice Whiting, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, Mary Jean Smith, and Lois Frey. Absent: Mike Dunham. Guests: Dean West, Tom Carney, Don Garrett (stopped in.) Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There were no additions to the agenda. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes from 6.11.2025 as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn stated the budget activity was the same as usual with no printed report to share. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: 11 July, Mike Dunham 9 am – noon; 27 July, Linda Jones 1-3:30 pm 8 August, Mary Jean Smith 9 am to noon, and 24 August, Lois Frey 1 to 3:30 pm. The Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time. *Social media: Linda Jones reported a new Facebook page was posted on 8 July 2025 with 46 likes or loves for the post; 123 individual picture likes, 4 loves, and one cares in less than 24 hours. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: Mary Jean Smith reported she has applied four coats of polyurethane to the bannisters, which are now ready for Gilles Lehouillier to install. Dick Simays reported the status of four projects: 1) Work is in process on repositioning the fire extinguisher, 2) Dick has been in contact with Ethan Griggs at Local Electric for installation of the smoke detectors, 3) communication with the Town Administrator about the building alarm is in process, and 4) Dick will also follow up with him to report dissatisfaction with the exterior cleaning of the Holcomb House. Mary Jean reported the mess left from the cleaning process fluids around the building caused breathing difficulties and killed a number of plants. Discussion about the need to clean-up the parameter of the parking lot. Don Garrett volunteered to do some checking with the Village as their equipment has tackled that project in the past. *Collections and Program Development: Linda Jones reported that public presentations would resume in September. Lois Frey reported she continues to coordinate with folks at Vermont State University-Johnson to greet the incoming students with a pie and cake sale at a proposed chicken barbeque (by the VSU food service) at the end of August, tentatively set for August 26, 2025. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported no new members. Tuesday Night Live: Lois Frey will attend the TNL Committee meeting at Old Mill Park on July 9th as will Tom Carney and Don Garrett to discuss site arrangements. Acquisitions: Dick Simays shared research information about Amy Shonio, a woolen mill worker. He received the research from Ethan Mitchell. Items delivered by Linda Jones included: 1) a St Johnsbury & Lamoille County Railroad rail, used for a door stop by Grover Perkins; 2) Nine books dated 1884, 1891, & 1894-1895 from Randy Manning; 3) an album from Lynn Palmer, Newport, VT containing early Johnson pictures including the 1927 flood; 4) A collection of pictures and memorabilia including a United Church cookbook from Kelly Gonyeau, who visited with 6 others plus 3 JHS members; 5) A Riddle Brothers check register dated June 11, 1921, a 1906 Riddle Brothers ledger, and a ledger scale register from Bruce & Mary Beard for the years 1915-16. Acquisitions (continued): Mary Jean Smith brought a collection of items from American Legion Post 46, which is in the process of disbanding. Included is a members (deceased) plaque from 1947-1997 and the original charter (August 1920.) There are pictures, banners and awards, which can be used to create a nice historical display. Mary Jean will continue to help with the project. Lois Frey delivered a Epson Power Lite 1761W projector (used only once) in a case donated by Jerry and Linda Benezra, Cumberland, Maine. JHS Trustees will no longer have to borrow the town’s projector. There was discussion about moving the baggage wagon with more to follow. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 am. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.