Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 10 September 2025 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Alice Whiting, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, Mary Jean Smith, Mike Dunham and Lois Frey. Guests: Dean West & Linda Benezra. Dick Simays, President called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM. There was one addition to the agenda: Programs. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes August 13, 2025 as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn stated the budget activity was the same as usual. She shared a copy of the Historical Society budget as of 9.8.2025, which she received from Rosemary Audibert. The balance is $34,151.86. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: 28 September, 1 to 3:30 pm, Mary Jean Smith; 10 October, 9 am to noon Mike Dunham; October 25 or 26, 2025 Program Committee (TBA); November 9, 2025 Program Committee (TBA); November 14, 2025, 9 am to noon, Dick Simays; December 6, 2025, Jubilee; December 12 Lois Frey. The Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time by contacting a JHS Trustee. *Social media: The Fall newsletter will be distributed this month. Linda needs pictures for Facebook page and would welcome contributions. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: Dick Simays reported that Local Electric (Morrisville) has started work on the electrical repair at the Holcomb House. Also, at their August 18, 2025 meeting the Selectboard approved adding the Holcomb House to the town’s building agreement. Dick reported that the fire extinguishers have been replaced. *Collections and Program Development: Linda Jones, Alice Whiting and Kelly Vandorn continue to work on public presentations. Once scheduling can be coordinated, there will be a Talk at the Plot Cemetery. (Details will be forthcoming.) *Revenue Development: Lois Frey reported the Tuesday Night Live JHS sales generated revenue of $1,810. A few more dollars will be added with the sale of left-over hot dogs and rolls. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported no new members. Acquisitions: Linda Jones has two curved glass China cabinets that she will donate to the Historical Society if they are wanted. Following discussion, it was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the donation and allocate funds to professionally move the cabinets to the Holcomb House. There was a discussion addressing a request from Pam Witherell looking for help locating several accounting booklets from the Hall family. The Accessioning Committee will check the JHS data base once the Holcomb House electrical wiring is complete. Lois Frey reported talking to Becky Sendak, whose property houses the former Ted Patch sugarhouse. The family will be dismantling the building in the near future. She has many pictures and some history of the property that she will share with Historical Society at a time when she returns to Vermont. Mike Dunham expressed an interest in salvaging sections of wall with maple notations. He will contact Becky to follow-up. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:32 am. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.