Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 8 October 2025 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, Mary Jean Smith, Mike Dunham and Lois Frey. Regrets: Alice Whiting. Guests: Dean West. President Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. There was one addition to the agenda: Quote for cupboard moving. Quote: Following discussion, it was moved, seconded and approved to accept the $400 quote by Greg Sargeant Moving for moving the curved glass cupboard and bookcase. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the 10 September 2025 minutes as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn stated there is no budget activity to report. She did state that JHS needs a budget meeting before November 12th to develop next year’s budget for the Selectboard. The budget group is Kelly Vandorn, Dean West, Dick Simays, and Mary Jean Smith. They will meet on October 29th at 10 AM at the Holcomb House. Mary Jean will bring a copy of the Holcomb House work-list to the meeting. Kelly also stated the final bill for the storm-caused electrical work is almost complete. Dick mentioned the front porch light still needs to be replaced. He will check with Rosemary to review the final accounting. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: 10 October, 9 am to noon Mike Dunham; 26 October, Program Committee will host a Plot Cemetery visit at 2 pm. Holcomb House will be closed. 9 November, 1 pm to 3 pm, Program at the Holcomb House. 14 November, 9 am to noon, Dick Simays; 12 December, 9 am to noon, Lois Frey. The Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time by contacting a JHS Trustee. *Social media: Linda Jones is gathering pictures for Facebook. Mary Jean Smith will send information about the upcoming programs to Lydia Putvain for posting on the JHS website and the Town of Johnson website. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: Dick Simays reported the Local Electric crew spent about 13 days on-site completing the electrical repair at the Holcomb House. Mary Jean Smith, along with Steve Smith, helped Gilles Lehouillier as he installed the stair railing and lattice work in the entry-way. It is a work in progress. Once complete, a photograph will be sent to the Fire Marshall as requested. Mike Dunham reported that the Historical Society is now under the town’s fire extinguisher replacement policy. *Collections and Program Development: Kelly Vandorn reported that at the October 26th Talk at the Plot Cemetery Duncan Hastings will give an overview of Johnson cemeteries and then guide the tour to selected gravestones. Costumes will be provided by Lamoille County Players (Patty Jacobs coordinating) with outfit selection scheduled for 14 October leaving from the Holcomb House at 9:30 AM to the Wolcott storage area. A practice session is scheduled for Saturday, 25 October at 9:30 am. Actors and their characters were identified. Dick Simays agreed to film the presentation. Lois Frey confirmed the visit to the Manor (early school houses) on 21 October at 2:45 pm. A short session to finalize that agenda will be held on October 20th at 9 AM, followed by a work session to restore items moved during the electrical work at the Holcomb House. Questions check with Lois Frey. *Revenue Development: No activity. *Membership: No report. *Road name consideration: Following discussion it was moved, seconded and approved to change the previous request for Bear Hollow Road to Sap Run Drive. The use of just Sap Run was not acceptable as the 911 system and postal carriers need to have street, drive, or road stated. Acquisitions: Gail and Dean Longley donated three items from the Sterling Bank and Merchants Bank. Mary Jean Smith reported she has organized the crate of material from the American Legion, which is now ready to be accessioned. Linda Jones presented a request from Kathleen Engstrom (Enosburg) to donate an antique sofa which belonged to her relatives, Haley and Hazel Stearns who lived on Railroad Street. All agreed the item would be an excellent addition to the JHS collection. Linda will follow-up. Bruce and Mary Beard donated two Parker and Stearnes carpenter pencils. Lucianna (Swenson) Soars donated her flash drives containing all the JHS newsletters that she prepared. Linda Jones shared a collection of items from the Carol Schminke, granddaughter of Dr. Holcomb that included Madine Holcomb’s autograph book, the guest book from the Holcomb’s 50 th wedding anniversary party (11.10.1956), a Dr. Holcomb obituary tribute, a picture of the family home taken September 11, 1950. John Manley donated a pulp saw. 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.