Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 11 February 2026 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, Mike Dunham, Lois Frey, and Mary Jean Smith (9:30 AM.) Regrets: Alice Whiting. Guest: Dean West, John Sutherland President Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There were no additions to the agenda. Secretary’s Report: It was made, seconded and approved to accept the 8 January 2026 minutes as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn shared a copy of the Historical Society’s section of the Town’s Budget approved at March 4, 2025 Town Meeting. No changes to address. Administrative Items: Holcomb House Hosting: Friday 2.13.2026 at 9 AM-noon Mary Jean Smith. On Saturday 2.21.2026 at 2 PM at Jenna’s House (117 St John’s Road) River Memories: Exploring Settlement Patterns on Waterways in Vermont by Alan Beroizheimer will be co-hosted with the Johnson Library, the lead sponsor of the event. The Holcomb House will not be open on Sunday, 22 February 2026. Friday 3.13.2026 at 9 AM to noon Mike Dunham; and Sunday 22 March 2026 Linda Jones. Social media: Linda Jones plans to have the next JHS newsletter in the mail the week of 16 February 2026. The recent Facebook post is about the Sargeant Family. Linda is looking for some help with identifying some of the people in the pictures. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: Smoke detector project in process. *Collections & Program Development: Mary Jean Smith reported she will be meeting with Barbara Flathers Collins about the Ruth Mould art collection soon. She anticipates getting clarification about insurance needs and next steps. Programs: Linda Jones reported that the JHS program on 22 March 2026 at 2 pm will be titled Memories of the Pharmacy, a panel discussion. Linda is finalizing the panel members. *Revenue Development: The tradition of JHS selling homemade pie at Town Meeting on March 3rd will continue. It was decided to reduce the number of pies needed. The status of Tuesday Night Live is still not known so the number of JHS food sale dates during July and August is unknown. *Introduction of John Sutherland who is a self-described history buff and the new Town Administrator for Johnson. He has moved from Eagle Lake, Maine, where his most recent employment was as that town’s Town Administrator. Following a discussion of the need for two Trustees for the JHS Board, John said he would prepare and send the appropriate announcement looking for volunteers. Welcome John. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported via Linda Jones that the recent membership campaign generated 51 renewals and 3 new members. Sadly, three members have passed away. *Town Meeting prep: Pie makers will be contacted and set up time will be shared when the schedule is announced. *Water heater replacement: The new water heater has been delivered to the Holcomb House. Mike Dunhan will coordinate its installation. *East wall insulation project: The insulation project is moving forward and will be completed no later than 30 June 2026 with Dick Simays and Mike Dunham coordinating. *Julian Scott House: Lois Frey reported that a task requested by the Selectboard at their 1.22.2026 meeting was for the Historical Society to take the lead to come up with ideas addressing the upcoming demolition at 384 Lower Main Street W., formerly the home of Julian Scott. A subcommittee was formed and met on 23 January 2026. The notes from that meeting were sent to the Town Administrator and Selectboard Chair. A copy is filed with these minutes. It was noted that Vermont Emergency Management is the lead organization in the FEMA process with the first step to look for asbestos. *Acquisitions: Mary Jean Smith donated three pictures (an overview of the village, a baseball team, & a Proctor child) which came from her mother, Phyllis Perry. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.