Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 8 April 2026 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Linda Jones, Mike Dunham, John Sutherland, Kelly Vandorn, Mary Jean Smith (arrived at 10.12 AM), and Lois Frey. Regrets: Alice Whiting. Guests: Dean West, Tom Carney, Duncan Hastings. President 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 11 March 2026 minutes as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn reported the checkbook balance is $40,637.50. Administrative Items: Holcomb House Hosting: Friday 4.10.2026 at 9 AM to noon, Mary Jean Smith, Sunday, 4.26.2026 at 1 PM to 3 PM Lois Frey with Memories of the Johnson pharmacy program at 2:00 PM; Friday 5.8.2026 at 9 AM to noon Dick Simays. The Holcomb House will be closed May 24, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend) with a program scheduled at the Plot Cemetery on 5.17.2026 at 2 PM to 3:00 PM Kelly Vandorn, coordinating. Holcomb House Schule for June will be 6.12.2026 from 9 AM to noon Mike Dunham and 6.28.2026 from 1 to 3 PM Linda Jones. Social media: Linda Jones reports to expect a new Facebook post next week (organized by Linda and posted by Barbara Backus.) Linda also reported that she is working on the next JHS newsletter anticipating a May 2026 publication date. Dick Simays reported that he received a telephone call from Gordon Smith expressing his appreciation for the well-done January 2026 newsletter. Dick stated he gave all the credit to Linda Jones for her talent and dedication to researching and writing the JHS newsletters. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: Dick Simays reported that Local Electric has not yet completed the wiring for the placement of the smoke detector in the dining room. Tom Carney reminded all that there had been a previous discussion about having the Holcomb House alarm system be the same as the Municipal Building. John Sutherland said he would check on it. No Trustees were prepared to recommend a site for the Tree Board to plant a tree by the Holcomb House. It was decided to ask Sue Lovering or Noel Dodge to make a site recommendation, which the Trustees could approve or reject at the May meeting. The East wall insulation project was started by Bugbee Insulation on Monday, 6 April 2026. After about 30-45 minutes they told Jacob and Kelly Vandorn that they were unable to spray their product into the wall due to previously installed insulation. Following discussion, it was decided that a more thorough look into the wall and/or ceiling by removing some tiles to determine what had been added over the years. Mike Dunham recommended Richard Whittemore. Mary Jean Smith shared the information she received from a discussion with Gilles Lehouiller. John Sutherland and Mike Dunham will follow up. For future gutter maintenance it was suggested that someone be responsible for checking and clearing any ice/snow build up throughout the winter. *Collections & Program Development: Linda Jones reported that the JHS program on 22 March 2026 was postponed to 26 April 2026 due to the inclement weather. The Memories of the Pharmacy at the Holcomb House will be introduced by Dick Simays with panelists Laurie West McLean, Jackie Bailey, Lillian White, and Tammy Wells. Kelly Vandorn reported the Plot Cemetery guided tour will be held on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 2 PM. Kelly has identified some cemetery residents to feature, with Trustees filling the roles. Because it is close to Veteran’s Day it was decided to ask Steve Smith to place the American flags at each grave in time for the program. Kelly will check to identify at least one veteran to be re-enacted at the event. *Revenue Development: No new report. 2026 Tuesday Night Live is to have six concerts on Legion Field. Start date will be 7 July 2026. Tom Carney plans to check in with Howard Romero for the Historical Society’s set-up location and parking spot for the trailer. *Membership: No report Nomination of Officers: Dick Simays asked if Trustees wanted to create a Nominating Committee or do as in 2025, query the present officers. All present agreed to serve again if no one else stepped forward. Dick will offer the slate of five officers at the 13 May 2026 annual meeting after he confirms with Alice Whiting. *Julian Scott House update: John Sutherland reported that a walk-around was held on 12 March 2026 with representatives from the State Planning Office, Historic Preservation as well as John, Scott Meyer, Duncan Hastings, Mary Jean Smith, Linda Jones, Dick Simays and others. The contractors will work with the town representatives when they are removing the building. Those present brainstormed what pieces of the building (i.e. the wide floorboards) and how they might be used if salvaged. *Acquisitions: Dean and Aggie West donated an item from A+ Auto Repair. Dick Simays donated a picture of Rev & Mrs. French. Mary Jean Smith donated a 1973 School Yearbook and pamphlet. Two items donated by Michael Landini were identified as a Whipple aka Wiffle and a section of a furnace door. Both items were found along the Gihon River in the facinity of the old forge. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 AM. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.