Historical Society Meeting

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 11 June 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. Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. A reminder about the Historical Society’s invitation to participate at the Vermont Studio Center’s walking tour, scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm was announced. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes from 5.14.2025 which included corrections identified by Dick Simays & Lois Frey. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn stated the budget activity was the same as usual. She reported the results of her conversation with Fidium to request the caller ID be the Johnson Historical Society not her name. They said it would require the account to be a business account at $45 per month more than the individual rate. No decision was made to change to the higher rate. Kelly and Linda Jones reported their meeting with Town Treasurer, Rosemary Audibert, following-up on Mike Dunham’s suggestion to purchase a CD using Reserve Fund dollars. Rosemary said she could set up a CD using reserve fund dollars. Following discussion, it was decided to wait before committing revenue to a CD since the Historical Society has several projects to work on in the days ahead. Investing could be an action in the future. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: 22 June, Dick Simays 1 – 3 pm; 11 July, Mike Dunham 9 am – noon; and 27 July, Linda Jones 1-3:30 pm. The Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time. *Social media: Linda Jones reported a new Facebook page was posted on 6 June 2025. As of this date, there were 18 shares and 461 hits with 170 likes. Mary Jean Smith suggested finding someone to film and edit the JHS presentations so that they could continue to be shown on the webpage. She has a potential volunteer to ask if he may be interested so she will follow-up with him. Discussion generated the need to also find someone to edit the raw footage. Kelly Vandorn said that a film editor might earn $30 per hour. The next presentation will be in September so there is time to develop a plan. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facility Development: Dick Simays reported the Preservation Trust report has not been printed; but he sent the file to all JHS Trustees for review and future action. The Fire Marshall’s list of repairs, which Dick Simays is overseeing includes: the fire extinguisher in the hall (outside the office) needs to be hung on the wall, emergency lights by the exit signs should be directed away from art displays to avoid damage to the art. Stairs need graspable handrails with no more than 4 inches between posts on handrails and no open ends on railings (Mary Jean Smith is working with Gilles Lehouillier to complete.) Door to parlor needs self-closing hinges (Dick asked Does Gilles have self-closing hinge?) Hallway fire alarm on the second floor needs to be replaced with a smoke/carbon combination. Fire alarm in the Dining Room needs to be installed. Mike Dunham was absent so there was no report about coordinating with Tom Galinat and the town to replace the Holcomb House alarm system or the results of his conversation with Selectboard members about scrubbing and pressure washing the exterior of the Holcomb House. It was noted that the garden planted and maintained by Mary Jean looks terrific! *Collections and Program Development: Linda Jones reported that public presentations would resume in September. It was decided to move the Beard store counter against the wall in the East/West Room. Discussion about moving the baggage cart off the porch to a protected site on the lawn, generated several options to pursue. * Revenue Development: Tuesday Night Live will generate income on only two dates. Lois Frey asked if Trustees would be interested in working 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. All agreed that Lois should pursue the potential project. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported that of the 12 previous members who had not renewed, three more responded favorably with two membership renewals and one donation. Alice reminded all to review the list of JHS members she distributed last month for ideas for new members on the Board of Trustees. There are two openings. Mary Jean Smith said her name could be added to the list of potential JHS Inc. Board members. Preservation Trust Assessment discussion: It was noted that the highest priority on the recommendation list was the electrical system at an estimated cost of $74,000. Future actions will be determined by the availability of funds, which will likely be on-hold until Randall Szott is replaced. Restoring the front porch to its original state was recommended, which can be accomplished if the trim pieces were saved during reconstruction of the porch. It is believed they were saved. Tuesday Night Live: Lois Frey has requested 25 pounds of McKenzie hotdogs for Tuesday Night Live and Tom’s Tractor parade. Acquisitions: Bill Perkins donated a track and switch broom from the Lamoille Valley Railroad. Lois Frey shared the Korean War artifacts picked up by Tom Carney from Gizelle Eldred, who made the donation of two books, Korea, 1950 (Department of the Army,) and Second to None, a History of the 2nd Infantry Division, Korea 1951-1952. Also donated a U.S. Army entrenching tool in its case and a record, LuLu Belle & Scotty. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:56 am. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.