Johnson Historical Society April (9)

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 9 April 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 Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. Following review of the agenda one item was added: Weathervane. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes from 3.12.2025 and 4.7.2025 as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn reported that Fidium Fiber for telephone and internet has been installed and the first bill came and is $68 per month. She reported that the estimated JHS account balance is $37,000. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: April 11, 2025 Dick Simays 9 am to noon, April 27, 2025 Mike Dunham 1 to 3 pm, May 9, 2025 Linda Jones 9 am to noon, May 25, 2025 Lois Frey 1 to 3 pm, and June 13, 2025 Mary Jean Smith 9 am to noon. Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time. *Social media: Linda Jones reported a new Facebook page would be posted soon (April 10, 2025.) The webpage is getting a refresher as are all the volunteer group webpages. *Buildings, Grounds, and Facility Development: Dick Simays reported the Preservation Trust report has not been received to date. Mary Jean Smith reported she hopes to catch up with Gilles Lehouillier to follow-up on the hall railing project. Rick Emery will do the entry floor project after sugaring is complete. *Collections & Program Development: Linda Jones announced there would be no program on April 27th. The Holcomb House will be opened for visitors from 1 to 3 pm as scheduled with Mike Dunham hosting. Lois Frey reported that the Accessioning Committee will continue its work on the first Monday monthly, 9 AM to noon, next session May 5th. Next steps are to develop plans for setting up the second floor space. *Revenue Development: Due to the loss of income without a regular Tuesday Night Live series during the summer, it was suggested that plans be developed for fundraising in the days ahead. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported no new memberships. She mentioned that about 12 previous members did not renew. It was decided that it would be appropriate to send a reminder note to them. Linda, Kelly, and Alice will follow-up. Nominating Committee for officers: Dick Simays stated it was time to appoint the Nominating Committee for officers who will be elected at the May annual meeting. The affirmative response by all the present officers polled eliminated the need for a Nominating Committee. The present slate of officers will be recommended at the May meeting. Library move celebration participation: The Library Trustees invited the Historical Society to be a vendor on the day of the Library move (April 26, 2025) providing hot dogs and homemade pie on the Legion Field. With the JHS trailer, which contains the equipment and supplies for vending, still in storage, and the potential difficulties with access to the field, as well as JHS’s limited capacity to provide the food, it was decided that the JHS Trustees would decline the offer. VSC History Walk: Dick Simays reported the Vermont Studio Center invited JHS Trustees to attend their Sunday Walk on June 15th from 2 to 4 pm featuring a Walk and BBQ. Mark your calendar. Other: *Dick Simays shared information about an upcoming event in Cambridge, the GAR Highway Marker Unveiling on May 18, 2025. The day long event will feature the dedication of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway in 1937. Those present decided not to participate as an organization; but to attend individually if interested. *Weathervane: Linda Jones suggested that the JHS weathervane needed to be returned to the Holcomb House for storage and repair. Dick Simays, Mike Dunham and Dean West will take care of picking it up, likely on April 10th. *Answering machine: Jacob Vandorn worked in the office during the meeting to address the problem with the answering machine. He set up the answering system and made a step-by-step voicemail instruction sheet for use at the office and on each Trustees personal telephone. Thank you, Jacob! Acquisitions: Alice Whiting donated a 1870 Normal School catalogue, which contains the names of students and staff. Some Johnson names were recognized. Dick Simays shared a box of diaries that he received from Donna Scott of Barre. The diaries were written by Grace Emory (Edgar’s mother) in 1897. Some are difficult to read but many are legible and informative. Linda Jones reported she will receive from Loretta Wescom a cape and a jacket belonging to Margaret Dary and a piece of curtain which survived the fire at the Ober Hill home of Loretta’s parents. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary Next Meeting: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.