Historical Commission
Princeton Historical Commission July 15, 2021
Attendees: Matthew Lindberg - chair, Carl Soderberg - vice-chair, Larry Todd - clerk, Joyce Anderson, Tom Kokernak
The meeting opened at 7:05 pm.
Welcome to Tom, our newest member, who was sworn in this morning.
A motion was made and approved unanimously to accept the meeting minutes from 6/10/21.
Matt asked if the commission should continue to meet remotely or meet in person. We decided to make this decision at each meeting.
Civil War Plaques: We did solicit 3 quotes for the carving of the plaques. The low cost was from Leominster Monument and we have placed an order with them. They want 50% of the $11,500 in advance; $1242 will come from last year’s budget and the balance will come from this year’s. The donations towards the cost of installing the plaques ($2500) are now $2375. Larry will send thank you letters to all those who donated.
We will ask Leominster Monument to come and check the size of the spaces where the plaques will be installed and review any questions.
Town Pound: Joyce’s husband Doug has volunteered to put up the sign at the pound. Carl and Tom offered to help.
Meetinghouse cemetery: Ta Mara has not been in touch about the work she will do. Carl will contact Lynne Grettum on the cemetery commission to discuss bricking up the open tomb with appropriate materials.
250th anniversary: Carl has left messages regarding a possible concert but has no response yet. Joyce feels getting the town pound sign up could be our contribution and we can advertise this. We can also let the community know when the Civil War plaques are back at Bagg Hall.
Other discussion:
Carl is a member of the new public safety study committee and the historical commission needs to have a person to represent our interests in this project. After discussion Matt was appointed as our liaison. Carl explained the primary task of the group is to find ways to reduce cost. Most of the liaisons attend the meetings virtually.
Krista Ferranti will send Matt a check for her house plaque. There were 4 or 5 house plaques ordered in the past year.
Tom described his research regarding their home and also would like a house plaque. Carl suggested there could be clues regarding the date of the house in the materials and construction details. He referenced the book he has and offered to loan it to Tom.
The nex meeting will be Thursday, August 19 at 7pm and will be virtual.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Todd, clerk