Warwick Historical Society Minutes - June 19, 2013 The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with a film presentation of past events in Warwick's history, chosen by Ed Lemon and Michael Carey and compiled by Michael Carey into DVD form. These include selections from: The Revolution comes to Reverend Hedge (1963 Bicentennial play by C. Morse); A rehearsal of Alice in Blunderland (undated); brief scenes of events at Fellows Field (undated); the 100th Anniversary of the Town Hall 1995 (Larry Carey MC), and Warwick MA Rediscovered - photos from various eras and events. The business meeting was called to order at 7:53 by Larry Carey. Present at the meeting were Arline Lincoln, Larry Carey, Charlie Brown, Ed Lemon, Dave and Bev Shepardson, Michael Carey, Barbara Walker, Helen and Rod Whipple, Martha Morse, and Clare Green. Secretary's Report: The minutes of the March 20 meeting were corrected by adding Arliine Lincoln to the list of those present. Minutes were then accepted as corrected. Treasurer's Report: Arline Lincoln gave the treasurer's report, which was accepted as read. Figures provided to the secretary for the Minutes are as follows: CD balance: $10,206.49 Savings: 4,054.46 Checking: 1,191.39 Old Business: Martha M. gave an update on plans for the American Harmony benefit concert scheduled for Sunday September 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Unitarian Church. Publicity will be coordinated with chorus member and Recorder reporter Chris Harris. Helen Whipple, Bev Shepardson, Barbara Walker and Clare Green volunteered to coordinate the reception in the Town Hall following the performance. Charlie Brown will open the Church as needed for rehearsals and performance. A suggested donation of $5.00 - 10.00 will benefit the WHS. New Business: Clare Green said that she had sent thank-you notes to Clyde Perkins, Jr. and Calvin Fellows for their special participation in the town's Memorial Day Service. Larry suggested that the film "Out of the Storm," a documentary on the aftermath of the1938 Hurricane and its effects on the lumber business, be shown in the Town Hall as a fundraiser for the WHS. After some discussion, Saturday July 20th appeared to be the best date for this event. Charlie Brown and others who remember the storm's effects on the lumber business in Warwick will be invited to share their own experiences after the film's showing. Ed Lemon passed around a list for members to sign up as volunteers to open the Museum on summer Sunday afternoons 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., as well as on a few other special days. Ed will follow up with members not in attendance. Ed passed around samples of the newly-minted (and very handsome) WHS business cards that he designed, and reminded folks of the business stationary now available as well. The stationary features the Museum drawing by Deb Paulson. Ed Lemon gave the curator's report, and it is attached. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. and was followed by refreshments. Next meeting is Wed. Sept. 18, 2013. Respectfully submitted, Martha Morse, secretary Curator's Report - June 19, 2013 Inventory Project This year we plan to start next Monday, June 24th. Among other things, we'll be working on arranging and itemizing some of the many photos in our collection. We always need more cataloguers, so if you have some time Monday afternoons from 1 to 3, and own a wifi enabled laptop computer, please join us. It is not onerous and quite pleasant. We have wonderful conversations while we work, so please think about it. Museum and Web Page We had three teachers from the Community School visit us this May. They are focussing on mills and other industries in Warwick during the early industrial period. Again, we hope to exhibit more garments from our collection this season. Does anyone have another dress form that we might use? Our web page continues to receive many hits. Museum Sign-up As you know, we are open from 2 - 4 p.m. on Sundays during the months of July and August, including Saturday during Old Home Days. Last year we also opened during the Sunday of Labor Day weekend as well. If the weather is nice in October, we might also open during the Arts Festival - I would do the honors for that day. And as usual, I'll show up most days. [sign-up sheet passed around] Historical Society Booklet In connection with Warwick's 250th anniversary, we are publishing a booklet based on the famous book "A History of the World in 100 Objects". Ours will be called "A History of Warwick and Surroundings in 15 Objects". Almost all the essays have been turned in, and Martha is editing the articles. Deb has taken courses in publishing such works and will take over that aspect as soon as the editing is finished. She has also suggested that we do another booklet similar to one from her previous residence's town, with pictures and stories about some of the historic houses in town. Business Card At Larry's request, I have designed a business card for the Society. [card passed around] Donations In a discussion of the Society's anniversary plans with Jillaine Smith, genealogist and author of "God Love & Lust in Old Warwick", she came up with an idea to raise money: I would solicit contributions and she would match them, up to the amount of $250, optimally resulting in $500 for the society. No sooner had we agreed to do this, someone came up with a donation such that I am happy to present $500 to our treasurer. I hope other members will feel that this is a notable year to give something extra to the society, whether it be financial or the gift of your time. Other Once again may I remind you that we need helpers to get oral and video interviews with long-term residents. We have digital recorders that are very easy to use. Some of you, I am sure, have interesting tales to tell and I'll be happy to record them. Just let me know! Respectfully submitted, Ed Lemon, Curator