242 UNION STREET ROCKLAND, MASSACHUSETTS 02370

7/17/03

Rockland Historic Commission Meeting Minutes June 26, 2003

Those members in attendance were: Peter Dow, Jerry Martin, and Bill Bean.

1. The meeting was caned to order at 7 :08 PM.

2. Minutes: The Minutes of the May 22,2003 were approved.

3. Treasurer's report: 

Working NC:    277.59
Donation NC: 2,554.30
Postage:              19.59
Total:             2,851.48

4. Old Business:
A. 1745 House Update -Several Commission members met at the 1745 House on Saturday, June 21 for a tour. Tom Umbrianna inspected the electrical box and win volunteer parts and labor to upgrade the service in the near future. He plans to add outlets in the basement and possibly on the 1st floor .
-The roof needs serious work, and as an interim solution the RHC win invest in a large tarp to prevent further damage. Cut the tarp to fit over the chimney and dormers.
-Bill Bean is in communication with HGTV about any interest in supporting our restoration. As of now, HGTV has little travel expense resources to accommodate the distance to Rockland, but asked Bill to keep in touch for possible future submission of a restoration request.

B. Web Site www .historicrockland.com Update -4105 hits thus far.
-Jerry is in contact with a new service provider for the website, www .advise-n~. The monthly cost will only be slightly less that of Polyactive ($39.95), but there will be significantly more space to accommodate pictures and other data.
C. -RHC Sign (Hingham and Webster St) -Great feedback on the sign- looks great, good location. and good promotion for RHC and other sponsors.
-Increasing site activity attributed to the website advertisement on the Sign.

D. DAR/ Jones Plague - The re-dedication will take place on 9120103. Items to be worked on are:
the monument (size, attachment of plaques); making another plaque to be mounted below the main one, indicating the re-dedication date and 

sponsors; coordination of the GAR Hall and reception (Dean Sargent to b( the coordinating contact between RHC and GAR).
-Promotion materials also need to be sent to advertise the event- public, newspapers, town officials, etc.

5. New Business:
A. Estes Collection -In June Peter Dow received a collection of photos, postcards, glass plates etc from Brad Plante. There was no specific information on the donor, but' it appears that the material is a significant collection from the Estes family, a prominent family and business name in Rockland in the late 19th early 2Oth century . This is very exciting material, with many fresh images, and we are excited to have them in our archives. Along with the rest of the RHC collection, serious discussion will be needed in the near future as to how the preserve and protect these items.

B. Annual Elections - Will be held at the next meeting on July 17. Open positions are:
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer.

C. Fundraising Events -A good discussion was held regarding how the raise a significant amount of money for the 1745 House restoration and operational expenses of the RHC (such as the website). Consensus was reached that a direct mailing would be a good possibility. Responsibilities were assigned for follow up at the next meeting. Items to be addressed: donation of printing services, writing of the solicitation letter, return envelopes, size of mailing (one or two stages), franking/discount postage, mailing list, etc. Deeper discussion and planning will be done at the July 17 meeting.

6. Correspondence

7. Open Forum

8. Next Meeting:

7117103 at 7 PM in the Town Hall Lounge.

9. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and accepted. The time wm 8:15 PM.

As recorded by;

Peter Dow Chairman of the RHC

(Recorder of minutes)

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