Present: Charles Leighton - President Connie Merrill – Member at Large

Janet Leighton – Vice-President Lester Timofeev – Publicity Chair

Julie Brownie Sec/Treas Barbara Timofeev

Dale Brownie - Member at Large Martin Hipsky - Selectman

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.

The Secretary’s Report from November 11, 2004 was read and accepted as written.

The Treasurer’s Report for December was read and accepted. The current checking account balance is $2472.99.

The Society is expecting approximately $3200 from the Department of Transportation for the SHS purchase of the gateway signs. Selectman Hipsky noted that the Town has not yet received the money.

A $15 dues/gift from a friend of Lester’s has yet to be deposited.

The report was voted on and accepted.

Old Business:

1. Fund Raisers/Mugs: The reworked mugs arrived yesterday. They lack the gold rim and the oxen names (Granger & Katadin) are run together. Janet will contact the company once again about the possibility of reworking them again.

2. DOT Grants: Another application for a DOT Grant was received. Connie proposed that the SHS apply for it to use to beautify the four corners in Stetson. Selectman Hipsky noted that the land in question does not belong to the Town.

3. Town Website: President Leighton will select historical pictures for placement on the website.

4. Calendars: There are approximately 20 calendars remaining. Lester will place a notice in the Rolling Thunder advertising the remaining calendars for $9 (includes postage).

5. Maine Archives Grant: Lester is planning to meet the June deadline for this grant.

6. Historical Society Tours: The Board would like to plan a tour of the renovated Corinna Historical Society, and the newly opened Dexter Historical Society.

New Business:

1. Archival Workshops: Due to a family emergency, Lester & Barbara were unable to attend the December Archival Workshop sponsored by the State. There will be others in the future. Lester will keep the Society appraised of the dates.

2. The Stetson Meeting House: On behalf of the Selectmen, Marty presented the following proposal. The Meeting House is being under utilized, and offered it’s use to the SHS. The Society is free to decide how it could be used. This offer does not include the basement portion, and there would be no charge to the Society. The discussion that followed included the following points:

· The Society could use portions for storage (small room on entry level or the balcony. Security is a concern.

· The Society could use wall space to hang historic pictures & documents.

· Display cases could be used in appropriate spots.

· Connie brought up that the Meeting House Trustees should be involved. Connie sits on the Board of Trustees and will discuss this proposal with them.

· Connie also brought up the question of whether the Town needs to vote on the use of the Meeting House. She is concerned about what some townspeople consider as appropriate use of the Meeting House.

· Julie noted that this is an excellent opportunity, and we should seriously consider the good faith of the offer. Any use the Society makes of the building can be first discussed with the Selectmen and Trustees.

A motion was made and passed to make a final decision on whether to use the Meeting House at the next SHS meeting.

3. Display Cases: President Leighton noted that everyone should keep an eye out for display cases.

4. Berry Family Information: President Leighton answered Cynthia Boyle’s request for information regarding Joseph Berry and Berry family members with research from the Stetson Town Records. Mrs. Boyle sent a donation to the Society. President Leighton’s research summary will be added to the SHS archives.

The next SHS meeting will be on February 3, 2005 at the library.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 pm.

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Julie S. Brownie Secretary