The Edgecomb Historical Society minutes

Minutes for May 28, 2009

Present: President Sue Carlson, Vice-President Ros Strong, Treasurer Ruth Bryant, Secretary Jo Cameron; at the home of Jo Cameron, 234 River Road, Edgecomb.

The Treasurer reported income of $.75 interest and an expenditure of $42.00 for renewal of Post Office Box #6, for a current balance of $1,799.78. This report was received unanimously. Jo requested that $45.00 be paid to the Friends of Fort Edgecomb, as half the set-up fee for the shared www.edgecombhistorical.org website. Ruth will make the payment by electronic transfer between the two organizations' FNB accounts.

Industrial Edgecomb: Sue recommends that Jay Robbins of the Lincoln County Historical Association would be the best person to do an industrial site survey of the town, although he may not be available until the Lincoln County/Pownalborough 250th Anniversaries are underway in 2010.

Fire Station: Sue reported a meeting she has had with Selectman Jack Sarmanian and Lincoln County Economic Development Office staffer Mary Ellen Barnes about grants to help replace the Edgecomb Fire Station.

Jo reported an e-mail from Andrew Roth-Wells, grandson of John and Audrey Chase, inquiring as to the reprinting of a history of the Edgecomb Fire Department written by John. It was agreed that this would be an excellent "awareness raiser" for those wanting to help fund the new structure. Jo will put Andrew in touch with Sue for making the arrangements. It is assumed he has a copy of the original text.

Fort Edgecomb Bicentennial: Jo reported that although the IRS has granted us federal 501(c)(3) status, we have yet to receive the sales tax exemption certificate from the State's Revenue Service.

Jo asked, since the Board of Selectmen feel that FOFE's recent use of the town's bulk mailing permit number is illegal, that perhaps FOFE should obtain its own bulk mailing permit. In view of the high cost of the permit, it was generally agreed not to do so, but to investigate opportunities to include FOFE mailings in other organizations' bulk mailings. Sue said the Copy Shop in Wiscasset has an arrangement with a mailing service. Jo mentioned the two Chambers of Commerce.

With only 2 weeks until June 13, the major tasks to be arranged will be set up and tear down of physical equipment on the Fort site.

Jo will confirm with Tom Desjardin the State's provision of extra chairs and tables, and a performance platform. She understands these are housed at Fort William Henry.
FOFE's big marquee tent should be tested, since no one currently in the organization is familiar with raising and lowering it. However, current weather conditions have made testing impossible. The Plein Aire Artists have requested its use for displaying their paintings from May 21.
For the electrical set-up for speakers and performers, Ros suggested, we might consult Leonard Fuller, the school's custodian. The school might loan us the necessary amplifiers and other acoustical boosters. Park Manager Jim Davis has suggested leading a heavy extension cord from his storage building, which has electricity. The Red Men have offered the use of a generator, although it might be too noisy.
Someone said, "Lotsa garbage bags!"
Someone with a van or minivan might be asked to transport visitors to and fro parking lots at Bintliff's and/or elsewhere. Roger Bintliff should be consulted on this.
Food: Basically "Bring Your Own," but perhaps of a Pot-Luck nature. Jo must consult Gail Boudin for on-site edibles. It is probable that Roger Bintliff's offer of provisions will not be needed, unless they might come in the form of wraps or similar cold-to-room temperature items.

In other business, Sue presented flyers from the Damariscotta River Association's Archaeological School this summer. Jo will publicize the opportunity in the Edgecomb column.

Anent archaeology, Ros reported talking with a friend who has done scuba diving in the cove below Fort Edgecomb, who says, no need of digging. Just do underwater archaeology. Here is where the garrison disposed of its used clay pipes, for instance!

Respectfully submitted,

Joanna M. Cameron

Secretary