PRATT HALL PAINTING PROJECT UPDATE

  We were awarded a $10,000 painting grant!  Probably starting in August the entire exterior of Pratt Hall will be scraped, then primed, then given two coats of finished paint by Precision Coatings of Vermont.  This will be the first time the entire building has been painted since 2006.  The grant amounts to about one third the anticipated cost.

  This project was assisted by a preservation grant made possible by a partnership between the 1772 Foundation and the Preservation Trust of Vermont.  Thank you!

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PRATT HALL ENTRY REPAIRS

     Jay Day and crew finished the new entry work as weather and COVID restrictions allowed.  Four damaged engraved bricks were replaced and eight new bricks were added to the walkway.  A new railing by Steve Hathaway will be added comparable to the previous one.  The upper wheelchair ramp is now raised by a drill powered  jack.  (Click on video link at the top of this page))

IN MEMORIAM

1.   The number of horses in town between 1860 and 1935 remained between 200-300, even as cars began to became more common.

2.  The number of sheep decreased 96%, with only 50 remaining in 1935.

3.  The number of hens increased 56% to nearly 2,000 in 1935.

ODDS AND ENDS

    We are told we will be featured in the Preservation Trust of Vermont's first ever Annual Report.  We are also standing by to support a local author working on a book on the hidden history of Franklin County.

Thanks for your support!  Not a member...  why not join us?  

2020 Annual Report

(as of June 24, 2020)

In Memoriam

This year we mourn the passing of four great friends, Tony Peters, Winston Lewis, Carol Kremer, and Wenda Restall.  We thank them and their families for their support and the many fond memories of time together.

Scholarships

This year Noah Sorin was awarded the Lalia Pratt-Hays/Amy Booth-Meyer scholarship and Lydia Bowen was awarded the Joe and Irene Scott scholarship.

2019 Annual Meeting Minutes

MONTGOMERY HISTORICAL SOCIETY    

Minutes of Annual Meeting

Pratt Hall, Montgomery

Friday, June 21, 2018 @ 6:00 PM

 THESE ARE THE UNOFFICIAL MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY THE BOARD.

Board Members and Members present:

Board Members – Scott Perry, Bill McGroarty, Marijke Dollois, Elsie Saborowski, Bob Cummins, Pat Farmer, Patty Perl, John Kuryloski

Scott called the Meeting to order at 6:00 PM and welcomed everyone to the 45^th Annual Meeting.

1.   Recognition visitors/guests:

      There were 54 members present, including Board Members. 

2.  Powerpoint presentation:

Scott welcomed everyone present followed by:

Review of by-laws and purpose of MHS

N. W. Clapp’s Essay in Abby Hemenway’s 1871 Historical Gazetteer:

“Montgomery is…surrounded by mountains and hills on all sides,…Jay Mountain, on the east, is by far the most lofty of the range—the Peak ranging next to Camel’s Hump in the State, in altitude. It is sometimes resorted to by pleasure-seekers, but the distance is found to be too far from civilization and carriage roads to have the pleasure amount to much.”

In Memoriam of long-time members:

      Karl Fischer

      Elizabeth Rawlinson – wife of Sidney Sundell

      Florence Vavoudis – served in WW II in the Marine Corps

      Scholarship:

      Joe and Irene Scott Scholarship – Henry Haase

      Lailia Pratt Hays – Amy Booth Meyers – Claire Ellis

      Neither winners could attend as they were at orientation at their respective colleges in Boston. They will receive a check for $500 each, a certificate and Town of Montgomery book.

      2018 LLHSM Award Winner – Tim Murphy. He could not be present as he was celebrating his wedding anniversary. He will be hosting “Montgomery Stories” at Pratt Hall in the near future.

      Minutes:

Steve Hays made a Motion, seconded by Bob Cummins to approve the Annual Meeting Minutes of June 29, 2018 as written; Motion passed unanimously.

      Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer’s Report – 06/21/18:                                       

            Checking balance............................................ $   6,409.00

            Money Market Checking Account..................... $ 39,760.00

                  Total:....................................................... $ 46,169.00       

Two pie-charts were shown to indicate visually of income and expenses by groups. The biggest expense is insurance.

Bill McGroarty made a Motion, seconded by Steve Hays to approve the Treasurer’s Report of June 21, 2019 as presented; Motion was unanimously approved.

      Membership:

So far in 2019 123 members of which 6 new and 5 business partners for $7,126.00 (2018 total 180, 4 and 8 - $11,321 respectively).

Board of Directors:

      The slate of officers presented:

            Scott Perry, Chairman                                       John Beaty

            Bill McGroarty, Vice Chairman                         Elsie Saborowski

            Marijke Dollois, Secretary                                Sue Wilson

            Pat Farmer, Treasurer                                       Patty Perl

            Jo Anne Bennett                                                Bob Cummings

            Tim Chapin                                                      Andre LaBier

            John Kuryloski                                                 

      Noela McGroarty made a Motion, seconded by Marsha Phillips to elect the slate of officers as presented; Motion passed unanimously.

      Events/Activities overview for 2019:

      - Memorial Day

      - Northern Bronze Concert

      - Farmers’ Market

      - Buildings & Grounds

      - Info/Research

      - Holidays Programs                                  

      Brochures:

      The MHS had 5,000 brochures on the covered bridges printed that will be distributed in the area to local businesses. Photographs were shown of the Jewett brothers, builders of the covered bridges; Scott also gave information about the lives.

      Adjourn: 

      Scott thanked everyone present for their support.

      Noela McGroarty made a Motion, seconded by Pat Farmer to adjourn at 6:30 P.M. Said motion passed unanimously.

49 of those present moved across the road to partake in a dinner at the Black Lantern Inn.

Respectfully submitted, Marijke M. Dollois

2020 Annual Membership Report

2020 Annual Treasurer’s Report

2020 Annual Chairman's Report

      I believe the State of the Society, as reflected in the 2019 end of year numbers and early 2020 statistics, is strong.  Our membership numbers remain steady, our revenues consistent and adequate to pay our bills, we sponsor popular programs that are well attended, and we meet the four primary mission areas called out in our bylaws.  

     Section 1: The Mission of the Montgomery Historical Society is to enhance the Town of Montgomery and the knowledge of its history by preserving the past, exploring the present, and preparing for the future.

     Section 2: The Purpose of the Montgomery Historical Society shall be to:

Preserve Pratt Hall, structures, artifacts and memorabilia of historical interest to residents of the Town of Montgomery and friends of the area;

Provide a venue for local exhibits and for artists and artisans to share their talents;

Sponsor programs that foster knowledge of the history and heritage of the Town and State, preserve town history, and foster cultural events and a sense of community;

Annually award scholarships to a graduating high school senior (12th grade) from Montgomery going on to post-high school education as funds allow. 

     Section 3.  All programs will be available to the general public.

     While the COVID-19 response has severely limited our programs so far in 2020 we will continue to plan for a return to our normal operations when appropriate.  In the meantime we will focus on programs and activities that do not depend on, or promote, social gathering.  These include maintenance and repairs to Pratt Hall and our property and grounds, working with the State for installation of Historic Markers, adding content to our website, and supporting other community organizations where we can.

     We welcome your comments and appreciate your support.  

Scott Perry
Chairman