The meeting was called to order on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 at the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library. Present were Stanley Young, Phyllis Tallarico, Corinne Blagbrough, and Nancy Clark.
The minutes were read and accepted. There was no Treasurer’s report.
Now that the Historical Rooms have reopened, Michael has completed his scanning of the old Town Reports. He continues to scan old photographs. His goal is to tie this site into the library server and create a Heritage Commission website.
On the historical marker front, the Davisville sign has been erected. Stanley passed around photographs of the marker, now in situ.
Stanley also passed around photographs of an Oswego, New York historical display kiosk. This kiosk is a model of the sort of display space the HC would like to put in place down by the police station. The kiosk would be roofed and glassed-fronted, and accommodate changeable displays of text and photos. The Oswego kiosk is three-sided, roofed, and attractive.
The text for the French Village historic marker was considered. Phyllis believed the information was accurate and she said she would check her records for further information that might be included. As an aside, the subject of “Wilton wagons” came up, and the Secretary has come upon this information from A History of Wilton, New Hampshire Adopted for Use in the Fourth Grade -- Gray’s Furniture Shop was in the part of Wilton now called Gray’s Corner. The Gray family lived and ran a blacksmith shop there for many years. It was during the late 1800’s that Henry Gray added carriage building to the blacksmith business. His most famous carriage was called the Wilton Wagon, or, the Democrat Wagon. This was a fancy wagon -- bright, shiny, and black. It was six or seven feet long, had one seat (a second one could be put in if it was needed), sideboards, and was pulled by a horse. It was a favorite with lovers as it was made for only two people.
The Heritage Commission decided to proceed with its inventory of damaged and deteriorating stones in the town’s old cemeteries. With the inventory in hand, the HC will seek estimates for the cost of repairs and then go to the town with the information. The HC arranged to meet at Vale End Cemetery on Nov. 7 to locate and to photograph stones in need of attention. This was done and a full inventory was taken. The HC also met in South Yard later in the month and once again photographed and located at-risk stones.
Commission members decided to ask for $5,700 from the next budget, an increase of $5,000 over the HC’s usual request. The additional funds will pay for the services of an architectural historian who will assess the Town Hall’s suitability for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
The meeting adjourned at 9 o’clock.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Clark, Secretary