JONATHAN FISHER MEMORIAL BOARD

                                                Minutes for August 2, 2005

Attending:  Bob Slaven, Amey Dodge, Maureen Rawding, Linda Hoskins, Brad Emerson, Jim Fisher (presiding).

Fisher Moments:

· Jim presented the issue of the monument on the site of the original Congregational church.  Jim Jaffray had been mowing the site, but no longer does.  Bob will check into the situation with Jim and Rob McCall.

· Poem, “The River”, in song as supplement to “Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Jonathan Fisher”.

· A visitor at the opening reception, Doug Fisher, gave Jim a copy of his research on Anthony and Joshua Fisher.

June minutes were approved with the addition that Bob will continue to explore the relationship with the Farnsworth.  It was noted that Rob Nolan has resigned from the Board, but will continue with genealogy.

Gary reported that Bangor Seminary will not sell off anything belonging to JF.

Maureen reported on the throws.  Everything is very late; we should have had several blankets to display by the end of April.  She will continue to pursue what accommodation they could offer for next year since we have lost the season. 

Discussion on opening hours.  It appeared to be agreed upon to coordinate our hours with the Holt House and to focus on the “Heritage Tourist” along with the Black House and the Ruggles House.  The last issue of Ellsworth American featured historic houses.

Opening Reception held Friday, July 8 was discussed.  It was considered successful with several new interested persons.  Most thought it would be a good idea to change the time back to Sunday afternoon. 

Jim spoke for a second reception in the season.  Brad again brought up the idea of featuring the artistic tradition in the Fisher family.  It was agreed that we should do this next year—2006.  This is a mandate!!

Amey suggested we give a gift to the volunteers.  Bob suggested we have significant recognition to Sophia Godfrey for a large contribution, i.e. to be called upon by Jim and Rob McCall. 

Brad will contact Ellen Fisher at the Farnsworth to be included in their publicity.

Jim noted the need to re-establish contact with the schools.  Usually, the schools have contacted JF in the eighth grade.  Jim will talk with Joyce about gathering information for the schools. 

Annual Meeting is set for September 25 at 2:00 pm with the 18th as default alternate date.  The committee is Amey as chair with Linda and Maureen.  Brad will contact Earle Shettleworth to speak on architecture of the Fisher house.  Another suggestion was Matthew Elliott, who did the 1995 restoration. 

On maintenance, Amey reported that the roof needs replacing on the west side.  Jack Grindle would do it for $1000.  Wardwell will reserve 1000 gallons of oil at $2.15/gal.

Jim mowed the lawn 4 times.  Joyce asked Home Depot for a riding mower. 

Maureen will pursue the sign issue.  Signs need to be repainted and two more state DOT signs added.   The large picture sign needs to be touched up, cleaned, and waxed each year. 

For the newsletter, Brad suggests the lead article be the annual appeal.

Brad reported that he had been getting houses in the mid-coast region for The Society of Architectural Historians to tour, one being the Fisher house on the 13^th or 14^th . 

A discussion of creating an advisory committee for the board ended the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30.

Respectfully, Linda Hoskins, Secretary

Next meeting:   WEDNESDAY, September 7, at 7:15