HOPE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MINUTES FOR APRIL 21, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P. M. by President, Marie Berry.Those attending were: Sonja Howard, Jim DellaPenna, Cindy DellaPenna, Donavan J. R. Bowley, Linda Hillgrove, Ron Smith, Catherine Pease, Marie Berry, Emily Saladino, Bill Jones and Judith Jones. Guests and speakers were Charlie Smith, SUVCW, Davd Urquia SUVCW, and Steve Gibbons, SUVCW. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT: A motion was made and seconded to accept the Secretary's report for December 2025.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer, Sonja Howard, reported on the balances for 2025. Hannaford's gift certificate for $300.00 is available for raffle ticket sales for the upcoming 2026 season. The bottle drive did well with approximately $500.00 realized including the four months in 2026. Fund raising dates to remember are: June, Election Day; July 25, Hope Day; October, Hope Fest; and November, Election Day.

Marie announced the Hope Library will honor Deb Gould, winner of Maine Literary Award, who will be at the library on Sunday, April 26. Gwen Brodis stated that an invitation by the Searsmont Historical Society has invited area historical society members to meet Friday, April 24th to share updates on their first meeing in October with a short self introduction by those societies new to the group. Bring your own lunch and drinks. They request that we bring or email 2-3 suggestions of our favorite speakers with their contact information. It will be held at the Searsmont Community Center.

OLD BUSINESS: The historical house needs scraping and painting and the roof needs reshingling. Marie contacted C&G Construction and he is anxious to get his schedule set up for the season, but it was decided we needed another estimate under $7500.00 and possibly a tax exemption if we buy the paint. Ron Smith brought in an estimate for building a ramp from the doorstep proximity to the garage. Ron shared the estimate of no more than $750.00 from Home Depot. He will try to get other estimates as well.A motion was made to approve getting a second estimate and Juanita seconded that motion.

NEW BUSINESS: Catherine Pease, Hospitality Volunteer, offered to call and sign up members to supply the refreshments for the remaining six months.

Cindy DellaPenna suggested a check list for budget planning and Juanita Hunt will ask Danny Hunt, who did electrical work with Jim DellaPenna, what needs replacing.

Ron Howard said he spoke with Bill Pearse regarding a wish list for future improvements needed such as checking electrical wiring that has not been replaced and replacing some windows. Catherine Pease will ask Randy Merrifield who has done other projects for us, for his input.

Questions were asked as to the funtion of the Board of Directors and their function. We need five directors, and could change our By-Laws. Sonja Howard will submit the State of Maine Annual Report.

It was suggested that a jar for donations be included on a table to help Beth Gindel with replacing/adding stone markers at Morey Hill Cemetery.

REMINDER: Hope Day is July 25th starting at 11:00; Open House at HHS; Parade; Children’s Activities; Craft table and Exhibit area included.

Thomas Ingraham informed us that his grandson, James, would like to volunteer for the summer. Marie is going to meet with them to discuss his interests. Donovan and Gwen discussed different programs James might be interested in.

Charles Smith, along with David Urquia and Steve Gibbons gave a lively discussion and provided a printed list of Hope residents who fought, died or lived another day during the Civil War and included where they were buried.

Jim DellaPenna will be the speaker for the May 19th meeting and will discuss the history of one of the last remaining gold and silver mining towns in California, which is now a state park located in the eastern prairie desert near Nevada. It was towns like this that many easterners migrated to when the gold rush began in 1884, some never to be seen or heard from again.

Refreshments were provided by Juanita and Margaret.

Respetfully submitted,
Linda Ludwig Hillgrove
Secretary