Hope Historical Society Minutes
AUGUST 19, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President, Juanita Hunt at 6:30 P. M. with 40 attendees: Catherine Pease, Gwen Brodis, Marie Berry, Janice T. Brown Baxstrom, Margaret Morse, Ron Smith, Bill Jones, Judith Jones, Ann Leadbetter, Mary Ireland, Jim DellaPenna, Cindy DellaPenna, Kerry Hardy, Donovan A. R. Bowley, Ron Howard, Jan Kelsey, Elizabeth Tibbetts, Linda Black, Bruce Linthicum, and Linda Hillgrove, Guests were: Jane Hardy, Steve Hardy, Richard and Rebecca Matel-Galatis, Ed and Maria Ryan, Matthew McKeon, Adelia Jackerson, Richard Jackerson, Lys McLaughlin Pike, Thomas Pike, Jean Pike, Kristin Lappin, Gwyneth Jones, Matt McKeon, Darene Belyea, Jane Hardy, Steve Hardy, Richard Hook, and Cindy Hook.

SECRETARY'S REPORT: Secretary, Linda Hillgrove, reported five e-mail addresses were non deliverable and to let her know if anyone present did not received the Minutes. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Secretary's report.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer, Gwen Brodis, reported an Income Total of $602.12; Expenses of $1,974.60; Balance in Checking: $1,311.51; Balance in Savings: $21,296.23. A gift of $1,000 from Carol Jaeger was received. There was a withdrawal from Mass Mutual of $9,973.51 total. (1st check of $8,668.92; 2nd check of $304.59) put into a high yield account at Camden National Bank.

Gwen shared a notice with us from Lincolnville Historical Society regarding their September 19th meeting at the LHS Museum and School House, at 33 Beach Road, beginning at 11:00 A. M. and concluding at 2:30 P. M. Names were taken of those who wished to attend so they can plan this event. Bring a brown bag lunch and they will provide iced tea and water. Each society will have five minutes to introduce themselves and the work they are currently doing. Bring photos and/or promotional items your organization has created to share.

OLD BUSINESS: Appreciation was expressed to Ron Smith for cleaning the filters in the heat pumps.

Marie Berry reviewed the results of Hope Day and Open House which was successful with visitors touring the HHS home. Hope Orchard will celebrate “Apple Fest” on October 12th from 10 A. M. until 4 P. M. A sign up sheet will be available next month for food donations which need to have an apple theme, i. e., pies, cookies, apple squares, etc. Raffle tickets will be available for sale.

Crafts are needed for Election Day, November 4th food, craft, book, calendar and raffle ticket sales.

Marie stated that she will not be organizing the yard, food and craft sale next summer. Let Marie know if you or someone you know would be interested in taking over the responsibility.

NEW BUSINESS: Cindy DellaPenna was asked to discuss a letter received from the current Regent of the Lady Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Mary Kay Felton, Regent, is soliciting interest in the towns of Knox County to participate in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by marching in Thomaston's 4th of July, 2026 parade. If each town provides volunteers willing to march as a representative of their town's Revolutionary War Patriots buried in their respective community, there would be over 400 participants. What a powerful statement in celebrating our country's anniversary.

According to Cindy's records, there are seven confirmed Revolutionary War veterans interred in Hope, with another five distinct likely burials that are either in private lots or unmarked graves. The ages of these Patriots ranged from 14 to 41 in 1776. Mary Ireland suggested we could solicit interest from the school - it would be a great learning experience. No commitment was made at the meeting. Cindy stated she was not an organizer, but was willing to provide the names of our Patriots. Mary Kay, has offered that her Chapter is willing to make the banners for each town represented.

Can we commit to this worthwhile 4th of July celebration? Please contact any HHS officer or Cindy if you are interested. Mary Kay has requested an early commitment, as she is willing to do all publicity, but needs to know if there is enough interest from the Knox County towns.

Marie Berry updated us on upcoming and recent events. Hope Apple Fest will be held October 12th from 10 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. at Hope Orchard. Let Marie know what apple themed food you would like to bring i. e., apple pie, cookies, cake, muffins, etc. Raffle tickets will also be available.

We will have bake goods and crafts for sale on Election Day, November 4th starting when the polls open at 8 A. M. and closing at 8 P. M. unless 'sold out'.

Sales for Hope Days showed an income of $173.00.

Catherine Pease reported that the Open House at the HHS home was busy as well.

Margaret announced that her and Juanita's booth at Union Fair won the 'Best of Show' award.

The meeting was adjourned and Donovan Bowley introduced Kerry Hardy as our speaker for the evening. He presented a very interesting slide presentation entitled, “Caribou for Breakfast and Clams for Dinner” and how the earliest Indigenous people in the Northeast adapted their lifestyle and habitations in the rapidly changing landscape and climate as the last glacier retreated thousands of years ago.

For our Tuesday, September 16th meeting Roger Moody will be sharing information regarding the History of Maine Sporting Camps. (This meeting will be held at the Hope Fire Station, Hope Corner.)

Tuesday, October 21st Everett Hobbs Smith Jr., will be the guest speaker sharing the history of farming in Hope including his own family's past and present initiatives.

Refreshments were furnished by Gwen and Marie.

Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Ludwig Hillgrove
Secretary