Hope Historical Society Minutes
April 15, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President, Juanita Hunt at 6:30 P. M. Those attending were: Juanita Hunt, Margaret Morse, Marie Berry, Gwen Brodis, Linda Hillgrove, Sonja Howard, Ron Howard, Terry Crabtree, Claire Frye, Cindy Della Penna, Jim Della Penna, Catherine Pease, Ron Smith, Lewis Merrifield, Mary Ireland, Dan Smiley, Bill Jones and Judith Jones. guests attending were: Laura Gertner, Asa Peats, Tracy Beck, Matthew Shannon, Marie Powers, Brian Powers, Ruth Winchenbach, Dana Winchenbach, and speaker, Richard Crabtree.

SECRETARY'S REPORT: A motion to accept the secretary's report was unanimously accepted.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Gwen Brodis's report for February 28, 2025 to March 31, 2025 included Income of $481.60; Expenses totaling $910.95; Balance in Checking of $1,990.00; Balance in Savings: $11,321.64. The motion to accept the Treasurer's Report was moved and seconded.

OLD BUSINESS: Gwen reported that returnables are a good source of income and thanked people for donating. She will take returnables or they can be left at the HHS home and she will take them to Coastal Opportunities or Collins Redemption.

NEW BUSINESS: Lincolnville Historical would like to meet on Friday, September 12th or Saturday, September 13th to discuss and share ideas on how to improve our societies. Catherine Pease met with Washington Historical members and found it helpful to share plans and ideas on what works and what doesn't, so we are excited to meet with Lincolnville Historical members.

Marie Berry released information for HHS events for this year which include: June 10 Voting Day, for the Food and Craft sales; June 28th is the annual yard, food and crafts sale to be held at the HHS home; July 26 will be the Hope Days celebration with a booth at True Park as well as Open House at the HHS home. We will celebrate "Apple Fest" at Hope Orchard with a date to be announced. On Voting Day, November 4th we will have food and crafts available as well. We would love to have suggestions regarding a raffle for the November 4th drawing.

During the summer, starting July 11th and every Friday until August 29th (or by appointment) the HHS home will be open to visitors from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Catherine Pease said the 1926 calendars will be available for sale at all of the above events. She thanked everyone who helped contribute to the success of formatting, organizing, selling and those who bought ads for the calendar. Gwen, Marie and Sonja did a great job and wanted to thank the community for contributing to the success of the 1926 Hope Calendar with its celebration of photos of the past up to the building of True Park.

Gwen received a book donated by Sarah Bedford's mother about "Beaver Camp Budget" and a song book from 1926 to 1930. There are five new members: Maureen Pease, Dan Smiley, Regina Lucchese, Dana Winchenbach and Ruth Winchenbach.

Richard Crabtree was introduced and proceeded to share his family's history with us. the first recorded history of an ancestor was John Crab(be), carpenter, who arrived in the colonies (Boston) around 1630. He married Alice Courtnay in 1638 and he was awarded a plot of land on the hill and a garden area where the State House and Boston Garden, off Tremont Street, is now located In 1813 Eleazer bought 160 acres which was divided among the children. In 1824, son, Samuel settled in Hope. Jesse, seventh generation, married Caroline Fisk. Jessie built a home and then went into the military as all previous Crabtree men did Jessie is buried in West Rockport Cemetery. Frank married Harriet Young, 1878 to 1931 and lived in the house that Jessie built and they had five children. Raymond was the ninth generation and grandfather to Richard who grew and sold produce, and butter and later discovered blueberries on his property.

The next Hope Historical society meet will be held May 20th at 6:30 P. M. Charles Lagerbom will be the speaker for our May meeting. Mr. Lagerbom will share information regarding his marine archeological research in our coastal area.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Ludwig Hillgrove
Secretary