Hope Historical Society Minutes
July 21, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by President Marie Berry. Those attending were: Margaret Morse, Juanita Hunt, Cindy DellaPenna, Ron Smith, Bill Jones, Judith Jones, and Catherine Pease.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence in remembrance of Alex Ludwig and his contributions to the community. Marie announced that a service in his honor will be held on September 12 at the Fire Station. The family has directed that donations be made in his memory to the Hope Fire Department and the Hope Historical Society.

SECRETARY'S REPORT: A motion was made and seconded to accept the Secretary's Report.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Marie noted that the bill for painting the front side of the house came in under budget but that an upstairs window still needs to be repaired. It is hoped that Randy Merrifield will be available in the fall to do this job. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer's Report.

OLD BUSINESS: Marie and Catherine summarized activities for upcoming Hope Day on July 25. The scavenger hunt will begin with participants receiving a 'book' of clues where participants can record their answers. With a car show at the Fire Department parking lot it is expected that visitors will be entering the house at the back door. There will be an informational table behind the Town Office staffed by members with a chalk board for children to write what they like about Hope. Raffle tickets, the framed labels, a few craft items, and free water will be available. The HHS table will also have a display and donation jar for benefit of the Hope Cemetery.

The meeting to review/discuss changes to the bylaws is now planned for the end of August. Marie has stained the steps to make it look more inviting. There will be an informational table behind the Town Office staffed by volunteer shifts including Clarence and Nancy Keller, Mary Ireland, and Jean Payne. Union Historical Society has donated a large glass display case. Marie asked for suggestions of what could be displayed there.

Dates to remember: - September 19-20 Yard sale (at Gwen Brodis' house) Donations can be dropped off there. - September 25 Midcoast gathering of local historical societies at Fire Station. Will begin with a tour of HHS house, lunch (bring your own), drinks and dessert will be provided, representatives of attending societies will report on their activities, plans, etc.

Volunteer(s) needed for open house hours on August 7 and 14.

As there was no planned speaker, several members shared past ancedotes. Bill and Judith Jones spoke about the history of their barn, its move to the present location, construction details. Bill reminded us that his talk several years ago had been recorded. Several members then expressed interest in playing tapes of previous speakers at a future meeting. It was mentioned that Robert Pearse may speak at a future meeting about his parents' dairy farm.

Bill Jones presented the society with a copy of his most recent book that has a connection to Hope via a bull frog (you should have been there!) The book is entitled "Scratching the Surface - My Improbable Journey to Djoliba" and is available at the HHS.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15. Refreshments were provided by Judith Jones and Catherine Pease.

Respectfully Submitted by Catherine Pease and Linda Hillgrove, Secretary