14:11A highlight of the meeting was the proposal to create a memorial for Revolutionary War veterans, coinciding with the town’s 300th anniversary. Discussions included potential locations, such as the town green or the old burial ground, both significant due to their proximity to where many veterans are buried. The proposal seeks to honor veterans with a memorial that respects the historical context and significance of their contributions. The board discussed potential funding sources, including grants from national veterans’ agencies, to support the memorial’s creation.

34:44Another topic was the fish passage improvement project at Forge Pond. An archaeological reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify sensitive sites near the planned fish ladder installation. The survey revealed evidence of old industrial sites, necessitating careful monitoring during excavations to protect archaeological integrity. The project aims to aid fish, particularly herring, struggling to reach the ocean due to reduced water flow from Silver Lake. This issue has prompted an ongoing lawsuit concerning water usage and its impact on local fish populations, especially eels.

30:59The meeting also addressed the condition of the Old Burying Ground, where 45 Revolutionary War graves have been identified, although 50 veterans are believed to be interred there. Some gravestones require replacement, and flags were recently replaced. The graveyard’s poor condition was acknowledged, with efforts underway to involve local Boy Scouts in clean-up activities. The board discussed the importance of comprehensive documentation, including before and after photographs of gravestone restorations, and the need for cleaning supplies, with a budget set aside for these efforts.

08:28In addition to these topics, the board received updates on the 300th Book Project and the 300th Anniversary Committee. The book project is progressing through its sixth of eleven sections, with sponsorships aiding its advancement. The committee is working on a comprehensive calendar of events and plans to sell merchandise to support anniversary activities. Despite a recent Zoom outage disrupting a meeting, new committee members are expected to join, and participation in local events, such as a yard sale at the First Parish Church, is planned.

41:18Further discussions included the Abel Washurn House, a historic property on Main Street for sale. Built around 1808, the house has ties to the Washurn family, with historical anecdotes shared about Linda Washurn’s wealth acquired during the California gold rush. Plans to visit the property were discussed, with interest expressed in coordinating a walkthrough with the real estate agent.