Hollis Historical Society www.hollis-history.org 603-465-3935 Newsletter for Spring/Summer-2008

REMINDER: DUES ARE DUE- Don’t forget to get your annual dues into the Society by sending in the enclosed Membership Renewal form. Your continued support is crucial to our efforts, and we appreciate your support in preserving and promoting the rich history of Hollis.

50^th ANNIVERSARY – ANNUAL REPORT:
With a fine dinner at Alpine Grove, the Hollis Historical Society celebrated their 50^th Anniversary on the evening of May 15, 2008!

President, Dick Lates opened with a welcoming to all, especially two charter members, Hilda Hildreth and Harold Hills who were our Guests of Honor. Also, Martha Davis was honored for her many outstanding contributions to the Society with a resolution of appreciation.

The new slate of officers was accepted by the members listed below:

After the “business” part of the evening was taken care of, Program Chair, Eleanor Whittemore introduced Joan Tinklepaugh who presented “A Portrait of Nineteenth Century Life in Hollis” – “The Story of the Flaggs of Maple Way Farm”. Told through a series of family letters and acting assistance by members, the Program was greatly enjoyed by all! Joan was then honored by the Society for her production of the evening’s program. The 50^th Anniversary event was indeed a great success!

SUMMER EXHIBITS: Since late Spring, the Wheeler House has hosted a “Class Reunion” of the Hollis Schools including many class and sports photos, graduation dress and prom gowns, along with graduation programs and dance cards going back as far as 1880! Pearl Rideout, a teacher in Hollis for many years, contributed many of the items on display and the display will continue throughout the summer. Come see if you can identify any of your classmates!

The Always Ready Engine House will continue the Old General Store exhibit with new items added. If you’ve never toured either, this is a GREAT family activity and learning experience. Exhibit Hours at the Engine House and Wheeler House are: First and Third Sundays of Month 1PM to 4PM

A special Thank You from Martha Davis:
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the officers, directors and members of the Hollis Historical Society for the beautiful Resolution of Appreciation presented to me at the 50^th Anniversary Celebration.

When we were planning for this special event, we decided that so many people over the last 50 years, have contributed so much that it would be impossible to try and select individual people to receive awards. Rather, we would list past presidents, honor our two Charter Members and show our appreciation to all our members by having a special evening for everyone to enjoy.

Then, look what happened, I got an award! I was shocked, embarrassed and speechless. All I could say was thank you! I just want everyone to know how honored and proud I am to have received this award. I wish you all could see how beautifully it was written and framed. I have it hanging in my home and it is very special to me.

If I have given something to the Hollis Historical Society, I am very pleased, but the Society has given me equally as much. Like all the members, past and present, who have served in various capacities, I feel grateful for the chance to give back to our very special town of Hollis, and to keep it’s history and artifacts safe and available for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Thank you again so very much, Martha Davis”

A Note from the Treasurer on CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS:

Last year we made a number of capital improvements which the membership helped finance through a capital improvement donation above and beyond the annual dues. Your response was significant and appreciated. This year we have an additional project, thanks to Mother Nature. Last month an electrical storm near the Wheeler House sent a lightning surge through the electrical system in the Wheeler House. The fuse box and connecting wires were “blown away” and several boards on our computer were destroyed. Our focus is now on upgrading the electrical system and replacing the old fuse box with a modern circuit breaker system. Concurrently, we will put in a smoke and fire alarm system which will be monitored locally. We are in the process of getting several bids on this work. The total cost will be in the $5000 range.

If you can help us with this project, please check the CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT box on the attached form and add your donation to the dues. I thank those of you in advance for your help and support of the Historical Society. The good news in all of this is that we did not have a fire in the building and this work will ensure that our good luck continues!

-Randy Prozeller, Treasurer

A Note from Eleanor Whittemore, Program Director:

At the last Board meeting we began discussing Programs for the upcoming season; October and November of this year and March, April, and May of 2009. We have some good ideas. We are sure that you do too. Please make any suggestions that you have on the Membership Renewal Form and we will put them in the IDEA HOPPER. I look forward to seeing you at these programs.

-Eleanor Whittemore

That’s it for now, see you in the fall- visit the Historical Society with your friends and relatives over the summer!

-Mark Piekarski- Editor

HOLLIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
20 MAIN ST.
HOLLIS, NH 03049

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