Hancock Historical Society

88th Regular Meeting – October 25, 2009
Town Hall

The 88th regular meeting of the Hancock Historical Society was held Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Town Hall.  The meeting was presided over by President Don Corbett.

Those in attendance were: Leo Murray, Jim & Starla Ward, David & Suzanne Elliott, Pat Cohill, Jackie Flowers, Mary Avella, Chris Shoemaker, Nigel Dardar, Nancy Ayers, Linda Hixon, Tom Ayres, Dan & Debbie Murphy, Don & Jeanie Corbett, Marilyn Walls, Frank Davison, Jim Keefer, Marian Golden, Blanche Sowers, Wayne Keefer, Lydia Manning, Bob Shives, Betty Ditto, Sandy Duke, Ernest Shives, and Leslie & Mary Ann Golden.  A total of 30 members and friends joined us for the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Wayne Keefer and approved on a motion by Ernest Shives, seconded by Pat Cohill.

A drawing to be held at the conclusion of the meeting was announced.  Everyone was asked to sign up before names were drawn.

Old Business:

At the recent Woodmont Open House the museum sold $170.00 worth of merchandise.  We were pleasantly surprised with what we sold.

Sales during both days of Canal Apple Days totaled $55.00.  It was discussed that we may not set up a stand at next years’ Canal Apple Days.  If we are able to make the move to Main Street, we will just set up a stand there.

The Balance of The Hancock News has been transferred to CD-Rom and will be available view research and viewing at the museum.  We will continue with the 2009 newspapers at the end of the year and continue with this project annually.

The potential move to Main Steet was discussed.  The Town of Hancock currently has items from Sideling Hill at this location and is seeking support from the State of Maryland for the operation of a visitor’s center in the adjacent space offered to the museum.  It is possible that museum can be staffed by those running the new Main Street Sideling Hill Visitor’s Center.

Jeanie Corbett mentioned the community is under the impression the entire museum is moving.  This is not the case.  Only some of the major items will be transferred to the Main Street location.  The library and many of the display cases of the items will remain at their current location in Town Hall.  President Don Corbett stated the museum will maintain its current 100 year rent free lease in the basement of Town Hall.

Don Corbett mentioned a set of rules for museum volunteers as to what visitors can and cannot access and what can be taken from the library room.  Please see Jeanie Corbett for these rules.

New Business

Holiday House Tour
An update on the House Tour committee was given by Vice-President Starla Ward.  Starla Ward also chairs this committee.  First, the drawing was conducted for two prizes.  Each prize was a free ticket to the Hancock Holiday House Tour.  Prize winners were: Jeanie Corbett and Jim Keefer.

The dates and time for the Holiday House Tour has been set for Saturday November 21st and Sunday November 22nd from 1-5pm both days.  Homes to be included are: Foxcroft, Flint’s Chance, The Taney House, 1828 Trail Inn B&B, The Methodist Church, The Episcopal Church, The Good Samaritan House, The Toll House, and The Hancock Museum.

Ticket sales were also kicked off and members were asked to try and sell ten tickets each.  Tickets may also be obtained by calling Marian Golden at 301-678-6308, Starla Ward at 301-790-1648, from Angie Hager at Tower Bank in Hancock, or Wayne Keefer at CNB Bank, Inc. in Berkeley Springs, WV.

Other New Business
A board meeting will be held in early November.  One topic to be discussed is the election of officers.  Nominations are needed for two board members with 5 year terms. The current terms will expire soon.

Christmas is coming and the museum has several items available for sale.

It was noted of the passing of Jean Bodie, a long time member of the Hancock Historical Society.  Condolences were sent to her family.

Condolences were also given to Bob (Board of Trustees member) and Aura McCusker (member) for the passing of their grandson.

Councilman Nigel Dardar presented an idea he and others are discussing on rehabilitating the former Teddy Bear Café, Hancock Bank, and Merkle buildings.  He has been in contact and met with the owner of the building and is in the works of finding cost estimates for remodeling and arranging for a feasibility study.  Possible funding could come from philanthropic donors.  He mentioned the exterior architecture is beautiful and should not be left to further deteriorate.  The museum was asked to support the potential revitalization to its historic character.

Refreshments were provided by Mary Ann Golden and Marilyn Walls.  Refreshments for our next meeting will be provided by Debbie Murphy and Marian Golden.

No Guest Speaker

Suggestions and/or ideas for guest speakers are needed and would be appreciated.  Please call the museum at 301-678-7377 (leave message) or email: hancockhistoricalsociety@gmail.com if you have any proposals.

Members did enjoy discussing several old photographs in pictures albums owned by the Historical Society.  The discussion was led by Marian Golden.  The buildings in the Hancock Historical Society logo were identified and commented on by members.  Pictures were also shown of a Dr. Webster who was a physician.  He also served as minister of the Presbyterian Church and was the first scout master in Hancock.

 

footnote: Numerous books pertaining to the Hancock area, old postcards of Hancock, Medallions, envelopes-stamped & dated, and many pictures of the Hancock area are available in the museum at very reasonable prices