Hope Historical Society Minutes
OCTOBER 21, 2025

Our meeting included a Pot Luck Supper, Business Meeting,Election of Officers and a Speaker, Everett Hobbs Smith, Jr. Members attending were: Margaret Morse, Juanita Hunt, Marie Berry, Gwen Brodis, Mary Ireland, Sonia Howard, Ron Howard, Donovan A. R. Bowley, Judith Jones, Bill Jones, Dana winchenbach, Ruth Winchenbach, Barbard Mason, Ron Smith, Linda Black, Bruce Linthicum, Scott Pease, Catherine Pease, Maureen Pease, and Linda Hillgrove. Guests were: Emily Davis, Alex Ludwig, Peggy Ludwig, Tracy Beck, Matt Shannon, Ralph Richardson, Brien Davis, Melissa Morse, Sam Cook, Sarah Cook, Fern cook, Amy Smith, Samatha Smith, Jodi Staples, Thomas Ingraham, Betty Ingraham, Harold Mosher, Jeff Lord, Nancy Dowling, Amy Ganley, Sam and Sara Cotton with daughter Freida Cotton.

SECRETARY'S REPORT: Secretary, Linda hillgrove reported that the Minutes were distributed via e-mail and a reminder was also sent out. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer, Gwen Brodis distributed a copy of the Annual Report for 2025. Total Income was $15,147.55 with Total Expenses of $8,006.48. Net operating Profit/Loss from 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2025 down to $7,141.07. Cash Reconcillation: Operating Account on 10/01/2024 was $2,745.46 and $1,954.75 on 09/30/2025. Savings Account on 10/01/2024 $6,235.20 with $70.79 interest, $15,140.32 deposits with $8,973.51 withdrawal with total balance on 07/17/2025 of $30,002.43. Deposits are made up of the following: Funds from Mss Mutual $8,973.51; Funds from Operating Account of $6,166.81 for Total Deposits of $15,140.32.

OLD BUSINESS:Marie Berry gave an update on the sales from the Hope Apple Fest held on October 12th with sales on homemade crafts, apple pie slices, apple jelly, apple bars and cookies, raffle tickets for a $300.00 gift card to Hannaford for food items, calendars for 2026 and baked beans which generated $804.00. On Voting Day, November 4th, we will have handmade crafts, food items, the raffle tickets, calendars for 2026, and silent auction on a "handmade" throw (knit without needles) free coffee. Winner of the raffle for Hannaford will be announced after polls close.

NEW BUSINESS: We are in need of a grant to help with repainting the society house and would like to have some volunteers to help secure a grant to help defray expenses. Please let Juanita, Marie or Catherine know if you can help with this project.

John Monroe brought crushed stone which Jarvis Johnson put under and around the tilting heat pumps. Their help saved $100.00.

Items from upstairs in the garage will soon be displayed on a board donated by Jarvis which was put up by Pat McGrath and Roger Hunt for this new exhibit.

A committe has been formed to review and update the By-Laws of Hope Historical Society which was adopted on October 7, 1989 and amended August 20, 2019. If any members would like to be on the committee please let Marie Berry, Catherine Pease or Juanita Hunt know as it will be very time consuming to review and update the By-Laws. Your input would be welcomed.

Mary Ireland, Nominating Committee chairperson, announced that Marie Berry is running for President and Catherine Pease as Vice President due to Juanita hunt retiring from that position. Gwen Brodis announced her retirement as treasurer. Ron and Sonja Howard are running for a shared position as treasurer. All positions were unanimously accepted.

Ron Howard introduced Everett Hobb Smith, Jr., as our speaker, who is an eighth generation farmer. After moving back to the family farm he decided to improve the land and grow more apple trees as well as pear trees. He also discovered that he enjoyed grafting trees. In the 1800's Maine was the countries number one producers and shippers of apples. But, due to extreme temperature changes in the 1930s great numbers of apple trees died and apple production has moved westward. His goal is to protect and improve the land for future generations.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 18th starting at 6:30 P. M. at the Historical Home.